Like Delta-9 THC and CBD, Delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid, or a natural chemical, found in cannabis plants.
Delta-8 THC has caught the attention of many in recent years. Although still in the shadow of much more popular and widely used Delta-9 THC and CBD, this cannabinoid is promising something completely new and unseen before, with its own set of benefits. Now there is scientific evidence of Delta-8 THC benefits.
Although it’s still rising in popularity and products are only becoming available, it’s useful to know some necessary information about Delta-8. So, here you’ll find all about what is Delta-8 THC, how it works, and what are its benefits and effects.
Then, you can decide whether this cannabinoid is the right choice for you or not. However, most people praise Delta-8 THC for being the perfect cannabinoid providing ultimate relaxation without paranoia or increased anxiety.
About Delta 8-THC
Delta-8 THC is one of the hundreds of cannabinoids available in the cannabis plant. Like Delta-9 THC and CBD, Delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid, or a natural chemical, found in cannabis plants. Although Delta-9 and CBD are much more prevalent in use, and thus more studied and researched, recently, other cannabinoids received a considerable amount of attention and got fellow cannabis lovers interested.
One of them is Delta-8 THC, or a weaker version of the notorious Delta-9. Although people often disregard Delta-8 as the same thing as Delta-9, these two cannabinoids are chemically different, thus providing variations in effect.
However, scientists researched Delta-8 and 9 to find the differences between the two and how they function in our body.
Ultimately, Delta-8 THC is unique and provides its set of benefits. Although similar to Delta-9, there is a crucial contrast relating to side-effects that separates these two cannabinoids.
How Delta-8 THC Works
Delta-8 THC has a unique molecular structure that responds to the cannabinoid receptors of the endocannabinoid system placed throughout the human body and provides a specific effect. Namely, Delta-8 has a double bond on the eighth carbon chain, which provides all the positive THC effects, but lacks the psychoactive ones.
It achieves this through binding to CB1 and CB2 receptors placed through the human body. CB1 receptors are mainly located in the brain, while CB2 ones can be found through the immune and digestive systems.
Because of its molecular structure, Delta-8 THC bonds more to CB2 receptors than CB1 ones, making it have numerous benefits on the body with fewer side-effects influencing the CB1 receptors in the brain.
Ultimately, this makes the health benefits of Delta-8 THC stand out while minimizing its psychoactive effects.
The Benefits of Delta-8 THC
As Delta-8 THC focuses on CB2 receptors, its health benefits are numerous.
First, Delta-8 can increase our physical health. It reduces inflammation and alleviates various kinds of pain. Also, it’s often used for stimulating appetite, as it strongly affects CB2 receptors in the digestive system.
Furthermore, Delta-8 THC mildly affects CB1 receptors in the brain, meaning it does have psychoactive effects to an extent. However, Delta-8 only has up to 0.3% THC content, thus only partially connecting to CB1 receptors. This is what makes Delta-8 THC less potent but still effective.
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Because of that, Delta-8 is an excellent choice for improving mood, treating anxiety, and combating depression without side-effects. Taking even a bit more Delta-9 than usual can increase anxiety and paranoia, which are its main disadvantages. Delta-8 has none of these side-effects, providing a relaxing but clear-headed experience every time.
Delta-8 is much easier to control, and people say they often feel a sense of clarity, more focus, and the ability to breeze through their daily tasks. The light effect on CB1 receptors is perfect for easing the mind. However, pay attention not to overdo it.
Scientific Evidence
Delta-8 THC wasn’t as researched in the past as some other cannabinoids. However, recent studies try to shed some more light on this valuable cannabinoid.
In this study, scientists discovered the less harmful psychoactive effects of Delta-8 when compared to Delta-9 THC. Here, it was also discovered Delta-8 had a beneficial impact on people fighting cancer as it combated various chemotherapy side-effects such as nausea and vomiting.
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Further studies showed an increased appetite stimulation Delta-8 THC had in a series of experiments conducted on mice. Additionally, it affected food consumption without any side-effects connected to THC.
Conclusion
All in all, it’s safe to say Delta-8 THC is getting more and more attention from both scientists and users. The main step in favor of Delta-8 was in 2018 when the US Farm Bill legalized all THC content up to 0.3%, Delta-8 included.
Finally, for decades, people have been talking about the numerous health benefits Delta-8 can deliver without any side-effects often connected to cannabinoids.
This article originally appeared on Green Market Report and has been reposted with permission.
