The popularity of the cannabis plant seems to be on the rise. The discovery of popular cannabinoids, such as Delta-9-THC and CBD has changed the medical and consumer industry on a large scale. However new cannabinoids such as delta 8 THC are showing some light.
What is Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 is seen by many as a minor cannabinoid. However, it’s amongst the four most important cannabinoids in a series of more than one hundred naturally occurring cannabinoids.
It provides superior benefits stemming from hemp and marijuana. It also provides outstanding benefits like CBD. This cannabinoid offers the medicinal properties of hemp mixed with minor intoxication of Delta-9-THC.
Research on Delta 8
The benefits of this cannabinoid were identified in 1975 when researchers discovered that Cannabis could shrink cancerous tumors in rats. Only a few people knew about the healing properties of Delta 8 THC at that time.
Further studies research was conducted in 1995 by Israeli scientists. This led to the conclusion that Delta-8-THC has some benefits.
Several scientists administered Delta-8-THC to pediatric cancer patients suffering from nausea from chemotherapy. It was discovered that this compound affected nausea in over 480 treatments and how it worked to relieve these treatments.
Delta-8-THC vs Delta-9-THC
The differences between Delta-8 THC and Delta- 9 THC are quite significant. Here are some essential benefits below.
Both Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC contain double bonds. Delta-8 THC binds on the 8th carbon chain while Delta-9 THC binds on the 9th carbon chain.
Both Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC bind to the CB1 receptor, which makes users high and intoxicated. However, Delta-8-THC is less strong than Delta-9 THC in terms of potency. It is usually found in small amounts in the cannabis plant. On the other hand, Delta-9 THC is found in high amounts in the cannabis plant with percentages reaching as high as 25%.
While both compounds are considered psychoactive, Delta-8 THC is less potent. User reports show that it offers a unique, more clear-minded feeling in contrast to Delta-9 THC.
Both compounds have similar structures, share similar properties, and even have the same purpose. These cannabinoids can also work for medical and recreational users alike.
Delta 8 and the endocannabinoid system
The ECS plays an important role in regulating several functions and bodily processes. But how does it interact with Delta-8?
Delta-8-THC binds to the CB1 receptors in the ECS like many other cannabinoids. The CB1 receptors are in the central nervous system, which influences motor activity, thinking, appetite, short-term memory, and more.
Since Delta-8-THC has similar characteristics to delta 9, it suggests a possible relationship with the CB2 receptors as well. However, research into delta 8 and CB2 receptors is still limited.
Bottom line
The legalization of marijuana in several states has reduced the stigma amongst the public. This has made many people benefit from the properties that it has to offer.
The legalization of hemp federally has promoted the cannabis movement, allowing people to choose several hemp-derived cannabinoids such as delta 8 for some medical conditions.