According to The National Cancer Institute, “Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol is an analogue of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with antiemetic, anxiolytic, appetite-stimulating, analgesic, and neuro-protective properties. Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-8-THC) binds to the cannabinoid G-protein coupled receptor CB1, located in the central nervous system.” For simplicity’s sake: try to think of Delta 8 as THC’s beneficial sister. Before we get more into Delta8, however, we need to understand exactly what THC is and how Delta8 comes from it. The technical name for THC—the abundant cannabinoid responsible for giving you a high feeling—is Delta 9 Tetrahydrocannabinol. The benefits of THC are numerous including its ability to provide relief from inflammation, nausea, sleep disorders, pain, and more. However, unlike CBD, THC does get you high and provides its users with psychoactive effects. Interestingly, however, scientists have been experimenting with various forms of THC and slight variations of the chemical compound for years. This is how they have found CBD and Delta8, both of which are slight different chemical bonds that occur within the marijuana plant. Because they’re different, chemists are able to separate and isolate these chemical bonds from THC and create a new, unique compound. Known as Delta 8 Tetrahydrocannabinol, Delta 8 differs from Delta 9 by only a slight shift in one chemical bond. However, despite its similarity, it has an entirely different chemical profile which distinguishes it from traditional THC. Its similarities and slight differences are what have fascinated the science community for years. As you can see below, Delta 9 and Delta 8 appear incredibly similar. However, when you look a bit closer, you can see that the two do in fact vary at the atomic level.