All About Delta 8 THC: Studies and Facts
We all have ups and downs in our lives and often feel the need to pipe down and relax. The need to unwind and clear our minds leads us to seek anything that can help us out of the fog and gain some focus and tranquility.
There is a new star emerging in the cannabis industry to help us out of the depths of misery, and everyone is on their toes to get access to it. If you are familiar with the cannabis industry, you have probably heard about delta-8, which has just recently begun to gain popularity.
In this post, we will go over all of the facts and studies concerning delta-8, so keep reading to clear up any misunderstandings and answer your concerns about the substance.
What Is Delta 8 THC?
Cannabis has over a hundred minor cannabinoids, and while the plant has been extensively studied, we cannot say the same about its cannabinoids. Delta-8 is one of those substances that demands more research. The hemp plant is the source of delta-8, although only a trace amount of delta-8 is present in the plant.
Delta-8 is a hemp extract that undergoes isomerization and purification in laboratories under expert supervision. The final product is available in various forms, including oils, tinctures, pre-rolls, waxes, vape carts, and consumables like gummies, coffee beans, and cookies.
Delta-8 is made up of two primary strains that are responsible for the observed effects, and the most prevalent strains are indica and sativa. The first strain promotes deep relaxation while also reducing nausea and anxiety. The latter strain relieves brain fog, induces euphoria, and stimulates appetite. Both of these strains are also available in hybrid form on the market.
This drug has been rapidly gaining popularity, and we believe it will continue to do so for years to come.
Benefits of Delta-8
Medical Studies
In recent years, there has been some medical research conducted on delta-8. Studies have revealed a small dosage of delta-8 causes a substantial impact in oncology studies. For example, a study on mice revealed a reduction in tumor growth, as well as a dose-dependent inhibition.
In addition, delta-8 was administered to pediatric cancer patients in a modest amount prior to chemotherapy. According to the findings, the patients no longer experienced nausea following their therapy.
Appetite Stimulation
Delta-8 has the potential to stimulate hunger. Research on mice published in 2004 found that a small dosage of delta-8 enhanced their appetite for food over time. Moreover, the mice’s appetites increased even more once they were given a greater dose.
In addition, this study proved to be a game-changer for those suffering from eating disorders, as delta-8 can now be used for conditions such as anorexia and bulimia.
Potential Pain Treatment
Delta-8 binding to the endocannabinoid system indicates the body’s overall internal equilibrium is being maintained, which also results in a decrease in inflammation. As inflammation is a symptom of pain, its reduction can lead to a decrease in chronic pain.
Many consumers claim that ingesting a small dose of delta-8 provides them with temporary pain alleviation. As a result, people are turning towards delta-8 over traditional medicine.
Clarity
Delta-8 has a variety of neurological benefits since improved brain health leads to improved cognitive ability.
Most individuals take a small dose of delta-8 before they start their day, as it offers them clarity, boosts their mood, and gives them the energy they need to get through their busy day.
Facts About Delta-8
Delta-8 vs. Delta-9?
We are sure you have heard about delta-9, as it has been famous for quite some time now. However, you might be wondering about the difference between delta-8 and delta-9. For starters, both of these substances belong to the same THC family and are close cousins.
The primary difference between the two lies in their chemical structure. Delta-8 has a double bond placement at the 8th position on the carbon chain, whereas delta-9 has a bond at the 9th carbon atom. This causes a difference in how each binds to the endocannabinoid system.
Moreover, delta-8 is more stable since it does not readily convert into its metabolites, unlike delta-9. At a higher temperature or pH level, delta-8 does not lose its molecular structure either. This stability causes delta-8 to provide the consumer with a smoother and clearer high, whereas delta-9 is more potent.
Legality of Delta-8
The legality of the THC family is a tricky subject to date. Although both substances come from the same family, delta-9 is illegal, while delta-8 is not. The reason behind this lies in their origin plant. Delta-9 originates from marijuana, whereas delta-8 is a hemp extract, which is legal and safe to grow.
The Farm Bill passed in 2018 mentioned all minor cannabinoids as illegal. However, delta-8 was exempt from this list under the condition that it cannot be sold with more than 0.3% delta-9 THC in products. However, the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration has voted to put delta-8 in Schedule I Controlled Substances. Regardless, this ruling is open for review until October 2021.
