Recently, Delta-8 THC’s popularity has surged. However, it’s not as popular as Delta-9 THC, which is the dominant THC type in the Cannabis plant. While Delta 8 THC is not as famous as other cannabinoids, it has numerous therapeutic benefits.
As studies continue, the world is learning more about the Delta-8 THC and how it works. So what is Delta 8-THC, and how does it work? Is there a difference between other cannabinoids, Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC?
This article will answer your questions and tell you all you need to know about Delta-8 THC.
What Is Delta 8 THC, and How Is It Different From Delta 9 THC?
Delta 8-THC is a naturally-occurring cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that are found in the cannabis plant.
Two of the most commonly known cannabinoids are Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). They are also the most researched chemical compounds in cannabis.
Scientists believe there are hundreds of other cannabinoids in the marijuana plant. Research has linked these compounds to numerous medicinal benefits.
Delta-9 THC is the most dominant THC in the cannabis plant. For this reason, some people use THC and Delta-9 THC interchangeably. Some cannabis products list their Delta-9 THC percentage dosage as THC.
THC is the most psychoactive chemical compound in the cannabis plant; it’s the reason why you feel euphoric when you consume cannabis. While Delta-8 THC also gets you high, its effects are lesser than those of Delta-9. According to research, Delta-8 THC provides the same healing effects as Delta-9 THC; but without the undesirable side effects.
In one study, researchers tested the Delta-8 THC compound in children with cancer. The chemical compound helped these children reduce vomiting associated with chemotherapy. It also increased appetite when tested on rodents.
Some users have claimed that Delta-8 THC makes them more clear-headed when high than Delta-9 THC. This quality has allowed users to enjoy the medicinal benefits of marijuana while still feeling energized and productive.
Why Is Delta-8 Such a Big Deal in Today’s Cannabis Market?
Delta-8 THC provides the same benefits to its counterpart Delta-9 THC. However, it offers less intense side effects. When using Delta-8, you can enjoy THC benefits such as feeling high without the negative side effects like anxiety and paranoia.
Delta 8 THC binds to the CB1 receptor just like Delta-9 THC. However, it’s less potent and more stable, unlike the Delta-9 THC. It is also said to have a lower affinity to the CB1 receptor, which could be the reason for its diminished effects.
Most people haven’t heard about Delta-8 THC because it’s found in minimal quantities in the cannabis plant. Therefore, experts have to extract it or synthesize it.
The Benefits of Delta 8 THC
According to a scientific report, researchers stated that Delta-8 THC is a correspondent of THC. They also stated that it has anxiolytic, antiemetic, neuroprotective, analgesic, and appetite-stimulating properties.
This means that researchers have linked the chemical compound to anti-anxiety, anti-nausea, and pain relief benefits. Thanks to its neuroprotective properties, it also protects the human brain. Research also showed that Delta 8 THC leads to increased appetite, making it good therapy for people suffering from anorexia.
Most Delta-8 THC products are commended for their capacity to offer a different kind of euphoria and CBD-like effects than regular THC. Delta-8 will get you high. However, thanks to its lower psychotropic potency, you wouldn’t get as high as you usually would if you take the same quantity of regular THC.
Most people have reported that Delta-9 THC makes them feel out of control. On the other hand, Delta-8 THC effects have been more potent, offering users a clear-minded “high” experience.
Usage of Delta 8 THC vs Delta 9 THC
Since both cannabinoids offer different experiences, cannabis-curious consumers should try both. If you’re a beginner, understanding how your body reacts to each compound will help you know which is best for you.
However, you should use cannabis products in moderation and controlled dosages. This is because different people have different tolerance levels.
Ensure you also learn about the chemical compound of cannabis before consumption. This will help you make the most of your cannabis products. Ensure you also purchase your cannabis products from a reputable vendor.
Scientifically Proven Effects of Delta-8 THC
It’s only recently that Delta-8 THC has been legalized in low quantities. For this reason, there has been minimal research into the effects of this cannabinoid compound. However, it is essential to note that most of these studies have shown very promising results.
There are many unknown facts about this cannabinoid. Some of these facts have been scientifically proven. Below are scientifically proven facts of Delta-8 THC:
1. It Has Anti-Inflammatory and Pain-Relieving Effects
According to 2018 research, scientists found that Delta-8 THC reduces inflammation and pain in rodents’ corneal wounds. The study found that orally-applied Delta-8 THC on the skin reduces inflammation and pain experienced after an injury. This pain-relieving effect was linked to Delta-8 THC’s binding abilities to the CB1 receptors.
In another trial in rats, researchers also came to the same conclusion. Delta-8 THC was directly associated with the reduction of pain in the experimental rats. However, these rats also developed a tolerance to Delta-8 THC after a short period.
2. It Helps Reduce Nausea
According to a published study in 1995, Life Sciences stated that Delta-8 THC has nausea fighting effects. The research was based on eight different children who had cancer. The researchers studied the children for 12 consecutive months.
During the study, the patients did not experience any vomiting or nausea after ingesting Delta-8 THC before and 24 hours after their chemotherapy treatment. The researchers also reported very few side-effects.
3. Helps Anxiety Patients
According to research, Delta-8 THC can reduce anxiety. However, this is a quality that Delta-9 THC doesn’t share. This is because users have reported feeling anxious after consuming Delta-9 THC strains.
