What Are the Benefits of Delta-8?
The hemp industry has gone a long way, from people just being familiar with CBD and THC to the emergence of a new compound, delta-8. A component derived from the cannabis plant, delta-8 has risen in popularity as a legal and less intense substitute to “normal” THC, i.e. delta-9.
If you have been seeing delta-8 THC products all around the Internet or even in retail stores, you might be curious about it. In this article, we explore delta-8 THC, what it is, and its myriad of benefits for our health and wellness.
Delta-8: The New THC
Dubbed as the “new THC,” the delta-8 compound of hemp is a tetrahydrocannabinol that, similar to other cannabis chemicals, binds to the human body’s endocannabinoid receptors. It functions similarly to its delta-9 sister (read the differences here), binding to CB1 and CB2 receptors and delivering a satisfying high — except with unique bonding properties and a whole set of different benefits.
Benefits of Delta-8 THC
If you are familiar with CBD and THC products, Delta-8 THC is no different in terms of its use and advantages. It is a valuable compound of cannabis, offering a range of benefits for physical, mental, and psychological health.
Antiemetic
Delta-9 THC has long been known to help relieve nausea and vomiting, however, its possibility as a treatment for these ailments hasn’t been thoroughly explored because of its psychoactive element, which, depending on how the user responds to it, can be very intense.
Delta-8 THC, on the other hand, functions similarly to delta-9, and therefore also has the capacity to alleviate nausea and vomiting. It may be a better alternative to its counterpart because of its lower potency that mitigates its psychoactive effects.
In fact, there are some research studies that have explored delta-8 THC as a treatment option for children with cancer. The results showed grave improvement in the symptoms of nausea and vomiting, which were reduced after chemotherapy sessions.
Helps With Relaxation
One of the most common benefits of hemp-derived compounds, i.e. CBD and THC, is their ability to calm the mind and body. For most, CBD and THC have sedative-like effects, helping them relax, reduce anxiety, and relieve stress.
In the same way, delta-8 THC also has the capacity to assist in relaxation, with the added perk of reduced psychoactivity. Users of this newly popular compound report a calmer and more soothing high, improved focus, and increased feelings of euphoria, happiness, and relief.
These benefits are owing to delta-8 THC’s ability to bind to the endocannabinoid system’s CB1 receptors, which then activate hormones and neurotransmitters. As a result, delta-8 THC assists in lowering levels of anxiety and fear. Its low risk for intense and overwhelming psychoactive experience also reduces the tendency for paranoia or panic attacks.
Improves Brain Health
Scientists have found that delta-8 THC boasts neuroprotective properties that work to improve overall brain health. More research is called for to determine how it triggers these positive effects. But one of the more well-known ways it works is by regulating the channels of calcium and potassium in the central nervous system.
Delta-8 THC also has the ability to increase acetylcholine and choline levels in the brain, which coincidentally makes it a viable treatment for degenerative mental health conditions.
Less Psychoactive High
The THC that is smoked recreationally is delta-9 THC, a potent compound that yields a rather intense high, depending on the dosage. This overwhelming psychoactivity can hamper productivity and negate some of THC’s benefits. This is not a problem with delta-8 THC, which is a less potent cannabis compound.
Delta-8 THC still renders the desirable psychoactive experience but in a more mellow and less intense manner. Scientists believe that delta-8 THC has only half the potency of its delta-9 counterpart, making it smoother and milder, and allowing for a less anxious high.
Pain Relief
Many people smoke or consume delta-9 THC for medical instead of recreational purposes. Often, this is to relieve chronic, central, and neuropathic pain. This pain-relief benefit is thanks to THC’s anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its ability to regulate neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine, serotonin, and glutamine. When these hormones are activated, they allow for better communication between the brain and cells, decreasing pain signals and helping with relief.
Research also shows the delta-8 THC that is applied topically can relieve chronic pain and inflammation.
Stimulates the Appetite
While delta-8 THC has lower psychoactive components compared to delta-9 THC, it makes up for it with more potent medicinal properties. It’s believed that delta-8 THC has twice the therapeutic properties compared to its counterpart. One of these is the ability to stimulate appetite and regulate the absorption of nutrients.
Scientists believe that even just a small dose of delta-8 THC can deliver positive effects on appetite and nutrition.
Experience Delta-8 THC
If you’re ready to experience the various health and recreational benefits of delta-8 THC, browse TerVita CBD’s selection of Delta 8 disposables and D8 gummies as well as our premium delta-8 infused blends.