Delta-8 is all the rave, and understandably so. This compound is especially beloved for its immense healing properties and milder effects on the psyche.
If you’re new to cannabis goods and are looking for a proper entry point, we’ll highly recommend starting with delta-8 supplements.
We’ve prepared a beginner’s guide to delta-8 products, with a special focus on delta-8 edibles. Read on and be informed.
What Is Delta-8?
Delta-8 is the short form of delta-8 THC or delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol. It refers to a naturally-occurring phytocannabinoid in cannabis that typically exists as an isomer of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Tetrahydrocannabinol is one of the two most popular cannabinoids in marijuana, alongside cannabidiol (CBD). THC is most famous for its psychotropic abilities. But what many cannabis users do not realize is that the compound can offer nearly as many therapeutic benefits as its non-psychoactive cousin – CBD.
Another fun fact about tetrahydrocannabinol is that it exists in several isomers. Isomers are two or more compounds that share the same chemical formula but differ in the arrangement of atoms in their molecules.
Delta-9 THC is the most popular and abundant tetrahydrocannabinol isomer. Other minor and lesser-known THC isomers include delta-8 and delta-10.
What Are Delta-8 Edibles?
Delta-8 products are available in numerous preparations, depending on the intended delivery method. Edibles are one of the several ways you can consume delta-8 THC.
As the name implies, delta-8 edibles are products infused with delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol and intended for oral administration. These products come in various shapes and forms. Examples include candies, gummies, chocolates, baked goods, and beverages.
The huge variety of delta-8 THC supplements makes it easy to pick your D8 edibles from a reputed brand. All you need to do is check the company’s background and reviews to determine that it offers premium-quality delta-8 goods.
The following are other standard delta-8 formulations besides edibles;
- Smokable products like cannabis pre-rolls
- Vape products like delta-8 e-liquids, concentrates, and dry herbs
- Topicals like delta-8-enriched creams and facemasks
- Aromatherapy oils
- Oral tinctures
What Are The Health Benefits Of Delta-8 Edibles?
First up, it’s important to reiterate that the perceived health benefits of delta-8 edibles tie back to the delta-8 THC in these products.
Secondly, since delta-8 is a derivative of tetrahydrocannabinol, the compound’s therapeutic properties are pretty much those of THC as a whole. And needless to mention, the following benefits apply to all delta-8 edibles.
Delta-8 Edibles May Attenuate Pain
Pain management is the primary therapeutic benefit of delta-8 edibles and many other cannabis-based goods.
The tetrahydrocannabinol in delta-8 edibles attenuates pain by blocking pain signals from traveling across the body to the brain.
Delta-8 Edibles May Ease Inflammation
Inflammation is nearly as common as pain. The two conditions primarily occur side by side.
Administering delta-8 edibles may help soothe inflammation by counteracting the inflammatory effects of cytokines and chemokines. Cytokines and chemokines are proteins responsible for transmitting inflammatory messages across the body.
Delta-8 Edibles May Treat Seizures
Seizures are widely synonymous with epilepsy. However, these sudden, uncontrollable disturbances in the brain’s electrical signals could result from many other causes. Despite the cause or severity, supplementing with delta-8 edibles may help manage seizure attacks.
Expectedly, the anti-seizure abilities of delta-8 edibles tie back to the tetrahydrocannabinol in these products. Numerous studies have shown that marijuana extracts like THC may reduce seizures by desensitizing the receptors in the brain associated with seizure attacks.
Delta-8 Edibles May Relieve Stress and Anxiety
Cannabis has long been associated with heightened anxiety. But that’s if consumed in excess. Administering delta-8 edibles or other marijuana goods sparingly might help combat stress and anxiety. And there’s sufficient evidence to back that up.
For instance, this research found that tetrahydrocannabinol – the active chemical in delta-8 goods – can treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The compound was particularly effective against core PTSD symptoms like nightmares and flashbacks.
Delta-8 Edibles May Boost Your Sleep Quality
Are you struggling to fall asleep at night or stay asleep for longer hour blocks? Before you opt for conventional sleep pills (a majority of which are notorious for triggering adverse effects), you might want to try delta-8 edibles.
The tetrahydrocannabinol in delta-8 THC edible goods can reduce frequent sleep interruptions at night, improving your overall sleep quality. The compound’s sedating effects may also come in handy in helping you fall asleep much faster.
There’s a long list of other common medical issues you can address using delta-8 edibles. They include;
- Nausea, vomiting, and inappetence
- Poor mental focus
- Reduced memory and attention span
- Fatigue
- Erectile dysfunction (ED)
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Will Delta-8 Edibles Get You High?
We began by pointing out that delta-8 is a derivative of tetrahydrocannabinol, a psychotropic chemical. That mere fact implies that delta-8 edibles will equally get you high.
But to understand the mind-altering effects of delta-8 edibles, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The endocannabinoid system is a sophisticated biological system in most mammals that aids various physiological and cellular functions. The system is made up of a vast network of receptors called endocannabinoid receptors and endogenous lipid-based retrograde neurotransmitters known as endocannabinoids. Its two primary receptors include CB1 receptors generally expressed in the brain and central nervous system and CB2 receptors which are widespread in the peripheral nervous system.
While all cannabinoids impact endocannabinoid receptors to varying extents, research has shown that tetrahydrocannabinol (including its derivatives like delta-8) binds relatively strongly to CB1 receptors. Since these receptors are located closer to the brain, any substance that impacts them, such as delta-8, is said to be psychoactive.
But unlike the more potent delta-9, delta-8 is easier on the psyche. That’s the primary reason behind the compound’s rising popularity relative to its delta-9 cousin. According to most users, a delta-8 high is generally marked by feelings of mild euphoria and mental relaxation. That’s in contrast to delta-9 that’s known to induce a more pronounced high that borders on intoxication.
However, note that the psychoactive effects triggered by delta-8 edibles depend on the doses consumed. Relatively low doses will bring out the best in you. But overdosing on these products can induce a host of adverse reactions.
Common side effects of delta-8 overdose include;
- Hallucinations or distortions of the senses
- Reduced hand-eye coordination
- Impaired speech and mobility
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness or sleepiness
Final Word
There’s more than enough reason to integrate delta-8 edibles into your wellness routine. But while these products offer numerous health benefits, overdosing on them could produce the opposite effect. Therefore, always remember to consume delta-8 edibles moderately.