In This Article

Overview

The use of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) products is rising in the United States of America. These two compounds are present in marijuana, which we get from hemp and cannabis plants. THC is the active ingredient in marijuana that causes the high, and CBD is also present in significant amounts but does not cause the high.

Health Conditions Delta 8 THC Can Help With : Things to Know
Delta 8 THC

These compounds have been used both medically and recreationally for ages. In traditional Chinese medicine, cannabis was an integral part of their pharmacopeia, and Indian, Assyrian, and Greco-Roman texts also mention it as a remedy for arthritis, pain, and inflammation.

The active ingredient in cannabis is not THC, which exists in several forms. The most common one is delta-9 THC, but others such as delta-8 THC and delta-10 THC also exist. Delta-8 THC is less psychoactive and causes less anxiety than Delta-9 THC.

You can get a Delta-8 THC product from a reputable distributor, such as Secret Nature CBD. Continue reading to find out about Delta-8 THC and its medicinal properties.

The Different Types of THC

THC is a compound that can activate the cannabinoid receptors inside the brain. Several THC compounds have similar functions, such as delta-9 THC, delta-8 THC, and delta-10 THC. The difference between these compounds is the location of the double bond between carbon atoms: the double bond is at carbon 9 in Delta-9 THC, carbon 8 in Delta-8 THC, and carbon 10 in Delta-10 THC.

This minor chemical difference can impact the physical properties. Delta-9 THC is a potent cannabinoid that can get you high quickly, whereas Delta-8 is smoother and lighter. Delta-10 produces only a buzz in the head rather than a full high. Delta-9 THC is present in high quantities in a cannabis plant. Delta-8 THC is negligible in cannabis, and Delta-8 products are synthetic and made in a lab.

The Medical Properties of Delta-8 THC

Delta-8 THC has several medical benefits. It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which controls pain, sleep cycles, and emotions. These interactions result in the compound having some medical benefits, such as:

  • Analgesic : According to study, Delta-8 THC is a potent analgesic and reduces pain by interacting with CB-1 and CB-2 receptors. It can relieve inflammation and pain in several situations, such as post-operative pain, neuropathic pain, and arthritis.[1]
  • Antiemetic : Studies have shown that Delta-8 THC can reduce feelings of nausea and vomiting.[2]
  • Appetite Stimulant : Studies have implicated even low doses of Delta-8 THC as having appetite stimulative effects.[2]
  • These properties help treat several medical conditions, including:

    1. Anxiety and Panic Attacks

    Cannabis users often use Delta-9 THC products to relieve their anxiety and panic attacks, and some evidence suggests that Delta-8 THC can also provide the same benefits. A 2021 study showed that 51% of the survey respondents used Delta-8 THC to relieve their anxiety, panic attacks, stress, and bipolar disorder.

    Anxiety and depression are significant causes of alarm. Individuals going through episodes of anxiety, depression, or panic attacks often feel alone and unable to continue with their daily lives. To feel better, individuals who go through anxiety and depression use several medicine remedies, including THC and CBD products.

    The scientific evidence favouring Delta-8 THC for anxiety and panic attacks is inconclusive. A edible delta 8 thc help with anxiety, but its long-term use is not well-researched.[4] While initial studies suggest promising news, Delta-8 THC is a relatively new compound that is finally catching scientists’ interest. Still, we need further research to conclude how well delta 8 thc effects individuals who go through anxiety.[5]

    2. Chemotherapy and Cancer Treatment

    Cancer is a significant health problem throughout the world. Uncontrolled cell division in tissues causes cancer, which kills half a million people in the United States annually.

    Cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, is often very uncomfortable and leaves lasting damage to your body. Chemotherapy can destroy your healthy cells in addition to cancer cells and cause nausea and pain during treatment.

    While research is limited, Delta-8 THC can reduce pain and nausea for such patients. A 1995 study administered Delta-8 THC to children who had cancer just before chemotherapy and noticed a decrease in sickness with minimal side effects.

    This effect is because Delta-8 THC can activate cannabinoid receptors in our body, reducing pain and nausea. Scientists have observed several other developments in activating cannabinoid receptors in a lab, but they require further research.

    3. Arthritis

    The inflammation of joints is known as arthritis. It is a painful condition that causes severe disruption of your daily activities. Osteoarthritis is a common type of arthritis that affects your weight-bearing joints, putting women over 45 at the highest risk. Gout is another form of arthritis resulting from uric acid accumulation in the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis happens because the body’s immune system starts attacking its joints, which can lead to anemia.

    Individuals with arthritis use Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC to reduce pain and inflammation. While both relieve pain, Delta-8 THC is less psychoactive and, thus, a better choice for those using cannabis for medicinal purposes. As THC reduces inflammation, it is an attractive option for arthritis treatment.

    Delta-8 is a calming agent that can increase productivity and provide mental clarity, whereas Delta-9 THC can cause anxiety. Delta-9-THC is also illegal in several states.

    4. Insomnia

    Sleep loss is a common problem, particularly among individuals with a stressful work routine. Overworking yourself can result in stress and loss of sleep. While working late can result in insomnia, the lack of sleep can lower your productivity and cause you to be less efficient at work.

    Individuals with insomnia use several remedies to varying degrees of success. Delta-8 THC can help with insomnia and improve sleep.It can also make you more productive and reduce your stress levels. The reason behind this is the interaction of the compound with CB-1 receptors in your body’s endocannabinoid system. This system controls pain, emotions, fertility, and sleep cycles, so its agonists can improve your sleep.

    Delta-9 THC also binds with the CB-1 receptors, and the binding mechanism differs for the two THC varieties. Delta-8-THC effects are calming, while Delta-9 THC results in psychoactivity.[6] Delta-8 THC, therefore, is a better choice for insomnia treatment.

    5. Anorexia

    Eating disorders are common in teenagers. Social media and tabloids make individuals insecure about their body image and cause conditions like anorexia nervosa. Anorexia is a concerning condition in which the individual loses their appetite and cannot eat. Psychiatric therapy and appetite-inducing medication treat anorexia patients.

    Delta-8 THC can induce appetite and is a potential treatment for anorexia patients. Studies on mice show a 16% increase in food consumption when treated with Delta-8 THC.[3] A long-term regimen observed a 22% increase in food consumption.

    The study also implicated Delta-8 THC as a possible mood stabilizer and suggested that the Delta-8 variety was better at appetite stimulation at equal productivity and energy levels than the Delta-9 isoform.

    Disclaimer: Talk to Your Doctor Before Using Delta-8 THC Medically

    For Delta-8 THC, research shows promising results for several medical conditions; some research is inconclusive, and some conclusions may not directly apply to your situation. You should never self-medicate; this also goes for Delta-8 products like vapes and gummies. Talk to your doctor and ask if Delta-8 products will help in your case before using them for medical purposes.

    Endnote

    Delta-8 THC is a THC variety that is milder, less psychoactive, and has several medical benefits. Delta-8 THC can reduce pain and inflammation, stimulate your appetite, reduce nausea, and have a calming effect.

    These properties make Delta-8 THC an attractive treatment option for anxiety, chemotherapy complications, arthritis, insomnia, and anorexia. Always consult your doctor before using any compound to treat yourself, especially a drug like Delta-8 THC.

Was this article helpful?

7 Sources

We review published medical research in respected scientific journals to arrive at our conclusions about a product or health topic. This ensures the highest standard of scientific accuracy.

Author
Facebook linkedin

Wendy Wheat

Wendy is 43, single and lives in Nottingham. Have two children aged 18 and 21, and was diagnosed with PBC in 2012. She is Co-ordinator