As cannabis progresses more and more through the legal system, more consumers learn about what the plant has to offer. You may be familiar with CBD, for example, or even the nutritious benefits that hemp seeds have. The fourth most researched cannabinoid on the planet, delta-8 isn’t new to the cannabis game. Made legal thanks to hemp, let’s look at some of the major benefits of delta 8 THC.
What Does Delta-8 Feel Like?
The biggest question most people have: how is delta-8 supposed to make me feel?
Beyond that question, how is it a legal version of THC?
What’s the difference between this THC and the one that’s still federally illegal?
Is it dangerous?
Fortunately, we have all the answers right here.
Before we dig in too far, it’s important to stress that everyone is different. The experiences someone might have with delta-8 may differ from yours. Do heed with some caution, especially if you’re a first-time user.
One easy word to describe the high delta-8 provides: mellow. Delta-8 users find the high to be incredibly relaxing, putting them in a calm state. They find themselves still clear-headed, able to take on tasks and go about their day normally. A feeling of contentment and chill relaxation washes over them.
Other effects from delta-8 THC include a stimulated appetite – AKA the munchies. It enhances your mood and puts you in that happy place. It also may help with certain types of pain.
While delta-8 doesn’t work for everyone, some users are blown away by how effectively it alleviates symptoms.
Most consumers can expect various intoxicating, albeit mild, effects from delta-8 THC, including:
- Feeling floaty, almost like you’re weightless.
- Experiencing higher energy levels, which allows some to focus easier and also makes it great for daytime consumption.
- Feeling more mellow and chill while still remaining clearheaded.
- Promoting appetite, aiding many in the urge to eat.
- Stimulating intense relaxation, which is ideal if you consume it in the evening.
These are the general experiences people report having, so you may feel more or less than this. Have you ever tried delta-8 before? Was your experience the same mellow, chill time most people say they experience?
How the High of Delta-8 Feels
Some users report anxiety or paranoia as a partial symptom of a delta-9 high. That appears to go away completely with delta-8. This allows for a clearheaded experience, instead. The high stimulates relaxation but not the urge to laze around.
The biggest difference users find is a delta-9 high might make a user feel out of control, while delta-8 helps them feel like they’re still in control. No matter the intensity of the delta-8, it doesn’t come with the feeling of not having control.
This is perhaps a feeling that stops some people from using marijuana in the first place for fear of the negative symptoms. With delta-8, this fear is diminished altogether.
When vaping delta-8, many find that it doesn’t make them sleepy, as some delta-9 THC vapes can. Instead, it increased their energy level and focus while not making their heart race or triggering any symptoms of anxiety.
9 Potential Delta-8 THC Benefits
According to the National Cancer Institute, delta-8 THC can bind to the CB1 receptor throughout the body.
These receptors are part of our endocannabinoid system, which helps our body regulate and maintain homeostasis. (“Homeostasis” is just fancy lingo for complete balance throughout the body.)
Delta-8 exhibits a lower psychotropic potency than delta-9 THC, so it doesn’t bind to the receptor as well. This helps it demonstrate a variety of properties that present powerful benefits, so let’s take a look at the biggest ones below.
1. Neuroprotective properties for a healthier brain
Some research suggests that delta-8 THC could help people produce Acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter. That neurotransmitter is partially responsible for many functions, including:
- memory.
- cognition.
- neuroplasticity.
- and even arousal.
That’s a lot of benefits of delta-8 THC, and it appears to have close to or zero negative side effects to boot. And while research is still in its infancy, anecdotal reports reflect similar results. Delta-8 consumers note how the THC helps them maintain conversations and retain memory, especially compared to traditional THC.
2. Delta-8 THC may be able to stimulate the appetite
In 2004, researchers observed that even very low doses of delta-8 THC can help increase food consumption. The THC may alter certain neurotransmitter levels in the brain. These neurotransmitter gauges measure things like cognitive function and food consumption.
Simply put, delta-8 helps you feel hungry – but not overly so. You’ll get the munchies but likely won’t pig out for long. If you need to up your food intake, though, delta-8 might be a key to helping you succeed.
3. Little or no nausea thanks to its anti-emetic effects
A 1995 study revealed delta-8 having no negative side effects on patients while helping to eliminate their nausea. The study was limited with children undergoing chemotherapy as participants. However, delta-8 reduced nausea with a 100% success rate across 480 treatments, in total.
