Cannabis is an herb that needs no introduction. The plant is famous for its immense healing benefits and powerful psychedelic effects.
But what many people don’t realize is that cannabis isn’t a specific plant species. Instead, the term refers to a genus of flowering plants that produce several species and strains.
You’re probably already familiar with the terms ‘Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis indica.’ Besides these two, weed produces other lesser-known species, including Cannabis ruderalis and Cannabis hybrids.
Now, cannabis species differ significantly based on physical characteristics, maturation period, yield volume, overall resilience, and cannabinoid profile.
Cannabinoids are the specific compounds in cannabis responsible for the herb’s effects. There are at least 130 cannabinoids in weed, with the two most popular ones being cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
This post looks at marijuana strains based on a lesser-known cannabinoid called delta-8.
What Are Delta-8 Marijuana Strains
As we’ve just pointed out, cannabis strains can get their identity from the dominant cannabinoids in them. By that logic, delta-8 marijuana strains are strains that produce considerably high volumes of delta-8.
Delta-8, also known as delta-8 THC, is a derivative of tetrahydrocannabinol. This cannabinoid is famous for its mellower effects compared to the more potent THC isomer – delta-9.
The 7 Facts About Delta-8 Marijuana Strains
Delta-8 Strains Come In Many Forms
As with most cannabinoids, delta-8 strains come in numerous preparations. You can find these products in oils, tinctures, and smokable blends. The strains are also available in edibles, topicals, and vape products.
Vaping has gradually emerged as one of the coolest ways to consume delta-8 and other cannabis strains. That’s mainly because it offers a faster onset time than many delivery methods.
Besides, vaping is safer than smoking. And the best part is that there are numerous vape products to try out. These range from delta 8 carts THC, delta-8 wax pens, and delta-8 dabs, to mention but a few.
Delta-8 Strains Offer Immense Pharmacological Applications
Delta-8 strains contain powerful therapeutic properties and may help treat various ailments. Suffice it to say that the potential health benefits of delta-8 tie back to the compound’s parent cannabinoid – tetrahydrocannabinol.
Pain is one of the most common reasons people take delta-8. According to research, THC relieves pain by blocking the pathways in the central nervous system along which pain signals travel.
Delta-8 might also treat inflammation. Studies have shown that tetrahydrocannabinol can prevent inflammation by decreasing the release of inflammatory markers like chemokines and cytokines.
Stress and anxiety are other common medical issues you might relieve using delta-8 strains. The main cannabinoid in delta-8 strains – tetrahydrocannabinol – fights anxiety by increasing sensitivity to bliss hormones like dopamine and serotonin. One study found that THC could ease various post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, including irritability, flashbacks, and nightmares.
Last but not least, you can administer delta-8 strains for sleep deprivation. Again, the benefits tie back to THC. Trials conducted in the 1970s found that THC is a powerful sedative and can shorten sleep onset time.
Delta-8 Strains Contain Psychedelic Abilities
Delta-8 is an isomer of tetrahydrocannabinol, the most psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana. That explains why delta-8 strains will get you high.
Delta-8’s mind-altering effects are due to the specific endocannabinoid receptors it interacts with. When consumed, delta-8 affects CB1 receptors, which are expressed around the brain and central nervous system (CNS). In contrast, non-psychoactive cannabinoids like CBD affect CB2 receptors located further from the brain.
Delta-8 Strains Are Less Potent Than Delta-9
The main reason behind the recent explosion in the popularity of delta-8 strains is that these products produce mellower and more tolerable effects. That’s especially in comparison to the more potent delta-9.
According to users, delta-8 is roughly 50 – 65% as potent as delta-9 and 20 – 30% as powerful as delta-10. With effects sitting midway between delta-9 and delta-10, delta-8 strains let you enjoy the best of both worlds.
Delta-8 Strains Come From Hemp
Delta-8 is a tetrahydrocannabinol derivative, and THC mainly comes from marijuana cultivars. Therefore, it’s intuitive to imagine that delta-8 strains also come from the same cannabis variants.
However, delta-8 is derived from hemp, a cannabis cultivar that contains considerably high CBD concentrations and low concentrations of delta-9 THC. The extraction of delta-8 from hemp involves converting hemp extracts into cannabidiol and obtaining delta-8 from CBD.
Delta-8 Stains Are Federally Legal
The passage of the 2018 Farm Bill subsequently made all hemp-derived products legal at the federal level, provided that they contain a maximum delta-9 percentage of 0.3%.
The fact that delta-8 strains come from hemp means all delta-8 products are federal across all fifty states. However, note that cannabis laws vary from one country to another. So, you’d check your local regulations before using delta-8 or any marijuana strain.
Delta-8 Stains Are Biphasic
The term biphasic refers to the potential of a compound to produce varying effects if consumed in different amounts.
As with most psychoactive cannabis strains, delta-8 is stimulating at low doses and sedates at low doses.
The best way to enjoy delta-8’s benefits is to consume the strain in moderation. That’s especially if you’re still new to the compound.
Wrap Up
There goes our definitive guide to delta-8 strains. As a parting shot, remember to consult your doctor before integrating delta-8 products into your health and wellness routine.
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