Marijuana is legal in more than 30 of the 50 states in the United States. Whether marijuana has any beneficial effects in medicine remains hotly contested. Also, a rising number of states have legalized marijuana for recreational use. However, the federal government classified weed as a Schedule 1 controlled substance.
In states where the use of THC is illegal, many Delta 8 THC products are available on the market.
Consumers of cannabis are becoming more aware of the differences between Delta 9 THC and Delta 8 THC. However, many remain unconvinced that Delta 8 THC is safe for consumption by humans.
For an answer to this question, we reviewed what scientists have to say about the chemical compound. Delta 8 gummies. They have become popular because they come in different flavors, are more discrete, and last longer.
4 Benefits of Delta 8 THC
The legalization of marijuana has widespread support among Americans. As per the Pew Research Center, 91 percent of Americans support the legalization of marijuana. 60 percent favor legalizing it for recreational and medical use, while 31 per cent believe it should only be allowed for medical purpose.
Below are some benefits of delta 8 THC:
1. Relieving Nausea and Chronic Pain
As a treatment for nausea caused by traditional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, Delta-8 THC was studied in pediatric cancer patients in 1995. According to the study, Delta-8-THC reduced vomiting in all 480 participants at 100% effectiveness. Delta-8 could also be given in larger doses without the same adverse effects, even in children, suggesting it may be more useful for managing nausea than Delta-9.
2. It Could Be a Safer Option than Opioids
Delta 8 THC is safer than certain commonly prescribed medications for pain relief. Some people may try it as an alternative for relieving pain. Opioids are extremely addictive, and one should not use them regularly to relieve chronic pain.
3. It Could Have Anticancer Effects Despite Limited Research
The American Cancer Society (ACS) reports that THC and other cannabinoids, such as CBD, slow the proliferation of cancer cells. Cannabinoids in animal experiments impede the development and spread of cancer.
4. Neuroprotective Properties
As part of the research into delta 8 THC’s effects on the brain, scientists are examining its benefits. This compound has remarkable neuroprotective properties. As well as inhibiting the release of adenylyl cyclase, it regulates potassium and calcium channels in the central nervous system, which can improve brain health through these actions.
Furthermore, Delta 8 can enhance choline and acetylcholine levels in the body, which may be helpful in treating neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, delta 8 improves mental functioning by forming new neurons (neurogenesis).
4 Risks of Delta 8 THC
There are drawbacks to using marijuana despite its many advantages. Among the arguments of people opposed to its use are:
1. Possible Risks to the Unborn Child
According to NIDA, pregnant marijuana users had 2.3 times higher stillbirth risk. ACOG suggested that obstetrician-gynecologists advise against smoking weed while trying to become pregnant, throughout pregnancy, and while breastfeeding. Marijuana can significantly interfere with a fetus’ development. They also state that there’s no evidence weed helps with morning sickness treatment.
2. Possible Adverse Effects
Approximately 66% of delta-8 consumers reported adverse effects after consuming food products containing delta-8 THC (e.g., brownies, gummies), including hallucinations, vomiting, tremors, anxiety, dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
3. It May Damage the Lungs When Smoked
According to research published in the Journal of Adolescent Health in 2021, vaping has a greater risk of long-term lung damage than smoking marijuana. The NIDA reports marijuana smoking affects the lungs and throat like cigarette smoke. The substance can trigger increased lung hyperinflation, airway resistance, and inflammation.
4. It Can Be Addictive and Risky Among Adolescents
As with any drug, there is always a likelihood of addiction or abuse while using marijuana. Regular teenage marijuana usage may have negative and long-lasting impacts on cognitive development.
Conclusion
If you prefer not to smoke or vape, Delta-8 is available as an aerosol sublingual, edible form, and tincture. Because Delta-8 has fewer side effects, you will be able to enjoy many of the same benefits without reducing your productivity or functionality. Consequently, you will have more options for consuming THC. The many benefits of marijuana (THC) and CBD should make them more accessible to the general public, especially in states that already have them. Since D8 can be derived from either hemp or cannabis, it is difficult to determine its legal status. Although marijuana remains illegal in some states, the 2018 farm bill allowed hemp to be grown and extracted nationwide. It can therefore be legal to possess delta-8 THC in states where delta-9 THC is illegal.
Currently, available D8 THC products are derived from hemp, which means they are completely legal. Delta-8 can be used to satisfy the cannabis cravings of consumers in states where THC is illegal. If THC is legal in your state, delta-8 can still be beneficial for you.