CBD has burst on the scene as an alternative for anxiety relief and inflammation reduction in recent years. Because of its healing properties, people have started looking at cannabis differently- especially me. I no longer see it only as a recreational substance, as researchers have revealed its wellness benefits. CBD, the healing cannabinoid within the cannabis plant, gets the most credit for the therapeutic effects it provides. However, there’s also its cousin, THC, that, unlike CBD, has psychoactive effects.ย
Scientists know THC better but as they dig deeper, the perspective on the cannabis component is changing. THC occurs in different forms, like Delta-8 and Delta-9. The former is a milder version of TCH that gives a mellow high and has potential healing effects. Unsurprisingly, consumers with anxiety are becoming more interested in these appealing products with many promising results. I’ve been learning more about Delta-8 THC and its health benefits after trying a few products to help with my anxiety.ย
So, what is Delta-8?
Delta-8 THC is a cannabis compound similar to Delta-9 THC. However, the difference between the two lies in the level of the psychoactive effects. Delta-8 is sometimes called ‘marijuana-lite’, and that’s because it is less potent than Delta-9. Delta-8 produces feelings of relaxation, euphoria and pain relief, but they’re significantly milder than Delta-9’s effects. Therefore, it may benefit individuals who want to enjoy these benefits without experiencing the pronounced ‘high’ of Delta-9.
But everyone is different, meaning two people won’t necessarily have the same experience with Delta-8. Moreover, consumers have different preferences regarding integrating cannabis into their lives. While some prefer vaping, others (like me) find edibles a better choice. Fortunately, cannabis products can fit everyone’s lifestyle since they range from tinctures and topicals (which I love for my shoulder pain) to capsules and edibles.
I tried some Delta-9 gummies over the summer as an anxiety alternative. At first I took half and it helped, but then I got brave a took a whole gummy….all I can say is that I may not have been ready for that. Delta-8 may be more my speed. Plus the gummies come in different flavors and you can purchase high-quality Delta-8 THC gummies from a reliable provider and enjoy the health benefits.ย ย
Delta-8 provides a mellow “high”, putting you in a calm state. Even if you take it, you remain clear-headed and can go about your day normally. Delta-8 doesn’t affect your ability to focus on tasks; instead, it makes you feel content and relaxed. I’ve heard users of Delta-8 are simply blown away by its ability to alleviate their symptoms while still being able to be mom and work etc.ย
How can Delta-8 benefit you?
Up to this point, researchers have looked at how Delta-8 can benefit cannabis enthusiasts. The conclusion was that the cannabis compound may have many perks. While research is still ongoing, the anecdotal evidence we have so far shows that Delta-8 THC can be an efficient wellness aid in many ways.ย
Relaxation
Anxiety. Many people struggle with it and I am one of them. I tried CBD gummies as an alternative coping mechanism for anxiety. Here’s what happens when I am anxious: I get stuck in a thought loop that makes me tense and worried, my blood pressure increases, and sometimes I even start sweating or trembling. In years past I’ve been prescribed several things, but I just don’t want to be on meds all the time.
While it’s normal to experience anxiety from time to time- when it becomes an issue, it can affect every single area of your life, making it difficult to function properly. While, my anxiety is mostly under control, I do have some times when I just need a little help.
According to the National Cancer Institute, Delta-8 THC has anxiolytic effects; thus, it can reduce stress and help you relax without amplifying anxiety, as happens with Delta-9 THC. Whether you feel stressed due to work responsibilities or personal issues, Delta-8 can help you cope with it effectively.ย
Better sleep
Sleep impacts well-being and performance. Not getting a good night’s rest affects our ability to think and leads to increased blood pressure. Moreover, it also causes mood changes and increases the risk of developing several health issues.
Delta-8 is known for its sleep cycle management benefits. The cannabis compound can address insomnia issues, helping you sleep longer and better. This is perfect as I have recently started to have trouble sleeping.ย
Appetite boost
Having a healthy diet is an essential part of a balanced lifestyle. And yet, living in such a fast-paced world can make it challenging to manage your appetite. Delta-8 THC can help those struggling to eat by stimulating the appetite and ensuring your body gets the nutrients it needs.
Delta-8 THC gives you the “munchies” – a significant appetite surge. In fact, scientists believe that Delta-8 THC can boost your appetite twice more than Delta-9. These properties of Delta-8 THC make it a potential aid for people with a low appetite (but not so good for those of us that don’t want to put on more weight!)
Pain relief
Many people turn to Delta-8 THC for its ability to provide pain relief. Chronic pain is common in illnesses like neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease. However, scientific studies have revealed that topical application of Delta-8 can relieve chronic pain.
Moreover, the cannabis compound has anti-inflammatory properties and regulates the hormones involved in pain transmission. Due to these properties, Delta-8 THC makes pain more manageable, thus enhancing the quality of your life.
A milder high
People who use cannabis for recreational purposes don’t find CBD very appealing. This is because they don’t experience the ‘high’. But some react differently to Delta-9 THC and get anxious when consuming high doses.
If you want to avoid the intense high, Delta-8 is a better option. It is around 50 to 70% less potent than Delta-9 THC, allowing users to remain relaxed and focused.
Will you feel Delta-8 benefits right away?
Some evidence suggests that it takes three to four hours to feel Delta-8’s benefits. However, others report that one or two hours are enough for it to kick in. So, which one is true? Well, both are accurate. This is because Delta-8 effects differ from person to person and depend on several factors, like your THC tolerance, body weight, and more.
Also, it can take longer for the effects to happen depending on the consumption method. For instance, with Delta-8 gummies, it takes longer to feel the benefits, as more time is required to process the compound within the digestive system fully. On the other hand, vaping is a fast-acting method, so it only takes about half an hour to feel Delta-8’s effects.ย
Is Delta-8 an alternative?
Delta-8 THC has become so popular due to its milder psychoactive profile and ability to help reduce anxiety. It is significantly less potent than Delta-9, and involves a lower risk of paranoia and anxiety. Whatโs more, you can use it for several purposes, such as coping with insomnia, or enjoying a feeling of relaxation. Delta-8 is a better alternative for individuals who want to integrate cannabis products into their lives as an anxiety alternative or to help with sleep issues without experiencing intense psychoactive effects. Regardless of how you consume it, if you are looking for help with sleep, pain relief or an anxiety relief alternative, it is worth a shot.
