What is Delta 8?
Delta 8 is short for delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, a Cannabinoid that is derived from the Cannabis plant. It’s very similar to THC with the chemical structure. However, Delta 8 is less potent than THC, making it ideal for people of every age. Furthermore, much like THC, Delta-8 also binds with the endocannabinoid system of each person and offers a cerebral high, but it isn’t too strong like the one you may experience after consuming THC.
Delta 8 was first discovered in 1941, but it was mostly overlooked throughout the years. However, after the passing of the Farm Bill of 2018, experts found loopholes and found hemp-derived Delta-8 to be an excellent replacement for THC. And because Delta-8 is not illegal, it is widely available and has been used by millions daily for its potential therapeutic benefits.
Potential Medical Benefits of Delta 8
The initial research shows that Delta 8 may potentially have a wealth of benefits that could contribute to the wellness of anyone that uses it. Here are some of the more well-known medical benefits of Delta-8:
Works as a Sleeping Aid
Delta 8, like most other Cannabinoids of Cannabis, can help users with sleep. Those that suffer from insomnia may benefit from the use of Delta-8. Reportedly, it has been said that Delta 8 relaxes the brain and helps with sleep. Delta 8 may also benefit people who have trouble falling asleep or randomly wake up during the night.
Helps with Anxiety, Depression, and ADHD
Psychotic illnesses like ADHD, Anxiety, and depression are quite common, and many people turn to legal opioid solutions for help. But as many of those may have harsh side effects, Delta 8, a natural substance, can significantly reduce and help with managing depression and anxiety without use of an opioid.
Furthermore, it has been noted that Delta 8 may be a good remedy in the treatment and prevention of ADHD. The binding of the endocannabinoid system boosts certain CB1 receptors in the brain that help with psychoactive illnesses like ADHD. But, more research is surely needed to further increase our knowledge on the matter.
Pain-Killer
Much like other cannabinoids of Cannabis, Delta-8 also holds anti-pain characteristics, and upon consumption, Delta 8 can significantly reduce the pain and offer relief from it for a very long while. Whether it’s chronic or acute pain, Delta 8 can quickly offer relief from pain. Moreover, people who suffer from chronic illnesses like arthritis can greatly benefit from the use of Delta 8.
Increases Appetite
The stress of daily life limits the appetite of the person and not eating enough proteins could lead to deteriorating health but one of the effects of Delta 8 is that it can increase your appetite. Similarly, people who suddenly lost a ton of weight could use a few doses of Delta 8 to increase their appetite and consume more proteins which will lead to a healthier lifestyle.
Can Delta 8 Get You High?
Delta 8 is a psychoactive compound that can get you high. There will be a lesser potency and a lower level of high than that generated by THC, but it will still provide a manageable cerebral high. Furthermore, the chemical structures between Delta 8 and THC are almost identical and since the characteristics are quite similar but there’s a significant difference between the high these two Cannabinoids offer.
Is Delta 8 Legal?
In the update to the Farm Bill of 2018, Delta 8 is legal to use in most states. However, the FDA has not evaluated or approved the use of Delta 8 on the federal level. Furthermore, even though Delta 8 is considered a legal substance, more than 14 states still prohibit the use of Delta 8. If you’re living in any one of these following states, you are not allowed to possess or consume Delta 8:
- Washington
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Mississippi
- Rhode Island
- Montana
- Delaware
- Kentucky
- Idaho
- Iowa
- New York
- Utah
- Vermont
Delta 8 Effects on Pets
There’s not much research done on Pets to date with regards to the consumption of Delta 8. However, it is recommended not to offer Delta 8 to pets since it could have adverse effects on their health with so little known about the impact on animals. Delta 8 may cause dizziness, instability, and mouth dryness in pets.
Should you use Delta 8?
The decision to use Delta 8 is up to you, but may be worth trying for its potential health benefits and mild relaxing high. Studies have shown that there are no adverse medical effects of Delta 8, and many users of Delta 8 use it regularly. Fig & Thistle Apothecary regularly offers Delta 8 products on it’s San Francisco dispensary menu. To learn about similar cannabinoids check out our articles on CBN and THCV.
FAQs
What is Delta 8 and why you should use it | Fig & Thistle Apothecary | San Francisco's Best Dispensary? ›
Delta 8 is a psychoactive compound that can get you high. There will be a lesser potency and a lower level of high than that generated by THC, but it will still provide a manageable cerebral high.
