Delta 8 THC is one of the most talked-about hemp products on the market today. It has experienced a sharp rise in popularity because it is a federally legal psychoactive cannabinoid.
So what is Delta 8? How does it work? What does it feel like?
We’ll answer these questions and others in this complete guide to everything you need to know about Delta 8 THC.
What is Delta 8 THC?
The cannabis plant naturally produces many different chemicals. These chemicals are referred to as cannabinoids. Delta 8 THC is one of those chemicals and is classified as a minor cannabinoid.
The most well-known cannabinoids are CBD and THC.
Most of the time, when people talk about THC they’re talking about Delta 9 THC. This is the main psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant. In other words, it’s the chemical that makes you feel high.
CBD on the other hand is widely advertised for providing users with some of the benefits of cannabis without getting them high. These benefits include pain relief, anxiety relief, anti-inflammatory properties, and many others.
You’ve probably seen CBD advertised before because thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD is legal for production and sale nationwide. This bill legalized the production of hemp and hemp extracts, which includes Delta 8 THC.
Delta 8 produces a similar psychoactive sensation to Delta 9 THC. But the “high” that users feel is more mellow and less intense.
This allows users to experience the therapeutic benefits of THC without the unwanted side effects of getting too high.
How Does Delta 8 THC Affect Your Body?
To understand the effects of Delta 8 THC, we first have to understand the endocannabinoid system or ECS. The ECS is a cell-signaling system in your body that helps to regulate a wide range of functions and processes. Some of these include sleep, mood, appetite, memory, and pain.
Everyone has an ECS that is active within their body, even if they don’t use any cannabis products. This is because your body naturally produces endocannabinoids, also called endogenous cannabinoids. These chemicals help keep your body’s processes running smoothly.
Endocannabinoid receptors are located throughout your body. When endocannabinoids bind to them, they signal your ECS to take action. There are two types of receptors.
First, there are CB1 receptors. These are found primarily in the central nervous system. The second type is CB2 receptors, found mostly in the peripheral nervous system and immune cells.
The effect of this binding depends on the type of receptor, where it is located, and which endocannabinoid binds to it.
Delta 8 THC works by binding to your body’s CB1 receptors. These receptors are the ones that produce the psychotropic high sensation.
Delta 9 also binds to your CB1 receptors. But because the molecular structures of Delta 8 and Delta 9 are slightly different, the high that you feel is slightly different as well. The difference is subtle but noticeable.
Delta 8 THC also binds to your CB2 receptors, although less is known about this process. The molecular difference in the way Delta 8 THC binds to your endocannabinoid receptors is the reason that Delta 8 highs feel different than Delta 9 highs.
So What Does a Delta 8 THC High Feel Like?
Now that you know how Delta 8 THC affects your body on a molecular level, you’re probably wondering what using it actually feels like.
Delta 8 THC produces a similar psychoactive effect as Delta 9 THC, but it is noticeably toned down. It is a less potent and less sedating high. Some consumers refer to it as “Weed Light.”
Using Delta 8 THC still produces many of the positive effects associated with Delta 9 THC highs. For example, it causes the user to feel euphoric and produces a heady, psychoactive experience. It can also energize or relax the consumer, depending on the turpentine and cannabinoid profile.
The biggest difference is that Delta 8 THC produces these effects with less intensity. Users report feeling a clearer, more functional high. This makes Delta 8 THC ideal for when you want a little boost that won’t trap you on the couch for the rest of the day.
This lower intensity also reduces some of the negative side effects of traditional cannabis. Anxiety and paranoia can occur when users get too high. Because Delta 8 offers a milder experience, it’s very hard to get too high while using it.
Delta 8 THC is also considered a bridge between CBD and THC. It offers many of the same benefits as CBD such as the reduction of anxiety, pain management, and relaxation. At the same time, it produces a high similar to THC but toned down enough to not be overwhelming.
This makes Delta 8 THC perfect for first-time users. If you want to experience the sensation of a THC high, it’s a great idea to start with Delta 8 products.
A lot of the traditional THC products on the market today are extremely potent. They are often made for experienced consumers and may contain more THC than your body knows what to do with. If you are new to the world of hemp and cannabis, starting your experience with Delta 8 THC is the perfect way to ensure that you won’t end up couch-locked and paranoid.
If you’re an experienced consumer, you may be wondering if Delta 8 will even affect you. Good news, many people who have consumed regular THC report that they do indeed feel the effects of Delta 8. The high is lighter and more functional, but still heady and psychoactive.
Perhaps the biggest upside to Delta 8 THC is that it is legal nationwide. But that begs the question, how can you get it? What are the best sources in your area and how do you know that you’re getting a quality product?
Where to Buy Delta 8 THC
You’re probably wondering, where is Delta 8 available near me? The best way to get Delta 8 products is by purchasing them online.
Many in-person CBD shops won’t carry Delta 8 THC. It’s best to find online retailers that specialize in Delta 8 products. Many companies sell Delta 8 vapes, edibles, dabs, and even infused hemp flower.
The most popular Delta 8 consumption method is vaping. But if that’s not for you, there are plenty of other options to get your Delta 8 fix.
Always Do Your Research
Delta 8 THC is an incredibly popular hemp product because it a psychoactive cannabinoid that is federally legal. Now that you know about what Delta 8 is and how it affects the body, you can make an informed choice about Delta 8 consumption.
If you’re ready to learn more about medicinal herbs, check out our other guides today. We believe that educated consumers are the healthiest consumers.
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