Information
So What is Delta-8?
The cannabis plant contains hundreds of naturally-occurring compounds called cannabinoids, but the most well-known are THC and CBD. The chemical commonly called “THC” actually refers to delta-9 THC, and it is primarily responsible for marijuana’s psychoactive effects. Delta-8 is an isomer of delta-9 THC, so it is nearly identical on a molecular level but with a slight difference in a chemical bond– a small difference with a significant effect.
Delta-8 is being celebrated for its “lower psychotropic potency,” or milder high, compared to its delta-9 relative. Some users have described the experience as “incredibly energizing” and “completely clear-headed,” without that “stoned” feeling. But while delta-8 is less psychoactive– desirable for THC-sensitive users or those hoping to optimize functionality– it also seems to provide a host of benefits associated with both CBD and delta-9 THC. Some areas of potential benefit include: relaxation, pain-reduction, nausea-relief, and support for memory, appetite, and sleep.
Currently, this ideal combination of minimal psychoactive effects with maximal health benefits is associated with delta-8’s relationship to cannabinoid receptors in the body. Whereas delta-9 THC binds to CB1 receptors and CBD binds to CB2, delta-8 binds to both, circulating its incredible effects body-wide.
POTENTIAL USES & BENEFITS
Delta-8 is suggested to be:
• Antiemetic (anti-nausea) • Analgesic (pain-relieving) • Anti-Inflammatory • Appetite Stimulating • Tumor-Reducing • Memory-Supporting • Clear-Headed and Relaxing
Delta-8 could support with the following:
• Headaches & migraines • Hangovers • Nausea & lack of appetite • Anxiety management • Chronic pain • Menstrual cramping • Insomnia • Effects of chemotherapy • People who don’t benefit from CBD • People who have a low tolerance for delta-9 THC
“Since the Federal Farm Bill expressly exempted ALL derivates from hemp from the federal Controlled Substances Act, the federal Farm Bill’s hemp provisions unwittingly removed Delta-8 from being a controlled substance under state law” - John R Armstrong, ESQ. HORWITZ & ARMSTRONG A Professional Law Corporation
Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any statements or claims about the possible health benefits conferred have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease.
How To Use
Delta-8 is commercially new, despite research citing back to the 70s. This is because it occurs far less abundantly in the cannabis plant (less than 1%) than the famed delta-9 THC or CBD. However, with modern extraction methods– including selective breeding and molecular isolation– extractors have begun to formulate potent delta-8 concentrates for the everyday user.
Most companies make extractions for vaporizing and sublingual administration of delta-8. Extracts are often combined with terpenes to optimize the “ensemble effect.”
It is important to note that delta-8 does have a psychoactive component to its effect, and will affect every person differently. It is recommended to start with a conservative dose in order to gauge how delta-8 impacts your body.
RESEARCH
Studies demonstrating the potential benefits of delta-8 root back to 1975, when researchers stumbled upon its tumor-shrinking qualities while studying rats with lung cancer. An Israeli study conducted in 1995, which administered 480+ delta-8 treatments to children with “various hematologic cancers,” found that delta-8 prevented vomiting 100% of the time. Further, none of the children experienced significant psychoactive effects.
Other studies of note link delta-8 with increased acetylcholine– a neurotransmitter association with cognition, memory, and neuroplasticity– as well as increased appetite and weight management. Especially promising for those suffering with chronic pain (particularly if CBD products don’t seem to pack enough punch), are delta-8’s pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects.
While more research is needed to solidify these early findings, the initial literature is very promising. Supporting the science is a litany of anecdotal evidence, as users sing the praises of delta-8 online.
