Delta-8 & The Endocannabinoid System: How They Work Together

Feeling curious about how delta-8 works? How it produces those good vibes?

D8 interacts with an oh-so-important system in your body called the endocannabinoid system. This complex network of cell receptors in your own body responds to cannabinoids — such as delta-8-THC.

So come ‘round science fans. This guide is here to educ8 you on how delta-8 works with your endocannabinoid system to create the experiences you’ve come to love.

What Is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8-THC (also goes by D8, delta-8, delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, marijuana-lite) is a naturally-occurring compound in the cannabis plant. It's a cannabinoid like CBD and THC, and there are a lot of similarities with THC.

D8 is generally only present in teeny tiny amounts in cannabis plants, but producers have found ways to make delta-8 to create concentrated D8 products.

Delta-8 & Delta-9

Cannabis enthusiasts take note — don’t be confused by the similarity in letters. What we typically call "THC" is delta-9-THC. Yes, they share some qualities — both molecularly and in their effects. But, delta-8-THC and delta-9-THC are two different compounds. Typically, D9 (we'll refer to it simply as THC moving forward here) is thought to create stronger psychoactive effects.

D8 is also less likely to cause paranoia while consuming — which may make this cannabinoid a good option for first-time cannabis consumers who want something milder than THC.

Delta-8 & CBD

Delta-8 and CBD are both cannabinoids, but D8 is much more similar to THC than CBD. Still, both delta-8 and CBD can be found in the hemp or marijuana plants. And they both have their own set of potential wellness benefits. Both delta-8-THC and CBD have been shown to cause some to feel pain relief, reduced nausea, and less stress.

What Is The Endocannabinoid System?

Your body is made up of intricate networks in need of perfect balance to maintain your health. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is one such system in your body — just like your digestive system or cardiovascular system.

The ECS plays an important role in many physiological functions such as mood, sleep, immune function, and even perception of pain. This system is a network of cell receptors in the body that respond to cannabinoids — such as delta-8-THC. Your body even creates its own cannabinoids — these are called endocannabinoids.

The fascinating thing about the ECS is that cannabinoids from hemp and marijuana engage with your ECS similarly to your body’s endocannabinoids. When you consume delta-8 products, the effects you feel are due to the way those cannabinoids interact with your ECS.

How Does Delta-8-THC Work In The Endocannabinoid System?

D8 — just like other cannabinoids — works with your body's ECS to produce various effects. When D8 meets up with the ECS receptors throughout your brain and body, it might cause you to feel any of these potential effects:

• Euphoric
• Relaxed
• Focused
• Uplifted
• “High”

This happens because D8 is mingling directly with endocannabinoid receptors and activating them. Let’s take a look at the two main receptors currently known: CB1 and CB2.

D8 & CB1 Receptors

Delta-8-THC interacts with your ECS very similarly to delta-9-THC. They both show a strong affinity for the CB1 receptors found in your ECS.

CB1 receptors are generally concentrated in the brain and spinal cord — which may explain the cognitive effects you feel during a D8 or D9 high. Research has shown that delta-8-THC mobilizes the CB1 receptors in your ECS to create psychotropic effects (though with less potency than regular THC).(1) That’s why you may experience some cognitive distortions and increased euphoria associated with the delta-8 high.

D8 & CB2 Receptors

Not as much is known about how D8 associates with the CB2 receptors in your endocannabinoid system. What we do know is that CB2 receptors are found less in the central nervous system and more in the peripheral nervous system.

CB2 receptors are particularly found in the immune and digestive tissues throughout the body. They play a big role in regulating immune functioning.

Research also shows that stimulating the CB2 receptors doesn’t lead to psychoactive effects (like activating CB1 does).(2) Beyond the psychoactive effects of delta-8-THC, studies have shown that it may:

• Potentially reduce tumor sizes(3)
• Decrease nausea and vomiting(4)
• Stimulate appetite(5)

These digestive and immune-related effects might be due to the way it interacts with the CB2 receptors in the body, though there’s a lot more we need to learn to be sure.

More research is needed, but the evidence is clear — delta-8 leverages your ECS to produce different health effects.

Delta-8 Products Your ECS Will Love

CBD in gummy form has been a fan favorite for some time. And now, delta-8 gummies are quickly becoming the preferred way to consume delta-8-THC.

That's why we've crafted our Nano-Optimized Delta-8 Gummies for the benefits and buzz of THC without the anxiousness that can sometimes happen with THC. Among an abundance of options on the D8 market, we think our delta-8 gummies shine for a few reasons.

Pure Craft Nano Delta-8 Infused Gummies are:

• Nano-optimized for better absorption
• Made from organic hemp that’s grown in the USA
• 100% natural
• Third-party lab tested for purity
• Vegan

Gummies are also a great way to manage how much D8 you consume. Feel free to start out with a third or a half of a gummy to see how it works with your body!

Delta-8-THC & The ECS: Takeaways

D8 is one of the many cannabinoids found in cannabis. It can be relaxing, energizing, or euphoric depending on how it interacts with your unique physiology and the receptors in your endocannabinoid system.

Like other cannabinoids, delta-8 also engages with your ECS receptors to produce different effects like reducing nausea and alleviating pain. We know that delta-8-THC works with your CB1 receptors just like THC does. And we think that it activates the CB2 receptors, but scientists don’t have the full picture quite yet.

For a high-quality D8 experience, Pure Craft’s Nano Delta-8 Infuse Vegan Gummies are the perfect option.

TRY D8 GUMMIES TODAY

References

1. (2021). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 638026, delta8-Tetrahydrocannabinol. National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/delta8-Tetrahydrocannabinol
2. Dhopeshwarkar, A, and Mackie, K. (2014). CB2 Cannabinoid receptors as a therapeutic target-what does the future hold? Molecular Pharmacology. https://doi.org/10.1124/mol.114.094649
3. Munson, AE, et al. (1975). Antineoplastic activity of cannabinoids. Journal of the National Cancer Institute. https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/55.3.597
4. Abrahamov, A, et al. (1995). An efficient new cannabinoid antiemetic in pediatric oncology. Life Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1016/0024-3205(95)00194-b
5. Avraham, Y, et al. (2004). Very low doses of delta 8-THC increase food consumption and alter neurotransmitter levels following weight loss. Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pbb.2004.01.015