Delta 8-THC: Benefits, Effects and Scientific Evidences

April 15, 2022

Cannabis is fast becoming a highly consumed drug across the world. But what makes it stand out is that it offers a lot more than recreational uses. There are variants of cannabis that help people improve their health to a vast extent.

The Delta 8 flower is one fantastic strain of cannabis. It is being hailed as a medical marvel for its incredible uses in treating a wide range of diseases. It is less potent (it won't get you high) than stronger cannabis strains and causes little to no side effects in people.

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. What is delta 8 to begin with? And how does it help with chronic pain management?

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What is delta 8 THC?

Delta 8 THC is a cannabinoid, it has mainly become popular because it is less potent than the other strains and holds therapeutic properties. Delta 8 THC has most of the same effects as delta 9 THC, though it is significantly less "potent," it won’t get you nearly as high as its illegal cousin, and for that reason, you don’t have to worry about many of the side effects that come with an overdose of delta 9 THC, such as fatigue, an extreme appetite, anxiety, and even hallucinations.

It is found in both marijuana and hemp, but is mostly derived from hemp for legal reasons. It only makes up about 0.01% of the cannabis plant when naturally occurring, making it secondary to its much more prolific and popular cousin, delta 9 THC, A.K.A the THC everyone knows about. For that reason, delta 8 THC is mostly produced artificially, through a process of isomerization.

Research is ongoing on how the drug can be used in monitored dosage to treat various distressing health conditions. While studies are still underway, most of the results are positive.

Learn more about Delta 8 THC here.

How does delta 8 THC help with pain relief?

As a cannabinoid, delta 8 THC mainly interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, or ECS. This is essentially the body’s balance maintenance system, consisting of cannabinoid receptors, enzymes, and chemicals known as endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids are cannabinoids naturally produced in the body. They bind to cannabinoid receptors and work to regulate different bodily functions, such as pain, inflammation, sleep, mood, memory, learning, metabolism, appetite, and even reproductive functions.

Cannabinoids derived from external sources, such as delta 8 THC, mimic endocannabinoids, binding with receptors to induce the same effects.

Diseases such as Alzheimer’s can lead to chronic pain in sufferers, mainly due to inflammation. Sadly, regular painkillers might not always be effective in such cases. However, research shows that the Delta 8 flower can help relieve central and neuropathic pain. It has anti-inflammatory elements that not only alleviate pain but also target the cause for it.

The drug is known to regulate dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate hormones which handle communication between the cells. This helps to reduce severe pain by decreasing the perception of pain.

Scientists have extensively studied the ECS and found that it plays a vital role to pain management. The CB1 cannabinoid receptors are important for pain management, as they reduce pain when activated. Delta 8 THC binds to these receptors at strategic points in the nervous system, relieving the user of pain. Delta 9 THC does the same, but it is more potent, which means it gives you more of a high. Not all users like that high.

Best way to consume delta 8

Delta 8 THC comes in many forms, including vapes, oils, tinctures, edibles, and even lotions. You can try them all to see which one you would like, but many people prefer delta 8 gummies. For starters, they are really discreet. They look and taste like normal chewing gum so you don’t have to worry about having to explain them to everyone.

The effects from gummies also last longer, since they use the digestive system. If you took a vape concentrate, the effects would kick in much faster, but would also not last very long.

Other Medical usage of the drug

Nowadays, many medical practitioners are using the fairly new Delta 8 drug to help people with chronic pain, anxiety, and nausea, among other ailments. Following are some of the positive effects the drug can have.

Improves brain health: Researchers have found that Delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol, or Delta 8 THC, has incredible neuroprotective potential. It regulates calcium and potassium channels in the central nervous system. It is known to improve neuron growth and generation, leading to the development of the brain. Doctors are confident it can be helpful to treat degenerative brain disorders.

Acts as an appetite stimulant: Among its many therapeutic benefits, Delta 8 can stimulate appetite. Even a tiny dose can significantly impact food cravings in people who barely feel hungry. This is why the drug is being recommended to treat people with severe disorders such as anorexia or bulimia. However, it is better to let a professional monitor the dosage of the drug, as overuse of anything can be a dangerous thing.

It is a potent antiemetic: People being treated for cancer often have to deal with severe nausea and vomiting because of chemotherapy. This can be painful and demoralizing while dealing with such a dangerous disease. The Delta 8 drug has been successful in stopping these unpleasant side effects in cancer patients.

Since it has considerably fewer psychoactive powers than stronger cannabis strains, the drug is safe to use on children as well. Studies show a high success rate of the drug being used for pediatric oncology purposes. It has been an effective antiemetic in children of various ages dealing with different types of cancers.

Helps deal with anxiety: Few drugs can help you relax while considerably reducing your stress at the same time. Delta 8 is one of them. It has subdued psychoactive properties that enhance focus in users. Many researchers firmly believe that it can be administered in considerably large doses to treat abnormally high anxiety levels. It is always best to gather medical advice as dosage may vary from one individual case to another.

Are there any side effects?

Studies show that delta 8 THC is generally safe. Even when taking larger doses, respondents reported negligible side effects, especially when compared to the much more potent delta 9 THC.

That said, the specific effects will depend on the individual. Some individuals report dry mouth, though this is from the salivary glands producing less saliva and goes away as soon as the effects wear off. Others report feeling more relaxed and sleepy. If you’re planning to work while on delta 8, consider taking varieties with different terpenes to help you stay alert while at work. Also, make sure to consult your doctor before trying delta 8.

Conclusion

With these many benefits and possibly more to come, Delta 8 flower is among the most significant medical marvels in recent times. However, too high a dose may be harmful, while too little may not be effective at all. That’s why it’s important to seek medical guidance on the issue.