New cannabis products with delta-8 THC are hitting the market with numerous proposed benefits to the mind, body and soul. As new research develops on cannabis, could delta-8 THC be the new hype?
What is Delta-8 THC?
Delta-8 THC is not the typical THC (aka delta-9 THC) that most people know and love for producing the high in cannabis. Delta-8 THC has psychoactive components, however they are milder than delta-9 THC. Unlike delta-9 THC, delta-8 THC is legal when extracted from a hemp plant, according to the Florida-based cannabis testing lab, ACS Laboratory.
Delta-8 THC is an analogue of THC, which means it has a similar molecular structure. It produces appetite-stimulating, mind relieving, and natural anti-anxiety components, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Like CBD-infused products, products that contain delta-8 THC must have less than .3% delta-9 THC for officials to consider them, due to the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill.
Delta-8 THC is one of more than a 100 naturally-occurring cannabinoids in cannabis plants. However, it is a minor cannabinoid that does not occur in high concentrations. Cultivators are able to increase the concentration of delta-8 THC in a strain through a process called selective breeding. Selective or artificial breeding is the process of selecting animals or plants with desirable traits, and breeding them to enhance those traits, according to National Geographic.
Cannabis cultivators have been doing this for decades to produce strains with desirable traits — like high CBD or THC content. Today, hemp farmers are starting to grow more strains that are higher in delta-8 THC.
The Benefits of Delta-8 THC
Delta-8 THC helps treat nausea, eating disorders, and wicked hangovers, and offers neuroprotection. Research shows it even reduces eye pain.
In a 2018 study published in the journal of Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, research was conducted on mice to see if delta-8 THC would help with eye pains. The experiment concluded with researchers finding out that this type of cannabinoid reduces inflammation and cornea pain.
In another study, this one done by the National Cancer Institute, mice were injected with a tumor and given delta-8 THC for 20 consecutive days. The results showed a 25% increase in the rats’ life span. Overall, delta-8 THC stopped the growth of the tumor, and reduced it overall size.
What kind of Delta-8 Products are on the Market?
Though delta-8 THC isn’t new, the cannabinoid is popping up in dispensaries throughout the nation. From vaping, to smoking, to eating, there are plenty of delta-8 THC-infused products out there.
Vaping seems to be the trendiest way to enjoy cannabis. Delta-8-THC vape cartridges are available in different flavors and strains, from Blue Dream and Lemon Diesel. The cartridges usually range from $25 and up. Some brands that offer products high in delta-8 THC are Diamond, 3Chi, and MoonWlker.
Flower is also an option. Consumers can look for Hot Hemp flower because it contains high levels of both CBD and delta-8 THC, and produces an upbeat sativa effect. Pre-rolls tend to range from $8-$10 and an eighth is about $22.
Oil, which often comes in tinctures and capsules form, is an alternative to inhaling delta-8 THC. Users can apply the oils directly to their skin, or drop it under their tongues. Users can consume the capsules by taking one pill (or the recommended dosage) with food. On average, capsules cost about $50 for 30 25 mg pills. Tinctures cost can range from $35 to $135 per bottle or container.
Don’t want to smoke delta-8 THC? No worries. Edibles come in many forms from brownies, to sour gummy worms, to drink additives for example. Popular edibles include gummies and chocolates. Gummies range from $25-$50, depending on the proportion desired. Chocolate tends to be about $25 for five chocolate bars. Some gummy brands to look for are Chill Plus, Genesis, and Treetop Hemp. Additionally, URB Finest Flower offers Nano drops, which users can add to any beverage. Flavors include: Orange Dream, Let’s Mango, and Go Grape. A container of .333 mg of delta-8 THC from URB Finest Flower costs around $30.99.
If these products aren’t to your liking, don’t worry. There’s more where that came from. While more research is needed, delta-8 THC shows promise as a therapy for pain, cancer, nausea, and more. With cannabis laws changing, there will be even more research conducted in the future. That in mind, the question is — what will be the next new cannabis discovery?
NONE of the Hemp derived inputs are CANNABIS = NOT at all 🙁
NONE of the Deltas from HEMP are cannabis and the WAY TO FIND OUT is to TAKE MORE until the effects that are produced ARE CLEARLY not cannabis = everyone can find out this way.
WHOLE PLANT THCA Hemp is a BETTER, SAFER, HEALTHIER option 🙂