Are you looking to explore hemp or marijuana for the first time? Regardless if you’re planning to use it for medical or recreational purposes, you will certainly get certain benefits, one way or another.
Interestingly, these benefits spurred marijuana patronage. Over the past decade, global marijuana use increased by 60%. Though the growth is promising, newbies still need to learn the fundamentals of its usage.
You need to find the right marijuana product that suits your best. With different products available, one’s been gaining popularity recently: the Delta 8.
With the controversies hounding marijuana, Delta-8 THC offers a likely alternative. Nevertheless, it is normal to have doubts and concerns about the product.
Thus, we invite you to read below as we dissect Delta-8 THC products, their uses, and why they are worth giving a try.
Delta-8 THC: What Is It Exactly?
First, let’s define what THC is. It is an acronym for Tetrahydrocannabinol. This is one of over a hundred different chemicals that you find in marijuana.
THC is also the chemical behind the psychological effects of marijuana. You can compare THC to the effects of the cannabinoid chemicals the body produces. You can find these receptors in key areas of the brain.
When THC binds with these cannabinoid receptors in the brain, it affects the way you think, concentrate, and perceive time. It also does the same thing with your movements, coordination, and the way you react to pleasure.
When it comes to Delta 8 THC, it is a minor cannabinoid that you find small concentrations of in marijuana. However, some quarters classify it as THC in a degraded form. This means it tends to exhibit a lower psychotropic potency compared to other chemicals in marijuana.
The Differences from Delta-9
It is also important to discuss the differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC. This is where the crux of the matter lies in the topic of legalities.
However, let us first discuss what Delta-9 THC is. THC in its strictest definition pertains to the Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. It is the main psychoactive ingredient that you find in marijuana.
In turn, it is the cannabinoid molecule that gives marijuana users that certain high. Since Delta-9 is also THC like Delta-8, it works the same way by attaching to your cannabinoid receptors.
However, the main difference between the two is their chemical structure. Both Delta-8 and Delta-9 feature double bonds in their molecular chain. However, their effects differ once they bond with the endocannabinoid receptors.
Furthermore, Delta-8 THC is more stable than Delta-9 THC. It does not oxidize and convert into cannabidiol. As a result, Delta 8 offers longer shelf life than Delta-9 THC.
If you put all these things together, you can conclude that Delta-8 is an analog of Delta-9. This means it is a weaker version of Delta-9. Since it comes with lower psychotropic potency, it passes the standards for legalization.
It was in December of 2018 when the Farm Bill technically legalized Delta-8 THC. However, it took almost another year before the company 3Chi became the first to legally offer a variety of Delta-8 THC products on retail.
Delta 8 THC and the Endocannabinoid System
We now know how Delta-8 THC differs from Delta-9. We also know that they are the same in the sense that they both bind to the endocannabinoid receptors. However, we should also understand how exactly it interacts with the endocannabinoid system.
Delta-8 features a double bond on its eight-carbon chain. This double bond is responsible for giving the positive effects of Delta-8 THC to the body. However, unlike its Delta-9 counterpart, it doesn’t provide any psychoactive effects.
As for the binding process, it interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors. You will find the CB1 receptors in the brain. Meanwhile, the CB2 receptors come with the digestive and immune systems.
Interestingly, Delta-8 binds more to CB2 receptors than CB1. This is because of its unique molecular structure. Since CB2 receptors lie in the digestive and immune systems, Delta-8 yields fewer side-effects affecting the brain.
Also, there is the entourage or ensemble effect that plays a crucial role in the function and efficacy of Delta-8 THC. This is a principle that says the THC molecule becomes more effective if you take it alongside other chemicals that you find in hemp or marijuana.
These include flavonoids, cannabinoids, terpenoids, and other compounds within the plant. By combining Delta-8 with other compounds, you will experience better therapeutic results compared to taking an isolated Delta-8 molecule.
Is It Truly Safe?
Knowing how Delta-8 THC works in the body is not enough. You also need to ensure its safety regardless of the dose that you plan to take. Thankfully, it is not harmful to the body.
Delta-8 interacts with your receptors and mimics the compounds that already exist naturally inside the human body.
When you’re taking quality Delta-8 THC products, it is virtually impossible for you to overdose. This is because the compound doesn’t reach strong levels enough for one to overdose. However, taking high doses of the product can exponentially increase its potency.
As we mentioned earlier, Delta-8 can still give your that “high.” However, it is nowhere near as strong as Delta-9. In turn, you will retain your focus once you reach this high. You will remain coherent while taking the right doses of Delta-8.
As for the duration of the feeling, it will likely wear off in a few hours. You may wonder about the long-term effects of taking Delta-8. This is arguably one of the most common concerns among newbies and people who wish to give it a try.
The concern is valid, considering the long-term effects of heavy cannabis use. Though cannabis is addictive, Delta-8 doesn’t have the same addictive levels. This is due to the body’s ability to develop tolerance.
Potential Therapeutic Benefits
When it comes to the different benefits of Delta-8 THC, there are many. It is also the same benefits that help push cannabis to popularity.
