Delta-8 THC may not be as popular as Delta-9 THC or CBD – yet – but it has its share of benefits.
As a result, its fan following is growing, and growing fast. Yet, it’s a relatively new cannabinoid in the market, with little relevant research literature available on it. But as a consumer, you must get as much information as you can on what you are consuming.
So, for your benefit, we have compiled here all that we could find about the compound.
Benefits of Delta-8 THC
With the increasing number of scientific studies, you can learn more about Delta-8 THC and its effects.
Analgesic & Anxiolytic Properties
According to the National Cancer Institute, Delta-8 THC is “an analog of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with antiemetic, anxiolytic, appetite-stimulating, analgesic and neuroprotective properties.”
According to this description, Delta-8 THC helps treat nausea and pain in human beings.
Also, because of its neuroprotective effects, it can protect a user’s brain cells. Although it would make you high, it won’t be as strong as that of Delta-9 THC.
Most consumers claim that they do not experience out-of-control feelings. Rather, they feel motivated and energized after consuming Delta-8 THC because it does not make them lethargic.
Improves Appetite
This is the most well-known effect of Delta-8 THC. This cannabinoid interacts with some of the receptors to induce the production of the Ghrelin hormone. Ghrelin is secreted by the stomach and is responsible for stimulating hunger by influencing the bile section.
According to a study, published in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior in 2004, the researchers noticed that a small dose of Delta-8 THC was beneficial in improving appetite. The researchers further investigated the effects on lab mice for 50 days and found that their food intake increased by 22%.
They stated that this increase was even higher than that induced by Delta-9 THC, which is known to stimulate appetite. Besides, some researchers even proposed that taking a low dose of Delta-8 THC can be a potential therapeutic agent for treating weight disorders.
Anti-Tumor Properties
A study carried out by the National Cancer Institute in 2013 found some evidence relating to the antitumor properties of Delta-8 THC. Though more research is needed, Delta-8 THC may have the ability to stop or slow down the growth and spread of tumor cells.
Helps Fight Cancer-Related Symptoms
A study published in Life Sciences in 1995 suggests that Delta-8 THC can reduce nausea and cause minimal side effects in cancer patients undergoing treatment. The researchers documented eight pediatric cancer patients aged between 3 and 13. They were treated with Delta-8 THC for more than two years. Each patient was given a small dose of Delta-8 THC two hours before cancer treatment and every six hours every day. None of them exhibited the usual symptoms of nausea or vomiting before or after the cancer treatment. At the same time, the Delta-8 compound did not show any significant side effects.
Neuroprotective Properties
Similar to some other cannabinoids, limited use of Delta-8 THC has neuroprotective properties. It was found in 1987 that a small dose of Delta-8 THC was enough to cause some significant effect on mice. The scientists kept tabs to monitor the brain activity of the mice to notice those neuroprotective effects.
Doesn’t that look like an impressive list of health benefits for a comparatively new compound? Although some more research needs to be carried out for verifying the above-mentioned findings, the prospects look quite bright for now.
Side Effects of Delta-8 THC
Every cannabinoid has some health benefits.
Cannabidiol (CBD) was the first such compound to be accepted and appreciated for its therapeutic benefits. However, that was mainly because of its non-psychoactive properties.
But Delta-8 THC is different. So, how is it special?
Delta-8 THC is also a psychoactive compound like Delta-9, but the effects are milder. The best thing about Delta-8 THC is that it gives you a more peaceful feeling. Some users have reported higher levels of concentration and energy levels rather than the usual THC products. Consuming Delta-8 also makes people more aware of themselves, which also improves their sense of perception.
However, always keep in mind that the experience varies from person to person because Delta-8 is still a THC.
An animal study, published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, showed that Delta-8 THC is responsible for a sudden increase in the blood pressure of animals, which might temporarily obstruct the blood vessels. There is a sudden fall in the heart rate and blood pressure soon after the rise in blood pressure. It can lead to some serious health conditions if it happens identically in humans.
However, evidence found in a systematic review of 2018 defied the idea that the outcome in humans is similar to that of animals. The study, which was published in the journal Pharmaceuticals, explained that Delta-8 THC slows down the heart rate of animals but heightens the heart rate of human beings.
Well, considering the government regulations regarding the legality of Delta-8 THC, any sort of isolated isomer from THC is still a grey area. Only the extraction of naturally occurring Delta-8 THC is legal. But it is extremely difficult to obtain the compound directly from live cannabis plants because it occurs in very small amounts. That is why when you consume Delta-8 THC, you are in a grey area.
FAQs About Delta-8 THC
Q: How can I use Delta-8 THC?
A: Consumption of Delta-8 THC is possible in several ways and it usually depends on the personal preference of consumers. You can consume edibles, such as tinctures or gummies, or you can smoke or vape the compound.
Q: Is Delta-8 THC legal?
A: Usually, Delta-8 THC is extracted from hemp, which contains less than 0.3% of Delta-9 THC. It is federally legal in most US states. Only 11 states have refused to give legal status to Delta-8 THC.
Q: Can Delta-8 make me fail a drug test?
A: Yes, you can fail a drug test after consuming Delta-8 THC. As the metabolites of Delta-8 are similar to that of Delta-9, you will test positive. That’s because drug tests are designed to look for THC metabolites in the human body. Read our detailed article on the same
Our Takeaway: Does Delta-8 THC Has Benefits?
Experts suggest that Delta-8 THC has several therapeutic properties, which can help you fight against pain, nausea, anxiety, and inflammation. However, at present, as the research is in the early stages, there is no strong conclusion regarding its efficacy and safety.
We know for certain that Delta-8 is a psychotropic cannabinoid. However, it has a much weaker psychotropic effect than Delta-9 THC. It also stays active only for a short time and does not get you stoned.
However, bear in mind that the consumption of this compound will give you a false positive result on a drug test for weed.
We also know that Delta-8 THC can improve certain health conditions. But we recommend that you take it under a doctor’s supervision if it is for health purposes.
Even if you consume it for recreational purposes, we suggest that you consult a doctor first, at least before you consume it for the first time. That would be especially necessary if you have any other health condition and/or take any medications for that.