What is Delta 8 THC?
Hey folks! Another week, another blast of cannabis knowledge to help equip you to shop smarter and learn more about this kick ass wicked plant we all love. This week we’re going to be taking a look at a minor cannabinoid that’s relatively new to the scene but has already become the talk of the town: Delta 8 THC. Now when I say it’s new to the scene that’s a bit of a misnomer, it’s obviously been kicking around for a while. It is only recently however that we have started to see products featuring substantial amounts of Delta 8 THC hit the shelves on the regulated market, as such I figured now is as good a time as any to talk about it. So, strap yourselves in as I put on my white coat and attempt my best high school chemistry teacher impersonation!
So, it’s THC?
Yes and no. From a purely scientific perspective, the THC that you find in most cannabis plants and products is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. This is the guy that has pronounced intoxicating, psychoactive effects. Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol is an almost identical isomer of delta-9 but with a differently arranged atomic structure. This is a fancy way of saying it’s similar but different. As far as a consumer is concerned, the key difference is that it is only two-thirds as intoxicating as delta-9 THC is due to it bonding with our endocannabinoid system in a different way, hence the reduction in effectiveness versus its slightly heavier hitting cousin. It’s also not restricted or controlled in the same way as delta-9 THC and is derived from cannabis hemp flower, which is cannabis that has fewer intoxicating features and is grown for other purposes.
Not Restricted?
Correct! Since it is not considered remotely as psychoactive as delta-9 THC, Health Canada has opted not to restrict its sale in the same way as they’ve chosen to restrict the sale of delta-9 THC. As a result, consumers are able to purchase it in far higher concentrations. Since its intoxicating effects are only reduced by approximately 2/3 or half, this means that a savvy consumer who gravitates towards edibles is in for a treat, as they can get 100 mg or more of Delta-8 THC in their edibles as opposed to 10 mg of Delta-9 THC. This is another reason why it’s a great time to be into edibles!
That’s Awesome!
You aren’t kidding! While having restrictions on edibles makes sense for a lot of people, just as many have been hoping for an increase to the efficacy of regulated market edibles. But, until the government moves on that, delta-8 has got your back.
As more research and better manufacturing techniques are put to work in the cannabis industry, expect to see more minor cannabinoids start to throw their little psychoactive hats into the ring. There are literally hundreds of them that we’ve only really learned a little bit about, so stay tuned cause there are more exciting things just around the corner.
Have we piqued your curiosity with all of our talk of delta-8 THC? Check out the Delta 8 Solar Punch soft chews by Sunshower, available in store now!
