CBD has been the catalyst for the revival of hemp in the United States and globally. Delta 8 THC however, is close behind it.
Many people are making the switch to delta-8 due to its many advantages (the fact that it is a legal THC product plays a significant role in its popularity).
Delta-8 has rocked the wellness world, like CBD. Here you will find the five main reasons many people turn to delta-8 THC over other cannabinoids.Â
#1 Defeating Brain Fog
Delta-8 has many beneficiary properties. One of the main benefits is that it has the ability to sharpen and focus the mind.
This benefit is attributed to two main factors:
- Delta 8 interacts with dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine (related to mood, mental clarity, and memory) receptors
- Increases GABA activity which is one of the brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitters
These are also the same mechanisms that supplements like L-theanine, passionflower, and bacopa use — all three are well-known for improving focus and concentration and promoting clearer thinking.
Delta-8 has been found to be soothing for people with racing thoughts and overactive minds. It’s useful for people who have trouble focusing on one task at a time. Many people find that once a task has been started only half their mind is involved and the rest of their attention is elsewhere thinking about what they should eat for dinner or about other projects.
Most people will agree that being able to find focus and calm when their mind is racing is not the easiest. Or on the other hand, when you feel like your mind is moving too slowly and it’s hard to find the words you’re looking for without exerting lots of effort.
Delta-8 is useful in both situations as it can bring balance to an overactive mind and just the right amount of stimulation to a tired mind.
#2 Thinking Outside-Of-The-Box
Delta-8 THC is used by many people while they are working or embarking on other creative projects as it has an ability to both calm the mind and bring focus.
Some people have reported that when they hit a creative block, they reach for the delta-8!Â
Sometimes creativity doesn’t flow so easily. Taking something that can get your creative juices flowing is always a plus.Â
There are many factors that can contribute to a block in a creative flow, however, stress is usually a big factor.
Other contributors can be a lack of inspiration or an inability to focus. It’s common for creatives to find themselves backed into a corner. Creativity can flow on a different timeline than we sometimes need it to.Â
It can be difficult to find new ideas after spending so much time on one subject or domain.
This is where delta-8 comes in. It can be a great tool for creating and facilitating a flow-state. Delta-8 THC also has the ability to change our perspective to find new and innovative ways to go about their creative endeavors.
#3 Relaxation
When it comes to delta-8, its calming effects are a big part of the reason why many people enjoy it and use it so frequently.
The relaxation that many feel when ingesting delta-8 THC cannot be overstated.
Although the psychological effects of delta 8 are only half the strength of delta 9, its relaxing properties are nearly twice as powerful as the latter.
While delta-8 doesn’t have a sedative effect in small doses, (it can in high doses). Instead, it has a lighter and more relaxing feeling.Â
Some people describe it as floating.
Delta-8 is similar to other relaxing substances like kava, kanna, passionflower, and L-theanine. In addition, it is similar to the feeling that avid meditators experience after a juicy and healing meditation session.
The idea behind this is that if you are feeling at ease and at peace within your mind, you can eliminate any resistance. You feel like you are moving more smoothly through your day. Everything flows at a better and more relaxing pace.
Everything becomes more passive and efficient.
It’s like the ancient Taoist concept Wu-Wei which refers to effortless action. You are doing things, but it seems to come more naturally and effortlessly.
Wu Wei is closely linked to the Daoist reverence of the natural world. It means trying to make our behavior as spontaneous and predictable as certain natural processes and making sure that we are swimming alongside rather than against them. Or rather, swimming with the current as opposed to against it.Â
While it may seem like a far reach– delta-8 can bring us to a place in our minds where we are in a similar place to the concept of Wu-Wei. We can feel calm, creative, and focused, while things flow freely, naturally, with ease.
Feeling calm in our minds can help us to feel more creative and in a flow state.
#4 Cultivating Deep Sleep
Delta-8’s relaxing effects can be taken a step further in higher doses. As you increase your dose of delta 8, the relaxing effect will become more intense, even encroaching upon soporific.
The typical dosage for D8 is between 10 and 20 mg, but it can vary depending on the individual. Some people do better with a dose of 30-40 mg. Most people feel tired if they take the higher doses, which are around the 40 or 30 mg mark.Â
This effect can be beneficial for some people and detrimental for others. It all comes down to your goals when it comes to using delta 8.
Furthermore, delta-8 is a supplement that can be used for either relaxation and focus in smaller doses or sleep in higher doses. If you want to get some good sleep, take a higher dose.Â
#5 Appetite
You’re likely familiar with the munchies if you’ve ever tried THC or marijuana. It’s that strong urge to find something to munch on after you’ve ingested some THC.
The majority of people who use delta 8 THC report a dramatic increase in their hunger levels. Whether this is a good thing or not is dependent on your personal situation. D8 THC will provide many benefits to those who are looking for an increase in appetite, such as athletes, medical patients, and bodybuilders. If you are looking to boost your appetite, delta-8 is a great option that will also provide other health benefits.Â
Although there are not many studies that have examined this effect in detail, users believe that delta-8 THC is far more effective at curbing feelings of satiety and anxiety than any other health supplement.Â
It is after all a form of THC, and if you’ve ever smoked delta-9 THC we’re sure you are no stranger to the munchies. It is not a far cry that delta-8 would have similar qualities.Â
Why People Turn To Delta-8 THC
When it really comes down to it, the main reason why delta-8 THC is so popular is its legal advantages. People may use it for all sorts of reasons, however, the majority of people are enjoying the fact that this psychoactive THC cannabinoid is technically federally legal because it is derived from legal hemp and CBD.
