Guest Blog by:Β Joy Hughes,Β a writer of health, nutrition and all things cannabis. Having experienced the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids first hand, she's been spreading the word ever since.
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We all know that THC is notorious for getting its users βhighβ. And sometimes, that βhighβ is paired with paranoia and anxiety. But despite what you may have heard, THC holds a lot of therapeutic value.Β
In fact, multiple studies show that THC is packed with health promoting properties that address some pretty debilitating health issues.Β
Still, it's that overwhelming βhighβ that keeps many people from benefiting from it.Β
But what if there was a cannabinoid that fell somewhere in between THC and CBD?Β
You know, something that offers therapeutic benefits, as well as a modest high thatβs not accompanied by paranoia. Something that leaves its users feeling more productive, functional, and most of all, at ease.Β
Introducing Delta-8 THC.Β
Now youβre probably wonderingβ¦Β
What is Delta-8 THC?Β
Unlike its close cousin Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 is a rare cannabinoid that occurs in trace amounts in both hemp and marijuana.Β
In fact, the main reason people havenβt heard of this extraordinary cannabinoid is that it only exists in extremely low concentrations of 1% or less.Β
This means extracting it is not only expensive, but requires a large volume of hemp in order to produceΒ it. This may explain why cultivators, and now customers, feel theyβve struck gold when they come across Delta-8 THC.Β
So whatβs all the fuss about this rare cannabinoid?Β
Delta-8 THC BenefitsΒ
It might seem that Delta-8 THC is a newly discovered cannabinoid, but the truth is, itβs only relatively new to the public.Β
Scientists have been studying Delta-8 since the 1970s, and what theyβve discovered is pretty mind-blowing. In fact, theyβve found that like CBD, Delta-8 THC also holds some interesting therapeutic properties.
For example, one study resulted in a noticeable size reduction of Lewis lung adenocarcinoma tumors in rats who consumed Delta-8 THC. While it canβt be claimed that Delta-8 THC can reduce tumors, the results of this study are noteworthy.Β
But thatβs not allβ¦Β
Another study found that Delta-8 THC was more effective in reducing pain in rats than when they took morphine.Β
The most thought-provoking study to date included children between the ages of 3-13 who were undergoing agonizing chemotherapy treatments.Β
To help reduce intense nausea and vomiting, doctors will often prescribe pharmaceutical drugs, many of which contribute to unwanted side effects and may not always be effective.Β
Amazingly, Delta-8 THC was 100% effective in reducing nausea and preventing vomiting for the children in the study. The researchers went on to state that βside effects observed were negligibleβ.Β
Whatβs more, the National Cancer Institute stated that Delta-8 THC is βan analogue of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with antiemetic [anti-nausea], anxiolytic [anti-anxiety], appetite-stimulating, analgesic [pain relieving], and neuroprotective properties.βΒ Β
But even with all of Delta-8βs benefits, one of the main concerns is determining the difference between Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC.Β Β
Delta-8 THC vs. Delta-9 THC
For years, weβve been told that all THC is the same. But according to scientists, thatβs clearly not the case.Β
One of the main differences between these two molecules is that Delta-8 THC is an incredibly rare cannabinoidβwhereas Delta-9 THC is one of the most prominent cannabinoids found in cannabis.Β
But perhaps the most notable difference is the location of their double bonded carbons. Without going too deep into the chemistry, hereβs the takeaway: This makes a huge difference in how the human body responds to each of these cannabinoids.Β
Which brings us to our most important difference...
Can Delta-8 get you high?
Yes, Delta-8 THC is psychoactive, but itβs not the same βhighβ youβd expect from regular Delta-9 THC.Β
As previously discussed, Delta-9 THC is sometimes associated with paranoia, anxiety, and even panicβwhich is a major reason so many people steer clear from it.Β
However, Delta-8 THC has proven to be more therapeutic by offering its users a much lower psychoactive effect. But donβt just take our word for it.Β
According to the National Cancer Institute, βThis agent exhibits a lower psychotropic potency than delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC), the primary form of THC found in cannabis.β
This may explain why Delta-8 THC was so effective in treating chemotherapy-induced nausea in pediatric oncology patients.Β
Even Delta-8 users report feeling less anxious, more productive, and clear-headedβand not at all paranoid or lethargic like some people feel after consuming Delta-9 THC.Β
So with Delta-8 being less psychoactive, and in some cases, more therapeutic than Delta-9 THC, where does it stand legally?Β
Is Delta-8 THC legal?
Despite being a close cousin to Delta-9 THC (which is still federally illegal), Delta-8 THC is considered fully legal under federal law.
The 2018 Farm Bill paved the way for the cultivation, transportation, and production of hemp and all of its derivatives, which includes Delta-8 THC.
Thereβs just one hiccupβ¦Β
Since the 2018 Farm Bill, individual states can now determine their own laws regarding all things cannabis (this includes hemp-derived cannabinoids as well).Β
As of now, there are only a few states that have deemed Delta-8 THC illegal:Β
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- DelawareΒ
- IdahoΒ
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Montana
- New York
- North Dakota
- Rhode IslandΒ
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
As you know, state laws can change quickly. So before you purchase Delta-8 THC, make sure itβs legal in your state. That said...
Whatβs the best way to consume Delta-8 THC?Β
When Delta-8 THC was first available to the public, consumers were only able to get it in flower form.Β
Fast forward to today, and you have an array of Delta-8 THC products. From tinctures and oils to creams and edibles, Delta-8 THC products are exploding.
As for the best way to consume Delta-8 THC, it all boils down to personal preference.Β
Vaping remains the most common delivery form, as itβs convenient and is known to take effect the fastest. But many people have shied away from inhalation products as theyβve been shown to potentially cause damage to the lungs in the long run.Β
For that reason, edibles and tinctures have exploded in popularity. Not only do they offer a less invasive approach to the body, but they tend to have a longer lasting effect as well.Β
Just be sure to purchase high-quality Delta-8 THC products from reputable companies.Β
If you consume poor quality Delta-8 THC products, you're actually doing more harm to your body than good.
Delta-8 THC: Final thoughtsΒ
Because Delta-8 THC offers a much lower psychoactive effect than its cousin Delta-9 THC, consumers not only benefit from its undeniable therapeutic properties, but they also avoid the overwhelming βhighβ that sometimes comes from Delta-9.Β
This is why so many Delta-9 veterans and CBD advocates are singing Delta-8βs praises and making the switch.Β
Whatβs more, Delta-8 THC is a relatively safe cannabinoid to consume. To date, no negative side effects have been recorded. But we still advise that you use caution when consuming a new cannabinoidβespecially if youβre currently on any prescription drugs.
Where to find reliable Delta-8 products
At Naternal, we do not offer Delta-8 products, however, we understand the demand for a high-quality, and a trustworthy source.Β
If youβre interested in trying Delta-8 THC, we highly recommend Ground Control.Β
Put your helmet on.
Introducing Space Cake D8 Gummies.Β
Ground Control gummies are vegan, gluten-free, 100% hemp derived (important for legality), and are made in the USA.Β Each gummy contains 25mg of Delta-8 THC and is carefully formulated to help you reach outer orbit.Β
If you have any questions about our products or D8, feel free to reach out to us; we're more than happy to help.Β