The results from this study help to reinforce personal experiences at home. Delta-8 consumers report its ability to help reduce nausea, especially when they need to eat.
4. Potential analgesic (AKA pain-relieving) properties
Everyone experiences pain differently and at different degrees, but researchers have observed delta-8’s ability to help relieve some of that pain. Having analgesic properties means it can relieve pain to some degree.
Particularly, those with neuropathic and inflammatory pain may benefit the most, but those with other types of pain may benefit, too.
5. Fewer anxiety symptoms with its anxiolytic effects
As we mentioned earlier, delta-8 binds to the CB1 receptors throughout the body. In fact, some researchers have observed it connecting to the CB2 receptors, too. Its ability to bind is what helps the cannabinoid convince the body to regulate pain and anxiety more efficiently.
The anxiolytic properties it produces help to relieve symptoms of anxiety and allow a wave of relaxation to wash over you.
6. Experience a lighter, more controlled buzz with delta-8 THC
A major benefit of delta-8 is its less potent nature when compared to traditional delta-9 THC. Much like delta-9 THC, delta-8 interacts with the endocannabinoid system by binding to CB1 receptors.
The biggest difference in this is that delta-8 THC does not bind as tightly as delta-9. The weaker bond means that the psychoactive effects of delta-8 are not as strong.
With a weaker onset, the buzz itself becomes much more manageable and tends to be more mellow in nature.
For people who have difficulty dealing with the heavy-hitter nature of traditional delta-9 THC, Delta-8 offers an easier experience that doesn’t steam-roll the user.
7. May calm the nervous and immune system
While research surrounding the benefits of delta-8 is still ongoing, some studies have pointed out some very beneficial possibilities. One such study conducted in 2017 indicated that CBD and THC both have an immunomodulatory effect.
The intestinal lymphatic system plays a role in a majority of the body’s immune cells and also contains over half of the body’s lymphocytes (white blood cells). The study of cannabinoids and their immunomodulatory effects looks to be heavily concentrated in this area.
So why is this an important discovery?
Well, if the link proves to be casual, individuals who have autoimmune diseases could possibly find benefits from this boost to help fight off unhealthy inflammatory immune responses more successfully.
8. Could help reduce inflammation
While we are far from finished learning about delta-8, some research has already proven quite promising.
We already knew delta-8 THC has a weaker bond with the CB1 receptors in our endocannabinoid system. That is why the psychoactive impact is less powerful. What some people might not know, however, is that delta-8 and delta-9 THC share a connection similar in strength to the CB2 receptors.
So while the psychoactive impact is not as strong between the two, the ability to help suppress inflammation is equal. This small difference makes delta-8 a great choice when compared to delta-9 THC since a patient can maximize the anti-inflammatory.
9. Helps prevent sensory overload
Official research has begun surrounding THC and its potential to help alleviate symptoms such as irritability, restlessness, sensory sensitivity, depression, and hyperactivity. Early research is focusing on using the less psychoactive delta-8 THC in this regard.
While it is too early to have definitive answers, researchers are hopeful, thanks to anecdotal accounts and early findings.
Anecdotal accounts have reported that delta-8 helps alleviate issues with sensory overload, allowing the consumer to deal better with their environment.
The calming effects of delta-8, coupled with their lighter and more mellow psychoactive effect, help those who deal with irritability and sensory issues effectively. This doesn’t mean that delta-8 will prove to be the answer for everyone since everyone’s body will absorb and metabolize the cannabinoid differently. However, the findings and user self-reports do help paint a picture of what potential delta-8 may offer.
Ready to Try Delta-8?
As we wrap up, remember to approach delta-8 with an open mind. Understand that individual experiences can vary. That goes especially if you’re a first-time user or unfamiliar with cannabis.
And as with any substance, it’s crucial to be mindful of your own tolerance and preferences. Delta-8 offers a clearheaded, more manageable high, relieving concerns about feeling out of control, like with delta-9.
Are you curious about what delta-8 THC will feel like to you? Explore our delta-8 products today for a controlled, mellow session. Experience the potential health benefits that the THC has to offer, too. Ounce of Hope offers delta-8 in various mediums so you can find what suits you best.
Delta 8 Aquaponic Cakeberry Brûlée Flower
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Vegan Delta 8 Gummies
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1000mg Delta 8 Blue Dream Oil
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Sources:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9887656/
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-15026-z
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10490883/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7776837/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15099912/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6249445/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8725316/
- https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-drug/def/delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol?redirect=true