You might have heard about delta 8 THC products. They’re an exciting new hemp product that produces results similar to traditional cannabis.
Because they’re new, though, there’s some skepticism about these products and how they work. We’re going to run through some of the salient points about delta 8, giving you a little insight into what it is and the benefits it provides.
So, let’s take a look at what the delta 8 THC flower really is.
Delta 8 Is a Natural Cannabinoid
The first thing to note is that this product isn’t an unnatural one. The cannabis plant is comprised of dozens of cannabinoids, with THC and CBD existing in the highest concentrations.
That’s why we notice the effects of THC and CBD far more than we do the others. The particular blend of other cannabinoids and terpenes is what creates the flavor profile and personality of certain strains, but no single one of those ingredients stands out enough for most people to notice.
Delta 8 THC is a small variant of Delta 9 THC, which is the standard THC that most people are aware of. It’s considered to be a degraded version of Delta 9, but that doesn’t mean it’s lower quality or worse in some way.
Instead, it’s just a substance with a slight difference in chemical composition. It exists naturally within most cannabis plants. Delta 9 THC might also change into Delta 8 if it’s left in the flower too long without being consumed.
It Doesn’t Get You as High
One thing that people love about Delta 8 is that it doesn’t get you as high as traditional THC might. Some have lovingly referred to this product as “weed-lite” because it offers a milder buzz than the alternative.
This is a big advantage to a lot of people who might experience anxiety or paranoia when they use THC. This is because Delta 8 operates on a different set of cannabinoid receptors than Delta 9 does.
The human endocannabinoid system operates with two primary receptors. Those are CB1 and CB2. It’s a more complicated system than that, but it’s helpful and relatively accurate to think of things in terms of the two primary receptors.
CB1 receptors are those that interact more with areas of the brain. There’s a lot of overlap between the body and the brain, but the CB1 endocannabinoid system plays a stronger part in the frontal lobe and the amygdala.
The CB2 receptors are those that play more into appetite, physical pain, the immune system, and other aspects of the body. THC interacts with the CB1 receptors more heavily, while CBD interacts with CB2 receptors.
That’s why you experience a psychological high when you use strains high in THC. Alternatively, that’s why CBD doesn’t get you high and relieves pain.
Delta 8 operates on both but leans more toward CB2 receptors. So, you still get a little bit high, but it’s not as intense as the high from Delta 9 THC.
Delta 8 is Currently Legal
It’s interesting to note that cannabis itself isn’t illegal, it’s just variations of the hemp plant with a certain level of THC that are illegal.
So, the chemical composition of the hemp plant is what makes it legal or illegal. The law only refers to Delta 9 THC when referring to elements of the plant that are illegal.
You can’t have a hemp plant with more than .03 percent Delta 9 THC if you want it to remain legal. That doesn’t say anything about the Delta 8 contents, though.
This small difference in chemical composition allows for products with high amounts of Delta 8 to be bought and sold legally in The United States. Some states are looking to ban it, but the majority of states still allow its use.
There’s no telling whether the substance will start to be criminalized and banned throughout the United States. Pushes for the legalization of recreational cannabis tend to be effective over time, so it follows that progressive states will likely keep it legal.
If some states ban Delta 8, it’s probable that it will become legal again when cannabis legalization makes more progress. For now, though, you have nothing to worry about.
In fact, the existence of Delta 8 is an exciting opportunity for those in criminalized states. You can invest in some Delta 8 pre rolls and get a very similar experience to the one you would if you bought normal cannabis.
Health Effects and Benefits
There haven’t been official Delta 8 THC studies on the health benefits of Delta 8, so it’s impossible to give strong claims about what it could do. It took cannabis advocates a very long time to get the proper research into standard marijuana, and that process is still a struggle.
So, it makes sense that Delta 8 hasn’t gotten its fair shake.
That said, there are some things we know from anecdotal evidence. The experience of Delta 8 offers a lot of the same benefits that Delta 9 THC offers.
There aren’t any Delta 8 THC health risks that come from the substance alone. Risks come only when shady sellers adjust the product on their own terms.
Further, it can be used to benefit nausea, increase hunger, ease pain, and produce a comfortable high. It has a lot of similarities to normal THC, except that the psychoactive element isn’t as potent.
That is one of the main selling points for this new product. The ease of psychoactive properties makes it so that the individual won’t get as anxious or paranoid. This is an exciting fact for people who would benefit from marijuana but can’t use it because it produces difficult mental states.
It’s important to start slow if you plan to try this product. THC, whether it’s Delta 8 or Delta 9, affects everyone differently. It’s important to give yourself a safe space to try the substance and see if it’s something that agrees with your body and mind.
Interested in Delta 8 THC Flower?
If you’re looking to explore the benefits of the Delta 8 THC flower, you’re in the right place. There’s more to learn if you want to incorporate this new product into your life.
We’re here to help you learn more about this cannabinoid and what it can offer. Explore our site for insight into cannabis, Delta 8 THC, Delta 9 THC, CBD, and much more.
