Delta 8 THC: Benefits, Dosing, Where To Buy, And More!

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Delta 8 THC
Key Takeaways:
Delta 8 THC is derived from Hemp
Unlike CBD, Delta 8 does get you high
Very low side effect profile
Able to be shipped to most locations
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As governments begin to loosen cannabis restrictions, Delta 8 THC is quickly becoming a popular option amongst cannabis users.

Unlike CBD, Delta 8 does elicit a high along with other mental and physical benefits.

The following review dives deep into all things Delta 8 THC including the science on how it works in your brain and body.

Where To Buy Delta 8 THC

Weed-lite

Delta 8 THC

  • Potent, psychoactive cannabinoid that is derived from the hemp plant

  • Legal in most states and does not produce the “high” associated with marijuana

  • Known to improve focus and cognitive function

  • Popular choice for those seeking an all-natural way to enhance their mental performance

Delta 8 THC is a cannabinoid that occurs naturally in the cannabis plant. Unlike its more well-known cousin, Delta 9 THC, Delta 8 THC is much less psychoactive, making it an attractive option for those looking to experience the benefits of cannabis without the high.

Delta 8 THC supplements are made by extracting and isolating this cannabinoid from the plant. These supplements are then typically taken in pill or tincture form.

So what exactly are the benefits of taking a Delta 8 THC supplement? Some users report feeling more clear-headed and focused when taking these supplements, as well as experiencing increased energy levels and improved mood. Some studies have also shown that Delta 8 THC can help to reduce anxiety and nausea. So whether you’re looking for a way to boost your productivity or simply want to relax and destress, Delta 8 THC could be worth trying out.

Pros

  • Doesn’t make you high
  • Available in supplements, which can be taken orally or added to food and beverages
  • Legal in the United States
  • Known to prevent vomiting during cancer treatments
  • Products are available over the counter at gas stations, convenience stores, weed, and vape shops, and online

Cons

  • There are some potential risks associated including dizziness, dry mouth, and paranoia
  • Not regulated by the FDA

What Is Delta 8 THC

Delta- 8- tetra- hydro- cannabinol (Δ8-THC), aka Delta 8 THC is a naturally occurring cannabis compound.

Consumption of this compound instills a mild psychoactive effect leading to euphoria, happy high, sedation, symptomatic pain relief, feeling uplifted, and much more.1Graeme Griffin, Stephanie Williams, Mie Mie Aung, Raj K Razdan, Billy R Martin, and Mary E Abood, Separation of cannabinoid receptor affinity and efficacy in delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol side-chain analogues Br J Pharmacol. 2001

Delta 8 THC

Delta 8 THC offers its users a milder alternative to traditional Delta-9 THC found in most cannabis products.

Delta 8 THC offers its users a milder alternative to traditional Delta-9 THC found in most cannabis products.

Does Delta 8 THC Get You High

Delta 8 THC will undeniably get a person high, although not as much in comparison with the Delta 9 THC or from consuming common edibles, smoking joints, or taking dabs etc. The high from this product is much lighter and less psychoactive.

Delta 8 THC vs Delta 9 THC

Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC are both derived from hemp. Tetra- hydro- cannabinol (THC) is an identical chemical structural component shared by Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC. The only difference in their structural formulation is the placement of a double bond between carbon atoms. Both cannabinoids consist of an atomic carbon chain, but Delta 8 THC has the double bond on the eighth carbon atom, whereas Delta 9 has it on the ninth carbon atom.2PubChem NLM. 2020, delta8-Tetrahydrocannabinol PubChem NLM. 2020

Delta 8 THC

Both of these compounds are psychoactive cannabinoids and get you high. However, Delta 8 THC is less potent than Delta 9 THC in every manner.Delta 9 THC may cause undesirable effects for some users, which may include anxiety attacks, episodes of severe headaches and may even cause paranoia post-consumption, whereas Delta 8 THC offers a lighter, milder, smoother, and more energizing high.

Delta 8 THC vs CBD

The structural and functional properties of Delta 8 THC have more in common with Delta 9 THC than that of CBD. Both Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC bind to the organism’s endocannabinoid system, whereas CBD does not formulate a bond as readily to the organism’s endocannabinoid system. Hence, CBD is non-intoxicating and may offer therapeutic benefits for the user.

Delta 8 THC

In short, if you’re looking to get high, Delta 8 THC is the answer. But if you’re looking for a non-psychoactive compound that delivers medicinal effects and symptomatic pain relief then CBD is the recommended product.

Is Delta 8 THC Harmful?

Unfortunately, Delta 8 is still a relatively new product and there are insufficient studies on humans detailing its adverse effects, tolerability of the compound, and product safety profile. It’s also not yet possible to predict the long-term effects of Delta 8 THC.