However, a few states have chosen to ignore the Farm Bill entirely and have announced their own rules, which put delta-8 under illegal substances. As a result, if you currently live in any of these 14 states, you will not be able to obtain delta-8 legally. These states include Alaska, Arizona, Iowa, Idaho, Delaware, Montana, Mississippi, Rhode Island, Colorado, Arkansas, New York, Utah, Kentucky, and Vermont.
Safety of Delta-8
Ever since the legalization of delta-8, every company and individual vendor has started selling delta-8 in large amounts. This has put consumers at risk since cheap companies and local vendors do not perform quality control measures. Additionally, the authorities are not obligated to keep a check on local sellers either, which gives them the green light to sell unregulated delta-8.
A few years back, the Cannabis Council did a comprehensive study on locally sold delta-8, and the study showed alarming results. Delta-8 was being sold in mass amounts with a higher than 0.3% delta-8 THC concentration. Moreover, this unregulated delta-8 was being sold to minors, which doubled the illegality.
In 2019, patients with chronic lung diseases were brought into the ER, and more than 60 of these patients passed away. The reason behind this was the consumption of vitamin E acetate and harmful metals like lead, nickel, and chromium.
Since there has not been extensive research on delta-8, we recommend you buy only safe delta-8, which is available on authentic websites of renowned companies. We would also like to add that you should avoid buying products from local vendors such as vape shops and gas stations.
Delta-8 and Drug Tests
Although delta-8 is legal, you will fail a drug test after ingesting the product, and the reason behind this is a bit chemical. After ingestion, delta-8 breaks down into THC-COOH, which is the same metabolite delta-9 breaks down into.
Since delta-9 is illegal, there is no way of knowing which drug was taken by a test, and the metabolites show up on your drug screening.
The only way around this is to avoid taking the drug if you have a test coming up. If you have already taken the drug, we suggest you wait for at least 30 days in the case of a urine test and three to six months if you are taking a nail or hair test.
Ways to Take Delta-8
Delta-8 is present in several products such as oils, tinctures, edibles, vape carts, and more. Each product has a different way of ingestion.
First, tinctures are absorbed via sublingual cells. So, you can place one or two drops under your tongue, and the effects usually take 10-15 minutes to show up. Next, vaping also gives instant results but wears off quickly, and you can use a vape cart for this method.
However, edibles are the most fun way of taking delta-8. You can take them in pre-present forms like cookies or gummies. Alternatively, you can add the raw flowers to your favorite recipes. Lastly, we have wax, which is a product for more advanced users. It can be taken via honey straws in vapor form. The effects are immediate, and the wax hits hard and fast.
Dosage Guide & Recommendations
As more people are willing to test delta-8, knowing which dosage guide to follow is essential. Here, it is essential to note that every person has a different metabolism and absorption level. This means two people who take the same amount of delta-8 might not experience effects simultaneously.
The reason behind the difference in the rate of absorption is individual metabolism levels. For example, if you have a quick metabolism, you will experience immediate results and vice versa. Similarly, if you have a tolerance built up by a regular intake of delta-8, you might experience slower effects than those new to taking delta-8.
If you are a newbie, 5mg to 15mg is an excellent place to start. Then, after your tolerance has built a bit, you can shift to 15mg to 45mg. On the other hand, advanced users are more familiar with their body’s ability to absorb to take their dosage even further.
Does Delta-8 Have Any Side Effects?
Legal delta-8 has a very low percentage of THC, making it nearly impossible to have many side effects. The worst that can happen is an itchy throat which lasts for a few hours if you take more than your recommended dose of delta-8.
The milder side effects in the case of a higher dose include grogginess, restlessness, insomnia, anxiety, paranoia, cottonmouth, and red eyes. These effects wear off as the drug slowly starts to leave your body. However, it is recommended to drink lots of water to help the process along.
Closing Thoughts: Know Everything About Delta 8 THC
Delta-8 assists as the best of friends on the down days. However, this drug has a lot of strings that come with it, including a legality clause. If you figure out all of the constraints of delta-8, this drug could serve as a significant game-changer in your life.
We hope this article helps you make a sound decision when it comes to choosing a delta-8 product and administering the one you have selected. Finally, we wish you a safe and happy high.
