People use this herb to deal with a range of health problems. As many states have shown a green flag to the Cannabis plant and legalized it for sale and production in their respective states, There has been a high surge in sales of Cannabis and its related products. Hemp companies have grown over time and set their industries at a large scale across the US. As a result, people are curious to try the different new products of the plant in their diverse forms. Two of the most prominent forms of the Cannabis plant are Delta 8 and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). With some similar things, these two cannabinoids differ in many ways.
What is Delta 8?
Amongst the many cannabinoids of the hemp plant, Delta 8 is one of the names. It occurs in a few fractions of hemp and Cannabis plants. Hemp and Cannabis are very similar as they derive from the same plant. They differ in the amount of Tetrahydrocannabinol present in both of them. This particular cannabinoid is quite famous amongst people, and you can find its different products on dispensaries and gas stations. In some other definition, Delta 8 is called a form of Tetrahydrocannabinol that contains as low as 0.3% THC, often known by names like ‘diet weed’ and ‘marijuana lite’ substances.
What is THC?
Out of the hundreds of cannabinoids, THC is the most complex of them. It is the prominent derivative of the marijuana plant, and it delivers typical high effects to people. The marijuana plant has glands that release a substance called resin. THC comes from the resin part of the hemp plant. When consumed, THC interacts and influences chiefly anandamide. It attaches itself to the neurons in the brain and imparts its psychoactive effects. Since it reacts with the receptors present in the brain, it influences areas like memory, thinking, sensory, time perception, and concentration.
Delta 8 vs. THC: Chemical Structure
The molecular structure for both these herbs stands the same 21 atoms of carbon, 30 atoms of hydrogen, and two atoms of oxygen. The effects of the two compounds vary as their arrangement is different from each other. The body contains cannabinoid receptors of its own in the ECS system. These herbs also relate to the same internal cannabinoids in the body. Delta 8 binds to the CB1 receptor and enhances the flow of hormones controlled by the CB1 receptor. It is thus helpful in reducing anxiety to low levels. THC combines with both the receptors of the ECS system and affects the body in several ways. They interact with the neurotransmitters and induce different actions in the body.
Delta 8 vs. THC: Psychoactive components
Their molecules might resemble each other, but they do not have the same psychoactive effects on the consumer. Delta 8 is one essential compound of the Cannabis plant and does not induce any hallucinogen action in the person. THC derives from the marijuana plant and delivers a classical high feel to the consumers. D8 helps to cure anxiety, depression and it is not for recreational purposes. You cannot expect the party effect of marijuana from less sober drug-like delta derivatives. The CB1 receptors stay in the brain, and since THC interacts with the CB1 receptor, it influences and alters brain functions. This interaction results in euphoric and entourage effects. Although Delta 8 also combines with the CB1 receptor, that’s a weak bonding.
Delta 8 vs. THC: Legality
Laws are evolving and changing for Cannabis with time. There are still some restrictions on marijuana in some states and other places not. Naturally, Delta 8 does not occur in large quantities in the Cannabis plant. The Farm Bill of 2018 legalized hemp products that do not contain more than 0.3% THC. Because of the less natural availability of this herb, it gets synthetically produced in the industries from CBD and Delta 9. The Delta 8 produced in this way makes it illegal for use. States have legalized the D8 that comes straight from the hemp plant. The medicinal THC is legal in 29 states, and nine states have allowed THC for recreational use. The laws will change in the coming times. Some states have proposed to legalize herbal products containing a high level of THC for medicinal benefits.
Delta 8 vs. THC: Medicinal Benefits
Since both these herbs derive from the same plant, more or less their benefits are the same. They can help you cure similar health conditions with little difference. However, Delta 8 does not cause a high euphoric effect to the person since its caused by THC. THC gets purported to have few side effects that do not appear in Cannabis derivatives. It is the reason one may choose Cannabis products over THC. With some commonalities with Delta 9, the Delta 8 products deliver numerous health benefits without getting you high. Its multiple benefits can outweigh the risks caused by Tetrahydrocannabinol. Delta 8 helps treat inflammation, pain, seizures, nausea, and anxiety issues. On the other hand, THC helps in muscle spasticity, insomnia, low appetite, glaucoma, and depression. THC is a more potent cannabinoid that unstabilizes the mind if taken in high doses.
Which one should you choose?
The decision on buying or comparing two things or products depends on their benefits and associated risks. The product is right for you if it provides more benefits than risks. When it comes to any of the cannabinoids of the Cannabis plant, then you are on the safer side. They keep you safe from the detrimental sides of not getting high and getting involved in legal matters. With Delta 8, you will have fewer or no side effects of consuming Cannabis. THC is a psychoactive drug and has medicinal benefits but with low concentration. The products that contain a higher concentration of Tetrahydrocannabinol are unfit for consumption and harmful to our health. CBD products contain 0.3% THC or less than this quantity which is safe for your health.
Conclusion
Cannabis has bagged a top position in the pharmaceutical industry. It is because of the multiple benefits it offers to the people. Delta 8 is one cannabinoid that derives from the Cannabis plant. It delivers the same potential benefits as the Cannabis plant. THC is the compound of the marijuana plant, and it is psychoactive. Though there is no perfect product for any occasion, each cannabinoid has merits and demerits. You will have to pick up the product that matches your body suitability. Both THC and Delta 8 are considered safe for use. However, if you want to circumvent the possible side effects of THC, then choose Cannabis-derived products.
