Most people who have heard of marijuana know that cannabis is the flower of the hemp plant. Cannabis is loaded with chemical constituents, and some of them are cannabinoids, which cause some physical and mental effects by meshing with the brain’s receptors.

Did you know the cannabis plant produces close to 124 cannabinoids? People who have heard of cannabis have probably also heard of Delta 8 but may be wondering, “What is Delta 8?“

According to the National Cancer Institute, the definition for Delta 8 is: “An analog of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with antiemetic, anxiolytic, appetite-stimulating, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties.”

Comparing Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC

There’s a chemical difference between Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC, though only marginally. However, the high caused by Delta 8 THC is not very different from that of Delta 9 THC, which is what makes it so popular. While Delta 8 THC is legal, Delta 9 THC isn’t.

Difference in Volume

The volume of Delta 8 THC present in cannabis is very negligible at 0.1 percent, while the volume of Delta 9 THC is a bit higher, at 0.3 percent. However, both these are the only compounds in marijuana responsible for the psychoactive effects that cannabis is most sought after.

Similar, Yet Different High

With Delta 8 THC evolving as a legal alternative to Delta 9 THC, there’s a renewed interest shown by manufacturers and consumers. It is preferred because it provides a similar high, though not so very intense. Besides having a gentle effect, Delta 8 THC provides an enjoyable high, which is easily manageable.

More Receptors at Work

While Delta 9 THC activates just the CB1 receptor, Delta 8 THC activates both the CB1 and CB2 receptors. When both receptors are activated simultaneously, the user attains the physical state known as homeostasis, which is defined as “a metabolic equilibrium maintained by several biological mechanisms operating via the autonomic nervous system.” In other words, the body’s normal state while at rest, when it is in a non-aggressive mood. This effect is similar to that caused by CBD.

Purchasing CBD is legal only if the THC content is not more than 0.3 percent. In some states, it is legal to buy and possess CBD, provided you have a prescription.

Even while considering the benefits, Delta 8 THC is considered far superior to Delta 9 THC. Delta 8 THC has a robust immune system-activator and helps patients fight nausea. It is especially beneficial for cancer patients on medication and chemotherapy, as it helps prevent nausea caused by such treatments. Such beneficial effects often make patients wonder, “What is Delta 8?” probably because the relief it offers differs from other traditional drugs.

Additionally, according to US patents, Delta 8 THC is useful in not just treating pain; it is also effective in controlling AIDS-induced weight loss, muscle spasms in multiple sclerosis, and other problems. Although Delta 9 THC is only marginally different in composition, it provides no such benefit.

Summing it Up

While comparing the benefits accruing from Delta 8 THC and its cousin Delta 9 THC, it is evident that the former far outweighs the latter as far as benefits are concerned. The added benefit is probably the similar high that Delta THC offers, which is for healthy people who consume it as a supplemen