What Does Delta 8 Do & Is It Right for You?

When experiencing chronic pain, depression, anxiety, or other types of mood disorders, the sufferer’s natural tendency is to get relief from the problem as quickly as possible — no matter what! Having said that, recovery as well as understanding how to manage health issues is a time-consuming process.

As people continue to search for new treatment options, novel research is required to figure out what’s actually effective and to what extent — and what does more harm than good. This particularly holds true for over-the-counter products, especially those containing delta-8 (delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol).

Understanding Delta-8 THC

Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is basically a psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant that produces a “high” effect. While it is similar to delta-9 THC — another psychoactive (more popular) compound found in the cannabis plant — its chemical structure is quite different, and it is often manufactured synthetically.

Today, it is quite easy to buy delta THC products. Delta-8 products can be purchased at online stores. They are also easily available at gas stations, in head shops and specialty stores. You can buy delta 9 THC edibles in varied forms, including brownies, gummies, vapes, treats, joints, tinctures, delta-8 extracts, and raw, dried flowers.

Similar to CBD, delta-8 is one of over 100 compounds that are naturally found (though in extremely small concentrations) in the Cannabis sativa plant. These days, concentrated amounts of this psychoactive compound are manufactured synthetically, using hemp and CBD in laboratories. It is for this reason that the majority of delta-8 products available on the market right today have way higher concentrations of delta-8 THC, compared to what occurs naturally in raw extracts.

Effects of Delta 8 THC

Delta 8 THC attaches to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body. These cell membrane receptors form the endocannabinoid system (ECS), the main regulatory network that maintains balance throughout our body.

Because of its affinity with these receptors, viz., CB1 and CB2, delta 8 THC provides the very same benefits as those of CBD and delta 9 THC. However, delta 8 is different from CBD and delta 9 THC with respect to effects on perception, cognition, and appetite. Yet, one can choose to use it in varied ratios to get particular desirable effects.

Delta-8 THC Benefits

Most people are pretty much aware of delta-9 THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the main psychoactive chemical in cannabis and responsible for the euphoric effect of marijuana. Delta-8 is also a psychoactive compound that is known to provide a somewhat similar euphoric effect. Several studies have depicted that delta-8 might aid with the following health conditions:

• Chronic pain
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress

Having said that, the bulk of evidence available today is anecdotal (taken from personal accounts of users, and not based on actual research). Therefore, more research is needed to understand the effectiveness and potential risks of delta-8 THC.

Risks and Possible Side Effects Delta-8 THC

Because delta-8 is so similar to delta-9, it has nearly similar side effects and poses the same types of risks. As delta-8 THC products are not regulated, it is quite possible for you to consume more than the permissible amount of this psychoactive compound. Moreover, many manufacturers make use of certain chemicals to convert cannabinoid into delta-8 THC that could pose extra health risks. It is therefore suggested to buy delta THC products only from an established and trusted manufacturer or supplier. Some of the possible side effects of delta-8 are as follows:

• Vomiting
• Dry mouth
• Loss of consciousness
• Trouble standing
• Hallucinations
• Changes in weight and appetite
• Temporary memory loss
• Trouble with coordination

Plus, there could be other risks involved mainly related to getting high, legality, and potential poisoning. Hence, it is strongly recommended to use such products responsibly and with caution.

Is Delta-8 Legal?

The 2018 Farm Bill made it legal to produce and sell CBD products that don’t cause the euphoric effect and that have below 0.3% THC on the federal level in the U.S. Theoretically, it made it legal to sell CBD products with delta-8 THC under those guidelines.

However, the real issue still exists, i.e., just like many supplements, CBD products are not regulated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), which simply implies that many chemicals that are used to create concentrated amounts of delta-8 THC might be hazardous to consumers.

This leaves every state in the country to pass its own law to regulate delta-8 THC on a state level — whether banned, or marketable and to what concentration. It is however recommended to check the legal status of delta-8 THC is your state of residence if you want to try it out. If it is legal to consume or buy delta-8 THC edibles where you live, make sure to get them only from a trusted online or physical store that sells only high-quality genuine products.