CBD
Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants, has been studied for its potential therapeutic benefits. While research is ongoing, some evidence suggests that CBD may be beneficial for the following conditions:
- Epilepsy:CBD has been approved by the FDA to treat certain types of seizures in children and adults.
- Pain:CBD may help reduce chronic pain, including neuropathic pain and pain associated with multiple sclerosis.
- Anxiety and Insomnia:CBD may have calming and sedative effects, potentially improving symptoms of anxiety and insomnia.
- Multiple Sclerosis:CBD may help reduce muscle spasms and improve mobility in people with multiple sclerosis.
- Cancer:CBD may help alleviate pain, nausea, and other symptoms associated with cancer treatments.
- Social Anxiety Disorder:CBD may reduce social anxiety and improve cognitive function in individuals with social anxiety disorder.
Delta 8
1. NEUROPROTECTIVE PROPERTIES FOR A HEALTHIER BRAIN
Some research suggests that delta-8 THC could help people produce Acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter. That neurotransmitter is partially responsible for many functions, including:
- memory.
- cognition.
- neuroplasticity.
- and even arousal.
That’s a lot of benefits of delta-8 THC, and it appears to have close to or zero negative side effects to boot. And while research is still in its infancy, anecdotal reports reflect similar results. Delta-8 consumers note how the THC helps them maintain conversations and retain memory, especially compared to traditional THC.
2. DELTA-8 THC MAY BE ABLE TO STIMULATE THE APPETITE
In 2004, researchers observed that even very low doses of delta-8 THC can help increase food consumption. The THC may alter certain neurotransmitter levels in the brain. These neurotransmitter gauges measure things like cognitive function and food consumption.
Simply put, delta-8 helps you feel hungry – but not overly so. You’ll get the munchies but likely won’t pig out for long. If you need to up your food intake, though, delta-8 might be a key to helping you succeed.
3. LITTLE OR NO NAUSEA THANKS TO ITS ANTI-EMETIC EFFECTS
A 1995 study revealed delta-8 having no negative side effects on patients while helping to eliminate their nausea. The study was limited with children undergoing chemotherapy as participants. However, delta-8 reduced nausea with a 100% success rate across 480 treatments, in total.
The results from this study help to reinforce personal experiences at home. Delta-8 consumers report its ability to help reduce nausea, especially when they need to eat.
4. POTENTIAL ANALGESIC (AKA PAIN-RELIEVING) PROPERTIES
Everyone experiences pain differently and at different degrees, but researchers have observed delta-8’s ability to help relieve some of that pain. Having analgesic properties means it can relieve pain to some degree.
Particularly, those with neuropathic and inflammatory pain may benefit the most, but those with other types of pain may benefit, too.
5. FEWER ANXIETY SYMPTOMS WITH ITS ANXIOLYTIC EFFECTS
As we mentioned earlier, delta-8 binds to the CB1 receptors throughout the body. In fact, some researchers have observed it connecting to the CB2 receptors, too. Its ability to bind is what helps the cannabinoid convince the body to regulate pain and anxiety more efficiently.
The anxiolytic properties it produces help to relieve symptoms of anxiety and allow a wave of relaxation to wash over you.
6. EXPERIENCE A LIGHTER, MORE CONTROLLED BUZZ WITH DELTA-8 THC
A major benefit of delta-8 is its less potent nature when compared to traditional delta-9 THC. Much like delta-9 THC, delta-8 interacts with the endocannabinoid system by binding to CB1 receptors.
The biggest difference in this is that delta-8 THC does not bind as tightly as delta-9. The weaker bond means that the psychoactive effects of delta-8 are not as strong.
With a weaker onset, the buzz itself becomes much more manageable and tends to be more mellow in nature.
For people who have difficulty dealing with the heavy-hitter nature of traditional delta-9 THC, Delta-8 offers an easier experience that doesn’t steam-roll the user.
7. MAY CALM THE NERVOUS AND IMMUNE SYSTEM
While research surrounding the benefits of delta-8 is still ongoing, some studies have pointed out some very beneficial possibilities. One such study conducted in 2017 indicated that CBD and THC both have an immunomodulatory effect.
The intestinal lymphatic system plays a role in a majority of the body’s immune cells and also contains over half of the body’s lymphocytes (white blood cells). The study of cannabinoids and their immunomodulatory effects looks to be heavily concentrated in this area.
So why is this an important discovery?
Well, if the link proves to be casual, individuals who have autoimmune diseases could possibly find benefits from this boost to help fight off unhealthy inflammatory immune responses more successfully.
8. COULD HELP REDUCE INFLAMMATION
While we are far from finished learning about delta-8, some research has already proven quite promising.
We already knew delta-8 THC has a weaker bond with the CB1 receptors in our endocannabinoid system. That is why the psychoactive impact is less powerful. What some people might not know, however, is that delta-8 and delta-9 THC share a connection similar in strength to the CB2 receptors.
So while the psychoactive impact is not as strong between the two, the ability to help suppress inflammation is equal. This small difference makes delta-8 a great choice when compared to delta-9 THC since a patient can maximize the anti-inflammatory.
9. HELPS PREVENT SENSORY OVERLOAD
Official research has begun surrounding THC and its potential to help alleviate symptoms such as irritability, restlessness, sensory sensitivity, depression, and hyperactivity. Early research is focusing on using the less psychoactive delta-8 THC in this regard.
While it is too early to have definitive answers, researchers are hopeful, thanks to anecdotal accounts and early findings.
Anecdotal accounts have reported that delta-8 helps alleviate issues with sensory overload, allowing the consumer to deal better with their environment.
The calming effects of delta-8, coupled with their lighter and more mellow psychoactive effect, help those who deal with irritability and sensory issues effectively. This doesn’t mean that delta-8 will prove to be the answer for everyone since everyone’s body will absorb and metabolize the cannabinoid differently. However, the findings and user self-reports do help paint a picture of what potential delta-8 may offer.
Delta 9
Delta-9 THC has also been associated with a wide range of potential medical benefits. According to 2021 research Trusted Source, THC may help treat:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved medications containing THC to treat certain medical conditions.
For example, experts use a synthetic form of delta-9 to create dronabinol (Marinol). It’s prescribed to stimulate appetite in people living with anorexia and HIV or who are undergoing chemotherapy.
THC-A
THCA shares many of THC’s therapeutic qualities. But the extra carboxyl group in THCA results in different interactions with the human body than THC. For instance, THCA displays some effects more in common with CBD, cannabis’ other widely known cannabinoid.
Research shows that THCA has promise for multiple health benefits and medical uses, including:
- Appetite loss and nausea relief for people with cancer or eating disorders
- Reducing pain and inflammation
- Reducing chronic pain and muscle spasms, particularly for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis
- Slowing the progression of cancer cells, specifically prostate cancer
- Brain health, such as protecting memory and coordination and being effective against Huntington’s disease and other neuroinflammatory diseases, like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and ALS
- Relaxation, potentially as a sleep aid and for insomnia
- Reducing seizures and spasms, such as for epilepsy and multiple sclerosis