Delta 8 THC Products: What Is Delta 8 and Why You Should Try It

If you are familiar with cannabis, you probably know that THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main psychoactive component of the plant. THC is responsible for the euphoric, relaxing, and sometimes mind-altering effects of cannabis. 

But this just in. (But not really). Did you know that there are different types of THC, and that one of them is gaining popularity in the wellness industry?

Delta 8 THC, or delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, is a cannabinoid that is similar to THC, but with some subtle differences. Delta 8 THC offers a unique experience compared to traditional THC, as it is less potent, less intoxicating, and more therapeutic. Delta 8 THC can provide many health benefits, such as pain relief, anxiety relief, appetite stimulation, and more.

The Science of Delta 8 THC

Delta 8 THC is one of the many cannabinoids, or chemical compounds, found in the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids can interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is a network of receptors and molecules that regulate various bodily functions, such as mood, pain, appetite, sleep, etc.

Delta 8 THC is very similar to Delta 9 THC, which is the most abundant and well-known cannabinoid in cannabis. However, there is a slight difference in their chemical structure: Delta 8 THC has a double bond on the eighth carbon atom, while Delta 9 THC has a double bond on the ninth carbon atom. This difference may seem minor, but it has a significant impact on their effects.

Delta 8 THC is less potent than Delta 9 THC, which means it produces milder psychoactive effects. Delta 8 THC also has a lower affinity for CB1 receptors, which are mainly found in the brain and nervous system. This means it has less influence on cognition, memory, perception, etc.

Delta 8 THC also has more affinity for CB2 receptors, which are mainly found in the immune system and peripheral organs. This means it has more influence on inflammation, pain, immunity, etc.

Delta 8 THC also has some unique properties that make it stand out from other cannabinoids. For example, Delta 8 THC has antiemetic (anti-nausea) effects that are not seen in Delta 9 THC. Delta 8 THC also has neuroprotective (brain-protecting) effects that are not seen in CBD.

Is Delta 8 THC Legal?

Well, that depends. The legal status of Delta 8 THC products depends on where you live and where you buy them from. 

In general, Delta 8 THC products are legal in most countries and states in the U.S., as long as they are derived from hemp (cannabis plants with less than 0.3% THC) and comply with the 2018 Farm Bill. The Farm Bill legalized the production and sale of hemp and its derivatives, including CBD and Delta 8 THC.

However, there are some exceptions and variations in the laws regarding Delta 8 THC products. For example, some states have banned or restricted the use or sale of Delta 8 THC products, regardless of their source or THC content. These states include Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, Rhode Island, Utah, and Vermont. So definitely do your homework before purchasing. We’re happy to help with resources.

Regulatory Guidelines

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is the federal agency that regulates the safety and quality of food, drugs, cosmetics, and dietary supplements in the U.S. Everything you see on the shelves at your local store has had to be approved by the FDA in order for your household to be happy and healthy. In this case,  the FDA has not approved or evaluated Delta 8 THC products for their safety or effectiveness. The FDA has also issued warnings to some companies that sell Delta 8 THC products for making false or misleading claims about their benefits or uses.

The DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) is the federal agency that enforces the controlled substances laws and regulations in the U.S. The DEA classifies Delta 9 THC as a Schedule I substance, which means it has no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. The DEA does not explicitly classify Delta 8 THC as a controlled substance, but it may fall under the definition of “tetrahydrocannabinols” or “synthetic cannabinoids” in the Controlled Substances Act..

Why Should You Consider Trying Delta 8 THC?

Delta 8 THC can provide many health benefits for consumers who are looking for a natural and alternative way to enhance their wellness. Some of the most common benefits of using Delta 8 THC are:

Anxiety and Stress Relief

Delta 8 THC can help manage anxiety and stress by influencing the serotonin system in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, emotion, cognition, and behavior. Delta 8 THC can increase the availability of serotonin in the brain and activate its receptors. Serotonin is known to have a positive effect on anxiety and depression.

Delta 8 THC can also help calm the nervous system and reduce the production of cortisol, which is a hormone that triggers the stress response. Cortisol can cause various physical and mental symptoms, such as increased heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension, insomnia, etc. Delta 8 THC can lower cortisol levels and promote relaxation and well-being.

Several studies have supported the efficacy of Delta 8 THC in reducing anxiety and stress. For example, a 1995 study found that Delta 8 THC reduced nausea and anxiety in children undergoing cancer treatment. A 2019 study found that Delta 8 THC reduced anxiety-like behavior in mice exposed to stressful stimuli.

Pain Management

Delta 8 THC can help with pain relief by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the body. The ECS is responsible for regulating pain perception, inflammation, immune response, etc. Delta 8 THC can enhance the activity of the ECS and modulate the transmission of pain signals in the brain and spinal cord.

Delta 8 THC can also help with inflammation by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are molecules that cause swelling, redness, and pain. Delta 8 THC can also help with neuropathic pain by protecting the nerve cells from damage and degeneration.

Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Delta 8 THC in relieving pain. For example, a 2018 study found that Delta 8 THC reduced pain and inflammation in a mouse model of corneal injury. A 2020 study found that Delta 8 THC reduced pain and improved function in a rat model of osteoarthritis.

