The main difference between Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC

Delta-8 THC provides the benefits of CBD and THC, all while being federally legal in USA.

Tetrahydrocannabinol, aka (THC) is the most talked about cannabinoid out of several different ones that are found in cannabis. The popularity is mostly due to THC's psychoactivity. When most people think of cannabis, they often think of the high associated with it. The thing is, not all cannabis will make you feel the same. The "THC high" that most consider, is from Delta-9 THC. A much less known, but useful form of tetrahydrocannabinol is called Delta-8 THC. Δ8 is slightly less psychoactive than Δ9 THC and provides a much more tolerable experience without the stressful anxiety.

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What is THC?

The human body is created with many receptors within the endocannabinoid system, but there are two main endocannabinoid receptors called CB1/2. CB1 receptors are mostly found in the central nervous system. CB2 receptors are mostly found in your peripheral nervous system, especially immune cells. This system is responsible for balance of the mind/body/spirit. THC binds to the receptors CB1 and CB2 . The CB1 receptor is known to create bliss and euphoric mood changes, while CB2 helps to relax the body and doesn’t impair cognition.

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Delta-9 THC

This is where the original cannabis high stems from. Feelings may include relaxation, increased appetite, laughter, attuned senses, and extreme happiness. The high from Delta-9-THC has also been known to have side effects such as irritability, paranoia, anxiety, and confusion. The negative side effects are often related to a much too high dosage of Delta-9 THC that can cause moments of panic.

Not all cannabinoids found in cannabis have the high effect. CBD for instance is found in the cannabis plant and is non-psychoactive. It doesn't bind, but instead reacts with the CB2 receptors. This helps to feel less stressed and removes tensions around the body. Many with health issues can feel their problems solved without being high, thanks to CBD.

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Delta-8 THC

The less prevalent form of THC is Delta-8. Cannabinoids from hemp can be transformed into Delta-8 THC. Delta-8 THC is often looked at as being a middle ground CBD and Delta-9 THC. Like CBD, Delta-8 helps to relax your body so that your stress is mitigated and your mood is escalated. Delta-8 binds to the CB1 receptor, like Delta-9. The cannabinoid Delta-8 helps to calm, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain.

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Main Differences Between Delta-8-THC and Delta-9-THC

The two are very similar in terms of chemistry, but are separated due to a few electrons in different locations. Delta-8 provides an overall more balanced experience than Delta-9. It eases itself on, and there’s a tremendously lower risk of panic.

Delta-8 THC from hemp plants is federally legal. The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, aka The 2018 Farm Bill, states that all derivatives, isomers, and cannabinoids in hemp are legal if the final product has less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. Delta-8 is illegal in some states. Delta-9 THC is still federally illegal, but legalized by some states.

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