5 Reasons Why Delta-8 Is Gaining Popularity
Delta-8 THC (D8) is one of the minor cannabinoids or organic chemicals present in the hemp plant. The cannabinoid exists in trace amounts, but the first delta-8 THC-infused products hit the market in 2019 after a famous cannabis brand discovered how to make its extraction commercially viable.
D8 has taken over cannabis consumers’ hearts and is arguably the fastest-growing cannabinoid submarket in the cannabis industry. One public health report revealed that delta-8 THC internet search queries between May 2020 and May 2021 constituted 35% of all marijuana-related search queries. So, keep reading to learn why delta-8 Is wildly popular.
Delta-8 THC Products Are Readily Available
Delta-8 THC’s declassification as a federally legal substance means that the cannabinoid is readily available for research and consumption. Cannabinoid research facilitates product diversification and quality while helping manufacturers maintain reasonable price points.
Although delta-8 THC vape cartridges were the first delta products to hit the market, most manufacturers have expanded their catalogs. The diverse product range caters to a diverse market, helping consumers to choose products that are palatable and easiest to dose.
However, edibles, particularly gummies, are the most popular delta-8 THC products. Therefore, you can shop for delicious delta 8 gummies at best rates and diverse flavour ranges online. Besides vape cartridges and gummies, delta-8 THC products are also available raw flowers, pre-rolls, soft gels, and disposable vapes.
Delta-8 THC is Mildly Intoxicating
Consumer’s top query about delta-8 THC is whether the cannabinoid can make you “high.” The answer is yes.
Delta-8 THC is a THC isomer, and THC is the primary psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant. However, unlike the dominant THC isomer (delta-9 THC), D8 is mildly psychoactive; some consumers refer to it as “weed lite.”
As stated above, delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC are both THC isomers. Isomers are compounds that share a similar chemical structure, but each isomer has a distinct atom and structural bond arrangement within its molecules. The molecular differences between two isomers determine how they interact with the human body, affecting various physical and mental processes.
Although delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC interact with the endogenous cannabinoid system (eCS) to cause psychoactive effects, their molecular differences cause distinct interactions. Delta-9 THC’s molecular structure has a higher affinity to the eCS’s CB1 receptors found predominantly in the brain. Consequently, the cannabinoid overstimulates CB1 receptors and is likely to cause undesirable side effects, including delirium, hallucinations, and vomiting.
On the other hand, delta-8 THC’s molecular structure gives it a lower affinity to CB1 receptors. Therefore, the cannabinoid stimulates The CB1 receptors enough to cause mild psychoactive effects that you can enjoy without losing yourself.
Although delta-8 THC’s effects vary, you can expect to feel a mild cerebral “high” characterized by euphoria, mood elevation, and a clear mind, among other benefits. Therefore, cannabis consumers love “weed lite” because of its pleasant but not overwhelming psychoactive effects, meaning you can take it any time of day to keep you happy.
Delta-8 THC is Federally Legal
Besides different psychoactive capacities, the second significant difference between delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC is that delta-8 products are federally legal. Delta-8 THC is a hemp-derived product, and the 2018 Farm Bill stipulates that it is federally legal to cultivate, process, and consume hemp products.
The legislation’s promulgation into law declassified hemp from being a Schedule I substance into a dietary supplement. On the other hand, delta-9 THC is a marijuana product, and marijuana remains federally classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act.
Most individuals erroneously use the words hemp and marijuana interchangeably, yet the two are not synonyms. Although hemp and marijuana are cannabis subspecies, they have different cannabinoid profiles, with marijuana having more delta-9 THC while a non-psychoactive compound dominates the hemp plant.
Therefore, delta-8 THC is a legal hemp derivative, despite having psychoactive properties. However, state governments have the last say in cannabis legislation within their jurisdictions, and some states, including Alaska, New York, Colorado, and Washington, have either banned or restricted delta-8 THC consumption.
Delta-8 THC Induces Relaxation
The human race has consumed cannabis for years, harnessing its psychoactive properties and perhaps its therapeutic effects. One popular property associated with delta-8 THC is its relaxation effect.
Delta-8 THC is a recent discovery, and research on the cannabinoid’s full potential and associated effects is still at its preliminary stages. However, anecdotal evidence collected from one consumer survey showed that 69% of consumers take the cannabinoid for relaxation.
Although the cannabinoid typically causes a cerebral “high,” it also induces body relaxation, and consumers enjoy the full-body relaxation. Modern living is rife with stressful situations, and all-natural relaxation remedies are a welcome gift.
Delta-8 THC Has Potential for Delta-9 THC Harm Reduction
Delta-8 THC shares many delta-9 THC features, including psychoactive properties, although the former has milder psychoactive properties. The cannabinoid’s mild psychoactive properties make it ideal for consumption by individuals who want to get “high” without being overwhelmed. Moreover, one delta-8 THC consumer survey concluded that the cannabinoid has potential for delta-9 THC harm reduction because it produces similar experiential effects with fewer adverse side effects.
Conclusion
Delta-8 THC provides a mellow “high” for consumers wary of delta-9 THC’s overwhelming effects and those seeking legal psychoactive products. However, the cannabinoid remains highly unregulated, so prioritize due diligence to ensure you purchase high-quality products.
