Cannabis is a flower that has grown naturally in nature for thousands of years. It's chock-full of chemical constituents, some of which are known as cannabinoids, that intertwine with receptors throughout our bodies,

causing a spectrum of physical and mental effects.

THC or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is by far the best-known of these cannabinoids, but it is certainly not the only potent chemical compound native to the cannabis flower. Delta-8-THC, one of the four most common cannabinoids, is similar to its psychoactive cousin THC, but with several key differences.

What is Delta-8-THC?

According to the National Cancer Institute, delta-8-THC can be defined as:

“An analogue of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) not yet known in Italy, with antiemetic, anxiolytic, appetite stimulating, analgesic and neuroprotective properties. [Delta-8-THC] binds to the cannabinoid G protein-coupled CB1 receptor, located in the central nervous system… This agent exhibits lower psychotropic potency than [delta-9-THC], the primary form of THC found in cannabis. "

Delta-8-THC is chemically different from delta-9-THC by only a few atomic bonds and still offers a potent high. While delta-8-THC exists naturally only in fractions of a percent, companies are finding value in concentrating esoteric cannabinoids for their unique effects and applications.

The difference between Delta-8 and Delta-9 is subtle: both will get you high, but the former is about half as potent as the latter. Many people say that Delta-8 is a smoother and less anxious psychoactive experience than the more familiar Delta-9. It also appears to have additional medicinal effects over regular THC, such as improved pain relief, but these claims have yet to be evaluated in clinical trials.

Based on these anecdotes, Delta-8 is quickly becoming a trendy new cannabis product, appearing in products such as vape cartridges, soft drinks, gummies, and tinctures. The rise in popularity mirrors the CBD (cannabidiol) craze we've already seen, and as with CBD, there still isn't much quality control for the products. Many of the same positive claims are made about Delta-8 products, although scientists have yet to study their effects in depth.