Buy Delta 8 THC: Your Ultimate Guide to the Legal and Potent Alternative | Shop Now for Premium Delta 8 THC Products!

What Is Delta-8?

Cannabis sativa, the plant species best known for hemp and marijuana, is making its way into mainstream culture—and medical research. The naturally-occuring active constituents in cannabis, known as cannabinoids, contain purported benefits, such as anxiety and chronic pain relief, as well as the “high” often associated with cannabis use.

You’ve likely heard of the two most abundant cannabinoids in cannabis sativa, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9 THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), but research suggests this plant may contain many other potentially beneficial cannabinoids.

Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, often referred to as delta-8 THC, is an intoxicatingly psychoactive cannabinoid with effects similar to delta-9 THC. Read on to learn more about delta-8 THC, how it compares to THC and CBD, its associated risks, potential benefits and more.

What Is Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol?

Delta-8 THC is one of more than 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis sativa plants, but it’s not present in significant levels. Therefore, concentrated amounts of delta-8 THC are typically manufactured from hemp-derived CBD, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Delta-8 THC is a psychoactive substance that is known to be less potent but chemically similar to delta-9 THC, the compound often referred to as THC that results in an intoxicating “high.” It’s sometimes called delta-9 THC’s nicer younger sibling, says Daniel Kruger, Ph.D., a researcher at the University of Michigan. Delta-8 THC may provide much of the experiential benefits of delta-9 THC, such as relaxation, euphoria and pain relief, with fewer adverse effects, he adds.

How Does Delta-8 THC Compare to Delta-9 THC and CBD?

Delta-8 THC is a psychoactive and intoxicating cannabinoid that is synthetically produced as a byproduct from CBD or delta-9 THC. Consumption often leads to a more mild “high” than delta-9 THC with less accompanying anxiety.

Delta-9 THC is the most abundant cannabinoid found in cannabis and is the main active compound that gets you “high.” It’s known to produce states of euphoria as well as a slew of side effects, such as panic attacks and impaired ability to perform mental work. Delta-9 THC is not federally legal, yet state laws vary for recreational and medicinal use.

CBD potentially shares some of the purported benefits of delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC without “the high.” Some potential benefits include relief from chronic pain, anxiety and depression.

All cannabinoids, including delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC and CBD interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Part of the neurological system, the endocannabinoid system helps control many important function areas, such as inflammation and pain regulation. Endocannabinoid receptors are where the active constituents of cannabis sativa bind, and they are found within the cardiac, gastrointestinal, brain, muscular and reproductive systems.

While additional studies are needed, some reports show using delta-8 THC may lead to relaxation, euphoria and pain relief, according to the Journal of Cannabis Research^[1].

Research indicates that delta-8 THC may have fewer adverse side effects and a milder impact on users than delta-9 THC because it has a lower psychotropic potency. Studies examining potential benefits, including delta-8 THC’s ability to curb nausea and vomiting, lower anxiety, stimulate the appetite and provide analgesic and neuroprotective properties, are ongoing.