As the world of cannabis continues to expand, there is so much to learn about the plant. Due to the war on drugs, our scientific discoveries on the plant are limited. Unfortunately, cannabis was and still is stigmatized in some places.
But as the world begins to see cannabis in a new light, we are making remarkable discoveries concerning the plant. For example, did you know that there are different types of cannabinoids in the plant? One of the more obscure types of cannabinoids is delta-8 THC.
Delta 8 THC is slightly different from the THC we know and love, scientifically known as delta-9 THC. The major difference between delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC is that the psychotropic effects are lower.
Despite its differences in chemical structure, it offers a ton of great health and wellness benefits. To learn more about the abundant benefits of delta-8 THC, continue reading!
Delta-8 THC vs Delta-9 THC
Chemically speaking, the difference between the two types of THC lies in a major chemical bond location. These two types of THC “have double-bonds in the series of connected atoms, called the molecular chain. Delta-8 THC contains that bond on the 8th carbon chain” (King 2021).
In contrast, delta-9 THC contains the double bond on the 9th carbon chain. The difference of the double-bond location between the two may seem minute, but it makes a world of difference.
The difference of where the chemical bond takes place on the carbon chain creates varying effects for the consumer. Based on the varying location of where the chemical bond occurs, the atoms and molecules interact differently.
When the bond takes place on the 9th carbon chain, which is the case with delta-9 THC, users tend to feel a “high” sensation. When the bond takes place on the 8th carbon chain, as is the case with delta-8 THC, the user feels a euphoric sensation rather than an intense high.
One shift in the carbon chain and you could either be high as a kite or slightly titillated. Never underestimate the complexity of chemistry!
Understanding Delta 8 THC
Before learning about the benefits of this variant of THC, it is important to understand how it differs from the commonly known THC base (delta-9 THC). One big distinction is that delta-8 THC does not provide a serious “high.” Delta-8 THC provides a less potent high, allowing users to continue functioning without feeling ditsy or sluggish.
Due to delta-8 THC offering a lower psychotropic potency, users can enjoy the desirable therapeutic benefits of delta-8 THC without feeling “high.” Consequently, this variant of THC is excellent when used medicinally.
Users have lauded the benefits of cannabis since its inception. Why else would cannabis remain relevant for thousands of years, crossing continents in the process? If for nothing else, it is because of its healing properties.
Using the THC variant, consumers can enjoy the benefits of traditional THC while maintaining a clear head. Now that we have a better understanding of the THC variant let’s explore the benefits it offers.
Reducing Anxiety
After conquering 2020, it is safe to say that we all live with a bit of anxiety. The pandemic left us all frazzled at best, traumatized at worst. While delta-9 THC is notorious for causing consumers to feel anxiety or paranoia, delta-8 THC does not.
Luckily, delta-8 THC functions as a remedy for those suffering from anxiety. Experts claim that consuming this variant of THC results in feeling calm and focus. It is perfect for clearing your mind or coping with stress.
Rather than relying on meds with dangerous side effects to cope with anxiety, you could use delta-8 THC, a natural alternative. The THC variant is safer to use than popular anxiety-reducing medicines.
Putting You in Control
Many are familiar with the euphoric feeling that delta-9 offers. While delta-9 THC offers a euphoric feeling, sometimes it isn’t easy to come down from such a high.
If you ever had a day-ending high, where all you could do is sit on the sofa and watch tv, you know that delta-9 THC benefits come with its tradeoff costs. You may feel awesome, perhaps the best you felt all week after consuming delta-9 THC. However, the likelihood of functioning at high levels has the potential to drop after consuming delta-9 THC.
Delta-9 THC has the potential to debilitate users after consumption. Due to delta-9 THC causing some people to feel intoxicated, delta-8 THC deserves some appreciation.
Since delta-8 THC does not have the same psychotropic potency as delta-9 THC, users can use the variant while feeling in control. Delta-8 THC offers the effective benefits of delta-9 while not compromising your headspace.
The variant THC allows users to medicate while being productive—no need to cancel plans after consuming delta-9 THC. You can still kill it at work or manage your household while enjoying reduced anxiety after consuming delta-8 THC.
The difference in psychotropic potency relates to delta-8 THC having a softer effect on CB1 receptors. The CB1 receptor is the primary destination for THC. When THC makes it to the CB1 receptor, users feel the euphoric or “high” like sensation.
If delta-8 THC is consumed in moderation, you can enjoy all the benefits of delta-9 without the spacey feeling associated with it. Now, you don’t have to compromise!
Coping With Pain
We all face pain from sports, aging, and unfortunate events. To live a happy life without our bodies inhibiting us, it is important to find ways to manage our pain safely.
At one point, we completely relied on pharmaceutical companies to cook up solutions for the masses. Then, we learned that all pharmaceutical companies could not be trusted. Now, we must rely on transparent and natural ways to cope with pain.
