The ever-increasing popularity of Cannabis and its related products is leading to the Rapid legalization of the drug around the world. It is composed of a wide range of healthy and helpful chemical compounds, including phytocannabinoids and phytonutrients.

Delta 8 THC is the most popular active phytocannabinoids found in almost all strains of the Cannabis genus. It is responsible for producing the characteristic effects of Cannabis sativa or Indica. Read on to know more about Cannabis and its relation with Delta 8 THC.

What is Delta 8 THC?

Delta 8 THC is the primary psychoactive substance that is quite similar to Delta 9 THC, but it is far less potent when it comes to producing euphoric effects. Even though THC is usually known for its mind-on-ring properties but we cannot ignore the fact that it has many health benefits as well. Delta 9 and Delta 8 THC are slightly different in their chemical structure. Alteration in a single covalent bond makes Delta 8 THC much more beneficial and less psychoactive. Delta 8 THC is found in minute quality, so it is usually prepared in the laboratory from Delta 9 THC by creating a double bond on the 8 carbon chain. Several standard operating procedures are used to either extract Delta 8 THC from Cannabis or produce it in the laboratory.

According to Forbes, “The findings of a study published in the International Journal of Drug Policy reveal that delta-8-THC was heavily searched on Google in the U.S. 2020 and 2021...Their findings show that the public interest in delta-8-THC increased rapidly in 2020 and 2021 and was exceptionally high in those U.S. states that haven’t decriminalized or legalized recreational cannabis.”

Potential Health Benefits Of Delta 8 THC

Delta 8 THC offers a toned-down effect of Delta 9 THC. Most people who have used Delta 8 describe the impact to be blissful and with increased sensory perception. It is also known to activate the endocannabinoid system, which can help in relieving stress and anxiety. Just like Delta 9 THC, Delta 8 also binds to the CB1 receptors that can help in initiating the physiological effect and offers the following benefits.

Delta 8 can impact the body's natural rhythm and help you have a restful sleep. Sleep is essential for the body's optimal performance.

The anti-inflammatory properties of Delta 8 can also help in reducing nerve pain and inflammation. It also possesses analgesic properties that offer relief from muscle and joint pain caused by arthritis or multiple sclerosis.

The Delta 8 can interact with the human endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for regulating many physiological functions such as mood, breathing, response, fight, and flight.

Antiemetic properties of THC can help in reducing nausea and vomiting, which are usually caused during chemotherapy used to treat different types of cancer.

Research on Delta 8

Studies have shown that Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC have similar pharmacodynamics profiles as they are both agonists of CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system. Research conducted in 1995 has shown that Delta 8 THC can be quite helpful in reducing the side effects of chemotherapy because of its antiemetic properties. Another study conducted in 2016 has proven that Delta 8 can also be a potential treatment option for glaucoma as it can regulate ocular pressure. Its topical application can significantly help in reducing tenderness Eye Pain and Blurred vision. However, before considering it a treatment option for any health condition, it is best to consult your Healthcare practitioner to be safe.

Is Delta 8 Legal?

You will find numerous cannabis brands openly promoting Delta 8. As per the farm bill 2018, Delta 8 can be considered legal because that R8 is not explicitly mentioned in the controlled substance list. It is in the grey legal list because it contains less than 0.3 % Delta 9 THC. Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD must not have a noticeable quantity of THC. Delta 8 product packaging usually claims that delta 8 is legal, but check your local laws before using it.

Risks of Using Delta 8

Since both Delta 8 and Delta 9 are pretty similar in structure, they also produce very similar side effects. Here are a few of them:

Red eyes
Dry mouth
Rapid heart rate
Trouble with coordination
Slowed reaction times
Anxiety
Memory loss

However, since it’s less psychoactive, it causes less severe side effects than delta 9. Remember that there is quite a little research on Delta 8 as it is a relatively new compound, so its exact effect may be unknown.

Wrap Up

Delta 8 THC is a minor constituent of marijuana. Naturally, it occurs in a scarce quantity, so it is usually prepared in the laboratory, and this synthetic Delta 8 is then used in a wide range of products, including oil, tinctures, topicals, and smokeable. Researchers think that Delta 8 could be a potential replacement for Delta 9 as it is less psychoactive and produces mild side effects only.