What is delta-8 THC?

October 31, 2023 Arshad Shafi

Delta-8 THC, recognized widely within the realm of cannabinoids, is a psychoactive substance that shares resemblances to another cannabinoid, the delta-9 THC, which is known to be the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. The scientific research reports the interesting fact that delta-8 THC, despite its similarities, only possesses about half of the potency delta-9 THC has, which makes its induced high less intense, certainly more gentle, leading to a more serene, calming, and soothing experience for the user. Reporting on its potential therapeutic benefits, delta-8 THC has been shown to provide relief from a diverse range of health issues. These include the alleviation of pain, a common symptom of many chronic conditions. Further, it can provide relief for those suffering from persistent nausea, an often debilitating symptom that can stem from various causes. Moreover, the cannabinoid is found to be highly effective in reducing inflammation, a key factor in numerous diseases like arthritis, heart disease, and even cancer. Delta-8 THC also addresses loss of appetite, often associated with illnesses that require rigorous treatments like chemotherapy. This can be of great help in maintaining the patient’s nutritional status and overall health. Additionally, it’s been reported to have possible antidepressant effects, providing relief from depressive symptoms, thereby enhancing the quality of life for those affected. Furthermore, delta-8 THC may also have a positive impact on cancer patients undergoing treatment. It has been suggested that the compound may stimulate appetite, countering the common chemotherapy side effect of appetite loss. This can be a major benefit supporting the overall well-being and recovery of the patient. It also potentially helps with managing pain and inflammation, common issues faced by many cancer patients. Moreover, the elimination of nausea, another unpleasant side effect of cancer treatments, may significantly improve the patient’s comfort and quality of life. However, it’s important to note that the therapeutic effects of delta-8 THC are still under scientific investigation. Despite the early promising findings, more extensive and rigorous research is required to thoroughly comprehend the full spectrum of effects this cannabinoid can induce. Not only its therapeutic potential needs to be explored further, but the safety of delta-8 THC use also needs to be fully understood. This involves studying the possible adverse effects, interactions with other medications, long-term effects, tolerance, and dependency issues. As such, caution is advised until the scientific community can provide definitive conclusions regarding the effects and safety of delta-8 THC use.

Differences between delta-8 THC and CBD:

Delta-8 THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid, while CBD is non-intoxicating.
Delta-8 THC produces a milder and more relaxing high than delta-9 THC, while CBD does not produce a high.
Delta-8 THC has the potential to produce cognitive distortions such as difficulty concentrating, difficulties with short-term memory, and alerted sense of time, while CBD does not.
Delta-8 THC is less potent than delta-9 THC, while CBD is more potent.

Safety of delta-8 THC:

Delta-8 THC seems to be safer than delta-9 THC when used responsibly. However, there are still things to watch out for, such as contaminated products and the associated side effects.

Conclusion:

More research is needed to understand the effects and safety of delta-8 THC. However, the available evidence suggests that it may have several potential therapeutic benefits.

According to a study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research, delta-8-THC is a psychoactive substance that is chemically similar to delta-9 THC, the compound often referred to as THC that results in an intoxicating “high.” Delta-8-THC is about half as potent as delta-9 THC and is produced in far less quantity and thus has to be processed from a concentrate ¹ ². The study also found that most delta-8-THC users experienced a lot or a great deal of relaxation, euphoria, and pain relief. They also experienced cognitive distortions such as difficulty concentrating, difficulties with short-term memory, and alerted sense of time. However, they did not experience anxiety or paranoia ¹. Participants generally compared delta-8-THC favorably with both delta-9-THC and pharmaceutical drugs, with most participants reporting substitution for delta-9-THC and pharmaceutical drugs ¹.

Please note that this is just one study and more research is needed to understand the effects of delta-8-THC on the human body ¹.

Learn more:

1. jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com 2. buffalo.edu 3. forbes.com

How is delta-8 THC different from CBD?

Delta-8 THC and CBD are both cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, but they have different effects on the human body. Delta-8 THC is a psychoactive compound that is chemically similar to delta-9 THC, the compound that is responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana use. However, delta-8 THC is less potent than delta-9 THC and produces a milder and more relaxing high ¹ ². Delta-8 THC can also produce cognitive distortions such as difficulty concentrating, difficulties with short-term memory, and alerted sense of time ¹.

CBD, on the other hand, is non-intoxicating and does not produce a “high” ². It has been shown to have potential therapeutic benefits such as reducing anxiety, improving sleep quality, and alleviating pain ². CBD works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates various physiological processes such as mood, appetite, and sleep ².

In summary, while both delta-8 THC and CBD are cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, they have different effects on the human body. Delta-8 THC produces a milder and more relaxing high than delta-9 THC, while CBD is non-intoxicating and has potential therapeutic benefits ¹ ².

Learn more:

1. dailymail.co.uk 2. cfah.org 3. msn.com 4. msn.com 5. sfweekly.com 6. cbdoracle.com— see less

According to a study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research, delta-8 THC is a psychoactive substance that is chemically similar to delta-9 THC, the compound often referred to as THC that results in an intoxicating “high.” Delta-8 THC is about half as potent as delta-9 THC and is produced in far less quantity and thus has to be processed from a concentrate ¹ ².

Delta-8 THC has been reported to have several potential therapeutic benefits, including relief from pain, nausea, inflammation, loss of appetite, and depression ¹. Delta-8 THC may also stimulate appetite, help with pain and inflammation, and eliminate nausea in cancer patients ². Delta-8 THC may also provide a clearer-headed high compared to ordinary THC and could work topically (applied to the skin) or orally ².