A lot of people are now embracing the use of cannabis products due to the beneficial effects of cannabinoids. While there are over a hundred types of organic compounds in the cannabis plant, very few of them are ideal for medical and recreational use. Delta-8 is one of these cannabinoids that has been drawing lots of consumer interest and below is its overview.
What is Delta-8 THC?
It’s a type of cannabinoid that has always garnered interest in the cannabis community since its discovery in 1941. Delta-8 has strong therapeutic properties and that’s why it’s usually used for medical purposes. However, it’s psychoactive and it also appeals for recreational use.
Differences Between Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC
While these two products are all THC-based, there is quite a huge difference between them. This makes their effects different as well even though they have similar molecular structures. Looking at the chemical structure, there is only one double bond that separates delta-8 THC molecules from those of delta-9 THC.
It should be noted that the term “delta” usually refers to this double bond. So, delta-9 has its double bond on the 9th carbon in its molecule chain. But as it starts to age, the double bond moves back to the 8th carbon on the molecule chain. This is what usually results in the formation of delta-8 THC.
That’s why scientifically, delta-8 is normally referred to as the degraded form of THC since it only occurs after delta-9 starts to age. While the shift may appear to be small, it causes quite a significant change. According to some research reports indicate that it’s less sedating, anxiety-provoking, and more clear-headed than regular THC products.
Differences Between Delta-8 THC and CBD
For starters, Delta-8 is a THC product has it significantly differs from CBD. This means that CBD is nonpsychoactive while delta-8 has psychoactive properties. Below is a highlight of the main variations between these 2 cannabinoids.
Euphoric Effects: CBD isn’t psychoactive hence it doesn’t produce euphoric effects. On the other hand, delta-8 has psychoactive properties hence it produces euphoric effects. This makes it ideal for entertainment purposes as it promotes the “high” feeling. It should be noted that CBD has a number of beneficial properties. as a result, its normally used to treat a wide range of medical issues.
Safety Issues: CBD has a good safety profile and that’s why it’s mostly used for medical purposes. There are millions of people globally who use it every day to promote general wellness. Its side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and fatigue, etc. are all well-tolerated.
Note: If you have an underlying health complication, then you should first consult your doctor before using CBD products.
Delta-8 has a quite low level of safety. Even though its side effects are less prominent than that of regular THC, they are still powerful compared to those of CBD. Besides that, there is still a need for more research studies regarding its safety.
Legality: After the legalization of the 2018 Farm Bill, all hemp products became legal federally as long as they have less than 0.3% THC. This means that you can buy CBD products nationwide without a prescription.
But is delta-8 also authorized? Well, yes. It is also legal federally as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC and it comes from the hemp plant. in case the delta-8 comes from the marijuana plant and it has around 0.3% THC focus, then it is said to be a managed substance.
Note: While both delta-8 and CBD with less than 0.3% THC are legal federally, guidelines from state to state differ. So, before you make purchases for these products, ensure that you familiarize yourself with your laws.
Accessibility: CBD is quite popular and that’s why it is widely available online. You can easily find it in your local shops as well as directly from the manufacturer’s website. Marketing and advertising of delta-8 THC products are somehow restricted. That’s why there are fewer retailers compared to those who sell CBD products.
Benefits of Delta-8 THC
Delta-8 behaves just like delta-9. They are both psychoactive compounds that can alter the way the mind functions. Ideally, delta-8 is normally used for entertainment purposes. According to most people, this compound normally produces a sense of bliss, the feeling of laughter, enhanced sensory perception, and even a deeper appreciation of life. This probably explains why people dealing with stress and anxiety live delta-8 THC products.
After binding to the CB1 receptor found in the body’s endocannabinoid system, this cannabinoid can trigger the following benefits:
Alleviating Pain and Inflammation
Almost all of us have dealt with pain and inflammation at some point in life. The truth is that both of them can cause serious discomfort. But rather than using a clinical medication, you can utilize a delta-8 THC product for wellness.
This cannabinoid has soothing and pain-relieving anti-inflammatory effects. it can, therefore, effectively target the pain and inflammation receptors in the body. By reducing their efficiency and helping to soothe the body, you will end up feeling less pain and treating inflammatory conditions.
Promoting Healthy Sleep
Healthy sleep is important for our daily lives. It ensures that the body is well-rested and rejuvenated. This allows you to fully focus and be productive during the day. However, underlying medical conditions, change in environment, and other factors may leave you battling serious insomnia and sleeplessness.
Meanwhile, delta-8 has a significant impact on the mind and the body’s rhythm. The effectiveness of this cannabinoid in binding to the receptors in the endocannabinoid system helps to promote a sense of stability. The calm effect in relation to mental and physical health can result in a healthy sleep/wake cycle.
Neuroprotective Properties
Neuroprotection helps to preserve the body’s neural structure and functions. Delta-8 THC has powerful neuroprotective agents that protect the body against neural injuries. This usually occurs by preventing or slowing the development of acute diseases. In fact, research studies indicate that it can help to protect the brain against long-term cognitive damage.
