Chances are you’ve been hearing the term “Delta 8” buzzing around your circle. Before I ever tried it, my rudimentary understanding was that it was a more potent CBD, and boy was I wrong. The first time I experienced Delta 8 was…interesting to say the least, Someone had left a sample on my desk and I foolishly took two 20mg gummies. A few hours later I was having a panic attack in Walmart, buying about 100 candles and unable to drive! I slept very good that night. I don’t share this story to scare you; I actually hope it will make you laugh a little, then realize that Delta 8 is NOT LIKE CBD. In my experience, it is way more similar to the THC we are all familiar with; Delta 9.
So once I found out that Delta 8 is no joke I set out to gain a better understanding. “Should we even be selling this stuff?” My mom and I asked each other after that fateful day. There are many claimed benefits of Delta 8; many people say it provides all the benefits of Delta 9 THC with a much lower risk for anxiety and paranoia (that wasn’t really my experience…not that first time at least). According to the National Cancer Institute, Delta 8 is defined as “An analogue of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with antiemetic, anxiolytic, appetite-stimulating, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties. [Delta-8-THC] binds to the cannabinoid G-protein coupled receptor CB1, located in the central nervous system…This agent exhibits a lower psychotropic potency than [delta-9-THC], the primary form of THC found in cannabis.” Basically, Delta 8 is an isolated cannabinoid that naturally occurs in the cannabis plant, and it is has lower psychoactive potency than the more familiar Delta 9 THC.
The research I’ve done suggests that many patients with various ailments are able to get more benefits from Delta 8 without the unwanted psychoactive effects of Delta 9. According to Trulieve’s Delta 8 information page, it has been shown to be 200 percent more effective as an antiemetic (preventing vomiting) than Delta 9. Apparently there is even some research from Jerusalem showing that Delta 8 is very effective at treating children with cancer since they are more able to enjoy the medical benefits without experiencing anxiety like they would with Delta 9. Therefore, Delta 8 shows great potential for relieving insomnia, lack of appetite, and depression.
Delta 8 THC is much more similar to Delta 9 THC than to cannabidiol (CBD). CBD has been studied much more widely than Delta 8, and it appeals to so many people because it doesn’t produce a psychoactive effect. Many people prefer to take both Delta 8 and CBD simultaneously to reduce the psychoactive effects of Delta 8 and reap the benefits of both. It seems to be a great option for people who don’t want to be uncomfortably “high” but don’t mind the stronger effects of Delta 8 THC.
The most important thing you take away from this blog post will probably be that while less potent, Delta 8 THC is absolutely psychoactive. I recommend starting with a low dose of 10mg or less, waiting an hour, and seeing how you feel before you take any more. If you feel you’ve crossed the threshold of “uncomfortable” or paranoid, make sure you have some CBD on hand to help take you down a few notches and reduce some of the psychoactive effects. Delta 8 THC can be potent, especially in higher doses. It’s definitely worth looking into if CBD isn’t doing it for you and you’re ready to try something new. Just don’t have anything important on your schedule until you know how it will effect you. (Half joking, half serious. This is my sense of humor). As always, thank you for reading! Take care, stay safe, and I sincerely hope you find reasons to smile everyday.
-Chloe
