Curious about how Delta 8 (or D8) works? D8 is all the rage in the hemp community for its potency and powerful effects on the mind, body, and soul. Delta 8 and the endocannabinoid system (ECS) work together to produce powerful, potent effects that’ll help you relax and de-stress. Although Delta 8 supports the same receptors as CBD or Delta 9 (marijuana) located throughout the body, they are not the same compounds. Delta 8 has a different molecular structure and triggers similar but far more euphoric effects.
It helps to understand how D8 works with the ECS to know the difference. If you’re unfamiliar with Delta 8 or the endocannabinoid system, you came to the right place!
What is Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 THC or D8 is an abbreviated way to refer to Delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol and is one of over a hundred naturally occurring compounds found in hemp/cannabis plants we know as cannabinoids. Delta 8 THC forms in the trichomes of the flower of the plant. It is found in very low concentrations, usually less than 1% of the whole plant. Because Delta 8 is found in such low quantities in the hemp plant, we convert CBD isolate into Delta 8 using a process known as isomerization.
Are Delta 8 and Delta 9 the Same?
While these compounds are taken from the cannabis plant, they are different cannabinoids with closely related compositions. The only difference between the two are bond placements between their carbon atoms. Both Delta 8 and Delta 9 have double bonds, but the location of this bond on Delta 8 is on its 8th carbon chain, and for Delta 9, it is on the 9th carbon chain (which gives them their names). This subtle difference allows these two compounds to produce wildly different properties and cause very different effects on the mind and body.
Besides their bonds, the cannabinoid receptors in the body’s ECS react similarly to stimulation from the two. Still, responses from Delta 8 are often more tolerable than those caused by Delta 9, which is what we refer to when discussing marijuana. Delta 9 causes psychoactive effects on the body and is considered a federally controlled Schedule 1 drug. Delta 8 is far more stable than Delta 9 but is just as potent and is not considered federally illegal.
Is Delta 8 the Same as CBD?
When comparing Delta 8 and CBD, the differences are far clearer than the distinction between Delta 8 and 9. CBD has a different chemical structure than Delta 8 and is implemented for different purposes. Delta 8 is far more potent than CBD. While both Delta 8 and CBD are hemp-derived products that contain 0.3% THC or less, D8 produces a richer, euphoric effect than CBD.
CBD cultivation is far easier in hemp plants, whereas Delta 8 is found in smaller quantities. CBD strains have been bred to produce higher concentrations of CBD within the hemp plant, but Delta 8 numbers boost through the isomerization process.
What is the Endocannabinoid System?
The endocannabinoid system (or ECS) is a network of receptors that act as cell signals and aid in regulating and maintaining various processes in the body. These processes can include functions carried out by the immune system and central nervous system. Almost all mammals have an endocannabinoid system, including humans.
How Do Delta 8 and The Endocannabinoid System Work Together?
When you consume a Delta 8 product, it binds with receptors in the ECS, controlling body processes. The effects you feel are caused by D8 influencing the ECS.
There are two kinds of cannabinoid receptors in the ECS, referred to as CB1 and CB2. While both are found everywhere in the body, CB1 receptors are found mainly in the brain and nerves, which CB2 receptors are found in parts of the immune system. Our bodies naturally produce cannabinoids referred to as “endogenous cannabinoids.”
Phytocannabinoids like Delta 8 bind to ECS receptors that then break them down to produce their effects. An endogenous cannabinoid functions similarly to some hemp-derived phytocannabinoids (cannabinoids from plants), which is why the ECS is affected when you consume hemp cannabis products. Some of these effects of Delta 8 THC include:
- Uplifted mood
- Discomfort relief
- Increased focus
- Relaxation
- Decrease in soreness and swelling
- Creativity
- Improve the quality of sleep
- Improved appetite
- Increase sensory responses
- Reduces feelings of anxiousness, sadness, or irritability
What Are the Benefits & Effects of Delta 8 THC?
Depending on the strain and quality of the product, Delta 8 may have many positive effects. Overall, Delta 8 will cause a broad sense of euphoria and pleasantness, but it can do a lot more than improve your mood.
