New to Delta-8 THC? Don't Worry, We Have You Covered

If you consider yourself a health-enthusiast, we are sure you would have heard of cannabinoids such as CBD (Cannabidiol) and THC (Marijuana). They have become quite popular among health-conscious people because of their incredible therapeutic effects.

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Delta-8 THC is a less-heard-of yet close relative of Marijuana. Though a relatively new name in the family of cannabinoids, it has embarked upon the path of gaining immense popularity as alternative medicine.

What is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 THC is a psychoactive ingredient obtained from the cannabis hemp plant, scientifically known as Cannabis Sativa. It is one of the 100+ cannabinoids obtained from the cannabis plant.

Though it has become popular in recent years, it is not a new discovery. Delta-8 THC was first found in 1965 by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, also known as “The Father of Cannabis”.

Like the other 114 cannabinoids, Delta-8 THC influences the endocannabinoid system of our body and imparts several therapeutic benefits. Let’s delve deep into Delta 8 THC.

How does Delta-8 THC Work?

To understand how Delta-8 THC works, we must have a basic knowledge of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). Present in all mammalian bodies, the ECS is a complex biological system. Research has found that erratic behavior of the ECS can impede the proper functioning of almost all vital systems of our body.

Delta-8 THC interacts with the receptors of the endocannabinoid system present throughout the body and influences the systems to function more efficiently. For example, it binds with the CB1 receptors present in the central and peripheral nervous system of the body and imparts a neuroprotective effect. It also helps to improve immunity. Let’s look into the various benefits of Delta-8 THC.

What Benefits Can You Expect from Delta-8 THC?

1. It May Help to Increase Appetite

Much like Marijuana (Delta-9 THC), Delta-8 THC too can induce the “munchies”, causing increased desire to eat. Evidence collected from an animal study suggests that Delta-8 THC can help improve appetite and regulate nutrient absorption, and better your body’s metabolism.

2. It May Help to Reduce Anxiety

Delta-8 THC, much like CBD, has anxiolytic properties. It influences the central nervous system, can produce a calming and relaxing effect, and help to relieve stress and depressive behavior. It can also help to reduce fatigue and boost energy.

3. It May Help to Relieve Pain

Delta-8 THC influences the receptors in your brain and obstructs the perception of pain. Consuming Delta-8 may help to relieve chronic pain associated with various disorders. Delta-8 THC can also help to cope with pain and discomfort associated with cancer and chemotherapy.

4. It May Help to Reduce Nausea

Delta-8 THC may have some anti-emetic properties. Vaping Delta-8 or consuming tinctures with your food or beverage can help to relieve nausea and reduce the urge to vomit. It helps to cope with chronic nausea associated with chemotherapy.

5. It May Help Improve Cognitive Function

Delta-8 THC can help improve brain function and enables you to focus more on your work. Research has also found that Delta-8 might have some neuroprotective properties. It can be therapeutic for people with psychological disorders.

6. It May Help in Treating Cancer

Research conducted by the National Cancer Institute in 2013 found that Delta-8 can help reduce tumor growth. It can help slow down the proliferation of cancer cells and prevent metastasis or the spread of cancer.

How Can You Consume Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 THC supplements are available in various forms, each having a different duration of effects. For instance,

The effects of Delta-8 THC vaping and smoking last for about 3-4 hours.
Delta-8 THC oils and tinctures impart its effects for almost 6 hours.
If you want longer-lasting effects, you can try edible gummies infused with Delta-8 THC.

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Delta 8 vs. Delta 9 THC: How are They Different?

Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC (marijuana) are two siblings of the cannabinoid family. However, they differ in their chemical composition. Though both have psychoactive properties, Delta-9 THC is relatively more potent than Delta-8. The effects of Delta-8 are milder and last for a shorter time than Delta-9.

Extraction of Delta-9 is comparatively a simpler and cheaper process than Delta-8 extraction. This makes Delta-8 supplements a bit pricier than Delta-9 THC. Also, Delta-9 products are more easily available than Delta-8.

CBD vs. Delta-8 THC: How are They Different?

Though CBD and Delta-8 THC are analogous to each other, they are different in their composition as well as effects. While Delta-8 is mildly psychoactive, i.e., produces a feeling of ” high”, CBD does not affect the mind and body.

However, both of these cannabinoids can help in stress relief and promote good sleep. They also help to alleviate pain. Another difference is, Delta-8 THC may show up in your drug reports, whereas CBD will not.

Is Delta-8 Legal?

Though Delta-8 THC is gaining popularity among health enthusiasts, it lacks proper quality regulations. Delta-8 THC products are not approved by the FDA yet. This means the legal clauses of Delta-8 THC are still not very clear.

Currently, 11 states, namely Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, Rhode Island, and Utah, completely restrict trade and usage of Delta-8 THC. Thus, remember to make sure it is legal in your state to avoid a fine.

Side Effects and Safety Concerns

Delta-8 THC is generally well-tolerated by most individuals. However, some adverse reactions have been reported. The side effects of Delta-8 THC consumption include:

Dry Mouth
Dry Eyes
Lethargy
Inability to focus
Confusion and paranoia
Altered Heart Rate
Low Blood pressure
Anxiety when consumed in high doses.

However, the effects of Delta-8 THC do not last very long. This means, even though you experience some side effects, they will pass away as soon as you withdraw from them. Delta-8 THC can be mildly addictive too and may lead to dependency when used for a long time.

The Bottom Line

Though scientists are yet to reveal all the beneficial effects of Delta-8, it seems to be a promising therapeutic ingredient. We hope this blog has helped you to have a better idea about this member of the cannabinoid family. If you feel Delta-8 THC can help you cope with any health issues, find a reliable vendor before you purchase to avoid fake or low-quality products.

New to Delta-8 THC? Don’t Worry, We Have You Covered