THC works by binding to the body's cannabinoid receptors, which are found throughout the brain and nervous system. THC also activates the brain's reward system. This triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that causes pleasurable effects. THC is the cannabinoid responsible for people experiencing an intoxicating effect when they consume cannabis.
THC delta-9 is the main natural intoxicating component of the cannabis plant. When someone smokes or consumes delta-9 THC above a certain threshold, they usually experience a “high”. Depending on quality, quantity and other factors, both delta-8 and delta-9 THC can produce intoxicating psychoactive effects, or a “high”. Unlike THC delta-9, THC delta-8 is not likely to test positive for THC on a drug test, unless the test specifically looks for the delta-8 metabolites of THC.
THC Delta 9 is not the only compound in cannabis, nor is it solely responsible for the effects that are felt. Delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC come from the cannabis sativa plant, which naturally produces more than 100 cannabinoids or active components. THC delta-8 and THC delta-9 can produce the positive or adverse effects mentioned above, since both THC delta-8 and THC delta-9 activate the body's CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, including those in the central nervous system. Meanwhile, overstimulation of CB1 receptors through excessive consumption of delta-8 THC or delta-9 THC can cause lethargy, disorientation, anxiety (and, potentially, panic), dry mouth and eyes, increased heart rate and loss of coordination, adds Dr.
According to the FDA, products with delta-8 THC may contain potentially harmful chemicals or contaminants, including household products that are used during the chemical synthesis process that produces delta-8 THC. That said, the laws surrounding the production, sale, and use of delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC are constantly evolving. Research on the long-term use of delta-9 THC and its effects on sleep is limited; some studies show an improvement in sleep patterns and others indicate that chronic consumption of delta-9 THC may have the opposite effect, since it disrupts sleep and delays the onset of sleep. Both delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC are composed of the same set of elements (carbon, hydrogen and oxygen) and only differ slightly in the arrangement of those elements, says Dr.
Despite their similarities, delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC also have important differences that you should understand before consuming either substance. However, if the delta-8 THC product contains concentrations of delta-9 THC, a drug test may test positive for THC. In short, it is impossible to say with certainty that delta-8 THC does not give a positive result in a drug screening test, since it depends on the quality and content of the specific THC delta-8 product used, as well as the type of drug test being performed. In many ways, it's the polar opposite of THC delta 9, but that doesn't mean they cancel out their effects on each other.
