THC is legal in many forms nowadays, including delta 8. Considered “weed-lite,” delta 8 is a derivative of traditional THC (delta 9). Because it's derived from hemp, delta 8 is much less potent than THC derived from marijuana.
Which begs the question, why not just use delta 9?
Well, for one thing, delta 8 is much easier to buy and may offer many other benefits. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of delta 8 THC and what is delta 8 good for anyway?
Keep reading to find out about delta-8 benefits.
Delta 8 Benefits
While intoxicating, not everyone welcomes the euphoria of traditional weed, likemarijuana.That’s one of the reasons delta 8 has become so popular - it’s lighter than normal THC but provides many of the same benefits.
While not everyone experiences the same exact feelings, delta 8 benefits generally include the following:
A feeling of overall well-being
Relaxed and “fuzzy” feeling
Increased hunger and appetite
Enhanced creativity
Enhanced perceptions
More worldly, less agitated views
May get bouts of laughing
Overall enjoyment of life
In short, the benefits of delta 8 are wide-ranging. Many say that it enhances almost everything without the side effects of weed. If you’ve ever smoked or ingested marijuana, you may prefer delta 8 for this reason. Another benefit of delta 8 is its potential health benefits.
Delta 8 Health Benefits
Delta 8 is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis Sativa. Used medicinally for over 4,000 years, cannabis works with cannabinoid receptors known as CB1 and CB2. Once ingested, your body’s CB receptors send signals to your ECS orEndocannabinoid System.
The ECS is responsible for everything from organ function to immune response and just about every bodily function you have. Although research is just starting to ramp up, thanks to new congressional bills, we’ve already learned a great deal about how cannabinoids, like delta 8, can positively impact your health.
1. May Stimulate Appetite
Cannabis is used in the medical community to stimulate appetite in patients suffering from chemotherapy side effects and HIV/AIDS. A2004 studylooked at THC and how it affects hunger. After several weeks, the scientists determined that delta 8 increased appetite, even at very low doses.
2. Neuroprotective Benefits
Delta 8 enhances brain activity through the CB1 receptor, found primarily in the brain’s neurons. Once your CB1 receptor picks up the “signal,” your brain releases a chemical known as adenylyl cyclase - which, in turn, helps regulate brain health.
Further studies show thatdelta 8 increases acetylcholine levelsin your brain, providing neuroprotection and neuroplasticity to potentially treat symptoms associated with the following neuro-related disease:
Parkinson’s Disease
Memory and Cognition
Alzheimer’s Disease
It May help brain arousal
It May help form new neurons (neurogenesis)
3. Delta-8 for Pain and Sleep
Because of its ability to relieve anxiety without the intense euphoria of delta 9, delta 8 THC is the perfect sleep companion. For example, if you suffer from insomnia, you might benefit more from applying delta 8 THC right before bed.
One of the ways delta 8 treats insomnia is through its potential to fight pain. Cannabinoids, like THC and CBD (cannabidiol), are anti-inflammatories that potentially treat a wide range of diseases linked to chronic pain, including:
Arthritis
Fibromyalgia
Neuropathic Pain (Diabetes)
Multiple Sclerosis
4. Delta 8 Benefits: Nausea
If you suffer from nausea or chronic upset stomach, delta 8 may provide much-needed comfort. In 1995, a group of scientists looked at delta 8 and itspotential in treating nausea.
Because of its low potency, researchers used the study to determine if delta 8 was a better fit for children aged 3-13 years who were suffering from cancer. After eight months, researchers determined that vomiting was completely eliminated with minimal side effects.
Delta 8 Pros and Cons
There are many pros and benefits of delta 8, like its accessibility. Delta 8, however, may not be your best bet, especially if you’re looking for an intense buzz. Here’s a quick breakdown of delta 8 pros and cons.
Pros of Delta 8
One of the biggest pros is that delta 8 is federally legal, thanks toThe Farm Bill Act. It’s generally accessible in most states and, because it’s so new to the market, not well regulated by authorities. Other advantages of using delta 8 include:
One of the biggest cons (no pun intended) of delta 8 is it's not legal in every state. Although federally legal, thefollowing states ban the use and sale of delta 8:
There may also be some side effects from using delta 8. TheFood and Drug Administration(FDA) recently issued a warning letter advising people of the potential side effects of delta 8, including the following:
Delta 8 is unregulated.
It May cause anxiety, dizziness, and confusion.
Delta-8 contains psychoactive properties, sometimes unexpected.
Some manufacturers might use harmful chemicals in production.
FDA urges consumers to keep delta 8 away from pets and children.
Key Points: Delta-8 Benefits
Because of its milder effects, delta 8 THC is an attractive alternative to often illegal and more potent THC and weed products. One of the most significant delta-8 benefits is its legality in all but a handful of states. Delta 8 is not well regulated, so consider shopping wisely.
Look for companies that provide a lab report. Even though delta 8 is found naturally, it's expensive to extract from the plant. Most companies produce delta 8 synthetically. While this passes on to you, not every company sources and extracts their delta 8 the same way.
That’s why you must know where your delta 8 THC is sourced. Look for organic, hemp-based products sure to be free of pesticides. Secondly, consider buying from companies that offer that lab certificate - ensuring you’re not getting additional THC or other chemicals in your delta 8.
*These statements have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any illness. Any medical advice should be taken from a medical professional.
All of the articles on this site are written by 3rd party content providers, expert bloggers, or doctors not directly affiliated with EHDelta.
Individuals should learn the risks and side effects prior to taking any Delta products. Make sure to always check with a medical professional before starting any new Delta treatment or medication that is not FDA-approved.