Delta-8-THC Health Benefits

by Kat Austin April 06, 2021 5 min read

Delta-8-THC Health Benefits - VO Inc

Delta-8's mild psychoactive effects are often the focus of conversation, but what we know about Delta-8-THC health benefits may surprise you.

You may already know that THC has various medicinal benefits thanks to the various Delta-9-THC medical programs across the country. What you may not know, however, is that there's some research that suggests that Delta-8 may have the upper hand on Delta-9 in some areas.

Curious about the health benefits of Delta-8? Here's what we know:

Table of Contents
Delta-8-THC Health Benefits Research
Best Delta-8-THC Products for Health Benefits
Where to Buy High Quality Delta-8-THC
Resources

Key Takeaways

  • Delta-8-THC research is limited, but it’s still being touted as a multi-functional therapeutic cannabinoid.
  • Delta-8 could help with discomforts like pain, anxiety, or poor sleep, or a combination of different cannabinoids may be more effective.
  • In order to experience Delta-8-THC health benefits, you need to make sure that you buy high-quality Delta-8-THC products.

Delta-8-THC Health Benefits Research

Research regarding Delta-8-THC health benefits is still pretty limited, though researchers often draw the conclusion that Delta-8’s benefits are likely similar to Delta-9’s benefits since the two compounds look and function similarly.

A woman curiously reading the label on a Delta-8-THC product.

Existing Delta-8 research does highlight some potential benefits, but keep in mind that these benefits have not yet been proven and Delta-8-THC is not an approved treatment for any medical conditions.

Still, you’re likely to experience a range of benefits when using Delta-8. According to the research, here’s what you may expect:

Delta-8-THC may have neuroprotective properties.

One study from 1980 found that Delta-8 may help increase Acetylcholine production. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter responsible for multiple cognitive functions and neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to grow and rearrange. Taking acetylcholine supplements has been associated with improved brain function, as well as protecting the brain from free radical damage that may damage memory and cognitive function over time.

Delta-8 may help stimulate appetite.

A 2004 study found that even small doses of Delta-8 may help increase appetite. This effect is the reason that Delta-9-THC is an approved treatment for managing poor appetite due to chronic illnesses, autoimmune disorders, or eating disorders in many states with medical marijuana programs.

It may help calm nausea and vomiting.

One of the most prominent studies on Delta-8 suggests that it has powerful antiemetic properties, or the ability to help quell nausea. The study found Delta-8 to be 100% effective at reducing nausea in pediatric cancer patients.

As a bonus, the study suggests that Delta-8 is about half as potent as Delta-9, and could therefore be used in larger doses (even on children) without the same negative side effects, like anxiety and paranoia.

Delta-8 may help with pain and discomfort.

Limited research has evaluated Delta-8’s ability to help fight inflammation and neuropathic pain. Since Delta-9 is often an approved treatment for pain relief (sometimes as an alternative to opioid medications), it’s not far-fetched to think that Delta-8 interacts with the body in a similar manner.

Researchers believe that the benefits of Delta-8-THC for pain come from analgesic properties, but more research is needed.

It could help lower stress and anxiety.

Many people report using Delta-8-THC for anxiety with great success. Researchers are still working to identify how Delta-8 may help lower stress and anxiety levels, but the National Cancer Institute acknowledges Delta-8 as an “anxiolytic” substance.

In general, the mild psychoactivity is often described as “relaxing” and “euphoric,” so it may help you unwind and take the edge off of stressful moments. Other hemp derived cannabinoids, like CBD and CBG, are thought to help with stress and mood, too.

A woman sleeping peacefully after her Delta-8-THC dose

It may even help you sleep!

Delta-8’s effects are relaxing and mildly sedating, which many people link to sleep benefits. Similarly to Delta-9. One study found that Delta-8 was able to induce sedation in cats, and could even increase the length of the REM sleep cycle.

When considering the benefits of Delta-8-THC for sleep, keep in mind that sleep issues are complicated and vary for every person. For instance, some people need help regulating their sleep-wake cycles, while others experience sleep loss due to pain. Other cannabinoids, like CBD and CBN, may have benefits for sleep alongside Delta-8-THC.

Best Delta-8-THC Products for Health Benefits

Delta-8-THC health benefits will vary for everyone, but product quality is the most important factor in determining how your Delta-8-THC experience will go. You should ensure that any product you choose is made from high-quality hemp and is third-party tested to prove label accuracy.

After ensuring the quality of your products, you’ll want to narrow down a dosing style. Different products may be better for different health factors, but the type of product you choose also depends heavily on preference.

Delta-8 vaporizers are a popular inhalation method that offers fast-acting effects that kick in after only a few minutes. The effects are short-lived and wear off in 2-4 hours.

Delta-8-THC edibles and tincturesare digestible doses that may take over an hour to take effect. On the upside, the effects are steady and long lasting, usually lasting around 6 hours or more. Edibles are pre-portioned for convenience, while tinctures give you the option to easily adjust your Delta-8 dose as needed.

Many people benefit from a combination of edibles and vaporizers. For instance, a low-dose Delta-8 gummy may pair well with a supplemental Sativa Delta-8 Vaporizer during the day, or an Indica Delta-8 vape cart at night.

Where to Buy High Quality Delta-8-THC

Don’t just buy your Delta-8-THC products anywhere! Although Delta-8 is legal in most states and available in many stores across the country, hemp industry regulations are still scarce. That means that you need to be extra careful when choosing a Delta-8 product. Always look for details on the manufacturing process and test results to prove product potency.

At Vida Optima, all of our Delta-8-THC products are third-party tested and 100% Farm Bill compliant, meaning they are federally legal in the U.S. Shop our full Delta-8-THC collection to find the edibles, vaporizers, and tinctures you need to feel your best and optimize your day.

Want to learn more? Read “How to Maximize Your Delta-8-THC Routine” or “11 Delta-8-THC Facts You Need to Know.”

Resources

  1. “Reduction of hippocampal acetylcholine turnover in rats treated with (-)-delta 8-tetrahydrocannabinol and its 1',2'-dimethyl-heptyl homolog” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6249445/
  2. “Acetylcholine Supplements: Benefits, Side Effects, and Types” https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/acetylcholine-supplement
  3. “Very low doses of delta 8-THC increase food consumption and alter neurotransmitter levels following weight loss” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15099912/
  4. “An efficient new cannabinoid antiemetic in pediatric oncology” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7776837/
  5. “Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol” https://ncit.nci.nih.gov/ncitbrowser/ConceptReport.jsp?dictionary=NCI_Thesaurus&ns=NCI_Thesaurus&code=C61312
  6. “The effects of delta8-THC on the EEG, reticular multiple unit activity and sleep of cats” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4358207/

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