According to the CDC, 22.2 million people use marijuana each month.
With so many people turning to marijuana and THC, you may have even heard about Delta-8 THC. But what is it?
And is Delta-8 good for you? What benefits can it bring? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know!
What is Delta-8?
First, you have to understand what Delta-8 is because it’s different from the usual THC that you’ve probably heard about.
When you dissect cannabis, you’ll have two properties: cannabidiol, which is CBD, and tetrahydrocannabinol, which becomes THC. However, there are a wide variety of different kinds of THC.
Delta-8 is a type of THC. The 8 in the name stands for a certain placement of the chemical bond. It makes it different from Delta-9 because it sits in a different area.
Because the structure is different, it will make you feel different effects from the Delta-9, which is more commonly referred to as just plain THC.
This may be the first time you’re hearing about Delta-8 THC because it’s rarer than Delta-9. When you dissect a hemp or cannabis plant, there is more 9 THC than 8. However, with specific breeding of plants, scientists are able to get more and more.
People have started extracting Delta 8 THC because it’s legal in some states where Delta-9 is not. It’s not the same thing, but it’s very close, and most people can have access to it.
A lot of people also choose to use it because unlike Delta-9, it doesn’t have the properties that make you feel high.
If you’ve started using this product, you may also want to consider taking breaks to make sure you don’t build up a tolerance to it. If you want to learn more about this, make sure you click that link!
Is Delta-8 THC Legal?
The legality around THC and marijuana varies from state to state, so you should make sure you check all of your local laws before you purchase any.
However, in some states where Delta-9 THC is not allowed, Delta-8 is actually legal. Because it doesn’t have the same psychoactive properties as 9 does, Delta-8 can actually fall into the same category as CBD products.
In 2018, the government passed a new bill called the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018. This bill said that Delta-8 should be federally legal in all of the states. Despite this passing, many politicians still try to attack the bill and get the laws changed.
Plus, even though it’s legal in the United States doesn’t mean that some states can decide to make their own rules and regulations, so it’s always best to check.
Even if it is legal in your state, it will show up on a drug test and will cause you to fail it. These drug tests don’t specify which THC is in your system, but it just detects any form of CBD.
If you are going to need to take a drug test sometime in the future, you shouldn’t use it for thirty days prior to that. However, that’s only for a urine drug test.
If you’re going to be taking a drug test that tests your fingernails or hair, you’ll have to stop using it at least 90 days beforehand.
How Do You Use It?
If you’re interested in using Delta-8, the way you use it won’t be that much different than if you used Delta-9. Normally, the companies will produce it into a distillate form.
They choose the way because it doesn’t grow as much in the cannabis plant. They will distil it into a thick liquid that is translucent. Some people might actually mistake it for CBD.
Once you have the Delta-8 distillate, you can find it in syringes or cartridges. You can use this to vaporize it with a weed pen or a dab rig. If you want to mix it with a flower, you can also use that to bring up the potency.
You can also find it in oral tinctures that you can use to put under your tongue.
You can consume it orally, and if you do this, it’ll go into your bloodstream. Once that happens, you’ll feel the effects of it all over your body.
What is Delta-8 Good For?
There haven’t been many studies on Delta-8 THC, but the few studies that have been done have shown some interesting conclusions.
One of the biggest benefits of Delta-8 TCH is that it doesn’t bring about all of the psychoactive properties that other THC might. While you could have a little bit of it, it won’t be nearly as much.
This means you can use it and still carry on with your day as normal.
However, keep in mind that these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Improve Normal Cell Reproduction/Growth
Delta-8 THC can also help to promote normal cell reproduction and growth. This can stop tumors from growing or spreading.
Some research shows that tumors react to cannabinoids and can’t grow when they come into contact with them. Some scientists also wonder if THC can help to reduce the size of an abnormal cell as well.
In the study that was done in 1974, researchers gave mice some Delta-8 THC for twenty days. During that time period, they realized that the mice’s tumors started shrinking. They also discovered that the mice (who had cancer) who got Delta-8 THC treatments actually ended up living longer than the ones who didn’t.
Unfortunately, after that study, not many big breakthroughs happened since then. Researchers want to study this more, but due to the legality in the United States regarding THC, it’s been difficult to do so.
Despite that, researchers still think that it could help. The National Cancer Institute even claimed that Delta-8 THC, Delta-9 THC, and even CBD all help to improve normal cell production and growth.
