What Is Delta-8 THC?
As cannabis has become legal and deregulated in so many parts of the country, new components of marijuana are being discovered – and we’re learning more about these new components from this wonder weed. One that’s generating a lot of buzz (somewhat literally but also figuratively!) is Delta-8 THC.
Many cannabis consumers can now legally purchase Delta-8 THC from CBD retailers – and it’s become a bestseller. Fans of Delta-8 THC report that it gives you a nice buzz without intense sensations (like paranoia) that sometimes come with using marijuana.
Story of Delta-8 THC
The best known components of cannabis are cannabinoids — chemical compounds that bind with receptors throughout the human body. Cannabinoids provide a whole host of benefits positive effects – mental, physical and emotional. In addition, they can provide the healing and therapeutic effects that medical marijuana users are seeking.
THC and CBD (tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol) are the two primary cannabinoids that we hear the most about.
Delta-9 THC is the cannabinoid that provides an intoxicating psychoactive response – it can get you “high.” When people mention “THC,” they are most likely referring to Delta-9 THC. (Delta-9 THC is still illegal in many states and at the federal level.)
Delta-8 THC, on the other hand, has enough of a difference from Delta-9 THC in its chemical composition that it does not cause the same high. Instead, it can give you just a slight buzz. Cannabis appreciators report that Delta-8 THC produces a good feeling without any fuzziness. It also doesn’t create the anxiety or paranoia that can occur with Delta-9 THC.
As with Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 THC binds with our CB 1 receptors, just in a different way and not as strongly. CB 1 receptors are part of our endocannabinoid system, which helps our bodies to regulate and maintain homeostasis – a balance of bodily systems.
Potential Medical Uses
Delta-8 THC provides several benefits, and researchers are just beginning to discover more about how it can help those struggling with health issues.
These can include:
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- Neuroprotection
- Appetite stimulation
- Relief of nausea
- Pain relief
- Anxiety relief
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Does Delta-8 THC Affect the High of Recreational Users?
People who are accustomed to using marijuana recreationally have tried adding Delta-8 THC to the experience. They have found that Delta-9 THC is so potent that it will overwhelm the effects of Delta-8 THC. This is anecdotal evidence, and future research could detect what’s known as the Entourage Effect.
The Entourage Effect is when different cannabis compounds are combined, each enhancing the qualities of the other.
What Is the Best Way to Consume Delta-8 THC?
Because Delta-8 THC can be made using hemp, which received expanded legal use under the 2018 Farm Bill, cannabis-based businesses want to jump on the bandwagon and develop as many Delta-8 THC products as possible.
There are a lot of choices, including beverages like marijuana-infused drinkables, edibles include gummy bears and chocolate bars. You could also pick up Delta-8 THC tinctures, concentrates or vape cartridges. Vaping will cause effects within 10 minutes or so while feeling the effects from edibles could take an hour or two.
Creators have been inspired, and we will probably see many more options for Delta-8 THC products in the coming months. Keep in mind that it’s a good idea to go slowly when you’re first trying a cannabis product. This is because everyone’s body chemistry and tolerance levels are different.
Things to Come
It feels like we’ve gone far on this road to decriminalization and legalization of cannabis-infused products. A lot of information is available now, but there’s still so much more to be discovered.
One of the best aspects of the prospect of federal decriminalization – and better yet, legalization – is that more scientific research will follow. This means more medical breakthroughs and more new treatments to relieve pain and promote health. So the best is yet to come!
Happy partaking!