Two-thirds of Americans support the legalization of marijuana. Moreover, 91% of the respondents push to legalize weed for medical purposes.
As for its medical potential, there are pain and anti-inflammatory effects. Studies report that Delta-8 THC may reduce pain and inflammation in patients with corneal injuries.
Another potential benefit is it may help reduce anxiety. This is because Delta-8 THC carries similar qualities as the Delta-9’s when it comes to lowering anxiety levels.
Do you have frequent bouts with nausea and vomiting? Using Delta-8 THC products may help your case, being an effective antiemetic. Similar to Delta-9, Delta-8 THC can also relieve nausea and vomiting.
Are you searching for an appetite stimulant? Give Delta-8 a shot. Potentially, it may be twice as potent as Delta-9 in stimulating appetite. Moreover, it can help regulate the body’s absorption of nutrients.
Additionally, you only need a small amount of Delta-8 to feel its effects on your appetite. What is more surprising is the potential of Delta-8 to help cancer patients.
Doctors tested Delta-8 on children with cancer who were undergoing chemotherapy. They discovered that the compound minimized vomiting caused by the treatment.
Furthermore, other studies pointed to its ability to help slow down tumor growth. This is evident when you combine Delta-8 with cannabinol. Tumors may shrink in as little as 20 days.
Different Ways to Enjoy Delta-8 THC
THC in general comes in four major forms. This means you can take and enjoy the benefits of Delta-8 in four different ways.
For starters, there is the method of inhalation. This is the most common form of taking cannabis. Moreover, it is the fastest way to experience some of its effects. This category is where vapes fall under.
Vapes feature a cartridge where the extracted Delta-8 substance from the flower stays.
As you inhale the vape, the cartridge burns the substance. The great thing about vapes is that they do not cause discomfort when you inhale.
The second method of taking Delta-8 is through oral ingestion. In this method, you take the compound in the form of capsules, oils, tinctures, or edibles. Compared to vapes, the effects of orally ingesting Delta-8 take a little longer to kick in.
Nevertheless, this remains a popular way of taking Delta-8. Gummies, for example, are quite popular among users. They may come in fruity flavors like watermelon or raspberry. They are also easy to carry around since they come in durable plastic packaging.
Meanwhile, Delta-8 tinctures use a carrier oil that the users will ingest using a dropper. Some of the best Delta-8 tinctures contain a broad spectrum of hemp extract. This means they also contain other cannabinoids or terpenes to maximize the effects of the Delta-8 substance.
There are also the topicals and the sublingual administration methods. Topicals come in the form of lotions and balms. The latter use lozenges and sprays.
Choosing the Right Sources
To experience the best results Delta-8 THC products offer, you need to pick the best sources. To do so, you must first check the track record of the provider.
How does the community see them? Do they have a good reputation as a provider of quality Delta-8 products? Are they industry veterans or still new kids in the block?
It is best to find a company that has over a decade of industry experience. This means they know the ins and outs of producing quality cannabis-based products.
Also, find a company that offers an extensive selection of products. Though vape cartridges and vape pens are common choices, they are not for everybody. If you don’t smoke, you will likely prefer taking edibles.
Thus, it is wise to go for a provider that gives you plenty of options. Also, you need to pick a source that can answer all your questions. With so many concerns in your mind, you want a company that satisfies all your queries.
Check the websites of different providers. Look for a Q&A section and see if they provide excellent responses. Also, don’t forget to check what their customers are saying.
Go through the feedback section and check if their clients are happy. Do you see any complaints from their customers? If so, take note of these as you make your decision later on.
Last but not least, always buy Delta-8 products and other hemp derivatives from licensed sources.
Tips for First-Time Users
Whether it’s Delta-8 tinctures, vapes, or edibles, you need to learn how to take Delta-8 the right way. Since you’re still a newbie, you should check if Delta-8 THC is legal in your area. Though the Farm Bill legalized it in many states, some still ban the selling of Delta-8 products.
These states include Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, and Delaware. The same thing goes if you’re living in Iowa, Idaho, Montana, Mississippi, or Nebraska.
Next, consider vaping if you’re after convenience. Vapes are easy to operate and the results are fast. However, edibles work best if you want longer-lasting effects.
Yes, the effects of gummies take quite a while to manifest. However, the effects last longer compared to what vaping offers.
If you drive a car, don’t take Delta-8 products while on the wheel. Even if it doesn’t have the same effects as Delta-9, you will still get a certain kind of high. If you commit violations, the officer may charge you for driving under the influence.
Lastly, try not to use Delta-8 products in public. Even if it is legal in your area, some people still do not accept marijuana in general. Also, some states where weed is legal may still ban using THC in public.
Check out this company to learn more about maximizing your Delta-8 experience.
Expand Your Herb Knowledge
Now that you know the basics of Delta 8, you can give it a try the safest way possible. You can slowly experience its benefits and find the dosage that’s right for you. In case you are reluctant to try THC, other herbs offer various medical benefits.
Check out our other articles and expand your knowledge about herbs. We feature different kinds of plants that offer medicinal value and more.