It seems like everyone has heard of the potential health benefits of CBD and its cousin, Delta-9 THC. But Delta-8 THC is another component of the cannabis plant that may possess extraordinary properties. So what is Delta-8 THC and how might it help enhance your wellness journey?
What Is Delta-8 THC?
Delta-8 THC is just one of the many cannabinoids derived from hemp and cannabis. Because it naturally occurs only in small amounts, it must be extracted and concentrated into edibles, oils, and other products.
Delta-8 THC is one of the less potent cannabinoids, delivering smaller amounts of the psychotropic component than its counterpart, Delta-9 THC.
While intoxicating, most users report that Delta-8 THC does not leave them feeling paranoid or anxious, which is a common side effect of Delta-9 THC. Instead, these users report an extreme sense of focus and clarity.
Delta-8 THC users also report several potential health benefits, though further research still needs to be conducted to determine the exact extent of these benefits.
Potential Health Benefits of Delta-8 THC
Delta-8 THC interacts directly with our endocannabinoid system, binding to the G-protein receptor CB-1, which is located in the central nervous system (CNS). Because of this, Delta-8 users report a variety of potential health benefits, including:
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Analgesic — Some users report that Delta-8 THC helps them cope with discomfort from inflammatory ailments such as arthritis.
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Anti-Anxiety — Once Delta-8 THC binds to the CB-1 receptor, the other neurotransmitters and hormones that bind to these receptors become more available, which may help reduce stress levels and soothe worried minds.
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Antiemetic — One research study conducted on children undergoing chemotherapy found that Delta-8 THC may be able to reduce nausea.
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Stimulates Appetite — Even at low doses, Delta-8 THC may be able to promote an increased food intake, which could potentially benefit those dealing with nausea or lack of appetite.
How Do You Take Delta-8 THC?
There are many ways to take Delta-8 THC. Some of the more popular methods include:
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Edibles — The most common Delta-8 THC edibles are gummies, which are convenient and easy to eat. Available in a wide variety of flavors, these tasty treats may be able to lift your mood or help you calm down longer than smoking or vaping, due to the digestion and breakdown process.
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Vaping vs. Smoking — The newest trend in the cannabis industry is vaping, which involves the use of disposable vape pens or rechargeable batteries and vape cartridges.
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Smoking uses dried flower or concentrates that can be rolled into a joint or put into a pipe or bong to inhale the smoke.
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Vaping uses concentrated extracts or ground-up dry herb.
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Vaping can create a more intense reaction than smoking, and it may also be less harsh on the lungs.
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Both vaping and smoking have an immediate effect on the body, with the impact peaking within 10-15 minutes.
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Whether you choose to smoke or vape, you will reap the enlightening benefits of Delta-8 THC, but start slow with small amounts and see how you feel after 20 to 30 minutes. You can always do more later.
The Possibilities Are Endless
Yes, Delta-8 THC is the enlightened future of cannabis! With all the new research going into cannabis studies, we are learning more and more about the potential healing properties of products such as CBD, CBN, and THC.
Finding the best source of these products is essential, so start shopping today for high-quality products that are third-party lab-tested. This process allows you to know the potency and purity of what you are putting into your body!