Do you want to buy delta 8 gummies but aren’t sure yet whether they’re worth all the hype? If you’re wondering whether there is any concrete science behind these wonder gummies, you are not alone. With all the hype around delta 8, lots of people want to know what it’s all about. In this article, we’ll explore the science behind delta 8.
Psychoactive Compounds
The main psychoactive compound in cannabis is delta 9 THC. This is the compound responsible for that familiar high you feel when you consume marijuana. However, delta 9 THC is only one of over 140 so-called cannabinoids that are found in the cannabis plant.
While delta 9 THC, more commonly known simply as THC, is the most popular cannabinoid, there are others that have grown rapidly popular, including CBD. A new one is arising, and it looks poised to challenge the supremacy of THC. That is delta 8 THC – the main ingredient in delta 8 gummies.
What is the difference between delta 8 and delta 9 THC?
Delta 8 and delta 9 THC are isomers. Isomers are chemical compounds with the exact same number and type of atoms per molecule. However, they usually differ in the way those atoms are arranged. So theirs is not a difference of composition, but rather one of structure.
The structural difference between the delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC molecules is pretty small, and chemistry geeks will understand it. Both contain a double carbon bond. While delta 9 THC contains that bond on the 9th carbon atom in the chain, delta 8 THC contains it on the 8th.
This is a small structural difference, but it implies stark differences in the way the two compounds bind to receptors in the brain and body. Both bind to CB1 receptors, which are mainly found in the brain, though they are also present in other parts of the body. The CB1 receptors are part of the body’s endocannabinoid system, or ECS. The ECS is simply a network of chemicals and receptors in the body that are known to influence many experiences, including stress, pain, and mood.
Delta 9 THC binds tightly to the CB1 receptors. The main reason for this is that it has a very similar structure to a chemical that naturally occurs in the body, known as andamide. Andamide is responsible for delivering messages from the brain to the rest of the body as part of the ECS. The similarity between delta 9 THC and andamide allows delta 9 THC to bind tightly to CB1. Delta 8 THC, on the other hand, isn’t able to bind as tightly, thanks to the slight difference in its molecular structure. As a result, it binds more loosely and overall delivers only about two thirds of the high delivered by delta 9 THC.
Because of this little quirk, delta 8 THC delivers euphoria and relaxing sensations to the body, but not so much that it induces paranoia or extreme sluggishness. You can enjoy the benefits of delta 9 without the side effects.
Conclusion
Delta 8 THC is only the next step in humanity’s ongoing love affair with cannabis. As we discover more beneficial compounds in this plant, we will probably find ones with remarkable benefits as well. For now, however, delta 8 THC looks poised to be the next big thing. If you want to get a feel for it, buy a few delta 8 THC gummies and try them out. You won’t regret it!