Unfortunately, there isn’t extensive research on Delta-8 THC’s effects on anxiety. However, circumstantial reports from users claim that Delta-8 THC consumption leads to calm and focused high, without the anxiety individuals experience with Delta-9 THC sometimes.
4. It Stimulates Appetite
Delta-8 THC is also an appetite stimulant. According to a 2004 published edition of Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior, there was an increase in appetite when Delta-8 THC was administered in mice. When the scientists administered small doses of Delta-8 THC to mice for 50 days, they discovered a 22% increase in food consumption.
Based on this study’s results, scientists suggested that Delta-8 THC in low doses may be a potential treatment for weight disorder patients.
How Long Do the Effects of Delta-8 THC Last?
Delta-8 THC effects differ from individual to individual. On average, high purity Delta-8 THC when vaporized or smoked could last 1-5 hours. On the other hand, edibles and tinctures’ effects can last between 5-12 hours.
Larger doses, especially with edibles and tinctures, have more prolonged effects. This means that vaporized Delta-8 THC has shorter effects than edibles.
However, Delta-8 THC has a natural onset. Therefore, it’s quite tricky for one to understand its baseline before consuming it entirely. This means that knowing the exact length of Delta-8 THC’s effects is not an easy task.
This difficulty is more noticeable in users who don’t feel euphoric but experience a boost in their mood. These mood changes can also be subtle. The effects are unnoticeable to the user themselves most of the time.
Such individuals may think that Delta-8 THC did not have any effect on them. This is quite common during research when sampled users cite that they didn’t feel anything. Fortunately, the people surrounding them may have experienced the users’ reaction to Delta-8 THC.
Most researchers base their results on the peak effects. Hence, they forget to include the length of time a user was above baseline after the peak effect fades. Delta 8 THC effects don’t just disappear after the peak; they instead gradually phase out.
The Ensemble and Entourage Effect of Cannabis and Delta-8 THC
Some researchers believe that Delta-8 THC could boost an ensemble and entourage effect. This promotes the idea that the cannabis plant works best when users consume all types of cannabinoids together. Instead of segregating CBD or THC, taking all cannabinoids together will offer a more powerful effect.
Ideally, Delta-8 THC should assist with the Delta-8 ensemble effect as it’s a cannabinoid. However, there is a lack of supporting evidence stating whether the benefits of the cannabis plant are more effective with or without Delta-8 THC.
Is Delta 8 THC Legal?
There is a lot of confusion on the legal status of Delta-8 THC. However, since it’s a type of THC, it was considered illegal nationwide. THC gets users high, but thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, the DEA clarified the legal status of THC.
The 2018 Farm bill stated that cannabis products were illegal if they contained over 0.3% Delta-9 THC. However, the bill only stated Delta-9 THC and didn’t mention Delta-8 THC because it is a minor cannabinoid.
The lack of clarification led to people assuming that Delta-8 THC was legally acceptable in any concentration. Some farmers started growing Delta-8 THC strains and their synthetic version. Unfortunately, the Drugs Enforcement Agency published an addendum to this bill shedding light on the legal status of Delts-8 THC.
According to this addendum, it is illegal under the law to produce THC synthetically in any form. This includes both Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC. By offering this clarity, the DEA sealed the loophole.
However, it’s not completely clear where Delta 8 THC stands legally. Some people argue that its legal status should follow other THC versions. On the other hand, other people consider it legal if drawn out of a cannabis plant with less than 0.3% THC.
Who Needs Delta-8 THC?
Delta-8 THC has many medicinal benefits. For this reason, its products could fulfill the needs of a very exclusive market. Delta-8 THC’s customers prefer using CBD but don’t like the euphoria caused by Delta-9 THC.
Delta-8 THC could help users find a middle ground; experience the benefits of CBD while regulating the high effect. Delta-8 THC offers a mild euphoric feeling, and users don’t feel like their cognitive functions are impaired.
Delta-8 THC Side Effects and Safety
Thanks to the limited research on Delta-8 THC, it’s difficult to speak on its safety and effectiveness. In theory, this cannabinoid should have the same side effects as ordinary THC. However, it’s not clear how extensive the side effects are because not much is known about the compound.
According to a 1976 research study, Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC were associated with increased blood pressure in rodents. The researchers reported that both compounds temporarily constricted blood vessels in the rodents, leading to increased blood pressure. This was followed by a lower heart rate and a drop in blood pressure.
Generally, earlier research shows that Delta-8 THC has the same safety and side effects as Delta-9 THC. However, this theory requires more research, especially on humans.
Delta 8 THC Uses
Thanks to its unique effects and properties, Delta-8 THC has numerous therapeutic uses. If you are marijuana-curious, it can be your bridge to accustoming to other types of cannabinoids. Delta-8 THC is the best cannabinoid for you, especially if you find Delta-9 to be too intense.
Delta 8 THC offers consumers a way to experience the full effects of Delta 9 THC without the intense euphoric experience. Since most people use marijuana to curb their social anxiety, Delta-9 effects may be too intense for such circumstances. For users whose mental clarity is a priority, Delta-8 THC is the best way to go.
What Are the Key Takeaways Regarding Delta-8 THC?
Delta-8 THC products are finally here. Whether you want to try cannabis for its medicinal benefits or experience the clear-headed euphoria, you must try out Delta 8 THC strains.
While there is limited research into its side effects and safety, Delta-8 THC helps manage pain, nausea, and anxiety. Check out our website for more informative articles.