Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, often referred to as delta-8 THC, is an intoxicatingly psychoactive cannabinoid. Concentrated amounts of delta-8 THC are typically manufactured from hemp-derived CBD, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Delta-8 THC is a psychoactive substance that is known to be less potent but chemically similar to delta-9 THC, the compound often referred to as THC that results in an intoxicating “high.
Delta-8 THC has become more popular because of its similar properties to THC, which people use because of its ability to generate happiness, euphoria, sedation, and relief from symptoms. While delta-8 THC only naturally exists in fractions of a percent, companies are finding value in concentrating esoteric cannabinoids like delta 8 for their unique effects and applications.
While additional studies are needed, some reports show using delta-8 THC may lead to relaxation, euphoria and pain relief, according to the Journal of Cannabis Research. Studies examining potential benefits, including delta-8 THC’s ability to curb nausea and vomiting, lower anxiety, stimulate the appetite and provide analgesic and neuroprotective properties, are ongoing.
It’s important to note that everyone is different. The experiences someone might have with delta 8 may be different from yours, so do heed with some caution if you do happen to be a first-time user. Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol has a lower psychotropic potency than its close cousin delta-9 THC, which is the most abundant constituent found in cannabis. This can be preferred if someone wants to use delta-8 THC in order to relieve pain during everyday tasks.
According to the National Cancer Institute, delta-8 THC can bind to the CB1 receptor throughout the body. These receptors are part of our endocannabinoid system, which helps our body regulate and maintain homeostasis which means complete balance throughout the body. So what are the health benefits of Delta-8?
1. Brain
Some of the research suggests that delta-8 THC could help people produce Acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter. This neurotransmitter is responsible for memory, cognition, neuroplasticity, and even arousal. These are huge benefits of delta 8 THC while having close to few or zero negative side effects.
One of the main reasons why there has been so much research on delta-8 THC recently is because scientists are trying to learn more about its positive effects on the brain. Delta-8 THC has strong neuroprotective properties that researchers have been studying. It works in various ways, including the inhibition of adenyl cyclase and the regulation of potassium and calcium channels in the central nervous system. These activities lead to improved brain health.
Because delta-8 THC increases the levels of choline and acetylcholine, it can also be helpful in the treatment of degenerative mental health conditions. It improves neuron generation and growth, which leads to improved brain health.
2. Appetite
In 2004, researchers analyzed delta-8’s effect on appetite control. They concluded with the trial, noting that even low doses of delta-8 stimulated an increase in food intake. You may have heard that marijuana use can lead to ‘munchies,’ and delta-8 THC is even better at appetite stimulation and the regulation of nutrient absorption. The great thing about delta-8 THC is that appetite can be significantly increased by the use of only a small dose. This has further potential applications for the cancer patients mentioned previously, as well as anyone who struggles with low appetite.
3. Stomach
We know based on the 1995 study that delta-8 appears to have no negative side effects while eliminating nausea. Because it has similar antiemetic properties to Delta-9 THC but has a lower psychoactive potency, people who suffer from nausea may be more inclined to use delta-8 as a treatment. Researchers have used delta-8 THC to treat children with cancer and found that it prevented the nausea and vomiting that was caused by their chemotherapy treatments.
4. Pain
Everyone experiences pain differently, and at different degrees, but researchers have observed delta-8’s ability to help relieve some of that pain. Having analgesic properties means it can relieve pain to some degree.
Particularly, those with neuropathic and inflammatory pain may benefit the most, but those with other types of pain may benefit, too.
5. Relaxation and anti-anxiety
As we mentioned earlier, delta 8 binds to the CB1 receptors throughout the body. In fact, some researchers have observed it connecting to the CB2 receptors, too. Its ability to bind is what helps the cannabinoid convince the body to better regulate pain and anxiety.
Delta-9 THC is effective at relieving anxiety when taken at low doses, but high doses have been found to be anxiogenic. This means that higher doses can increase anxiety. Because delta-8 THC has fewer psychoactive properties, it comes with a wider therapeutic window. Researchers believe that delta-8 THC can be administered at high doses without triggering anxiety or other side effects associated with THC, like paranoia.
If you have tried using delta-9 THC to control anxiety without any meaningful benefits, you should try using the delta-8 THC flower. It won’t muddle your thoughts and will help you feel more focused and relaxed. The anxiolytic properties it produces helps to relieve symptoms of anxiety and allow a wave of relaxation to wash over you.
6. Sleep
Because Delta 8 is so soothing and relaxing it makes for a good night’s for many. Your sleep-wake cycles begin to be modulated when Delta 8 THC attaches to your CB1 receptors. In addition, studies have revealed that THC successfully imitates the effects of melatonin, your body’s natural sleep hormone, and may even increase its production.
Higher dopamine levels increase melatonin production in the brain, which THC also generates by activating CB1. Delta 8 THC aids sleep by stimulating the CB1 receptors, sending messages to your body that encourage deeper sleep and help you fall asleep faster.
Delta-8 can be found in many forms and in various delivery systems. If you don’t like to smoke or vape, you can ingest it in edible forms, tinctures, and aerosol sublinguals. Because delta-8 has fewer side effects, you can enjoy many of the same benefits without losing functionality or productivity. These are just a few of the many potential benefits that delta 8 can provide. If you are looking for relief from pain, anxiety, or stress, then delta 8 may be the perfect solution for you.