What Is The Difference Between Delta 8 THC And Traditional Cannabis?

Marijuana, or cannabis, has been used for thousands of years for the management of a variety of symptoms, from managing pain to reducing stress and promoting healthy sleep and appetite. Hemp also has a long history, even though it may seem like it is relatively new on the market.

After the 2018 Farm Bill legalized the use of CBD from industrial hemp, more research and development into extracting specific compounds from the hemp plant provided a greater range of possibilities. One of the cannabinoids that is recently in the headlines is Delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Even though Delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol produced from hemp sounds similar to Delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol found in marijuana, the two are different. They have a slightly different molecular structure which binds differently to the receptors in the endocannabinoid system within our bodies. This difference in binding to the receptors produces different results, including a milder psychoactive effect.

The Effects of THC and Delta 8

THC binds with receptors in the brain and body that regulate naturally occurring chemicals that control both pain sensations and mood. THC results in a stimulation of the pleasure areas of the brain, creating the euphoric “high” after use. It also helps to relieve pain and reduce the activity of the central nervous system, which is why it is effective in the treatment of seizure disorders and other similar types of neurological conditions.

Delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol binds differently to the endocannabinoid system receptors to produce a lower level of euphoric feeling. It also reduces or eliminates the anxiety and paranoia that some people experience with traditional cannabis. As with THC, Delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol is highly effective for many people in the management of chronic types of pain while also reducing internal inflammation.

Read more about Delta 8 in our education section. We are also available on social media for answers to your questions.