Delta-8 THC is one of the many compounds found in cannabis, and it is one where the higher concentration level leads to a stronger psychoactive high. Delta-8THC has also been shown to have anti-nausea properties when eaten as opposed to smoked. It is also effective in treating chronic pain and glaucoma, but requires more time for medicinal benefits to take effect due to its fat soluble nature. Read on for all things delta-8 THC.
What is delta-8 THC?
Delta-8 THC is also known as dronabinol and is the psychoactive component in cannabis. Delta-8 THC is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, which means it will not get you high by itself. In order to feel high from marijuana, you need delta-9 THC or a combination of both compounds in order to achieve a psychoactive effect. However, increasing the concentration level of delta-8 in cannabis will result in a more powerful “high.”
What are the differences between delta-8 THC and delta-9?
The difference between delta-8 THC and delta-9 is the length of their carbon skeleton. The carbon skeleton is what determines whether something is a saturated or unsaturated fat, or a fatty acid (the THCs are both). Saturated fats have no double bonds and unsaturated fats have one or more double bonds. Delta-9 has a two minute long carbon skeleton and thus is a saturated fat. Delta-8, on the other hand, has an eight minute long carbon skeleton, which means it is unsaturated.
What are some ways to consume delta-8THC?
You can consume Delta-8 THC through smoking, but not past a certain tolerance or high threshold for people who are sensitive to it. You can also eat cannabis or cannabis oil containing this compound (e.g. brownies, cookies, etc.). Another way to consume delta-8 THC is through vaporization. A vaporizer heats up the cannabis flower or oil enough to release the THC and cannabinoids contained within, but not enough to burn the product. Vaporization with delta 8 flower online has shown to be more beneficial than smoking because you get a more potent high while preventing the inhalation of toxins that come from burning “weed.” The last method of consumption is topically through salves or oils. This allows for localized relief while still getting some of the cannabinoids that are “locked” in your skin through digestion.
What is the current research on delta-8THC?
Delta-8 THC has a track record of being very effective in treating chemotherapy side effects, especially nausea and vomiting. Studies show that delta-8 THC reduces these symptoms in cancer patients and can be more effective than other more commonly prescribed medications.