What is Delta 8 THC

THC (scientifically known as tetrahydrocannabinol) is the chemical which is responsible for a large percentage of the psychological effects that are associated with marijuana use. THC functions similarly to cannabinoid chemicals which are in fact made naturally by the human body! 

Cannabinoid receptors can be found in excess in specific areas of the brain that have been linked with memory, pleasure, thinking, coordination and perception of time. THC molecules will attach themselves on to the cannabinoid receptors to activate them, subsequently affecting an individual’s memory capacity, pleasure, physical movements, thoughts, concentration, coordination, and perception of both time and sensory interaction. 

So, when considering the molecular makeup of cannabis, there are two important compounds which can be found in abundance – CBD and THC. Both CBD and THC each produce the strongest physical and psychological effects, however THC is present in the form of four separate structures which all interact differently within the human body. These four THC forms are known as THC-V, THC-A, delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC. 

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Delta 8 vs Delta 9 THC

Delta 9 THC describes your average dose of THC which is found in a vast majority of cannabis plants and products, and it’s likely to be the compound spoken of when discussing ‘THC’ in the industry. Although delta 9 THC will produce a range of physical and psychological effects, a noticeable difference that delta 8 THC boasts is  it’s own independent behavioural adaptations such as a more relaxed mood with less anxiety.  

Upon initial inspection, the structure of both delta THC molecules may look very similar, besides one line in the upper most ring. This line represents a new molecular bond in the delta 8 compound, significantly changing its binding properties as well as its potential stability.

Delta 8 THC does exist naturally in small quantities, but it can also be produced through a chemical reaction process which uses CBD or delta 9 THC. This process focuses on either heat, catalysts, pH environments and even solvents.

Delta-8 THC is an essential cannabinoid because it’s generally a more functional compound when compared with delta 9 THC. Delta 9 THC appears to have a considerable number of recurring negative side effects, including but not limited to addiction, paranoia, and laziness. In comparison, delta 8 THC seems to have far less severe or even unnoticeable side effects. This is obviously a selling point that’s sure to attract those who seek medicinal support from cannabis without the usual psychological effects. 

One of the most positive features of delta 8 THC is the minimal chance of addiction, which can act as a prevention against abuse. Users who regularly choose to consume large amounts of delta 8 THC are able to build up a tolerance to the psychological ‘high’ quickly, subsequently meaning those who wish to use it regularly in a recreational manner are somewhat forced into doing so in a responsible way. This lack of addiction can also be of benefit for users who seek medicinal THC on a daily basis, as it can be hard to function completely normally when consuming delta 9 thanks to the ever present ‘high’ that’s noticeable for the user. In other words, relief can be provided without the risk of developing a physical or mental dependence being formed. 

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Delta 8 Effects

Delta 8 THC will affect each user in a different way, but the most common side effects include:

• Boost in mood or increased optimism
• Feeling more calm and relaxed
• Soothed aches and pains
• More motivation than usual
• Better quality of sleep
• Increased sex drive
• Feeling less nauseous
• An increase of appetite

As the effects of Delta 8 THC do vary per user it’s hard to pinpoint a specific experience that one can expect after consumption, however the average experience is generally a very positive and uplifting one. It is said to be extremely relaxing and pleasantly euphoric without overwhelming the user. It can be especially motivating for particular users, especially when used in small doses, but it can encourage sleep in larger doses.  When dosing properly, users can expect to feel far more active on delta 8 THC when compared with delta 9 THC, and it’s frequently said that delta 8 maintains more medicinal properties, too. 

When a user chooses to vaporize and inhale a delta 8 THC compound, the effects can appear within a period of 25 minutes, lasting up to 5 hours. The most noticeable side effects generally begin to subside after around 30 minutes to 3 hours, but this is totally dependent upon each individual. It’s important to note that the higher the purity of the delta 8 THC, the faster a user can expect to experience effects, with a much greater intensity, too. 

When a user chooses to consume a delta 8 THC compound orally, it can take anywhere between 40 minutes and 4 hours to reach its peak, lasting up to 12 hours. This period is far longer than the effects associated with delta 9 THC, and boasts the potential to be extremely convenient as a 

24 hour medical treatment option, as the user would need only 2 doses per day. The apparent lack of ‘brain fog’ is another beneficial feature of delta 8 THC, as this provides users with the ability to medicate whilst still completing their normal  tasks.

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Delta 8 Side Effects

Some users have spoken of mild negative side effects when using delta 8 THC, although they are not very common. Delta 8 may cause temporary dry mouth, so you may wish to up your water intake to accommodate such a risk. Users may also experience dry eyes, leaving the eyes more red than usual – utilising eye drops is a simple remedy that can solve such a side effect. The ‘high’ provided by a delta 8 THC compound can sometimes sneak up on you, potentially catching users off guard. If this is an occurrence you wish to avoid, ensure that you have no important responsibilities planned after use, and research guidelines. Additionally, this almost means you should take the appropriate wait times depending on your method of usage.