Delta-8 Arrives to Wild Ginger Apothecary

What is Delta-8?

Delta-8 is found in cannabis and has a similar molecular structure to THC, with a much lower psychotropic potency.  You will feel a pleasant "buzz" but you won't feel “stoned.” Delta-8 does share some similarities with THC. Some report that it helps stimulate appetite, reduce nausea, help calm stress, and ease aches and pains. 

How does Delta-8 work?

Delta-8 is the hemp-derived CBD alternative that you can physically feel working in your body.

For many, it provides a total sense of well-being. Unlike CBD isolate that binds exclusively to the CB1 receptor, Delta-8 binds to both the CB1 and CB2 receptor, increasing its therapeutic efficacy.

How does Delta-8 compare to Delta-9 and CBD?

There are more than 100 cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant. While we have some foundational knowledge about the primary cannabinoids, delta-9-THC and cannabidiol (CBD), we know less about the secondary, or minor, cannabinoids.

Delta-8-THC is a minor cannabinoid, occurring in the plant in very small concentrations. Delta-8-THC is also known to be a degraded form of THC, and is not directly produced by cannabinoid-synthesizing enzymes within the plant. When THC is stored for a period of time, it degrades into delta-8-THC.

From a chemical or structural perspective, delta-8-THC differs from delta-9-THC due to the location of a critical chemical bond. Both delta-8 and delta-9-THC contain double bonds in their molecular chain. Delta-8-THC contains that bond on the 8th carbon chain, while delta-9-THC contains the bond on the 9th carbon chain. Although it’s a subtle difference, it has noticeable effects on how the body’s endocannabinoid receptors bind and respond to the molecule. 

In addition, delta-9-THC is less stable than delta-8-THC. Delta-9 THC is easily oxidized to become cannabinol (CBN) or delta-8-THC. Delta-8-THC is stable, does not oxidize to become cannabinol, and boasts a prolonged shelf life. Such stability is desirable in a medicinal compound. Delta-8-THC is also about half as strong as delta-9. 

Mechanism of Action 

Delta-8-THC binds to the CB1 receptor like delta-9-THC, but its affinity for the receptor is different due to its slightly altered molecular structure. The CB1 receptor is responsible for mediating most of the psychotropic effects of THC. 

This differential binding may be responsible for the reported clearer high with reduced anxiety, and greater ability to concentrate often associated with delta-8-THC. It’s possible that its unique molecular structure also impacts the chemical’s effects on other receptors and neural pathways.

New Item: Qwin Cartridges

Just in: Qwin’s Delta-8 Vape Cartridges. At only $45 for 1g, these are a great value to feel better! Cartridge They contain only whole-plant hemp extract (Δ8 derived from Cannabis Sativa L. lab-tested >0.3% Δ9 THC) and botanical terpenes.

Qwin’s Flavor Profiles:
Orange Squeeze: A sweet citrus flavor with a creative, upbeat experience. (Sativa)
Fruity Gangster: An earthy, lemon flavor with a happy, uplifted experience. (Sativa-dominant Hybrid)
Lychee-Do: A sweet and earthy citrus and berry flavor with a relieving and uplifting experience.  (Indica-Dominant Hybrid)
Rainbow Kush: A spicy, sweet fruity flavor with a pleasant, creative experience. (Indica-Dominant Hybrid)
Moonies: Our custom strain that has a grape and blueberry flavor with a soothing experience.  (Indica-Dominant Hybrid)

New item: Pur Sensory Gummies

What to know about Pūr8: The efficacy and stability of delta-8  make it an extremely valuable hemp-derived chemical compound. Pur8’s benefits and effects serve consumers of all types, and it illustrates the power of individual chemical constituents within hemp. As science defines and refines the applications for hemp’s eclectic collection of cannabinoids, we will benefit.

Dozens of Delta 8 Products in-store now! Come see us!