What is Delta 8?

What Is Delta 8 and How Does It Differ From Delta 9?

THC is the psychoactive element that gives you a high feeling. But do you know that it has various other compounds under its head? You will often come across variants, such as delta-9-THC, D9, Delta 8, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, (−)-trans-Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol, or D8. The most popular compounds in this group are Delta 8 and Delta 9. But why are they significant, and how do they differ? Let’s find out. 

What is Delta 8?

Delta 8 (https://d8gas.com/) goes by many names, such as delta-8, Δ8 THC, D8, and delta-8-THC. It’s still a new compound among those who consume THC or weed for recreational purposes. That may seem illegal, but you will be surprised to know that Delta 8 comes from federally legal hemp and is protected under the 2018 Farm Bill (https://www.usda.gov/farmbill). According to scientists, Delta 8 is useful for shrinking cancer cells. 

The National Cancer Institute considers Delta 8 an analog version of tetrahydrocannabinol or THC with analgesic, antiemetic, anxiolytic, appetite-stimulating, and neuroprotective properties. This compound manages to bind with your CB1 receptor’s cannabinoid G-protein. The cannabinoid G-protein is a unique element that lowers the compound’s psychotropic potency.  

Many people question whether Delta 8 and Delta 9 are similar. Yes, they are similar because they are part of the same THC. But their atomic bonds and molecules differ. That makes Delta 8 more potent without getting you high. And that makes Delta 8 legal too. Delta 8 manufacturers have to walk on a tightrope when it comes to legalizing their products. A step on the wrong side may ban their existence because of the strict 2018 Farm Bill. 

How to make Delta 8

The best way to extract Delta 8 from THC is by using a thin film distillation process, followed by fractional distillation. This allows manufacturers to isolate the purest form of Delta 8 compounds. They use different variations of temperature and vacuum to accomplish full-spectrum Delta 8. 

Many manufacturers even convert Delta 9 into Delta 8 using the thin film distillation process. It provides the purest Delta 8 isolate as changes in temperature and vacuum remove impurities, residual solvents, and undesirable compounds. 

Delta 8 vs. Delta 9

The biggest difference between Delta 8 and Delta 9 is in their chemical structure, even though they show similarities in their molecular chains. Both the compounds contain double bonds. The only difference is Delta 8’s double bond is placed on its eighth carbon chain, while Delta 9’s bond is placed on its ninth carbon chain. And that’s why scientists call them Delta 8 and Delta 9, respectively. Although the difference may be minimal to someone who doesn’t care about molecules, atoms, and carbon chains, they may create a world of difference in their efficacy and how they react with your endocannabinoid system.   

In addition to differences in chemical structure, these two compounds differ in their mechanism of action also. For example, Delta 8 binds mainly with your CB1 receptors. Delta 9 also connects with your CB1 receptors, but the former’s affinity is slightly different because of its molecular structure. Since Delta 9 provides psychotropic effects, it isn’t necessarily the better of the two compounds for someone who wants to relax his mind, alleviate pain symptoms, or sleep comfortably for hours. 

Benefits of Delta 8

Pain relief

Delta 8’s pain relief capabilities are similar to CBD. It works with your endocannabinoid receptors as soon as it mixes with your bloodstream and immediately starts working to alleviate your pain symptoms.

Hangover aid

Its antiemetic properties help in alleviating nausea, thus ensuring you can recover from a hangover quickly.

Stress-relief

Delta 8 calms your mind down within a few minutes and provides instant stress relief. Try it after you have had a long and tiring day at the office.

Reduced anxiety

Its ability to calm your nerves down prevents anxiety or panic attacks. 

Try Delta 8 if you are considering consuming THC for therapeutic benefits. A few puffs or a couple of drops of Delta 8 THC can do wonders to pain relief or anxiety relief, provided you follow its dosage instructions.