For many cannabis users, the feelings of paranoia and anxiety that sometimes come with smoking, vaping, or ingesting THC products can be too overwhelming. This feeling can lead cannabis users who enjoy the benefits of ingesting THC to stop using it altogether. Enter delta-8 THC — CBD’s slightly less potent cousin that comes packed with most of the same benefits of it more common predecessor, delta-9 THC.
What is Delta-8 THC?
While delta-8 THC is derived from the cannabis plant, the plant contains a much smaller concentration of this cannabinoid than it does of delta-9 THC, which is the cannabinoid that’s most commonly found in THC products and derivatives. Delta-8 THC has been found to possess many positive properties, including antiemetic, analgesic, and neuroprotective benefits. On top of that, it’s psychoactive properties are far less than that of delta-9 THC, meaning that users can experience all the benefits without the negative side effects.
How Does Delta-8 THC Feel?
Of course, the experience can vary a lot depending on the quality and amount of THC ingested, as well as the user. Things such as what a person has eaten and drank prior to use, as well as the way their body’s cannabinoid receptors react to THC, can alter their experience. That being said, most users report a good, clean high that comes with some of the following side effects.
Relaxation
Just as with delta-9 THC, many users of delta-8 THC report feeling relaxed and at ease. Most say they were able to function normally while feeling a deeper sense of relaxation.
Lucidity
While delta-9 THC often leaves users feeling a sense of impairment, delta-8 THC has most saying they’re able to think clearly, remain alert, and even continue working after using it.
Increased concentration
While using delta-8 THC, some have reported being able to focus and concentrate better than without it.
What Are the Benefits of Using Delta-8 THC?
If you’re sick and undergoing treatment for a chronic illness and have been advised to use THC as part of your treatment plan, you may benefit from using delta-8 THC to control symptoms or negative side effects from prescription medications. While studies are limited on the topic, some have shown that in some users, delta-8 THC may reduce or eliminate symptoms such as:
- Nausea
- Decreased appetite
- Pain
- Inflammation
Again, more research on the topic is needed, but preliminary investigations have shown that just as with CBD products, delta-8 THC may have neuroprotective properties.
How to Use Delta-8 THC
Delta-8 THC is usually extracted from the cannabis plant and made into a THC concentrate. Typically, it’s sold in cartridges that attach to vape pens. Delta-8 concentrate can also be infused into Delta 8 THC gummies for those who prefer edibles to vaporizing.