That being said, the vast majority of users say it is negative effects are similar to those of traditional delta 9 THC which are relatively mild and can differ on a case by case basis. In any case, due to the sheer lack of research on this compound users are cautioned to use at their own risk.

Delta 8 THC Legal Loophole

At present, Delta 8 exists in a legal gray area. As per the federal Drug Enforcement Administration proposed rule in the United States, Delta 8 THC is indirectly classified as a ‘Schedule I’ controlled substance, which makes it a federally illegal product. However, as of this writing this rule is not final.3Alice Mead, Legal and Regulatory Issues Governing Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products in the United States Front Plant Sci. 2019

Delta 8 THC is generally extracted from hemp plants and not cannabis, hence, selling Delta 8 THC in many states is legal where cannabis is illegal.

Delta 8 THC

I understand this can be confusing because theoretically hemp is also considered a cannabis plant. However, it is important to note that hemp contains only 0.3% THC or less. Whereas, generally cannabis plants contain 0.3% THC or more.

Hence, at least on paper as per the ‘2018 farm bill’ organic synthesis of Delta 8 THC from hemp plants is not against the legal federal system of the United States.4Zerrin Atakan, Cannabis, a complex plant: different compounds and different effects on individualsTher Adv Psychopharmacol. 2012

And for the consumers residing in the states where cannabis is not legal, Delta 8 THC can be the legal route to get that weed-high.

How Delta 8 THC works in the Brain

Delta 8 THC improves cholinergic mechanisms in all areas of the brain including, the cortex, hippocampus, midbrain, medulla-pons, and striatum. Delta 8 THC efficiently intensifies the neurotransmitter acetylcholine levels and boosts brain health.

Acetylcholine encourages arousal, cognition, memory, and neuroplasticity.

Delta 8 THC

It may also promote cognitive functioning by supporting growth and regeneration at the cellular level. It is scientifically proven that Delta 8 THC may prevent the atrophy of brain cells by refining neurotransmitters throughout the central nervous system.5H L Tripathi, F J Vocci, D A Brase, W L Dewey, Effects of cannabinoids on levels of acetylcholine and choline and on turnover rate of acetylcholine in various regions of the mouse brain Alcohol Drug Res. 1987

Delta 8 THC Benefits

  • It helps with symptoms like pain, inflammation, mood swings, indigestion, or loss of appetite.
  • In addition to relaxing the mind and body, it may also help with sleeping disturbances and insomnia.
  • A few studies indicate that the Delta 8 THC may even help to sharpen focus, stay concentrated, and improve thinking. This compound may also help to increase levels of focus.
  • Delta 8 THC is relatively weaker than Delta 9 THC.
  • In contrast to Delta 9 THC, Delta 8 THC does not increase anxiety levels or cause paranoia. Delta 8 THC induces a euphoric, happy high, excitement and is a great product for symptomatic chronic pain relief.

Recommended Dosage

For the majority of regular or experienced users, Delta 8 THC may feel milder than Delta 9 THC. But if someone is new to cannabis, Delta 8 THC may have a strong effect. Hence, it is very subjective and depends mainly on the person’s experience and tolerance.6Ayat Zagzoog, Kawthar A. Mohamed, Hye Ji J. Kim, Eunhyun D. Kim, Connor S. Frank, Tallan Black, Pramodkumar D. Jadhav, Larry A. Holbrook & Robert B. Laprairie, In vitro and in vivo pharmacological activity of minor cannabinoids isolated from Cannabis sativa Scientific Reports. 2020

Delta 8 THC

To get a sense of Delta 8 THC’s dosage it is imperative to understand its potency in comparison to Delta 9 THC. Delta 8 THC has almost half the strength of Delta 9 THC, hence, a 25mg Delta 8 product provides equivalent effects of a 10mg Delta 9 THC product.

Side Effects

Delta 8 THC

Side effects of Delta 8 THC may be similar to those of Delta 9 THC because of their structural similarities. Common but mild side effects of this compound include headaches, red eyes, dry mouth, and hunger. Major undesirable effects of this compound include temporary memory loss or unnecessary worry.7H L Tripathi, F J Vocci, D A Brase, W L Dewey, Effects of cannabinoids on levels of acetylcholine and choline and on turnover rate of acetylcholine in various regions of the mouse brain Alcohol Drug Res. 1987

It is important to note that this cannabinoid has not been studied extensively and more research is required on the effects it has on the consumer’s mind and body.8Arno Hazekamp, Renee L. Ruhaak, Delta8 Tetrahydrocannabinol Comprehensive Natural Products II. 2010

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Author

Erik Abramowitz is a certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP), Naturopathic Doctoral student, health coach, and father. He is the primary content creator for HolisticNootropics.com and the host of the Holistic Nootropics Podcast.

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