How Does Delta-8 THC Affect the ECSon April 4, 2021 at 1:26 pm

How Does Delta-8 THC Affect the ECS by Leah Johnson at CBD Origin
When you hear the word “cannabis” or “THC,” you instantly associate it with marijuana. However, the cannabis plant can be used for quite a few things aside from weed and getting the user high. The hemp plant is rich in compounds, including four major ones you may already be familiar with: CBD, cannabinol, Delta-9 THC,
CBD Origin is the premier source for CBD knowledge and information. Find informative articles, helpful guides, the latest news, and more at CBDOrigin.com

How Does Delta-8 THC Affect the ECS by Leah Johnson at CBD Origin

When you hear the word “cannabis” or “THC,” you instantly associate it with marijuana. However, the cannabis plant can be used for quite a few things aside from weed and getting the user high. The hemp plant is rich in compounds, including four major ones you may already be familiar with: CBD, cannabinol, Delta-9 THC, and Delta-8 THC. CBD comes in both broad and full spectrum, with full spectrum containing trace elements of THC, the psychoactive element in marijuana infamously known for getting the user high. Delta-9 is the technical term for marijuana and is quickly becoming legal for recreational use throughout the United States, the most notable being New York. But you may not be as familiar with the Delta-8 THC compound. Delta-8 THC is considered the “lite” version of weed, offering a heady high but allowing the user to remain clear-headed and in control of the high. So what exactly is the difference between Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC, and how does it affect the endocannabinoid system? That’s exactly what this article intends to answer, so let’s dive right in!

What is The Endocannabinoid System?

Before we can understand the differences of the two Delta compounds, it’s important to understand what the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is. The ECS is something that functions in your body already, just like the digestive and immune systems. It controls the cannabinoid receptors in your body (CB1 and CB2) and accepts phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids (i.e. CBD). The cannabinoids bond to the cannabinoid receptors to create a relaxing and calming reaction. However, each cannabinoid produces a different reaction, varying on the person’s ECS. This explains why some people experience extreme anxiety and paranoia when trying Delta-9 THC (marijuana) for the first time, or how some people experience no reaction at all with CBD.

The Scientific Difference Between Delta-8 THC & Delta-9 THC

It’s true that both Delta-8 THC and Delta 9 THC have the ability to make the user “high.” The difference is a scientific one that may be too technical for some users to understand or even care about. Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC are isomers of THC, but with a notable difference in their chemical bond. Delta-9 THC has a double bond on the ninth chain, whereas Delta-8 has this double bond on the eighth carbon chain. The subtle difference in the chain location creates a different level of potency.

Delta-9 THCbinds with the endocannabinoids located in the brain and body (known as CB1). This creates a strong bond, thanks to the strong bond on the ninth carbon chain and the fact that there are already high levels of Delta-9 THC found naturally in the cannabis plant. This strong bond results in relaxation, and is known to aid in the management of anxiety, sadness, stress, and other emotions. However, Delta-9 THC can have an undesired reaction if too much is consumed in one sitting, if it is the user’s first time, or if the wrong strain is used (sativa or indica).

On the other hand, Delta-8 THC communicates with the CB1 bonds as well, but also bonds with the body’s CB2 receptors that are located predominantly in the digestive tract, organs, and especially in the immune system. Delta-8 THC is more difficult to extract, as low quantities exist in the cannabis plant and require much more effort to distill into a usable form. Since the body of Delta-8 THC is also lower than Delta-9’s bond, the body’s reaction will be less potent. This results in a heady high, but a more controlled and clear-headed one. Delta-8 THC has been known to help balance the bodily functions such as blood pressure, mood, appetite, inflammation, pain, and hormones.

How Do I Choose Between Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC?

First and foremost, it’s crucial to determine which compound is legal in your state. Delta-9 THC is making great strides in becoming both medicinally and recreationally legal. However, it will be several years before the entire United States will legalize the sale of marijuana for all intents and purposes. If it is legal in your state, great! It’s advisable to try both Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC to make the correct decision for your body. Make sure you are purchasing both compounds from a reputable source, such as a dispensary or reputable shop. Make sure that the products you purchase have been verified by independent third-party labs to confirm you’re consuming exactly what is advertised. It is also important to start off with small quantities to see how your body reacts. If you consume too much Delta-9 THC, your body may react negatively and cause an unpleasant experience for you. If you consume too much Delta-9 THC, you may experience grogginess and increased anxiety as your body is overloaded with the compound. You should not operate machinery or perform any tasks that require intense concentration, as both of the compounds may suppress your reaction time and critical thinking skills.

Which Delta-8 Products Should I Try?

Both Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC are available in nearly every form imaginable: edibles, topicals, tinctures, dabs, creams, waxes, e-liquid, capsules, flowers, and more! Here at CBD Origin, we will be offering reviews on the different types of products we come in contact with. Our Moonwlkr gummy is live, with reviews from Elevated Wellness, Diamond CBD, and Vybb soon to come! Reviews are crucial to the decision-making process and can help provide insight to the scent, taste, texture, and overall effects of a product before you buy it.

Conclusion

Delta-8 THC is a wonderful compound that can provide peace and relaxation, especially to those suffering with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and minor pain relief. It is a legal alternative for some, as Delta-9 THC (marijuana) is not recreationally or medically legal throughout the United States. Delta-8 THC comes in many forms and should be taken in small quantities for first time users. Here at CBD Origin, we realize that there is still much to learn about this fascinating cannabis compound. Keep in mind that while we are not offering medical or legal advice, we will try to provide this most informative and in-depth information as possible. If you have any questions or concerns about anything in this article, feel free to reach out to us via social media or email! Check back with us soon for more information, reviews, and updates on CBD, Delta-8 THC, and Delta-9 THC!

CBD Origin is the premier source for CBD knowledge and information. Find informative articles, helpful guides, the latest news, and more at CBDOrigin.com