Delta-8 THC: A Primer

This is the most support that marijuana legalization has ever seen in the last fifty years. In fact, 68 percent of American adults believe that it should be legal regardless of their political affiliation. Despite this, at the federal level marijuana remains illegal.

The THC potency has been cited as the largest factor behind this. Due to the psychoactive effects of cannabis, it has been classified as a Schedule I drug from 1970 onward. And this is where Delta-8 THC enters. It is said to be a new type that might be legalized.

Cannabinoids

These are compounds present in cannabis that distinguish it from others. It is also responsible for the medicinal properties and responsible for its controversy. You see, there are two main cannabinoid types: tetrahydracannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

The former creates its psychoactive effects, while the latter does not exhibit any of these qualities. They connect receptors in the body and brain. The C1 receptor, which is found in the brain, is the binding point of THC. Once that happens, you might feel euphoric, tired, or creative.

CBD, meanwhile, binds to another receptor located in the body: the C2 receptor. It relaxes the body, soothes inflammation, eases anxiety, and relieves pain. It also offsets the negative effects of THC like paranoia and anxiety. Delta-9 THC is the most common THC compounds found in this plant. It is the most potent and makes it illegal on the federal level.

Delta-8 THC

There is another THC compound called Delta-8. The number denotes its chemical bond placements. Structurally, it is comparable to Delta-9 with only a single different placement. This affects the response of the body and brain to the compound.

Delta-8 is significantly rarer as it is only present in tiny amounts. Breeders, however, have figured out how to obtain it through groundbreaking methods of breeding, extraction, and processing.

While it also contains THC, the psychoactive effects tend to be thrice less intense. On top of that, it connects to the C1 and C2 receptors alike. This means that the mind and body experience relief in one package, which can then help with chronic pain and anxiety. It offers the effects of both CBD and Delta-9 but less severely.

It is presently legal in 39 states. Only time will tell if the other states will join this cannabis revolution.

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