Health & Wellness

Medically Reviewed By:

Nidra Sidhu, M.D. Integrative Medicine

What Are The Delta 8 Benefits?

To understand the delta 8 benefits, you first need to learn what delta 8 online is. If you’ve been anywhere near delta 9, you’ve probably already got a pretty good idea of what the hemp plant is all about. If not, we’ve got you covered.

Delta 8 is a minor compound derived from the hemp plant. It only occurs naturally in hemp in tiny increments, which means you’re not likely to find a delta 8 rich strain of hemp anytime soon. It is, however, possible to convert it into delta 8 through a process called oxidation. This process can sound quite complex because, well, it is. Through substantial research and significant time, we’ve mastered the art of bringing you effective and consistent delta 8 products for your consuming pleasure.

So now that you briefly know what delta 8 is, you’re ready for a deeper dive. This minor compound is thought to be similar to delta 9 compounds but offers a lighter, smoother, and more prolonged high than delta 9. Let’s continue to learn about the differences between delta 8 and delta 9. Then, we’ll take a look at the delta 8 benefits, the delta 8 side effects, and the many ways you can consume delta 8.

The Difference Between Delta 8 Effects and Delta 9

Delta 9 is the most common compound found in the hemp plant. Delta 8 could be viewed as a gentler, smoother cousin of this powerhouse plant. What makes delta 8 different from delta 9 — they’re both hemp, after all?

Delta 8 has a slightly different structure from delta 9, even though they are very similar molecularly. Specifically, delta 8 and delta 9 both have double carbon bonds between the atoms that make up the molecules. The location of those double carbon bonds is their difference. Delta 8 has a double bond on the 8th carbon and delta 9 on the 9th carbon in the chain, hence delta 8 compounds and delta 9 compounds.

The molecular structure isn’t the only difference. Although the structure is similar, the high appears to be a lighter, more prolonged, and smoother high with delta 8 compared to the more intense, somewhat debilitating delta 9 high. With delta 8 consumers often report milder side effects (which we’ll discuss in a moment) and a more relaxed experience without the couchlock.

What Does Delta 8 Do?

So we know what delta 8 is and the difference between delta 8 and delta 9. Now we ask ourselves, what does delta 8 do? Based on existing research, it appears Delta 8 behaves similarly to delta 9 and interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors that are part of the endo-hemp system in the body.

What is the endocannabinoid system?

It’s a complex cell-signaling network in the body that may play a role in regulating the central nervous system, synaptic plasticity, and more. The ECS may help regulate mood, appetite, sleep, memory, and many of the body’s functions. Within this network is a host of compound receptors. The most abundant receptors are CB1 and CB2. Both receptors are present in the brain, although CB1 is found in much higher quantities. CB1 can be found throughout the central nervous system, while CB2 is most often found in the immune system.

These receptors act as agonists or antagonists. They bind with the receptors in the endocannabinoid system and either block or limit receptor activity or mimic the compounds produced by the body. When you understand how the endocannabinoid system works with compounds like delta 8, delta 9, and the many other compounds found in hemp, it makes more sense why certain hemp products may support your daily wellness routine.

What Are The Delta 8 Benefits?

More research is needed to understand exactly what delta 8 does in the body. Still, we can make some inferences based on the information we do have about the hemp plant and anecdotal experiences. Let’s take a look at the possible delta 8 benefits that make this compound so desirable.

As we’ve discussed, certain compounds interact with the endo-hemp system producing various results. It’s important to note that everyone is different. If you’ve never used a hemp product before, perhaps the delta 8 high will feel strong. If you have used hemp products before, especially the more intense delta 9, you’ll at least have something to base the experience off of.

Some of the possible delta 8 benefits are:

• Support with your daily wellness routine
• Help with maintaining a sense of calm
• Ready to tackle your to-do list
• Capable of unwinding at the end of a long day

There’s still so much we don’t know about this powerhouse plant. Delta 8 looks to be a promising option for those who don’t want to feel “out of control” like they might with a delta 9 high, yet still desire similar effects and benefits that come with a delta 9 high.

The Different Ways You Can Consume Delta 8

If you want to experience the delta 8 benefits, you have to consume it (obviously). There are plenty of different consumption methods, each with its own benefits. Let’s take a look at some of the options for consuming delta 8.

Edibles.

Delta 8 Edibles come in many different forms: Delta 8 gummies, brownies, cookies, even capsules, or any other food-like consumable are all great options. Edibles have to be digested through the liver just like food, which means their activation time is a lot longer than through the lungs with inhalation. If you want a smoother, more prolonged high, delta 8 edibles are the way to go. Activation time for delta 8 edibles could take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the strength of the delta 8, what you’re consuming, how many other foods and things you’ve had that day, your metabolism speed, and a variety of other factors.

Tinctures.

Delta 8 tinctures offer a quick and easy way to measure how much delta 8 you want to consume. It typically comes in a discreet packaging that usually contains a dropper in the lid so you can measure the amount you want, squeeze it under the tongue, and allow it to start absorbing into the membranes in your mouth and the bloodstream. Activation time for tinctures is typically 5 to 15 minutes.

Vaping.

Vaping delta 8 is a fast-acting way to gain the delta 8 benefits without waiting for it to process through the liver. Sometimes people prefer the more gradual release of an edible, while others want an immediate hit of this up-and-coming compound. Activation time for vaping is usually immediate to a few minutes.

The high you experience with each of these consumption methods might vary slightly. Each product and how the body processes and uses that product is different for each person. For a smoother, more prolonged high, go for the tinctures and edibles. If you’re looking for quick activation, vaping will be the fastest. Whichever method you choose, don’t be afraid to experiment with different products to find which one suits your needs under different circumstances. 

Potential Delta 8 Side Effects

When talking about delta 8 benefits, it’s always necessary to share the whole picture, which means touching on the potential delta 8 side effects. The delta 8 side effects may be similar to those of delta 9. The degree to which you experience these effects, if at all, is dependent on a few factors like how much delta 8 you consumed and your metabolism.

Let’s take a look at the possible side effects of consuming delta 8.

Potential Euphoria.

Is this really a side effect? It is for some people. If you don’t want to be giggly and happy, well, maybe you shouldn’t take delta 8. In smaller amounts, it likely won’t make you noticeably high to others, but a feeling of contentment is always a wonderful thing.

The Takeaway

If you want to reap the delta 8 benefits, then you can try it out today. It’s as simple as purchasing Delta North Delta 8 Gummies 500 mg in whatever strength you desire. Our flavors are delicious, and the delta 8 effects will leave you feeling content and ready to approach any situation with a little more ease. If you want to learn more, visit our What Is Delta 8 page here.

Clayton McCall

Clayton is a Senior Content Specialist, researcher, and holistic healthcare practitioner. Having been in the supplement industry for more than 15 years, Clayton brings a wealth of experience to the delta 8 space. His publications include alternative therapy, stress and coping, and alternative health.