Did you know there are numerous analogues of THC? When we hear THC, often we think of Delta 9 THC, the most prominent psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. However, it is time to shift the spotlight to Delta 8 THC. Delta 8 THC has been growing in popularity and some consumers have even labeled it “decaf weed.” But what exactly is Delta 8 THC? Let’s take a deeper dive into this minor cannabinoid that has the potential to be used in major ways.
What is Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 THC is a minor cannabinoid found in both hemp and cannabis plants. Though both plants can yield Delta 8, the majority of products on the market today are derived from hemp. When the plants are mature, they yield very small amounts of Delta 8. This has cultivators using selective breeding and molecular isolation to yield plants higher in Delta 8.
Delta 8 THC does have some psychotropic potency, but only about half of Delta 9 THC. Consumers have reported experiencing a clear and light “high” with greater focus and reduced anxiety after ingesting products with Delta 8 THC.
What are the benefits of Delta 8 THC?
Consumer interest has recently grown; however, interest in Delta 8 THC in the science community began as early as 1970. Delta 8 THC can help a vast number of patients with various ailments and can also be a great addition into one’s daily routine to support overall health and wellness. Here are some of the many benefits of Delta 8 THC:
Anti-Nausea
Research shows Delta 8 may be a therapeutic option to help patients with nausea, including those with chemotherapy induced nausea. A 1995 study followed eight children undergoing chemotherapy for a period of two years. When the patients ingested Delta 8, no vomiting occurred. The study had a 100% success rate over the course of 480 treatments, with no side effects reported.
Appetite Stimulant
Delta 8 is a great ally for those that need help with increasing appetite, including patients with AIDS and cancer. There are numerous studies that demonstrate Delta 8’s ability to significantly increase food intake in subjects. At current, there is a patent filed in the United States to use Delta 8 in combination with CBD as an anti-nausea therapeutic. Within the patent, one subject experienced a 200% increase in appetite when compared to Delta 9 THC, warranting the need for approval and continued research on the subject.
Reduces Pain and Inflammation
Delta 8 can potentially help patients with both acute and chronic pain, as well as neuropathic pain. Additionally, the cannabinoid can reduce inflammation in the body, helping to prevent damage from long term inflammation.
Neuroprotectant
Delta 8 THC stimulates the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, benefiting a wide range of mental functions, including memory, cognition, arousal, and neuroplasticity, allowing one to easily learn new things and adapt. Additionally, Delta 8 can reduce the severity of neurological deficits found in conditions with inflammation in the brain, such as autoimmune encephalomyelitis. The neuroprotectant effects of Delta 8 show promise for patients with Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and other neurological conditions.
Anti-Cancer
In 1974, the United States government was researching if Delta 8 was harmful to the immune system. It was given to rats with lung cancer. However, after 20 days of treatment they discovered the cancerous tumors reduced in size. Additionally, over the course of the study the survival rate of the rats increased, and no harm to the immune system was found. With numerous people losing their lives daily to cancer, it is important that more research is conducted.
Is Delta 8 THC legal?
In 2018, Congress passed the 2018 Farm Bill which federally legalized cannabinoids derived from hemp as long as the product has 0.3% or less of Delta 9 THC. There are no limitations listed on Delta 8 THC as long as it is derived from hemp. However, since the federal legalization of hemp, some states have created laws banning the sale and consumption of Delta 8 products.
If you want to try Agrowth’s Delta 8 THC, it is best to check your state laws prior to purchasing it.
How can you take Delta 8?
If you search Delta 8 THC products, there is a vast number of options that will come up. But how do you know what’s right for you and if it is a quality product? When determining quality, it is important to always check the COA (certificate of analysis) and third-party lab testing to ensure you are getting quality cannabinoids, without anything that could cause harm, such as pesticides or mold. When trying to figure out what Delta 8 product is best for you, it is crucial to consider what your goal is and the routes of administration available. For example, if you need to help reduce nausea, a smokable product will be the fastest route of administration, allowing you to feel the effects within 5 to 10 minutes. Below are the two most common routes of administration of Delta 8 and how each will affect you:
Oral Administration
Oral administration of Delta 8, typically by the way of tinctures or edibles, is a popular choice of consumers. Many use them because they feel the dosing is more accurate and oftentimes the tinctures or edibles conceal the plant flavor. When ingesting cannabinoids orally, one should feel the effects in 60 to 180 minutes, depending on the individual’s metabolism. Though it takes a while to feel the effects, they are favored among patients, as the effects last 6 to 8 hours. Additionally, orally ingested Delta 8 THC delivers deep relaxation to the body, making it great for those with chronic pain.
Inhalation
Administering Delta 8 by the route of inhalation through smoking or vaping is the most preferred method of consumers, as it achieves the fastest delivery of cannabinoids to the body. Smoked and vaped Delta 8 has an onset time of 5 to 10 minutes with the effects lasting 2 to 4 hours depending on the individual. This is great for those who want to feel the effects quickly.
Delta 8 THC can be a great addition into one’s health and wellness routine. Whether you are looking to treat a specific ailment, or support your overall health and wellness, Agrowth has a Delta 8 product for you.
Always consult your primary care physician prior to adding any health and wellness supplements into your routine.
