How Does Delta-8 THC Affect the ECS by Stephanie Jensen 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 several 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. But you may not be as familiar with the Delta-8 THC compound.
So what exactly is the difference between Delta-8 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?
The ECS is a body system that consists of multiple chemical signals and chemical receptors. Our body produces endocannabinoids to stimulate these signals and receptors.
These molecules are structured similarly to the cannabinoids found in the marijuana and hemp plants. Cannabinoids are the cannabinoid receptors in your body (CB1 and CB2) that accept phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids (i.e. CBD).
However, each cannabinoid produces a different reaction.
What Is Delta-8 THC?
There are over 100 cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. THC is the most famous psychoactive cannabinoid. There are multiple THC variants, one of them being delta-8 THC.
D8 is prevalent in marijuana and hemp, though in only small amounts. When you use psychoactive marijuana, you’re likely experiencing the more dominant delta-9 THC effects.
However, delta-8 THC is also psychoactive. You can find delta-8 extracts from the hemp plant, making them federally legal.
Disclaimer: you may read online that delta-8 THC is less potent than delta-9 THC. This isn’t entirely true; delta-8 THC can STILL get you high. Use delta-8 THC with caution and never drive or operate machinery when you’re under the influence of delta-8 THC.
Are There Any Benefits of Taking Delta-8 THC?
Research is still pretty limited since delta-8 recently emerged in the cannabis scene.
The benefits of delta-8 THC are reflected by how it interacts with the ECS. Understand that delta-8 is weaker than delta-9 THC. If you’re looking for actual cannabis benefits, talk to your doctor about trying medical marijuana if it’s legal in your area.
Improved Cognitive Function
In one study, delta-8 THC improved the cognitive function of mice. Another study states that delta-8 may increase acetylcholine production in the brain. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating several bodily processes.
While we’re not entirely sure why, experts think it’s due to the prevalence of CB1 receptors in the brain, which we will cover more in the next section.
Increased Appetite
One of the hilarious side effects of consuming traditional delta-9 THC is you get the munchies. Delta-8 THC is shown to also have these effects.
While eating snacks all day is not a health benefit for most people, increased appetite is beneficial for those recovering from eating disorders and anyone who needs to improve their appetite and/or gain weight for health reasons.
Neurotransmitter Interactions
As you can tell, delta-8 THC interacts with our neurotransmitters similarly to delta-9 THC. These neurotransmitters, in particular, are dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters control many functions, including memory, mood, and mental clarity.
While the science is unclear about how delta-8 interacts with our neurotransmitters. It is believed that delta-8 improves focus and clears the mind, all thanks to these interactions.
How Does Delta-8 THC Affect the ECS
Delta-8 THC works very similarly to delta-9 THC, which is why both cannabinoids cause psychoactive effects.
Keep in mind, we don’t know how much delta-8 THC bonds with our cannabinoid receptors. But we do know they work with two primary receptors: CB1 and CB2 receptors.
CB1 Receptors
When delta-8 THC mobilizes the CB1 receptors, this process causes the “high” we’re all familiar with.
CB1 receptors are mainly located in the brain, so these cannabinoids cause psychoactive effects. Keep in mind that delta-8 THC has a weaker bond with CB1 receptors than CB2 receptors.
CB2 Receptors
Delta-8 THC also has a weaker bond with CB2 receptors than delta-9 THC. This means that delta-8 THC has fewer healing potentials than delta-9 THC since CB2 receptors are found in the immune tissues.
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 are some of our favorites.
Above Delta-8 THC Gummies
If you would rather eat your delta-8 THC as an edible, I recommend trying these gummies. I tried them before, and while I’m not a fan of edibles, they taste delicious, and at 25 mg of delta-8 per gummy, they are incredibly potent.
Because of the potency, I suggest using them at night. I would tear them in half and eat one half before going to bed. They would help me sleep at night. Remember that gummies do take an hour or two to show any effects.
Pros
- Delicious
- Suitable for someone who wants potent gummies
Cons
- Because of the edible administration and mg per gummy, this product is very potent
Exhale Delta-8 Disposable Vape Pen in Blackberry Kush
I chose this vape pen because Exhale was rated one of the best brands as far as delta-8 quality and potency are concerned. I love vaping, but I hate the process of breaking off concentrate and putting it into the vaporizer, so I love these pre-filled and disposable vape pens.
Exhale has disposable vape pens in various strains, but I’m choosing blackberry kush because I’m an Indica fan. Blackberry Kush is an indica-dominant strain that was bred from Blackberry and Afghani.
It comes with a strong body high and relaxing effects, which is why it’s one of my favorite strains.
While this pen is disposable, you can simply recharge the battery if you keep using it. It’s a full-spectrum product and contains no harmful ingredients such as PG or VG. It contains 100% natural ingredients. To use, all you have to do is push down the button and inhale.
Pros
- Discreet
- Tastes good
- BK relieves stress and gives a great body high
Cons
- Have to press the button several times to turn on
Chill Plus Delta-8 Gel Capsules
If you prefer edibles but don’t want sugary gummies, try these Delta-8 capsules by Diamond CBD.
