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

What is Delta-8-THC?

According to the National Cancer Institute, delta-8-THC can be defined as: “A tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) analogue 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 shows a lower psychotropic potency than [delta-9-THC], the primary form of THC found in cannabis.”

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

The difference between Delta-8 and Delta-9 is subtle: both will get you high, but Delta-8 is less potent than Delta-9. Many people report that Delta-8 is a smoother, less anxiety-inducing psychoactive experience than the more familiar Delta-9. It also appears to have potential additional therapeutic 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 hot new cannabis product in the cannabis world. Due to its THC-like effects, it is increasingly being found in many cannabis products such as vape cartridges, soft drinks, gummies, and tinctures. The rise in popularity mirrors the CBD (cannabidiol) craze we have already seen, and like CBD, there is still not much quality control for the products. Many of the same positive claims are being made about Delta-8 products, even though scientists have yet to study its effects in depth.