How strong is Delta 8 (D8)?
Delta 8 (Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol) is a cannabinoid found in small amounts in the cannabis plant. It is a chemical compound similar to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. However, delta 8 is less potent than delta-9-THC and is therefore believed to have fewer psychoactive effects.
In terms of strength, the power of delta 8 can vary depending on the source and extraction method used. Delta 8 is generally considered to be less potent than delta-9-THC, but it can still have significant psychoactive effects. It is important to note that delta 8 and other cannabinoids are not legally allowed in all places and countries, and the consumption of any substance should always be with caution and responsibility.
D8 VS D9
Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta 8) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta 9) are two different chemical compounds, but both are cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Here are some comparisons between Delta 8 and Delta 9:
Power: The Delta 9 is more powerful than the Delta 8. Delta 9 may have stronger and longer-lasting psychoactive effects than Delta 8. The potency of a cannabinoid refers to the amount of psychoactive effect it has on the human body. In terms of potency, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta 9) is more potent than delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta 8). This means that Delta 9 can have stronger and longer-lasting psychoactive effects compared to Delta 8.
Delta 9 binds directly to the CB1 cannabinoid receptor in the brain, producing stronger psychoactive effects. On the other hand, Delta 8 binds to the same receivers, but to a lesser extent than Delta 9. In addition, Delta 8 can also bind to other cannabinoid receptors, such as CB2, which may explain why the effects of Delta 8 are considered less potent than those of Delta 9.
It is important to note that the potency of Delta 9 can vary depending on the cannabis strain, cultivation method, and extraction method. THC levels in the cannabis plant can vary, which can affect the potency of any cannabinoids present. In addition, cannabis use can affect potency, as the psychoactive effect may depend on the dose, frequency and manner of consumption.
Effects: Although both cannabinoids can have psychoactive effects, the specific effects can vary. Delta 9 is associated with increased euphoria, relaxation, appetite, and altered time and spatial perception. Delta 8 is described as less potent and may have less pronounced effects. Although both delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta 8) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta 9) are psychoactive cannabinoids, the specific effects can vary between the two compounds.
Delta 9 has been associated with a number of psychoactive effects, such as a feeling of euphoria, relaxation, increased appetite, altered timing and spatial perception, among others. These effects may vary depending on the dose, strain of cannabis and form of consumption. Some people may experience unwanted side effects, such as anxiety, paranoia, drowsiness, and increased heart rate, especially when consumed in large amounts.
As for Delta 8, it is described as less potent compared to Delta 9 and is thought to have less pronounced effects. However, some users report effects similar to Delta 9, such as a feeling of relaxation and euphoria. In addition, Delta 8 may also have anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potentially useful cannabinoid in the treatment of certain medical conditions.
Legality: Delta 9 is banned in many countries, while Delta 8 may be legally available in some places. However, the legality of cannabinoids may vary by jurisdiction and may be subject to change. The legality of cannabinoids such as Delta 8 and Delta 9 varies by jurisdiction and may be subject to change. In general, Delta 9 is banned in many countries, including the United States, where it is considered a controlled substance and classified as a Schedule I cannabinoid along with marijuana. This means that their possession, production and distribution are subject to criminal penalties, although some states have legalized their medicinal and/or recreational use.
On the other hand, the legality of Delta 8 may vary depending on the jurisdiction and specific laws of each country. In some places, Delta 8 is considered legal, either because it is extracted from industrial hemp or because it is not specifically regulated as a controlled substance. For example, in the United States, Delta 8 THC is considered legal at the federal level if it is extracted from industrial hemp and meets certain guidelines set by the 2018 Farm Bill, although some states have put additional restrictions in place.
However, it is important to note that the legality of Delta 8 and other cannabinoids is constantly evolving and can change rapidly. In some cases, even if a specific cannabinoid is legal in a jurisdiction, its sale or distribution may be prohibited due to specific regulations in the cannabis industry.
Medical use: Studies are underway on the medical potential of both cannabinoids, but Delta 9 has been further studied and is known to have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. More research is still needed on the specific medicinal effects of Delta 8.
Although Delta 8 is less studied than Delta 9 in terms of its medicinal effects, there is some preliminary research suggesting that Delta 8 may have medicinal properties similar to Delta 9. A study published in the journal "Life Sciences" in 1995 found that Delta 8 was effective in reducing pain and inflammation in mice. In addition, Delta 8 has been shown to have antiemetic effects, meaning it can help reduce nausea and vomiting.
There are also some human studies that suggest that Delta 8 may have beneficial medicinal effects. A study published in the journal "Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research" in 2018 found that Delta 8 THC had anxiolytic properties in cancer patients, meaning it can help reduce anxiety and stress in these patients. Another study, published in the journal "Frontiers in Neuroscience" in 2019, found that Delta 8 had neuroprotective properties in mice with Alzheimer's disease.
However, it is important to note that much more research is needed to fully understand the specific medicinal effects of Delta 8 and how they compare to those of Delta 9. It is also important to remember that the use of cannabinoids for medical purposes must be supervised by a qualified healthcare professional and that research into the use of cannabinoids for medical purposes is still ongoing.
Sources and references.
- The study "Delta-8-THC displays antidepressant and anxiolytic effects in mice" published in the journal "Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior" in 2017.
- The study "Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-THC) as an effective therapeutic for chronic pain and other conditions" published in the journal "Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research" in 2018.
- The study "Neuroprotective effects of delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol in primary neuronal cultures" published in the journal "Frontiers in Neuroscience" in 2019.
- A study published in the journal "Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior" in 2012 compared the effects of Delta 8 and Delta 9 in rats.
- A 2018 study published in the journal "Frontiers in Pharmacology" examined Delta 8's activity at cannabinoid receptors and found that the compound has a similar affinity to Delta 9 for the CB1 receptor, but to a lesser extent.
- In a review published in "Frontiers in Psychiatry" in 2021, the authors discuss the psychoactive effects of Delta 8 and Delta 9, noting that Delta 9 is commonly associated with effects such as euphoria, relaxation, increased appetite, and altered time and spatial perception, while the effects of Delta 8 are described as less potent and less pronounced.
- The U.S. Farm Bill of 2018, which establishes specific guidelines for industrial hemp production and defines the requirements for Delta 8 THC to be considered legal at the federal level.
- The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, which classifies Delta 9 THC as a controlled substance and sets regulations for its production and distribution.