Each capsule contains 20 mg of delta-8 for a powerful buzz. One jar contains 20 capsules. Chill Plus recommends taking two capsules, though I would only take one at first. In addition to bovine gelatin for consistency, these capsules only contain hemp extract, MCT oil, and water.
Pros
- Make you feel relaxed
- Easy to take
- Fast shipping
Cons
- Might be too weak for experienced delta-8 users
Delta Extrax Delta-8 THC Pearls in Pineapple Express
If you prefer buying your own concentrate, Delta Extrax is where it’s at. What I find interesting is how these are caviar-looking “pearls.” It will make dosing and administrating a lot easier than traditional concentrate.
While Delta Extrax offers different strains in their pearl concentrate product, I chose Pineapple Express because it’s a popular hybrid. This is a potent strain, so new users should approach this product with caution.
Pros
- Pineapple Express gives a lovely, euphoric high
Cons
- Pretty expensive (though the product is on sale for $39.99 as I write this)
BudPop Northern Lights Delta-8 THC Infused Hemp Flower
I’ve heard sketchy things about using delta-8 THC flower, but I found this product online and can’t help but add it.
Northern Lights is one of my favorite cannabis strains of all time. The perfect Indica; it’s very soothing and totally euphoric. You are pretty couch-locked but are still clear-headed, awake, and alert. I would only still use this product before going to bed.
As for the product itself, this is a better quality flower than other ones I’ve seen. The Northern Lights strain is infused with delta-8, not sprayed. The hemp was grown in Colorado; it’s non-GMO and was grown organically.
BudPop as a company received excellent reviews. They include third-party test results and are Farm Bill compliant. Shipping is not only free but fast.
Pros
- Northern Lights is a relaxing strain that makes users feel happy
- Easy to use if you’re familiar with smoking flower
Cons
- Some customers complained about not receiving their order
FAQs
Question: Is a Delta-8 THC High Different From a Delta-9 High?
Answer: You may read online that a delta-8 high is milder than a delta-9 high. I personally don’t think so. Both substances are psychoactive. The “high” you get depends on your tolerance, the dose you get, and even the administrative method.
If this is your first time consuming delta-8 THC, be sure to take a small dose. If the manufacturer provides instructions, I suggest following those or consuming a little less.
Question: Is Delta-8 THC Safe?
Answer: Since delta-8 and 9 have many similarities, many believe that delta-8 is no more dangerous than delta-9.
The biggest safety concern is there are no delta-8 regulations. If you live in an area where marijuana is legal and/, or you qualify for medical marijuana, you might as well use that. There are more regulations on both recreational and medical marijuana.
Question: Are Delta-8 THC Products Natural?
Answer: Delta-8 THC is a natural substance. However, that doesn’t mean all delta-8 THC substances are entirely organic.
Make sure the hemp was grown organically without GMOs. Look at the ingredients list of all products you buy. Only buy from brands with a COA, so you can ensure the product has accurate cannabinoid content and doesn’t contain toxins.
Question: I Think I Took Too Much Delta-8 THC! What Do I Do?
Answer: Hey, every cannabis user has those moments when you just take too much.
Fortunately, there haven’t been any lung issues associated with smoking delta-8 THC. But taking too much delta-8 THC has similar side effects as consuming too much delta-9, such as increased anxiety and drowsiness.
And as with delta-9 THC, your delta-8 “high” will fade. If you believe you took too much delta-8, try and relax. Take a nap if you’re tired. I also take CBD, which is said to counteract THC.
Question: Delta-8 THC Makes Me Feel Weird. What Am I Doing Wrong?
Answer: First off, understand that delta-8 THC is a psychoactive substance. You may simply be experiencing a “high.” If you don’t like the feeling, try non-psychoactive CBD instead.
But if you’re experienced with delta-8 THC, you might have taken too much.
For example, while delta-8 THC shouldn’t cause anxiety, paranoia is one of the side effects of too much D8. What I noticed is the edibles give me too much anxiety. If you suspect that’s the case, try a D8 vape or smoke flower.
Question: Is Delta-8 THC Legal?
Answer: As long as the THC came from hemp, the product is perfectly legal. That’s because any substance from the hemp plant is federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. Keep in mind, delta-8 THC is either banned or restricted in a few states.
Question: Can I Buy Delta-8 THC Online?
Answer: You absolutely can, assuming the product comes from the US and is shipping within the country. Keep in mind, delta-8 THC is illegal in a few states.
Question: My State Doesn’t Offer Medical Marijuana. Can I Take Delta-8 THC Instead?
Answer: I suggest asking your doctor if they suspect delta-8 THC will help with your condition or symptoms. Remember, you don’t need a prescription for delta-8 THC. A doctor’s recommendation isn’t required, though it will help you decide if delta-8 is right for you.
Conclusion
Delta-8 THC is a wonderful compound that can provide peace and relaxation.
It is a legal alternative for some, as Delta-9 THC (marijuana) is not recreationally or medically legal on a federal level.
Delta-8 THC comes in many forms and should be taken in small quantities for first-time users.
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, please reach out to us via social media or email!
Here at CBD Origin, we realize that there is still much to learn about this fascinating cannabis compound. Check back with us soon for more information, reviews, and updates on CBD, Delta-8 THC, and Delta-9 THC!
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