Cannabinoid’s, cannabinoids, and more cannabinoids! Over 144 cannabinoids have been discovered, which is impressive, confusing, overwhelming, and complicated. CBD Wild Leaf is here to educate and clarify these exceptional cannabinoids!
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring chemicals present in the hemp/cannabis plants. Almost everyone knows about THC and possibly CBD with the recent exposure it has had. Tetrahydrocannabinol delta-9 is the cannabinoid responsible for the high and psychoactive effects that come with consuming marijuana. Delta-8 THC is another prominent cannabinoid gaining popularity in the industry. The 2018 Farm Bill did not specify delta-8 THC because it is considered a minor cannabinoid. So, what is it, and how does delta-8 THC provide its type of stimulation and medical attributes?
Delta-8 was discovered in 1941 at the University of Illinois by Rodger Adams. Today, this compound has been rediscovered. Delta-8 is like delta-9 in that psychoactive effects are/can be produced when consumed. However, delta-8 THC produces a less intensive “high” than Delta-9 THC. The chemical difference is a single atomic bond in the compound. Like other cannabinoids, it interacts with the Endocannabinoid System, specifically with the CB1 receptors in the nervous system. Interaction with the Endocannabis System gives it beneficial healing abilities. As more studies are released, we are learning more about delta-8 THC and how it works.
The benefits to date associated with Delta-8 THC include:
- Appetite Stimulation
- Pain and inflammation alleviation
- Eliminates nausea specifically in cancer patients
- Produces a “clearer-headed” high compared to delta-9 THC
- Like CBD, its benefits are reducing anxiety, pain, and inflammation.
Scientific Evidence of Delta-8 THC
In a report published through MedGen, researchers described delta-8 THC as anti-nausea (antiemetic), anti-anxiety (anxiolytic), and pain relief (analgesic) benefits, among other effects. Also, delta-8 THC has been shown to stimulate appetite. In 2004, researchers analyzed delta-8 THC and its impact on appetite control. Researchers gave delta-8 THC to mice who had recently completed a weight loss regimen. Researchers found that delta-8 THC caused increased food consumption and improved cognitive function without the effects typically linked to cannabis. In another study, researchers gave Delta 8-THC to children aged 3 to 13 years with hematologic cancers and found that Delta 8-THC reduced nausea related to cancer treatment. Researchers observed no significant side effects. However, media attention on Delta 8-THC growing expects to see more studies on the compound moving forward.
What can I expect?
So, what can I expect while consuming delta-8? When trying delta-8 for the first time, it is essential to start slow. Products can come in many different forms, sublingual oil, edibles, vape cartridges, and flowers, so start slow and adjust your tolerance and dosage. Delta-8 can make you feel high, but its "high" is low-key. Often with varying degrees of psychoactive effects. The lack of psychoactive properties is essential. Many users claim Delta 8-THC gives them a more clear-headed high. Because delta-8 THC is a form of THC, it still gets you high – but many people claim they do not feel out of control.
We recommend not driving or operating heavy equipment while taking it.
Also, this is important to know that if you are regularly screened for drugs, you will probably test positive for THC! The drug testing process screens for the presence of THC and cannot distinguish between delta-8 and delta-9 THC.
Is Delta-8 THC Legal?
The simple answer is yes at the federal level due to the 2018 Farm Bill. The Farm Bill declared that all cannabinoids are legal if the product is derived from the hemp plant and has less than 0.3% delta-9 THC. Delta-8 THC occupies a legal gray area in the United States. Most delta-8 THC products available are derived from the legal hemp plant. Although delta-8 THC is permitted at the federal level, its legality varies on a state-to-state basis. Therefore, delta-8 THC's legality is murky at both the federal and state levels. In recent months, several states have passed bills that make delta-8 illegal at the state level.
Here is the most important thing to know about delta 8-THC: it appears to provide similar benefits to its well-known partner, delta-9 THC, but with less intense side effects. In other words, delta-8 THC could help you enjoy the benefits of ordinary THC (like the feeling of being high) without the unwanted side effects (like paranoia and anxiety) caused by getting too high. Researchers also found that delta-8 THC “exhibits a lower psychotropic potency” than delta- 9 THC.