What is Delta-8?

Cannabis is saturated with cannabinoids that engaged with our receptors to produce a spectrum of physical, mental, and emotional. There are more than 100 cannabinoids present and we mostly know about the primary cannabinoids, THC, and CBD. But as more information comes to light through research, we are learning more about the secondary cannabinoids.

THC’s scientific name is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and we know this to be the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. However, Delta-9-THC is not the only compound with a kick.

Enter Delta-8.

Delta-8-THC is a secondary cannabinoid also a psychotropic element in the cannabis plant and although it shares similarities with Delta-9-THC, there are several differences.

Chemically, Delta-8-THC has fewer atomic bonds but offers a high although not as potent as the THC we know. There is also less of the Delta-8 compound present in a cannabis plant, so you need more plants to extract more Delta-8 than compared to Delta-9.

Benefits of Delta-8-THC

Although you cannot overdose from cannabis, it is possible to experience uncomfortable side-effects through overconsuming THC. Sometimes people get very paranoid or anxious, others experience “green fever” where you feel nauseous, lethargic, and/or dizzy.

However, Delta-8 has shown to provide an enjoyable but because the potency is more gentle than Delta-9, you don’t experience the uneasy effects if you consumed too much or if you have a low tolerance to THC.

Another big advantage that studies have found is the medicinal properties of Delta-8.

According to the US National Cancer Institute, Delta-8-THC is defined as:

“An analogue of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with antiemetic, anxiolytic, appetite-stimulating, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties. [Delta-8-THC] binds to the cannabinoid G-protein coupled receptor CB1, located in the central nervous system…This agent exhibits a lower psychotropic potency than [delta-9-THC], the primary form of THC found in cannabis.”

In layman’s terms, Delta-8-THC reduces nausea and vomiting, lowers the level of feeling anxious, prevents panic attacks, stimulates appetite, relieves pain) and has even shown to slow down the aging of the nerve cells.

One particular clinical study administered Delta-8-THC to children between the ages of 3 and 13 years old who were suffering from some type of blood cancer. There was significant evidence that proved it was highly effective in eliminating the side-effects of chemotherapy.

Other studies have shown its effect on controlling appetites. This may sound contradictory considering an appetite stimulant as THC leads to the munchies, but although Delta-8 increases food consumption, it also improved cognitive function that regulates behavior. So, Delta-8 seems to give you better control when you stoned and attack the fridge. Additionally, it has been found to fight pain and inflammation and be effective in the treatment of several disorders.

Extracting Delta-8-THC

A Delta-8 distillate is made by using a thin film distillation of cultivated cannabis buds and trim. The process uses vacuums, temperature, and complex equipment to convert Delta-9 to Delta-8. Once the compound is isolated, it is purified by removing any remaining solvents or impurities. The end result is a potent and refined product high in Delta-8 and with low levels of Delta-9 and CBD. The ratios of the cannabinoids are determined by those ratios found in the source material of the cannabis strain used.

Delta 8-THC and the Entourage Effect

It is thought that Delta 8-THC encourages the entourage effect, which is the belief that cannabis works better as a full-spectrum mixed with a range of other compounds. Taking an isolate where there is only one specific compound present, it is believed you are not harnessing the powerful effects from all the compounds offered in the cannabis plant. The diversity of the cannabis plant profile is often why people still prefer the bud over taking concentrates as each compound has its own benefit, flavor, and effect.

Who can benefit from Delta-8?

Delta 8-THC is an effective new cannabinoid, and more and more Delta 8-THC products are coming to the fore to expand the cannabis industry even further. There are specific products that include vape cartridges, gummies, sauce, distillate syringes, and tinctures.

Delta-8 could attract a completely different market segment because it is a good mix of CBD and THC where the therapeutic benefits are pronounced plus you can enjoy the subtle high. Some people use CBD-only products because they don’t enjoy the potency delivered by THC. So, now Delta-8 is offering a middle ground with the feeling of impaired cognitive functions.