Cognitive Improvement
Delta 8 may aid in better function of the brain and nerves relating to memory and cognition. Some Delta 8 products may increase focus and clarity, which aid in higher memorization ability. They can also increase energy and keep you alert enough to continue without brain fog or fatigue throughout the day.
Corrects Stomach Issues
If you have trouble eating or are often nauseous, Delta 8 may be the solution to your problems! Delta 8 may interact with the ECS to aid in better digestion. Stimulating appetite and easing upset stomach symptoms are a few other effects Delta 8 may have. It may also help with overall digestion and gut health when paired with a healthy diet.
Fewer Negative Feelings
Strains of India Delta 8 are associated with dopamine production, which helps balance mood, and causes feelings of calm and serenity to put you in a better mental state. The higher quality of the product, the better you are more likely to feel. An improved mood helps with appetite and sleeping habits, so the better you feel, the healthier you’ll feel!
Stable Compound
Delta 8 THC causes similar effects as Delta 9 THC but is far more stable. What exactly does that mean? It means that delta 8 is less likely to cause negative side effects often associated with marijuana, like paranoia, panicked feelings, disorientation, and dizziness. This makes D8 a preferable compound over its intenser counterpart, Delta 9.
What Type of Delta 8 Products Are There?
There is an array of Delta 8 products to suit your every need. Each has different properties designed to make your D8 experience easier and more enjoyable.
Edibles and Oil
Delta 8 edibles include any products you can eat, including chocolates, honey, oil, flower, d8 gummies, or capsules. Digesting Delta 8 takes a bit longer to work than other consumption routes because the body must metabolize the compound before it takes effect.
Add some D8 oil to your favorite foods and beverages. Another way to consume oil is via the sublingual route, where tissues absorb the oil under the tongue directly into the bloodstream. This route works faster, and effects last longer than the ingestion route.
Topicals
Topicals refer to products applied directly to the skin like lotions, creams, balms, chapstick, hand sanitizer, and dermal patches. The skin absorbs topically applied D8. Because it will not reach the bloodstream, D8 molecules react with ECS receptors in the skin, but you will likely not feel other effects that you would experience when smoking or eating Delta 8. Topical products help in skin-related issues like redness, itching, swelling, and muscle-related discomfort.
Vapes and Joints
Inhaling Delta 8 is the fastest route to feel its effects. Inhalants like vape and smoke are absorbed directly into the bloodstream when you inhale, but the effects are short-lived because of how quickly the lungs remove waste from the body.
Vaping involves vaporizing a special vape juice made from Delta 8 and carrier liquids like hemp oil. Both cartridges and vape pens are vaping techniques. Smoking Delta 8 is best in a joint, blunt, or bong form with Delta 8 flower, wax, or shatter.
Flower
D8 flower is a CBD flower expertly coated in a D8 distillate. Indica-dominant strains are prized for their calming effects on the body. Delta 8 flowers made from Indica strains have special properties that make you tired and relaxed. Sativa strains, however, tend to uplift and energize the body. Whether smoked or eaten, Delta 8 flowers cause the same effects but at different rates. Edibles take longer to work, but the effects last much longer. Smoking flowers works instantly but has shorter lasting effects.
Why Buy Delta 8 From Exhale Wellness?
For high-quality products in a wide array, Exhale Wellness is the place to go. We use a safe distillate conversion method to make our Delta 8 and only source our organic hemp from USA farms. To see why Exhale Wellness is so popular, try one of our Delta 8 products yourself!
Final Thoughts – Delta 8 and The Endocannabinoid System
Delta 8 THC is a cannabinoid compound in hemp that prompts all kinds of euphoric effects on the body. D8 is more potent than other cannabinoids like Delta 9 THC or CBD and interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to cause effects like mood elevation, relaxation, clear-headedness, and clarity.
The ECS is a series of receptors located primarily in the nervous and immune systems that dictate body function and maintenance. Delta 8 supports these receptors and brings balance to these essential functions. Delta 8 is consumable in many different ways, giving you many options to experience the thrill of Delta 8.
