What's The Deal With Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC?

Much talk has been going around lately on the controversial topic of Delta-8 THC and Delta-9. Many concerns have been raised, like if they are legal and safe. Much of the information on these compounds is still unknown. Delta-8 THC has its own problems, and there is a legitimate reason to be concerned with certain Delta-8 products. Learn more about the latest information and what you should know.

Delta-9 THC Explained

Delta-9 THC is the main active ingredient in marijuana, and it is the THC in marijuana that is responsible for the plant's psychoactive effects. It is one of the hundreds of chemicals found in marijuana and is believed to be the most potent form of THC.

THC affects the body by interacting with our endocannabinoid system. The Endocannabinoid system regulates the body's mood, stress, and memory. The system is also responsible for our coordination and movement. Simply put, once the body ingests THC, the THC binds itself to the CB receptors of the Endocannabinoid system. The body already produces its own natural endocannabinoids, so when you take in phytocannabinoids (from the plant), your body feels euphoria. This feeling is the "high" that is commonly talked about. 

Other side effects can be found when using products high in Delta-9. These side effects include euphoria, relaxation, increased appetite, strange heart rate, dry mouth, red eyes, paranoia, and anxiety. Delta-9 THC is also the form of THC that is most often found in marijuana edibles. Edibles are marijuana-infused food products that can be quite strong. You can experience the effects of marijuana edibles for up to two hours, and they last for a long time. Edibles can be highly potent, so be aware of the potential side effects. Tolerance varies between users, so be aware of how much is in what you are consuming.

Delta-8 Explained

Delta-8 is a strong and psychoactive cannabinoid present in the cannabis plant. Delta-8, in contrast to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is only found in trace levels in most cannabis strains. However, some producers have made cannabis products high in delta-8.

Delta-8 THC is extracted from hemp using the same procedures as CBD and other cannabinoids. Supercritical CO2 extraction, which employs pressurized CO2 to remove the desired chemicals from plant material, is the most prevalent approach. Ethanol extraction and steam distillation are two other processes.

Delta-8 is structurally similar to THC, but it has a distinct effect on the brain. Delta-8 is a partial agonist of the cannabinoid receptor CB1, with which THC interacts in the brain. This implies that delta-8 has a less potent effect on the brain than THC.

Delta-8 is reported to provide a more focused high than THC, with less anxiety and paranoia. Delta-8 is also said to be an anti-nausea and pain reliever.

Delta-8 THC products are the newest cannabis industry trend. Delta-8 is a potent cannabinoid produced by the Cannabis sativa plant. Delta-8 THC is also well-known for having psychoactive properties and comes in various formats, such as tinctures, edibles, capsules, and vape cartridges.

Delta 8 vs. 9 THC

We still don't have all of the details about Delta-8. Delta-8 is naturally one of the hundreds of cannabinoids found in hemp and is not a well-known THC. Delta-8 is derived from hemp using a chemical extraction process. This leads to Delta-8's complex circumstances. The molecule is not typically the THC examined by standard testing—this THC is delta-9. So you can use a THC product that technically meets legal THC levels because the testing only detects 0.3% of Delta-9 THC, not delta-8 THC. Since Delta-8 hasn't been thoroughly investigated like other Cannabis products, it's still in the wild west. Market changes haven't kept up with the law.

Although Delta-8 is somewhat newer to the public, it still has some similarities to its big brother Delta-9. Both have psychoactive effects, can be used as an appetite stimulant, reduce pain and inflammation. 

However, some crucial factors separate the two. First, it is believed that Delta-8 is less psychoactive than Delta-9. It has been reported that Delta-8 gives a smoother high compared to regular THC. Delta-8 reduces inflammation and pain more effectively. In addition to reducing nausea, Delta-8 also reduces vomiting. Cannabinoids such as Delta-8 are less likely to cause anxiety or paranoia than other compounds. These all sound like benefits, but we still don't know much about Delta-8 and the potential concerns of using it in large doses. Delta-8 products also tend to be of lower quality and may contain ingredients that are not exceptionally safe due to a lack of regulation.  

Side Effects

Delta-8 THC has psychoactive and intoxicating effects. Synthetically made, it can be the most potent form of THC available. Concerns about the conversion process have prompted the FDA to warn about delta-8's "severe health hazards." More than 100 people have reported hallucinations, vomiting, and losing consciousness after drinking it. Products with Delta-8 THC haven't been studied or cleared by the FDA for safe use and might put people at risk.

Through this chemical synthesis process, some firms may use potentially hazardous household chemicals to produce delta-8 THC. Because of the chemicals used in the process, the final delta-8 THC product may contain potentially dangerous by-products (contaminants). Other possible pollutants could be present or created based on the raw material.

Legality 

Any amount of Delta-9 THC over 0.3% is illegal at the federal level. Some states might differ at the state or local level. Delta-8 is technically legal due to the vagueness of the 2018 Farm bill, as previously stated. The Farm bill legalized the production of hemp, which is the plant that delta-8 is derived from. At this moment, there is no clear regulation that prohibits the production of Delta-8 from hemp. 

Learn more about Medical Marijuana 

Now that you know all the latest information on Delta-8 and Delta-9, you can be more informed on the different products and what you should look out for. You can make an appointment and learn more about Medical Marijuana for a safer option.