Inhibiting Nausea and Vomiting
In this case, this cannabinoid acts like an antagonist in the body. That’s why it becomes effective in modulating the feeling of nausea and vomiting. Due to its high success rate, there are already several patents on delta-8 THC components for possible uses as an anti-nausea agent in managing the effects of chemotherapy.
Stimulating Appetite
For starters, you need to understand that delta-8 isn’t like the usual marijuana “munchies”. But one thing that you will love about it is the natural appetite stimulation. It’s highly beneficial in that it may even result in a better way of nutrient absorption. This is normally facilitated by its orexigenic i.e., appetite-stimulating properties.
Improving Body Balance
The body’s processes need to balance in order for different processes to function optimally. However, there are controllable and uncontrollable factors that may result in imbalance. The good thing about this cannabinoid is that it works to improve the body’s natural balance. This includes modulating certain hormones that usually affect mood. They include the likes of glutamate, dopamine, and serotonin.
Potential Side Effects of Delta-8 THC
While there has been increased use of this cannabinoid, there is equally an increasing level of concern. This is a compound with psychoactive properties. Its mind-altering benefits can cause severe mental discomfort. Generally, the potential side effects of using this product include:
Dry mouth
Delta-8 can temporarily result in the dry mouth or cottonmouth effect. taking large amounts of this compound usually interferes with the production of saliva. It should be noted that this side effect isn’t a sign of dehydration but rather the salivary glands not working normally. As a result, you should take lots of water.
Dry Eyes
In most cases, if you experience the dry mouth effect you are also more likely to experience dry eyes. But this is also a temporary side effect that only lasts as long as the cannabinoid remains active in your body.
You might notice that you have red eyes and this is sometimes accompanied by discomfort. Well, this is bound to happen due to the lack of moisture content in the eyes. You can counter this side effect by using eye drops to moisturize your eyes.
Increased Anxiety
If you have this type of underlying medical condition, then you should use delta-8 in moderate doses only. Even though the cannabinoid has strong anti-anxiety properties, taking too much of it could worsen your anxiety. The paradoxical effects usually happen because this product contains THC with psychoactive properties.
Too Much of Body and Mind High
Taking too much delta-8 can simultaneously result in two types of highs: mind and body high. Studies indicate that delta-8 THC is one of the cannabinoids that usually results in intense body highs. So, taking too much of it can make your body become stronger, more than you would definitely like.
This can easily result in a “couch-lock”. It becomes impossible for you to move around while you are also over-aware of your body’s sensation. You might also end up experiencing twitching or a temporary feeling of numbness.
As a psychoactive, any excess intake would definitely lead to a mind high. that’s why this cannabinoid is mostly used for entertainment purposes. It has strong cerebral properties that can make you experience too much “in your head”.
Note: Cautiously use delta-8 THC products because their mind-altering effects can easily alter your consciousness. You might find it difficult to process your cohesive thoughts.
Extreme Happiness
The psychoactive product can make you feel extremely happy for no reason. Well, this usually happens as a result of the feeling of euphoria that THC creates in the body. Those who take much of this cannabinoid may end up getting giggly. Of course, feeling happy isn’t bad. But getting giggly and extremely happy for no apparent reason can be weird.
Temporary Grogginess
If you take a higher dose of delta-8 THC product, you might feel groggy temporarily. That’s why some people get the urge to take a nap or sleep. In some instances, the grogginess is usually accompanied by mild lightheadedness, brain fog, poor concentration, and fatigue.
Will Delta-8 Show Up on a Drug Test?
Unfortunately, if you are going to take a drug screening after using delta-8, it will show up in a drug test. a typical urine test will show the presence of THC metabolites in your system. this is because delta-8 THC normally produces the usual THC degrades in the body.
While the recommended delta-8 metabolites threshold is 30 ng/ml, it’s important that you completely avoid this cannabinoid if you are to pass a drug test. there is a possibility of this cannabinoid remaining in your fat cells for up to 30 nails. If further screening is done, the screening can still find the presence of THC in your fingernails and hairs even after 30 days.
Where Can I Buy Delta-8 THC Products?
You can find delta-8 products in most shops as well as dispensaries in states where it’s legal. However, you have to do a comprehensive research before you finally decide to make purchases. This is because the cannabis market isn’t widely regulated. This means that your chances of finding a low-quality product are here.
Look for a brand that normally provides updated 3rd-party lab results. besides that, ensure that you check different customer reviews to determine the effectiveness of the product.
The Bottom Line
Delta-8 is a cannabinoid with many health benefits. Daily use can lead to improved sleep patterns, relieve pain, treat inflammation, and promote good moods. The fact that it’s less “intense” than regular THC products has made it popular. Not only does it appeal to most people medically but also for entertainment.
But due to its mind-altering effects, delta-8 THC should only be used in moderation. It’s psychoactive and can alter the way the mind functions if taken in excess. If you feel significant changes in your normal wellbeing after using it, ensure that you seek immediate medical advice.