Promote Addiction Recovery
If you’re struggling with addiction and trying to recover, you may find support from Delta-8 THC. It could work for treating opioid addiction, but there aren’t a lot of studies done on the effects of this yet.
However, many researchers think that CBD could help to regulate different neural circuits that help to contribute to drug addiction.
Their theory is that if these neurons react with CBD or THC, it could stop the cycle of addiction or at least maintain sobriety.
Reduce Nausea
Some people also find that it helps to reduce their nausea. Whether it’s a side effect from something or just a bad stomachache, Delta-8 could help.
There haven’t been many studies done on this. Instead, it’s mostly anecdotal from other THC-users. However, the United States government created a patent for nausea uses of Delta-8.
This leads people to believe that it can help to relieve nausea and vomiting, especially in patients who are going through chemotherapy.
Studies have also shown that this may be great for kids as well! While most adults who were taking Delta-8 for nausea experience some psychoactive properties, kids who were taking it experienced none of them. They also had significantly less nausea as well.
Stimulate Appetite
If you are struggling with being hungry enough to eat, you could try using Delta-8 THC. Some studies have suggested that even using a little bit of it can help to increase how much food you eat.
While it’s not recommended for long-term weight loss or gain, it can help you maintain a healthy weight without dealing with the psychoactive side effects of Delta-9 THC.
Relieve Sore and Achy Muscles
If you’re dealing with sore and achy muscles or head and neck tension, Delta-8 may be able to help out.
There are a few studies that show that the cannabinoids in Delta-8 can help to reduce inflammation, promote relaxation, and relieve tension.
While you could take an over-the-counter medication to achieve the same result, these also come with all kinds of side effects. They also can be bad for you if taken long-term.
In addition to sore and achy muscles, it can also help reduce symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). One study that was done in 2018 tested mice using a topical application of Delta-8 THC.
When the study was over, the scientists realize that the Delta-8 THC had helped to improve digestion. It reduced the secretion of acid and intestinal fluid in the bowels. These are normally the main causes of IBS. Because of this, they think that it can help to relieve some of the symptoms.
Improve Cognitive Skills
Some studies also suggest that Delta-8 could improve cognitive function, especially when it comes to memory loss.
Some research shows that once ingested, THC can increase acetylcholine levels in your hippocampus and cortex. This is good because when it comes to memory loss, these levels are normally lower.
So taking Delta-8 to boost these levels may actually help your memory overall!
Helps with Anxious Feelings or Distress
According to one study, about 1 in 5 people struggle with anxious feelings. If you are one of them, one of the coping mechanisms you can try is Delta-8.
Doctors can prescribe all kinds of medication for anxiety, but these can come with all kinds of difficult side effects. Instead, many people turn to Delta-8 THC.
It can help to relieve some of the feelings of anxiety, but you should talk with your doctor about the correct dosage to take.
Some people also think that Delta-8 can reduce your anxiety better than Delta-9 can. With all the psychoactive properties that Delta-9 has, it may cause feelings of anxiety and paranoia especially if you’re not used to using it.
If you do decide to use either of these forms, make sure that you’re somewhere safe and with people that you trust in case you do have an adverse reaction.
Who Should Use It?
If you think that Delta-8 would help you with any of the benefits listed above, you should talk to your doctor about it! They’ll know the legality around it and can even recommend where to find some.
But Delta-8 is perfect for anyone who wants all of the benefits of TCH without any of the impaired cognitive functions. You could try CBD, but Delta-8 works better than CBD in some aspects.
What Are Side Effects?
People who use Delta-9 THC have reported all kinds of side effects, and it’s a much longer list than Delta-8 brings.
However, if you compare it to other prescription medications, you might find that these side effects are milder than what you’re already dealing with. But more research still needs to be done.
Even if you’re using Delta-8 and think there are no psychoactive properties, you should still be cautious because it is still THC. If you take too much of your recommended dosage, you could end up feeling some psychoactive properties.
You may also experience some redness or dryness in your eyes.
Discover More About: “Is Delta-8 Good For You?”
These are only a few things to consider when wondering, “Is Delta-8 good for you?” But there are many more factors to consider.
It’s always important to talk with your doctor before starting any type of medication. They’ll be able to recommend a good dosage as well as give you important information on how it might interact with other drugs you’re taking.
We know that learning all about marijuana can be challenging, but we’re here to help you out!
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