Understanding the various compounds within cannabis can be tricky, and it’s not uncommon for people to be confused about what is delta-8. In fact, many tend to confuse delta-8 THC with its more popular sister compound, delta-9 THC, which is the most well-known cannabinoid. Although the two cannabinoids have a lot of similar qualities and effects, they also have many differences. One key difference between these two cannabinoids is that under the 2018 Farm Bill delta-8 THC is not an illegal cannabinoid. However, a small handful of states quickly put in their own countermeasures against making and selling delta-8. These are the states in which Delta-8 THC cannot be purchased: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, and Utah.
So what is Delta-8 THC?
The cannabis plant is packed full of amazing cannabinoids, all of which offer a variety of effects and benefits. With modern-day science, we are able to isolate each of these cannabinoids to study them and their effects on the body. Delta-8 THC is a variation of the familiar delta-9 THC, which is the compound we all have come to know. Delta-8 THC naturally occurs in most cannabis strains, but typically it’s only found in trace amounts-- science makes it possible to refine these trace amounts and make them available for our benefit. To break down into an even simpler form: delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid just like CBD, or CBG is, it just has different effects on the body.
Okay, so how does Delta-8 THC affect the body?
Delta 8 does everything that regular THC does, just with slightly dialed back effects, this is why it's so promising for some people. The potency is much lower and the negative side effects are greatly diminished. Consuming D8 is known to provide customers with euphoria, relaxation, and a possible case of the giggles. Most people report that D8 is smoother, and causes less paranoia that is known to accompany regular D9-THC. It works as an appetite stimulant, it is great for anti-nausea, anti-anxiety, and anti-pain. Sounds pretty nice, huh? It also, like other cannabinoids, has been proven to slow cancer cells.
Now let's talk about the science of it all.
Your body has a system called the endocannabinoid system. This system is responsible for regulating and balancing A TON of very important functions throughout your body. Your endocannabinoid system has two main sets of receptors: CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors help regulate your brain, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, reproductive system, muscles, and cardiovascular system. CB2 receptors are in charge of your bones, spleen, and skin. Both sets of receptors also regulate your immune system! A big difference between D9 THC and D8 THC is the way that each of these cannabinoids binds to these receptors. Delta-9 hits the CB1 set of receptors hard; creating those more extreme psychoactive effects. That’s why you might feel groggy, disoriented, and even paranoid after using regular THC. Delta-8, by contrast, also binds to the CB1 receptor, but in a very different way. This difference leads to far less psychoactivity, making the consumer reportedly much less "in their head". Delta-8 also interacts with the CB2 receptors!
Sooooo yeah! D8 THC is pretty cool.
To sum all of this up, the biggest advantage of this delta-8 THC is its lower potency. The lower the potency, the more you can enjoy the medicinal benefits from this cannabinoid without the extreme psychoactive effects, which are known to cause paranoia and anxiety. We recommend that if you are familiar with THC, we really recommend giving D8 a shot! And if you’re not familiar with it, shoot us a message with any concerns or curiosities. Don't order from somewhere else just yet though-- this evening Moon Flower will be releasing their very own line of Delta-8 THC gummies. ;) this is a secret just for all of the people that took the time to read this entire blog.