Delta 8 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a naturally occurring minor cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. While it is structurally similar to the THC (Delta 9), there are also some important differences. For example, THC is the most abundant psychoactive component in the cannabis plant, while Delta 8 is found only in trace amounts. THC Delta 8 is derived from the famous Delta 9 THC, which is present in marijuana. Although it seems to share some of the same effects, the potency of Delta 8 appears to be lower. This component binds to CB1 receptors in the central nervous system, as Delta 9 does too, and to the CB2 receptor. Based on early research, Delta 8 THC is a kind of "light" version of traditional Delta 9, producing with a mild, soothing effect. As an analog of Δ9, in the research setting, the version showed anxiolytic (reduce anxiety), antiemetic (preventing vomiting), appetite-stimulating, analgesic (relieve pain), and neuroprotective properties. Besides, it has milder psychotropic effects.
Furthermore, when taken in high doses, Delta 8 seems to cause less anxiety. Before we talk about the medical benefits of this cannabinoid, let's talk about what exactly Delta 8 THC is and how it is different from the more better known THC. Moreover, Delta 8 is not even produced by cannabis enzymes, but is created when THC oxidizes and slowly degrades into Delta 8. Further degradation of Delta 9 would create the cannabinoid CBN (cannabinol). When it comes to the chemical difference between Delta 8 and THC, it all comes down to one molecule. In chemistry, the term "Delta" refers to the double bond in the molecular structure of a component. Delta components have more electrons and will interact with the body in a differently than single-bonded cannabinoids. The difference between Delta THC analogs depends on where the double bond is located on their chain of carbon atoms. THC has this bond on the ninth carbon chain, and Delta 8 has the double bond on the eighth carbon chain. It seems like a small difference, but it can be significant.
Delta 8 In A Treatment
Many medical centers use marijuana as a treatment for several patients.
While the psychoactive Delta 9 can be doubtful for subjects prone to panic and anxiety disorder, Delta 8 has the potential to produce therapeutic effects at low doses, with little or no intoxicating effect. Some users report the same medical efficacy with Delta 8 as THC but with a more extraordinary ability to concentrate while working or performing daily tasks. In a laboratory environment, very low doses of THC Delta 8 have been shown to increase food intake in mice, as expected. It is essential to mention that the cannabinoid has already been successfully tested in pediatric oncology as an antiemetic drug. Delta 8 THC was given to eight children aged 3 to 13 years with various hematological tumors. Children were treated with chemotherapy before the new concurrent treatment with Delta 8. During the experimental cannabinoid treatment, vomiting was prevented entirely and significantly was reduced other side effects of chemotherapy.
Insomnia, Cancer And Anxiety
Delta 8 can helps relieve insomnia. Inadequate sleep can have a profound impact on health. In the short term, it can affect mood and judgment, the ability to learn and retain information, and can increase the chance of an accident or immediate injury. Over a longer period, lack of sleep can lead to cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and even premature death. Comprehensive research shows us that CB1 receptor activation leads to better, longer, and more restful sleep, bearing in mind that Delta 8 THC immediately binds with the CB1 receptor, which means that Delta 8 is good for sleep. REM (rapid eye movement) sleep is an essential part of our circadian cycles because it stimulates the brain's parts that are essential for learning new things and forming memories.
Delta 8's effects can be felt in numerous parts of the body, despite it has weaker psychotropic potency. Many users claim that Delta 8 THC helps them stay asleep longer and quickly fall asleep. They also report feeling more rested and rested upon awakening. Delta 8's analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties are believed to play an essential role in its ability to act as a hypnotic. There is a strong connection between pain and sleep. It might be obvious that someone who is experiencing a lot of pain will have a hard time getting comfortable and, therefore, will have a hard time falling asleep. But the connection goes even deeper, as lack of sleep increases pain perception.
Studies have shown that pharmaceuticals with highly concentrated doses of some cannabinoids can help in cancer treatment. It was first observed in 1974 in Israel, where the study intended to focus on Delta 8 THC alone, which remarkably reduced tumor growth in mice. When combined with CBN (cannabinol), the tumors started shrinking in just three weeks. Another 1995 study of children with leukemia showed a high efficacy rate in treating cancer and controlling for side effects such as nausea and vomiting caused by more conventional treatment forms.
If you are prone to anxiety, the mild, uplifting high you get from Delta 8 THC may be just what you need. Delta 8 THC gives all the therapeutic effects of THC, and minor psychoactive effects, without the paranoia that often comes with marijuana's THC. The carefree high that comes with weed, is often accompanied by the anxious and nervous high that some people experience. Studies show that the endocannabinoid system, primarily the CB1 receptor, is mainly involved in managing depression and anxiety. When the CB1 receptor is blocked, there is often an increase in anxiety. Many people successfully use CBD (cannabidiol) to relieve their anxiety, but it is not strong enough for many others.