Researches have found out that the hemp plant has more than 100 cannabinoids in it. And Delta 8 THC is one of the minor cannabinoids of the plant in small concentrations and is not directly produced within the plant. Delta 8 THC is a degraded THC form and is formulated when THC is stored for some time. The hemp plant cultivators and extractors often use selective breeding and molecular isolation techniques to get a higher amount of delta 8 THC. Usually, when we talk about THC, we mean delta 9 THC, which is the main form of THC found in the hemp plant. Delta 8 THC's molecule has a similar structure to the delta 9 THC molecule but with some notable differences. The studies have shown that delta 8 THC has a lower psychotropic influence than delta 9 THC. But both of these components have similarities, such as reducing nausea, stimulating appetite, and soothing the pain.
How Does Delta 8 THC Work With The Receptors Of Our Body?
Every human and animal has an endocannabinoid system (ECS) similar to the cardiovascular system or hormonal system. ESC has receptors located in the limbic, immune, and nervous systems. The endocannabinoid system is responsible for creating balance in the body and mind, helping the body protect itself, sleep, eat, relax, remember, and forget.ESC has receptors known as CB1 and CB2, which are located in the body. CB1 receptors are discovered in the brain and everywhere in the body. CB2 receptors are often located in the gastrointestinal and immune systems. Even though CB2 receptors are also found in the brain, they are not as densely as CB1 receptors.
Delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC can bind with these CB1 and CB2 receptors, but both of this hemp plant's components have a difference in their molecular structure. And because of this molecular difference, delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC bind with the body's endocannabinoid receptors in different ways. Researches suggest that delta 9 THC is less stable compared with delta 8 THC. Delta 9 THC can be easily oxidized and become cannabinol (CBN) or delta 8 THC. However, delta 8 THC is more stable, about half as strong as delta 9 THC, possesses a prolonged shelf life, and doesn't oxidize to become cannabinol. This kind of stability is beneficial in remedial mixtures.
Multiple studies have shown that delta 8 THC can calm the body's reaction to stress, help reduce anxiety, increase appetite, improve mood and motivation, assist with aches and pains. Delta 8 THC is thought to be a psychotropic compound, which can alter perception, mood, and behavior.
Other examinations have shown that when the THC molecule works with the other cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and other hemp plant compounds, the entourage effect happens. This effect can create preferable beneficial outcomes compared to isolated THC. Though the information about the entourage effect is established on the studies with delta 9 THC, research suggests that this entourage effect can be enhanced using delta 8 THC. These suggestions are based on the molecular similarity of delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC.
However, more research is needed to obtain detailed information about the entourage effect of delta 8 THC.
Side Effects And Warnings
Even though studies on delta 8 THC continues with great interest, there are many things unknown about this minor cannabinoid. Suppose you consider consuming delta 8 THC. In that case, it is important to be aware that many kinds of examinations on delta 8 THC are based on animal studies, so it requires a cautious approach. These examinations on delta 8 THC showed that its interaction with the endocannabinoid system's (ECS) receptors temporarily constricted the blood vessels, causing increased blood pressure. And after that, the blood pressure dropped, causing a slow heart rate.Keep in mind that all delta 8 THC results are observed on animals and can differ from the outcomes examined with humans.
There is still limited data about the effects of delta 8 THC, and more studies need to be conducted in human populations to understand how it causes changes in the blood flow.