DELTA-8 THC

What Is Delta-8 THC?

Delta 8 THC is an extremely important cannabinoid specifically due to its ability to serve as a more functional substitute for Delta 9 THC.

Delta 9 THC can have a fair amount of negative side effects: addiction, sleep issues, paranoia, anxiety, laziness, etc. However, many users report Delta 8 THC as having either none or reduced side effects in comparison. This is an enormous benefit for the many individuals who are helped medicinally by Delta 9 THC, but do not enjoy the side effects.

While it is still early to say anything definitively, from a medicinal standpoint, Delta 8 THC seems to show a lot of promise in a number of areas.

According to the National Cancer Institute, delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol is “an analogue of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), with potential antiemetic, anxiolytic, appetite-stimulating, analgesic, and neuroprotective activities”.

Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-THC) binds to the cannabinoid G-protein coupled receptor CB1, located in the central nervous system; CB1 receptor activation may inhibit adenyl cyclase, increase mitogen-activated protein kinase activities, modulate several potassium channel conductances and inhibit N- and P/Q-type Ca2+ channels. This agent exhibits a lower psychotropic potency than delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC), the primary form of THC found in cannabis.” It exists naturally and can also be produced by converting CBD or Delta 9 THC via a chemical reaction typically using heat, catalysts, altered pH environments, and/or solvents.

Using Delta 8 THC?

Research has shown that delta-8 has less psychoactive potency than its analogue delta-9. Researchers have estimated the potency to be about two-thirds of the potency of delta-9-THC.

The “high” from delta-8 has been described as more clear-headed when compared to delta-9-THC, and people who have used it often note less of an impact on concentration and anxiety, though it still retains its medicinal properties. The effects of Delta 8 THC vary per person, but the average experience could best be explained by imagining combining the best parts of CBD and Delta 9 THC.

It is often reported as relaxing, mood-boosting, pleasantly euphoric yet clearheaded, and not overwhelmingly intoxicating. It’s motivating/energizing to some, especially at lower doses, and sleep-inducing to others, especially at higher doses.

With appropriate dosing, users report feeling far more functional and active on Delta 8 THC versus Delta 9 THC. D8 THC also appears to be more medicinal than both CBD and Delta 9 THC.

If vaporized and inhaled the effects of Delta 8 THC appear within 20 minutes and can last as long as 5 hours with peak effects typically starting to decrease after 30 minutes to 2.5 hours depending on the individual. The higher the purity of D8 THC and the fewer cannabinoids like CBD and CBG, the quicker the onset and higher the intensity of effects.

If consumed orally, Delta 8 THC can take anywhere between 45 minutes and 4 hours to peak, with effects lasting as long as 12 hours. This is much longer than typically observed with Delta 9 THC and has the potential to be exceptional and convenient as a cannabis treatment with the possibility of as little as 2 doses being necessary for a full 24-hour treatment.

The lack or reduction of “mental fogginess” and paranoia is also a unique and beneficial trait of D8 THC as it allows many users the ability to take it while still accomplishing daily tasks.

Negative effects can include drowsiness, upset stomach, dry mouth, red eyes, and headache.