One of the latest blessings of the cannabis plant is Delta-8 THC, and you may be wondering about the potential benefits of Delta-8.
Can this new cannabinoid be a better alternative to medical marijuana? What about the side effects? Don’t worry. We’re here with all the details on everything Delta-8.
Main Key Points
- Delta-8 THC is a natural chemical compound existing in the cannabis sativa plant.
- Delta-8 THC has lower psychotropic potency than Delta-9 THC.
- Many users prefer Delta-8 to medical marijuana because of its fewer psychoactive effects.
- Research shows that Delta-8 THC has many potential health benefits.
- Studies show that Delta-8 THC can help relieve pain and anxiety.
What Is Delta-8 THC
Delta-8 THC is the new crowd-favorite cannabinoid, which is no surprise since it’s pretty much Delta-9 THC’s nicer younger sibling!
Delta-8 is one of the many natural psychoactive compounds that naturally occur in the hemp plant, but the amounts of Delta-8 THC in the plant are very scarce.
History of Delta-8 THC
Delta-8 THC first entered the chat all the way back in 1941, when an American chemist by the name of Roger Adams published a paper announcing the first synthesis of Delta-8 THC.
Scientific Research Behind Delta-8
Doctor Adams did the first research about Delta-8’s effects on human subjects only one year after discovering it, but not many took a keen interest in the wonderful compound till years later.
Early 1970s research
We love the 70s interest in cannabis, especially in Delta-8 THC.
In 1974, researchers at the National Cancer Institute were trying to prove that cannabinoids could hurt the immune system. (Talk about prejudice, am I right!)
They were focused on CBD, Delta-8, and Delta-9. But guess what?! They discovered something totally different! They actually discovered that Delta-8 and Delta-9 possessed cancer-killing abilities.
This discovery was later supported by further research in 1975, which discovered that Delta-8 THC could also shrink tumors.
Delta-8 research in the 80s and 90s
In 1980 a study into the potential Delta-8 benefits concluded that Delta-8 has neuroprotective properties, as it helps with the production of a neurotransmitter called Acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter is responsible for many important functions, such as cognition, memory, neuroplasticity, and even arousal.
In 1982, a study discovered that Delta-8 was effective in controlling seizures resulting from epilepsy.
In 1995, in another study on young cancer patients at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Delta-8 THC was used as a treatment for nausea caused by chemotherapy.
The children saw a 100% success rate in reducing nausea resulting from their chemotherapy, with over 480 treatments in total.
Delta-8 research in the new millennia
In 2004, a study was conducted using mice. Researchers discovered that low doses of Delta-8 increased the mice’s appetites more than they did with Delta-9 THC, which can be helpful for many conditions.
The study also showed that Delta-8 has fewer negative side effects on the mice than Delta-9. The mice had less anxiety while having a case of “the munchies.”
A 2014 study observed a 32% decrease in apnea episodes after administering a THC pill to patients for three weeks just before bedtime.
In 2018, a preclinical study on mice discovered that D8 could potentially diminish pain and inflammation resulting from the corneal injury.
Potential Benefits Of Delta-8 THC
So how do all the science and studies translate into therapeutic benefits? Let’s name a few of the fantastic Delta-8 benefits, according to science.
Delta-8 THC for chronic pain relief
Delta-8 THC is one of the strongest THC compounds for pain. The Analgesic properties of Delta-8 are no joke, and analgesic means pain-killer abilities; studies show that Delta-8 activates our CB1 receptors connected to our nervous system in a way that helps lower pain.
Moreover, Delta-8 appears to also interact with our CB2 receptors, which helps the body to manage its pain response better.
The studies also suggest that Delta 8 can also block pain signals from reaching the brain, hence reducing pain.
Delta-8 THC for anxiety
According to the national cancer institute, Delta-8 has many potential benefits, including potent anxiolytic effects, aka anti-anxiety properties, that can help with many mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and panic attacks.
Not only that but Delta-8 can also influence the body to lower its stress response, hence alleviating anxiety.
Delta-8 doesn’t stop at lowering stress levels, but it also helps increase the production of happy hormones such as dopamine and serotonin.
Delta-8 THC for inflammation
Research shows that Delta-8 does indeed have anti-inflammatory properties, which can be helpful in reducing pain and swelling resulting from inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.
Delta-8 THC for nausea
According to the 1995 study, Delta-8 had a 100% success rate in controlling nausea and vomiting in all 480 treatments thanks to its antiemetic effects.
Delta-8 for relaxation
Delta-8’s sedative-like effects can give you more than just a body high; they can also help you relax your body and mind.
Delta-8 for sleep
Delta-8 can be an effective sleep aid; aside from its relaxing properties, it can also put you to sleep faster and get you to sleep for longer periods!
Not only that, but research shows that it can also help with sleep apnea!
Delta-8 for seizure disorders
From the 1982 study, we know that Delta-8 THC has major potential in controlling seizures.
Potential Risks Of Using Delta-8 THC
The biggest risk of using Delta-8 THC comes from using cheap products with unknown ingredients.