What is delta-8 good for? ›Delta-8 produces a fuzzy, euphoric high that's said to be similar to that from marijuana, but milder. Some people also use it to ease symptoms of conditions like stress, depression, or chronic pain.
How does delta-8 make you feel? ›Users often report a sense of relaxation, calmness, and mental clarity when consuming delta 8. Unlike regular marijuana or recreational marijuana, the high from delta 8 is described as more gentle and manageable. It offers a smooth body sensation accompanied by mild euphoria.
Why is delta-8 bad for you? ›Delta-8 has psychoactive and intoxicating effects that resemble marijuana, and when packaged like snacks that are appealing to kids, its adverse effects can be severe if ingested. According to Riverside Recovery, eating large amounts of Delta-8 can cause psychosis, severe vomiting and addiction.
What is the difference between delta-8 and CBD? ›Is delta-8 the same as CBD? Delta-8 and CBD are both cannabinoids, but delta-8 has more in common with delta-9 THC than CBD. Unlike CBD, delta-8 produces psychoactive effects.
How does delta-8 get you high? ›Delta-8 is an analog of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with anti-inflammatory effects. This means it attaches to the same receptors in your brain that THC does, producing some of the same effects while offering others unique to just Delta 8 alone.
Can delta-8 make you fail a drug test? ›Delta-8 THC can show up on a regular drug test. Because it's chemically similar to delta-9 THC, it can cause a positive drug test for cannabis, even if you don't use “regular” cannabis products. If you know you'll be tested for cannabis, it's best to avoid delta-8 products altogether.
How long does it take for delta-8 to kick in? ›Delta 8 gummies are ingested orally and must pass through the digestive system to enter the bloodstream. This process can take 30 minutes to an hour before the effects are felt. Delta 8 gummies take around 30-60 minutes to take effect.
Is delta-8 bad for your heart? ›Some other adverse effects caused by delta-8 may include lethargy, uncoordinated movements, decreased psychomotor activity, slurred speech, increased heart rate progressing to slowed heart rate, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, sedation and coma, according to the CDC.
How much delta-8 do you need to feel high? ›One delta 8 gummy is usually enough to get you high, but it depends on the potency. Many delta 8 gummies contain 25 mg of the cannabinoid, which is enough to get most users moderately high. Other gummies have closer to 40 or 50 mg of delta 8. In that case, you can probably get high with just a portion of an edible.
Who should not take Delta 8? ›
Similar to cannabis, there are some serious risks of delta-8 THC use in some specific populations, including: Teenagers. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding. People with serious mental health concerns.
How long does Delta 8 stay in your system? ›So they can accumulate over time with regular use. Because their structures are similar, delta-8 is expected to stay in the body for the same amount of time as delta-9 THC. For occasional users, this could be as little as 2 to 5 days. For regular users, it could be up to 15 days.
What does Delta 8 do to your brain? ›One significant effect of delta 8 is its activation of reward pathways in the brain. This activation leads to an increase in dopamine levels—a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation. As a result, individuals may experience feelings of euphoria and heightened mood after consuming delta 8 products.
What gets you more high delta 8 or CBD? ›Differences Between CBD, Delta-9 THC, and Delta-8 THC
Delta-9 THC produces the most intense high, or feeling of intoxication. Similarly, delta-8 THC also produces a high, though it is less potent. CBD does not produce a high when consumed.
Delta-8 benefits
Delta-8 is also a psychoactive compound that offers a similar euphoric high. Some studies suggest delta-8 may assist with a few medical conditions like: Anxiety. Chronic pain.
Delta-8 may also contribute to anxiety relief in certain users. Ultimately, determining whether CBD or delta-8 is better for helping with anxiety comes down to individual preferences and tolerance levels. For instance, those seeking a completely non-intoxicating option might opt for CBD-based products.
Is it OK to do delta-8 everyday? ›Yes, you can! Daily consumption of delta-8 THC is perfectly okay as long as you consume responsibly and properly regulate your usage. However, most people find that consuming delta-8 every day is best for experiencing the cannabinoid present day after day.
Does delta-8 make you feel better? ›Benefits of Delta 8
In summary, these are the effects that you can expect after consuming a Delta 8 infused product: Clear-headed high. Better focus and concentration. Feelings of relaxation, comfort, and calmness.
They can be used to reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, and lessen pain. Delta 8 Sativa products, on the other hand, are known to be more energizing and stimulating. They can provide a boost in creativity and focus, as well as a heightened sense of euphoria.
Does delta-8 make you happier? ›Like delta 9 THC, which gives consumers a euphoric high, delta 8 THC can cause feelings of happiness.