Delta 8 THC Benefits
Delta 8 THC made from hemp has unique qualities from the better know delta 8 THC that is largely illegal in the United States. Learn more about the benefits and legality of delta 8 THC.
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Understanding the chemistry behind delta 8’s unique qualities also helps to understand why the legal status of each substance deserves separate consideration. There are many health benefits to using delta 8 THC responsibly, as discussed below.
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You don’t have to give up your favorite products to enjoy delta 8 THC extracted from hemp. Find out more to decide if delta 8 is right for you.
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What Is Delta 8 THC?
The National Cancer Institute defines delta 8 THC as “An analogue of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with antiemetic, anxiolytic, appetite-stimulating, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties. [Delta-8-THC] binds to the cannabinoid G-protein coupled receptor CB1, located in the central nervous system…This agent exhibits a lower psychotropic potency than [delta-9-THC], the primary form of THC found in cannabis.”
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The cannabis flower has grown in the wild for many centuries. It has chemical components called cannabinoids that attach to receptors in the human body. Many of these cannabinoids are beneficial when used appropriately. They trigger mental and physical effects that can bring pleasure, relaxation and other benefits. Delta 8 THC is one of the most common cannabinoids; it is physically similar to psychoactive THC with many important differences. Let’s delve deeper into the chemistry for a better understanding of this compound.
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How Does Delta 8 THC Work?
Here’s a quick primer of the chemistry associated with Delta 8 THC. The delta stands for double bond as seen in both Delta 8 and Delta 9. So, what’s the difference? The location of the double bond is important here. Organic chemistry is the study of carbon atoms, usually in very long chains. The 8 or 9 of the delta THC refers to where those bonds occur. Namely, Delta 9 contains a double bond on its 9th carbon chain.
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Conversely, Delta 8 contains a double bond on its 8th carbon chain. Double bonds have more electrons than carbon chains with single bonds. This subatomic difference changes the two substances ever so slightly. However, the resulting changes are surprising to users used to Delta 9 THC but new its cousin, delta 8 THC.
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Users report that delta 8 THC has mood and mind-enhancing properties just as delta 9 THC does. However, even those who primarily use delta 9 can appreciate the different effects of these two cannabinoids. The benefits each user gets is personal and unique. However, if you need to abstain from delta 9 THC, it may be worthwhile to try delta 8 THC instead.
With delta 8, you can achieve the same effects in a more low-key way. This is a great alternative if you need your full concentration for work or personal projects. Find out if the calming effects of delta 8 can give you the best of both worlds without getting in your way at work.
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Delta 8 THC has the following medicinal properties:
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appetite-stimulating
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antiemetic – which can suppress nausea and vomiting
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anxiolytic – a category of drugs that prevents anxiety, important for anxiety disorders
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neuroprotective properties
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analgesic – for pain relief
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When you use delta 8 THC, the G-protein cannabinoid attaches to the CB1 receptors in your central nervous system. While Delta 9 is well-known for antispastic qualities, delta 8 THC has a lower potency. This means you won’t have the same potent effect as in the delta 9 cannabinoid that causes psychotropic reactions. So, the point is what you are looking for and the best way to achieve your goals when choosing one or the other for any particular session. If you want the mellowing effect associated with cannabinoid use without some of the more extreme effects, delta 8 can help you stay clear, alert and focused without being anxious.
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Benefits of Delta 8 THC
Delta 8 THC can provide relief from those who suffer from chronic or acute pain, anxiety and nerve cell damage. According to The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), delta 8 THC has a lower psychotropic a fact then Delta 9. According to researchers, you get about 67% of the impact from the same quantity of Delta 8 versus Delta 9.
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Cannabinoids are used to treat patients who have certain types of epilepsy, cancer patients who experience vomiting and loss of appetite after undergoing chemotherapy, and those who have lost a lot of weight due to complications related to HIV/AIDS. Also, NCBI found that there is moderate evidence cannabis or cannabinoids can alleviate pain and discomfort associated with multiple sclerosis. However, cannabis has not proven beneficial for patients who have glaucoma. Admittedly, research for products such as delta 8 is still in its infancy, largely due to the stigma associated with cannabis.
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Delta 8 THC is found in the cannabis flower in much smaller quantities than Delta 9 THC. This powerful cannabinoid doesn't have the same effects as its psychotropic cousin. Even though just a few atomic bonds separate them chemically, delta 8 has his own potent features. If you want to experience the calming body sensations such as clear-headedness and deep relaxation, Delta 8 might be the best option to reduce stress, eliminate tension, stimulate appetite and dampen nausea related to medical conditions.
More About Delta 8 for Anxiety
If you feel anxious every time you take Delta 9 THC, you may not be able to take advantage of its medical benefits. In this case, you may benefit from trying Delta 8 THC made from hemp as an alternative. This substance typically doesn't produce anxiety at higher doses as Delta 9 THC is sometimes reported to do. It’s an individual choice, but it may be worth trying out it you aren’t happy with the results of delta 9 THC consumption.
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More About Delta 8 THC’s Sedative Qualities
Delta 8 THC is often described by users as a more palatable option to traditional THC. In this regard, delta 8 may produce a sedating effect without affecting your cognitive functions. Are you looking for something to help you control anxiety without muddling your thoughts? Delta 8 THC may be just what you’re missing.
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More About Delta 8 THC’s Impact on Pain and Inflammation
In 2018, a study using mice tested the topical application of delta 8 THC to reduce corneal pain. The study concluded that delta 8 had positive effects of digestion such as reduced acid secretion, GI transit and intestinal fluid that can cause IBS. More studies, including human trials, would be needed to further test the validity of these findings. However, some users report similar benefits as those found in the study.
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Is Delta 8 THC Legal?
Delta 8 THC is considered legal under the new farm bill passed in 2018. This is good news for users of delta 8 THC made from hemp. If you have tried or thought about trying delta 8 THC from hemp, you’ve no doubt read some of the scary stuff written in the past several decades about Delta 9 THC. However, Delta 8 is federally legal in many states and you can thank The Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 for that. The 2018 Farm Bill made isomers, derivatives in cannabinoids produced from hemp legally permissible as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC.
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The federal government signed the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 into law in December of 2018. This little changed how the federal government handles the production of hemp as well as how it can be marketed. According to the bill, Cannabis sativa L. as well as any of its derivatives can contain 0.3 percent.
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This includes seeds, acids, salts, isomers, cannabinoid's, extracts and other parts of the plant. So, you can imagine, this deeply impacts those who want to use cannabinoid derivatives to treat medical and psychological conditions. The changes also apply to hemp derived cannabis plants. Growers, sellers and markets have to abide by the terms of the law to avoid legal repercussions. This comes down to knowing your grower or supplier well enough to trust them to obey the rules so that you can too.
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The 2018 Farm Bill gives the FDA authority to continue regulating all cannabis compounds. This is based on the FD&C Act and bolstered by specific sections of the Public Health Service Act (PHS Act). As with any regulated product, the FDA carefully monitors abuse of the laws that permit delta 8 THC to be legally used
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It’s important to understand the law regarding delta 8 THC before purchasing and using these products.
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Takeaways
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Delta 8 THC is legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. However, this bill comes under constant attack from lawmakers opposed to the legalization of any cannabinoids. Letting your representatives know how delta 8 THC impacts your life may help prevent local, state or national rules for delta 8 THC from changing for the worse.
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