Delta 8 is a cannabinoid that is extracted from cannabis plants. Most of the time it comes from hemp specifically, rather than marijuana. It also tends to occur in very small amounts.
So, what is a cannabinoid then? To put it simply, they are naturally occurring compounds found in cannabis plants. Here are some of the most commonly known cannabinoids:
- CBD
- CBG
- CBN
- CBC
- Delta 9 (THC)
- Delta 8 (THC)
There are over 113 known cannabinoids, with many new ones being discovered frequently, each producing their own different effects. Each compound has its own legality status, leaving many to wonder about the legality of cannabis in their home state or country.
What Does Delta 8 Do?
To explain how cannabinoids such as Delta 8 work, first we need to talk about the endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a network of cell-signaling receptors that help with the regulation of processes throughout the body. This includes processes carried out by the immune and nervous systems.
All animals—both vertebrate and invertebrate alike—have been found to have endocannabinoid systems (ECS). So it’s not something unique to humans. It can be found across the entire natural world.
The ECS has two primary types of cannabinoid receptors, known as CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are typically found in brain cells and throughout the nervous system, while CB2 receptors are found in the body and immune system.
Cannabinoids bind to these receptors, and are subsequently broken down by them to produce their effects.
These are some of the effects of Delta 8:
- Uplifted feelings
- Better rest and relaxation
- Increased focus and clarity
It should be noted that the scientific research regarding Delta 8 is still ongoing and inconclusive. However, the results so far have been promising, as the cannabinoid has been found to have a wide range of benefits for its users.
Will Delta 8 Get Me High?
The short answer is yes, you may feel some effects from Delta 8 THC products. It’s a psychoactive compound after all. However, it’s not what you would experience with Delta 9 THC, which is the cannabinoid that most people are more familiar with. For starters, it’s a far more mellow and mild buzz. Most tend to report feeling relaxed and clear-headed after taking Delta 8.
A good starting point with Delta 8 is a lower dose. One company offering a low dose Delta 8 edible is nama. nama’s fresh watermelon relax plus gummies are packed with a 5mg micro dose of Delta 8 and 25mg of organic broad spectrum hemp extract. All of nama’s products come with a scannable QR code linked to full panel third-party lab results so you can ensure they are infused with the highest quality hemp.
How Do I Take Delta 8?
Delta 8 comes in a variety of different forms. So your choice will depend on whatever you feel most comfortable with.
The most widely available Delta 8 products are edibles, particularly gummies. All you need to do with these is take the suggested dosage size and then wait about an hour and a half before deciding to take more. The edible method tends to take a while to kick in, so it requires a bit of patience.