Other Therapeutic Benefits

Delta 8 THC can also help with other health benefits that are not directly related to pain or anxiety. Some of these benefits include:

• Appetite stimulation: Delta 8 THC can increase appetite and food intake by activating the CB1 receptors in the brain and the gut. This can help with conditions such as cachexia, anorexia, or nausea.
• Antiemetic properties: Delta 8 THC can reduce nausea and vomiting by activating the CB1 receptors in the brainstem and the stomach. This can help with conditions such as chemotherapy-induced nausea, motion sickness, or morning sickness.
• Neuroprotective properties: Delta 8 THC can protect the brain and nervous system from damage caused by aging, trauma, toxins, etc. This can help with conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, etc.

How to Consume Delta 8 THC

There are many ways to consume Delta 8 THC, depending on your preference, tolerance level, and health goals. 

Vapes and edibles are two of the most common forms of Delta 8 THC products. Vapes are devices that heat up Delta 8 THC oil or distillate and produce vapor that can be inhaled. Edibles are food or drink products that contain Delta 8 THC oil or isolate infused into them.

Vapes and edibles have some advantages over other forms of consumption, such as fast and easy administration, discreetness, and variety of flavors and options. However, they also have some drawbacks, such as variable onset time (15 minutes to 2 hours), variable duration of effects (2 to 6 hours), variable potency (10 to 100 mg per serving), and potential health risks (lung irritation for vapes, digestive issues for edibles).

Dosage Guidelines

The dosage of Delta 8 THC depends on several factors, such as your body weight, metabolism, tolerance level, and desired effects. There is no universal dosage recommendation for Delta 8 THC, but here are some general guidelines to follow:

• Start low and go slow: Start with a low dose (5 to 10 mg) and wait for the effects to kick in before increasing your dose. Increase your dose gradually (5 to 10 mg) until you find the optimal amount for your needs.
• Monitor your reactions: Pay attention to how you feel after taking Delta 8 THC. Note any positive or negative effects, such as relaxation, euphoria, pain relief, anxiety relief, drowsiness, dry mouth, low blood pressure, etc.
• Adjust your dosage accordingly: If you feel too high or too low, adjust your dosage accordingly. If you feel too high, you can try to counteract the effects by taking some CBD or drinking some water. If you feel too low, you can try to enhance the effects by taking some more Delta 8 THC or eating some fatty foods.

What You Need to Know About Safety

Delta 8 THC is generally considered safe and well-tolerated by most consumers. However, there are some potential side effects and safety precautions that you should be aware of before using Delta 8 THC. Some of these include:

• Psychoactive effects: Delta 8 THC can cause psychoactive effects similar to traditional THC, but milder and more manageable. However, these effects may still impair your judgment, coordination, memory, perception, etc. Therefore, you should avoid driving, operating machinery, or engaging in any activities that require alertness or concentration after using Delta 8 THC. You should also avoid using Delta 8 THC if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a history of psychosis or schizophrenia.

• Drug interactions: Delta 8 THC can interact with some medications or supplements that you may be taking. Delta 8 THC can affect how some drugs are metabolized by the liver and alter their effectiveness or toxicity. Therefore, you should consult your doctor before using Delta 8 THC if you are on any other medications or supplements, especially those that affect the central nervous system, such as antidepressants, anticonvulsants, opioids, etc.
• Allergic reactions: Delta 8 THC can cause allergic reactions in some people who are sensitive to cannabis or hemp. These reactions can include skin rashes, itching, swelling, breathing difficulties, etc. Therefore, you should test a small amount of Delta 8 THC on your skin before using it and stop using it immediately if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction.

Real Experiences: Why People Are Turning to Delta 8

And here’s where those who are thinking about Delta 8 THC really gain confidence in the experience. 

Many people have shared their positive experiences with Delta 8 THC and how it has helped them with various health issues. 

Here are some testimonials and reviews from real users of Delta 8 THC:

• “I have been using Delta 8 THC for a few months now and I love it. It helps me with my anxiety and insomnia without making me feel too high or paranoid. It also helps me with my chronic pain and inflammation from arthritis. It is very relaxing and uplifting at the same time. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to try something different from regular THC.” – Jessica, 35
• “Delta 8 THC is amazing. It gives me a smooth and pleasant buzz that lasts for hours. It makes me feel happy, calm, and creative. It also helps me with my appetite and digestion issues. I like to use it in the evening or on weekends when I want to unwind and enjoy myself. It is definitely worth trying if you are curious about it.” – Ryan, 28
• “I have been using Delta 8 THC for a while now and I can say that it is one of the best things that ever happened to me. It helps me with my depression and PTSD without causing any negative side effects. It also helps me with my migraines and nausea. It is very gentle and soothing on the body and mind. I use it every day and I feel great.” – Ashley, 32

Final Thoughts: Is Delta 8 THC Right for You?

Delta 8 THC is a cannabinoid that offers a unique experience compared to traditional THC. Delta 8 THC is less potent, less intoxicating, and more therapeutic than regular THC. Delta 8 THC can help you with various health issues, such as pain, anxiety, inflammation, etc.

However, not all Delta 8 THC products are the same. You should always look for products that are third-party tested, made from organic hemp, and have the right potency for your needs. You should also consult your doctor before using Delta 8 THC if you have any medical conditions or take any medications. When in doubt? Give us a shout. We’re happy to have a conversation about what makes sense for you.