Because of the scarcity of Delta-8 in hemp plants, manufacturers use a chemical synthesis process to extract Delta-8 from other cannabinoids such as CBD and Delta-9 THC. This process requires sophisticated labs and proper cannabinoid scientific knowledge.
According to the Poison Control Centers, many of the unknown brands can have potentially harmful chemicals that can be really bad for your health.
Always buy from transparent brands that test their products for safety and authenticity and are forthcoming about the test results; see a lab report example here.
Common Side Effects
Most people have nothing but good things to say about their Delta-8 experience, but we know that some can have mild side effects such as red eyes, dry mouth, and dizziness (for users not used to the high).
Remember that Delta-8 THC is a potent psychoactive cannabinoid, so if you’re not used to THC and take high-strength products, it can fire back and cause some feelings of anxiety and paranoia.
Potentially Serious Side Effects
Although rare, there can be some serious adverse events resulting from Delta-8 use, such as increased blood pressure, decreased heart rate, and allergic reactions; read more about these side effects and how to avoid them here.
Tips When Shopping For Delta-8 Products
By now, you know that Delta-8 products from flyby companies can do more harm than good, but don’t worry. We’ve got a few tips to help you hunt for some quality Delta-8 products.
Brand Transparency
Well-established brands that offer high-quality products would be proud to tell you where they source their products from and publish third-party lab test results on their website.
Quality Ingredients
When buying any supplement, turn and learn that label, and check for natural, organic ingredients that don’t have artificial colorants or sweeteners.
Money Back Guarantee
If a brand can put its money where its mouth is, and be willing to stand behind its product, then so can we.
If you don’t want to take the words of some marketing scheme, that’s fair! Check what verified customers are saying about their experience.
Available Delta-8 Products On The Market
The popularity of Delta-8 amongst consumers is definitely reflected in the variety of products on the market! And as huge hemp fans, we at BiowellnessX created a wide array of top-quality Delta-8 products to suit your every mood!
Delicious Delta-8 treats
Taste our all-natural and organic Delta-8 edibles (read more about them in the review here.)
- Delta-8 THC Cookies – Freshly Baked
- Vegan Delta 8 Gummies – 10mg, 25mg & 50mg THC per gummy
- Knockout Gummies with 100mg Delta 8 THC – (Experienced users only)
No fuss, Delta-8 products
Easy to enjoy, just pure Delta-8 goodness:
Puff, puff, and don’t pass
Forget about the hassle of rolling, and get your hassle-free Delta-8 smokables:
Recommended Delta-8 Dosage
Dosing Delta-8 isn’t an exact science because each person experiences cannabinoids differently. But what we know for sure is that your experience and tolerance level towards THC is major factors to consider.
The golden dosing rule is to start low and go slow! If you’re a newbie or have low THC tolerance, we recommend starting with 5 mg – 15 mg; then, you can upgrade gradually.
Frequent users or those with medium THC tolerance can take the regular dose of 15 mg to 45 mg.
Heavy THC users can start from 45 mg – 150 mg or could go for even a higher dose if they feel like it.
Is Delta-8 THC Legal?
Yes! The federal government has our eternal gratitude for passing the 2018 Farm Bill, legalizing hemp-sourced THC products containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC.
Even though the government embraced hemp-derived Delta-8 THC, some states weren’t so loving and accepting, so always check your State laws about Delta-8.
Will Delta-8 THC Fail A Drug Test?
Yes! Drug tests usually scan for THC traces in the body, and with Delta-8 being a THC compound, it’ll show on the test, causing you to fail it.
If you undergo drug tests regularly for work, we recommend that you don’t use any THC products up to 90 days before your test.
Final Thoughts On Potential Benefits Of Delta-8 THC
From the 40s till this very day, science is still discovering new therapeutic benefits of Delta-8 THC! From anxiety and pain relief to controlling vomiting, Delta-8 is most certainly a small cannabinoid with major potential!
Check out our wide selection of Delta-8 products and get a taste of the health benefits this cannabinoid can offer!
Legal Disclaimer:
By reading this information presented, you agree to release the author of any liability that comes from using this data. This post does not constitute legal advice. Claims about cannabinoids have not yet been approved by the food and drug administration FDA. Read the full legal disclaimer here.
Other articles that might have your interest:
Delta-8 vs. Delta-10 For Pain: Which Works The Best?
What Is The Difference Between Delta-9 THC And Delta-8 THC?
References:
- Delta-8 reduces pain and inflammation
- THC for sleep apnea
- Neuroprotective properties of Delta-8
- Delta-8 controls seizures
- Antineoplastic activity of cannabinoids
- Analgesic effects of Delta-8
- Delta-8 reduces pain and inflammation.
- Effects of Delta-8 on Sleep
- 2018 Farm Bill
FAQs About Benefits Of Delta-8 THC
Sure! Mixing Delta-8 and CBD together can produce an entourage effect that amplifies both their benefits.
You have to be at least 21 of age to buy any cannabis products.
Yes! Delta-8 is a psychoactive substance that does make you high.
Delta-8 is legal on a federal level, although some state laws may restrict it.
