THC boasts a variety of uses, both medicinal and recreational. Among dozens of different methods, Delta 9 can be used in syrups, edibles, oil tinctures, drops, medicinals, and topical preparations (creams and balms are used for anti-inflammatory purposes). Delta 9 from hemp can also be used on animals such as dogs for pain relief and calming anxiety. There is even a synthetic THC drug that is the only currently FDA-approved THC drug called Marinol. And why do people use Delta 9, and what are its benefits?
Pain Relief
Pain relief is one of the primary benefits of THC. More than 1,5 billion people worldwide live with chronic pain. Many of these individuals suffer from neuropathic or nerve-related pain. Studies show that compounds in cannabis activate ways in the central nervous system, which helps to block pain signals, and they are not being sent to the brain. Even a study approved by the FDA in 2013 confirmed the effectiveness of Delta 9 THC in pain relief. Low doses of THC were given to individuals with neuropathic pain in the form of vaporized cannabis. The results showed that a low dose of Delta 9 provided a statistically significant 30% reduction in pain intensity compared to a placebo. So it is clear that there is a positive correlation between Delta 9 and pain relief.
Relieves Vomiting & Nausea
Marinol (an FDA-approved THC pill) has been around since the 1980s to treat nausea and vomiting in cancer patients. In fact, Marinol was marketed as a pharmaceutical alternative to cannabis. However, while Marinol contains D9 (THC), the compound is both synthetic and isolated. Marinol, therefore, does not contain other beneficial compounds of hemp like - other cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes, all of which work better together than alone. Interestingly, 1995 research demonstrated that Delta 8 THC doses (a cannabinoid similar to regular THC but with lower psychotropic effects) were an effectual treatment for children suffering from chemotherapy-induced nausea.
Helps Treat PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can include symptoms such as restlessness, depression, severe anxiety, insomnia, social isolation, and nightmares – it can be a crippling condition. Nevertheless, Delta 9 has been shown to be a highly effective treatment option for PTSD. Some psychiatrists claim that Delta 9-rich cannabis is the only treatment for PTSD. Studies have confirmed that D9 alleviates a number of symptoms associated with PTSD, including agitation, depression, insomnia, flashbacks, and nightmares. This means that those suffering from PTSD can finally experience the restful sleep they need to heal and restore balance in their lives. They must gain safe access to cannabis and safe guidance on how best to implement it into their lives.
Protects & Supports The Brain Cells
The multiple benefits of Delta 9 THC for the brain may be even greater than scientists thought. The psychoactive substance protects brain cells and stimulates brain growth. In addition, THC activates the Endocannabinoid system receptors (CB1) in the brain, elevating a long-term potentiation process. This process improves the brain's ability to learn. The researchers also found that, like CBD, Delta 9 causes the growth of brain cells in the hippocampus. Therefore, moderate doses of hemp can treat or even slow down diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. The false comments have led many people to believe that consuming cannabis kills brain cells. THC is considered a neuroprotectant (while most drugs are neurotoxic), meaning it actually protects brain cells from damage.
An Appetite Stimulator
Conditions such as eating disorders, HIV, hepatitis, and dementia can lead to loss of appetite. Over time, this can result in severe malnutrition or even death. Delta 9 is known to increase appetite. The researchers found that Delta 9 interacts with the same kind of receptors in the hypothalamus that release the hunger-stimulating hormone ghrelin. In fact, D9 can even make food taste better. With the right approach, the hunger-inducing effects of THC can dramatically improve quality of life. And, in some cases, even save lives. Interestingly, some hemp cultivars can also suppress appetite, which can be an added benefit for many people.
Antioxidant
There is a reason cannabis has been touted as an anti-stress and anti-aging tool. THC and other cannabinoids are powerful antioxidants. This is not a piece of unexpected news because, in addition to protecting hemp plants from pathogens, the herb increases its Delta 9 production (as a response to UVB light, which causes oxidative stress in humans and contributes to visible aging and other skin conditions. Oxidative stress can cause harm at both cellular and DNA levels.
Muscle Relaxant
Have you ever tried cannabis that made you feel drowsy or heavy? THC and some additional terpenes in certain strains of cannabis may be the reason. It is well known that this cannabinoid can have muscle-relaxing properties. This quality may be part of the reason why Delta 9 is so beneficial for patients who often experience pain, muscle spasticity, and spasms (conditions such as multiple sclerosis). In fact, cannabis-based products for these exact symptoms are already on the market. Delta 9 THC products are legal in 52 states. In addition, there are products containing both THC and CBD. Although Delta 9 is believed to have muscle-relaxing properties on its own, the molecule's ability to relieve spasms and tension may be enhanced by certain aromatic compounds (terpenes) in the plant. Some experts suggest that myrcene, a terpene fragrance molecule with a musky scent, may also provide deep relaxation leading to restful sleep.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
If you didn't know, in the healthcare world today, inflammation is a sizzling topic. Chronic inflammation is contemplated as a major risk factor for all kinds of diseases. There is an inflammatory component. Inflammation contributes to stiffness, pain, and poor health over time. Many curious individuals are opting for CBD for the relief of inflammation. However, Delta 9 also has a role to play. Research suggests that, in some cases, this compound in cannabis can reduce the production of chemokine and cytokine compounds in the body. Cytokines and chemokines are immune compounds that induce inflammation. Other preclinical research suggests that THC may be able to reduce inflammation by suppressing genes related to the inflammatory response. These discoveries may explain why so many consumers find relief from the many benefits of Delta 9.
A Potential Antitumor Agent
Cannabis is also attracting interest in the field of cancer research. Research in the lab and on animals has found that cannabis kills cancer cells in several different ways. THC is one of the top contenders, while multiple cannabinoids show anti-cancer potential. One of the Harvard-trained physicians connected on the emerging evidence suggesting that psychoactive and other hemp cannabinoids have strong anti-cancer potential. Specifically mentioned that there are three distinct ways hemp affects cancer. One of them is a process called apoptosis. Hemp does that apoptosis; it 'tells' cancer cells to kill themselves. Laboratory studies showed that this cannabinoid could block tumor formation in blood vessels. This basically starves the cancer cells by cutting off their supply of food and oxygen. Additionally, compounds in cannabis appear to prevent cancer cells from metastasizing. As explained in the research, it stops the cancer cell from exiting the colony of other cancer cells and from forming its own new metastatic areas in the body. This suggests that the antitumor effects are mostly Delta 9 THC.
Delta 9 As An Anticonvulsant
In the world of epilepsy, CBD often steals the star from Delta 9. CBD is non-oxidizing compared to Delta 9 and has successfully decreased the activity of seizures in clinical trials. However, many do not realize that D9 also has anticonvulsant effects. Research into Delta 9's anticonvulsant properties has stopped because of all the interest in CBD. However, early research into cannabinoids tells a different story. Studies conducted in the 1970s found that Delta 9 reduced seizures in animals, including baboons. One small study in the 1940s found that Delta 9 treatment effectively reduced seizures in 2 out of 5 epileptic children who did not respond to conventional treatment. This initial research suggests that this cannabinoid is definitely worth learning more about.