What is Delta 8 and What Does it Do?

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Cannabis enthusiasts keep tabs on the emerging canna market. They know what’s in and what’s out. These days, it’s Delta 8 in the air!

What is Delta 8? Delta 8 has risen to popularity for quite some time now. Cannabis users eye it as a drug that produces euphoria – legally. New users who seek to experience the plant are also purchasing Delta 8 with great enthusiasm. For them, Delta 8 cigarettes are massively appealing. These cigarettes contain only pure substances made from Delta 8 distillate.

From a medical perspective, it is important to know what is going in your body and how it will affect your health. Many Delta 8 users do not have this information. So here we are to make things easy for you.

Let us start from the start!

What is Delta 8?

Delta 8 is a compound present in the Cannabis Sativa plant. A cannabis plant contains hundreds of compounds called cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes. The most popular cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

THC is a psychoactive substance that gives you the high. Its sale is illegal in most parts of the world. On the other hand, CBD is non-psychoactive, so considered legal.

Delta 8 acts on the receptors of the endocannabinoid system in the body. The system maintains the homeostatic balance by releasing hormones and neurotransmitters. The newly emerged Delta 8 interacts with this system to elicit its physical and mental effects. Delta 8 contains THC but not as much as Delta 9.

If you are concerned with how long Delta 8 stays in your system, the answer is simple. For occasional users, it remains for only two days in your body, but in heavy users, it takes 30 days to flush Delta 8 from the body.

Background

Delta 8 first emerged in 1960s. Researchers from all over the world began to understand its chemistry. Legal regulations surrounding the compound halted its research in some parts of the world.

Delta 8 is now again the talk of the town due to its recently discovered psychoactive effects. The oversupply of CBD resulted in a decrease in its price. So the producers began to look for methods to convert CBD into Delta 8 to fetch some handsome sum of money. Delta 8 came to the markets with its boom and gloom targeting the population looking for a remedy for their anxiety and depression.

How is Delta 8 Produced?

Delta 8 is present in small quantities in the cannabis plant. It synthesizes from hemp-derived CBD. CBD, extracted from hemp, is refined into CBD isolate, which then converts into Delta 8.  The high production cost makes Delta 8 an expensive cannabinoid.

Legal Regulations Surrounding Delta 8

Delta 8 causes a significant high. So any such substance that causes a high but has no medicinal importance is regulated under government laws. Legal regulations regarding delta 8 are obscure as the federal laws do not mention Delta 8. Delta 8 is considered legal because it is formed from the conversion of CBD to DELTA 8.

Hemp contains less than 0.3 percent of THC so, it is generally considered safe. Delta 8 that you find in markets comes from the hemp-derived CBD, so there are no such strict rules regarding its use.

Delta 8 vs Delta 9

When it comes to the substance that causes a high effect, people may confuse Delta 8 and 9. But Delta 8 is Delta 9’s cousin. Both have closely-related structures and contain a double bond induces intoxicating effects. The only difference lies in the placement of the double bond in their structures.

Although similar in structure, the two compounds show effects of varying intensities. Delta 8 is slightly less potent than Delta 9 and takes a while to show its euphoric effects on the body. However, both of them interact with the endocannabinoid system and produce euphoria. The side effects like irritation and anxiety are also less pronounced with the Delta 8 use. For this reason, it is commonly called ‘marijuana lite’ or ‘diet weed’.

Delta 8 vs Delta 10

Delta 10 is the newest of all THC forms. Delta 10 produces a high effect, but not greater than regular THC. Secondly, Delta 10 is difficult to purify. It requires extensive purification methods.

Delta 8 and CBD

what is delta 8 vs cbd

Delta 8 is relatively newer as compared to the extensively-studied CBD. CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that is of extreme medicinal importance.

Does Delta 8 Show Up on a Drug Test?

Many people ask, “does Delta 8 make you fail a drug test?” The answer is a tentative yes. Most tests do not distinguish between the potency and dose of THC. THC-containing substances will show up in your test regardless of their THC concentration. So it is better to avoid Delta 8 if you are going to have a drug test.

Effects of Delta 8 on the Human Body

Delta 8 is new in the markets and is under research. We have limited knowledge of its effects on overall health. Many people consider Delta 8 for conditions relating to mental health issues. Some of the delta 8 benefits are:

  • The High Feeling:

Will Delta 8 THC get you high? Yes! Delta 8 has intoxicating effects. It brings calmness and clear-headedness. It improves focus and you may be able to work more efficiently. Some users report that Delta 8 gives a floating sensation making you feel like you have no worries or mental baggage to carry with you.

How long does Delta 8 high last? It depends on the quality that you are consuming. But, the effects last for three to eight hours for most people.

  • Boosts Mental Health

Delta 8 boosts the nervous system hence, a good choice for people with anxiety and depression. It interacts with the B1 receptors that help control nervousness. Delta 9 may also be effective against nervous disorders. It may have neuroprotective effects and help in retaining information. This effect is associated with its ability to increase the level of a neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, in the brain.

  • Eases Nausea

Delta 8 possesses antiemetic properties with fewer side effects. It may prevent vomiting during chemotherapy – a cancer treatment.

  • Improves Appetite

Studies show that Delta 8 can stimulate appetite. Regular Delta 9 is known to induce hunger, but Delta 8 may have a more potent effect. You may feel hungry after taking a moderate dose of delta 8.

  • Relieves Pain

It is a potent pain killer and can be considered for muscle pain, a common sight during a hangover. It binds to the CB1 receptors that mediate pain regulation in the body. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can help when there is swelling and inflammation in the body.

  • May Help Insomnia

Delta 8 may work with the biological clock of the body. Delta 8 produces calming effects, which can help improve sleep. It slows down mental activity and heart rate.

Delta 8 Side Effects

Everything has two sides, a light, and a dark. Delta 8 is no different. Some users report side effects that we cannot overlook. The commonly reported ones are:

  • Drowsiness or sleepiness
  • Numbness
  • Anxiety
  • Paranoia
  • Low blood pressure
  • Fast heart rate
  • Slow heart rate

These are not the only adverse effects of Delta 8. As there is a lack of research, so a complete list of side effects is unavailable. It is therefore best to consult a medical professional when you see some undesired effects.

Given its side effects, you may question your decision to take Delta 8. If you take packaging guidelines into account strictly and do not overdose yourself, you will likely achieve the desired effects. We suggest buying products from reputable sources and consulting your health professional for the medical advice.

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