A preclinical study from 2018 involving mice as subjects found that delta-8 THC reduces pain and inflammation. Using delta-8 THC-infused topical cream, scientists demonstrated that the cream reduced pain and inflammation in mice.
It was also noted that the topical cream was proven effective against corneal hyperalgesia. This variant of THC might be the closest thing we have to an elixir.
Nausea
Being nauseated is the worst. Luckily, this special variant of THC is effective against fighting nausea. A study from 1995 found that cancer patients suffering from nausea were less likely to vomit when consuming delta-8 THC.
The subjects of the study were suffering from cancer for two or more years. The scientists found that the study participants did not vomit 24 hours before or after consuming delta 8-THC.
Delta-8 THC may be beneficial for those who suffer from morning sickness or severe nausea during their menstrual cycle. There seems to be little that the THC variant can’t solve.
Appetite Stimulant
If you are struggling to gain weight or don’t desire to eat most days, this variant of THC may be for you. Much like the commonly known THC base, this variant offers what many refer to as the “munchies.”
If you are struggling to maintain weight while coping with chronic liver disease or kidney failure, delta-8 THC could really be a resource for you. Delta-8 THC could add value to your life by giving you the urge to eat without the harmful side effects of products from big pharma.
It could also be helpful for cancer patients struggling with the desire to eat. Using the variant would also help cancer patients manage pain, thus serving two needs with one substance.
Improved Cognitive Function
Do you struggle to remember things or struggle to focus in general? Well, delta-8 THC can increase cognitive function. Another study using mice showed that delta-8 THC increased acetylcholine levels in the cortex and hippocampus.
The acetylcholine acts as a neurotransmitter as well as a neuromodulator. Neurotransmitter molecules are essential as they assist in helping our brain function. The neurotransmitter ensures that critical tasks such as breathing, our heart beating, learning, and our ability to comprehend are possible.
Delta-8 also reduces acetylcholine turnover in the hippocampus. The hippocampus plays a huge role in our memory and learning process. High turnover of acetylcholine in the hippocampus is an early indicator of Alzheimer’s disease.
The THC variant not only increases acetylcholine levels but reduces how quickly acetylcholine expires in the brain, which is great news for those who have Alzheimer’s disease. This advancement in cannabis science may prove to be incredibly helpful for those who have Alzheimer’s disease.
The THC variant helps replenish important brain molecules while slowing other brain molecules’ death, which suggests delta-8 THC could be effective in fighting Alzheimer’s. Delta-8 THC will likely continue to make strides in the medicinal world as research labs continue to grow.
Delta 8 THC Fighting Cancer
As you may have noticed, many of the benefits of delta-8 THC are in alignment with helping cancer patients. In 1974, a study led by American government researchers discovered that the THC variant possessed abilities to kill cancer cells.
The ability to kill cancer cells suggests the biggest benefit of delta-8 THC. With the possibility to slow or kill cancer cell production, delta-8 THC may save lives.
A study held in Jerusalem at Shaare Zedek Hospital used delta-8 THC to treat cancer patients. Dr. Raphael Mechoulam’s study boasted 480 successful treatments of cancer with the THC variant.
Additionally, a National Cancer Institute report suggested that delta-8 and delta-9 THC could stop tumor growth. The THC variant benefits are truly life-changing and may usher us into a new age of science.
Addictive Treatment
Many scientists are hoping to fight opioid addiction using delta-8 THC. In 2019 alone, over 50,000 people died in the U.S from an opioid overdose. So many lives were lost due to the addictive products created by greedy pharmaceutical companies.
It is believed that cannabidiol, which is CBD, influences the neuronal circuits involved in drug addiction. While the research on the efficacy of cannabidiol to reduce opioid addiction is limited, scientists are hopeful. To learn more on the health benefits of CBD-related products, check out ViralRang now!
One supporter of delta-8 THC accurately describes it as everything CBD desires to be, and everything delta-9 wished it was. There is so much potential for the variant THC.
Accessibility is Key
Many people would rather not smoke or ingest cannabis-related products. That is understandable as smoking or ingesting cannabis products may not be for everyone.
Luckily delta-8 THC is commonly featured as a topical as well. You could use the THC variant on the go by simply applying it to your skin—no need to take a smoke break or include it in your diet.
Plus, you will likely have smooth skin with the topical product followed by a smooth, anxiety-reduced day. A delta-8 THC-infused topical could be a win-win for sure!
Be Informed
If there is one thing to take away from this post, it is to be informed. Cannabis-related products can add a ton of value to your life. Unfortunately, due to the stigma of cannabis, it may be hard to find cannabis-science news by chance.
By now, you understand the medicinal potential that cannabis, delta-8 THC in specific, has. Delta-8 THC offers a plethora of wellness benefits that could add value to your life while negating the undesirable effects of delta-9 THC.
Never before has cannabis science received so much positive attention. As more legislation is passed in favor of cannabis, we will have the opportunity to participate in making history by rallying behind new science and research on delta-8 THC as well as cannabis-related medicines.