This potent cannabinoid offers many of the same benefits as federally illegal delta-9 THC. While delta-8 may be milder than delta-9 THC, it is still an isomer of THC and very much psychoactive.Â
Delta-8 is more available nationwide than delta-9 THC. This is due to their legal status. D8 lies in a gray area when it comes to legality. While it is in fact a THC compound and fairly psychoactive, it is derived from legal industrial hemp or CBD.
According to the 2018 Farm Bill, delta-8 fits into the parameters, for now. This might change in the future.
Delta 8 THC has many other additional benefits.Â
This is why many experts believe it is here for the long haul.
Even though marijuana (THC) legalization is underway in the United States and internationally, there’s no denying that people will continue to look for D8 for its relaxing properties and therapeutic properties.Â
In the past, when you walk into a dispensary, you were able to pick between Indica, Sativas, or hybrids.Â
Now you can pick between your concentrates as well. D8 THC is more similar to an Indica than a Sativa. This is because even though it can be somewhat enlivening and stimulating in smaller doses, it isn’t as cerebral as a Sativa so it is less likely to cause anxiety.
Delta-10 THC is more comparable to a Sativa, it is more stimulating than relaxing.Â
D8 THC might be worth considering if your goal is to find something relaxing and psychoactive.
Delta 8 THC: What Are The Benefits? How Does It Work?
This mildly psychoactive cannabinoid interacts with our endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the same manner as delta 9 THC. The main way cannabinoids interact in our bodies is by binding to the CB1 and CB2 receptors found in the ECS.
These receptors constitute one aspect of the entire endocannabinoid system. This system includes millions of tiny receptors in nearly every cell in the human body. They are responsible for regulating many bodily functions but primarily a process known as homeostasis.Â
This basically means keeping the body in a state of balance and equilibrium.
This has many implications for the human body. Cannabinoids like CBD and THC offer a wide range of seemingly unrelated health advantages due to the wide range that the ECS covers.Â
For example, when the immune system becomes overactive it can lead to chronic pain, allergies, inflammation, and more. The endocannabinoid system is tasked with managing these effects in order to return us to a baseline. In effect, helping to regulate and relieve these symptoms.
Further Benefits
When the immune system is inactive, it can make us sicker or slow down our recovery from injuries. The ECS helps to boost immune function. This is again for the sole purpose of restoring baseline immune function and bringing balance or homeostasis to our bodies.
Humans have evolved with and alongside cannabinoids for thousands of years. Our body has a specific system known as the ECS that interacts with compounds found in the cannabis plant and regulates many crucial bodily systems. We produce endogenous cannabinoids as well like anandamide. CBD, THC, and delta-8 THC are all examples of external cannabinoids.
The ECS interacts with many other organs as well, providing similar regulation or modifying benefits for the hepatic, pulmonary, endocrine, digestive systems, and cardiovascular systems.
Furthermore, the CB1 and CB2 receptors that cannabinoids bind to are responsible for regulating glutamine, serotonin, GABA, dopamine, cortisol, norepinephrine, and more.
Delta-8 THC and Health
Delta 8 THC has many health benefits. This cannabinoid is still relatively new and has not been extensively studied in clinical settings. However, there are a few quality studies out there that are worth talking about.
Although we aren’t able to make any specific claims about the health benefits of delta 8 THC, there is some relevant research that we can share with you.
#1 Nausea: Abrahamov et al., 1995 (clinical trial) — Delta 8 THC was reported to offer complete inhibition of nausea in children undergoing chemotherapy.
#2 Pain: Thapa et al., 2018 (animal study) — D8 applied topically significantly reduced pain and swelling.
#3 Appetite: Avraham et al., 2004 (animal study) — Delta 8 THC was found to boost the feeding patterns of mice by 22%.
Delta-8 THC: What Are The Benefits – Side Effects
Side effects are possible with all pharmacologically active substances. Side effects are any unwanted biological effects. Even some of the “benefits,” of delta 8 THC can be considered undesirable side effects by some.
Take, for example, the relaxing properties of this cannabinoid. People use this compound for different reasons, some want to feel relaxed or go to sleep and some would rather feel energized. So, for some people who use D8 during the day, drowsiness may be considered a negative benefit. Others use it to acquire this very effect.
These are some of the side effects associated with using delta 8 THC:
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue
- Increased hunger
Delta-8 THC: Where To Buy
The market is still relatively new for Delta 8 THC. It has only recently become mainstream, particularly in the last few months.
Some states have outlawed Delta-8. That being said, you can purchase delta-8 locally in a smoke shop or dispensary anywhere it is legal.
However, ordering it online is a much safer option. Because the market for D8 is pretty unregulated, there are a lot of shady vendors that use toxic solvents in making their products.Â
The best way to avoid buying unsafe D8 products is to source from a vendor that provides third-party lab testing. This is how you can ensure your quality and accuracy. The lab tests will let you know if there are any toxic heavy metals or other chemicals in the final product that could pose a threat.
At Chronic Guru, we grow all of our own hemp products organically on our sustainable farm in Apopka, Florida. Quality and transparency are key to our mission and we make sure to see this through from seed to sale.Â
Click here to shop for top-quality delta-8 products.
