The National Cancer Institute defines delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol as an analogue of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), with potential antiemetic, anxiolytic, appetite-stimulating, analgesic, and neuroprotective activities. Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-THC) binds to the cannabinoid G-protein coupled receptor CB1, located in the central nervous system; CB1 receptor activation may inhibit adenyl cyclase, increase mitogen-activated protein kinase activities, modulate several potassium channel conductances and inhibit N- and P/Q-type Ca2+ channels. This agent exhibits a lower psychotropic potency than delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC), the primary form of THC found in cannabis.  They failed to mention that it also binds to the CB2 receptor as well acting as an anti-inflammatory agent, namely within the brain and can act as a nueroprotector.

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Delta-8 is one of several THC cannabinoids found in both marijuana and hemp plans. These compounds are identified through their atomic structure. Whether it is Delta 8, 9 or 10, these are all forms of tetrahydrocannabinoids (THC) and they all share similar properties however, they affect the body differently. Delta 9 is the most widely known THC, this is the standard THC derived from marijuana. Delta 8 is also a type of THC and exhibits similar anxiolytic, antiemetic, analgesic, appetite-stimulating and neuroprotective properties. While each version of THC offers the same benefits, Delta-8 (also known as D8) has a lower psychoactive potency. In laymen’s terms, it works well to soothe and prevent anxiety, pain, and vomiting without creating any confusing state of high. Very often, users of marijuana suffer from paranoia and anxiety after using and this is typical of someone’s CB2 receptors becoming overloaded. This is why some avoid marijuana altogether. Delta 8 does not cause people to suffer anxiety or paranoia, but instead seems to turn off stress and anxiety like a switch.

 

Delta-8 is offers these benefits in part to its ability to bind to the same cannabinoid receptors in the brain that Delta 9 THC does however, our CB1 and CB2 receptors bind perfectly to Delta 9 and this is why users of marijuana experience cognitive delay while high. Delta 8 actually improves acetal choline in the brain, so your neurons are firing more fluidly offering a fully functional high without a cognitive delay. Of course, higher doses can leave a user high enough to be slowed down a bit, but without the groggy confusion that often comes with marijuana.

 

Delta 8 can be thought of as being at the center between CBD and Delta 9 THC offering the benefits of both. Delta 8 offers all the benefits of CBD and THC without the heavy head high. The 2018 Hemp Farm Bill essentially legalized Delta 8, though many states don’t agree and have banned it until further notice. Many states are currently battling the legality of Delta 8 in courts. The Farm Bill removed hemp and its derivatives (so long as they have less than 0.3% THC) from the definition of illegal marijuana—other legal distillates, like Delta-8, have a growing appeal to consumers seeking relief from pain, stress, anxiety and several cancer treatment centers use this for children undergoing chemotherapy to relieve pain and nausea. Delta 8 is now available in the same forms as THC, including gummies, carts, dabs and tinctures.

 

Is Delta-8 legal?

In short, Yes, at the federal level. However, many states have and are attempting to ban Delta 8.

 

What’s the difference?

Both Delta-8-THC and Delta-9-THC are the cannabinoid found within both the hemp and marijuana plant that illicit a psychoactive experience or “high.” D8 connects to both CB1 And CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, whereas D9 binds only to the CB1 receptor. There is a large population who do not enjoy consuming marijuana due to the negative experiences commonly associated with using it: anxiety, paranoia, cloudy thinking, and dry mouth and eyes. However, these same consumers enjoy using Delta-8-THC because it does not impart these less-than-desirable effects. In fact, many consumers believe that Delta-8-THC produces a mild and clear psychoactive/cerebral buzz coupled with an uplifting effect on the body.