With many states legalizing cannabis and CBD products available almost everywhere, demand for cannabis-based products is on the rise. Over the past few months there has seen a new surge in demand for a different kind of cannabinoid, namely Delta-8.
How does Delta-8 differ from regular cannabis?
The marijuana plant has many chemical compounds that are referred to as cannabis. The most widely known cannabinoid can be described as Delta-9 THC commonly referred to just as THC. This is the natural psychoactive ingredient that is found in cannabis and creates an “high” sensation for users.
” Delta-9 THC is the most researched cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. It has been believed to be the main ingredient responsible for the effects of intoxication that are associated with cannabis.” This is according to Dr. Jeff Chen, a UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative co-founder (and former director) as well as Radicle Science’s Co-Founder and CEO. “Delta 8-THC may be an isomer to Delta-9 THC, that is, they share identical atoms and structures but they’re not exactly the same.”
The most significant distinction? Although Delta-8 is extremely like Delta-9 THC and Delta-9 THC, Dr. Chen explains that it might be less potent which means you’ll require an even higher dose of Delta-8 to achieve the same degree of high. This could be an appealing factor to those looking for a substitute for states in which cannabis hasn’t been made legally available However, there are two issues with Delta-8 security and legality.
Based on the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Delta-8 is classified as a Schedule 1 Drug — which means that some legal experts believe Delta-8 as a controlled substance under federal law and this is especially true given that it is restricted by a number of states.
The third issue is with Delta-8? Its uncertain legal status results in a lack of studies on the safety and effectiveness of Delta-8 and the absence of regulations over the sale and production of Delta-8 products, making it difficult to know whether or not they’re suitable for consumption in the long run.
“Cannabis contains more than 150 cannabinoids. Delta-8 is among the cannabinoids,” explains Dr. Felecia Dawson, a medical doctor who is also a marijuana advocate. “Delta-8 is a natural substance that occurs in hemp and cannabis in tiny amounts, but what’s sold in the market as Delta-8 is actually produced by a chemical reaction that is triggered from CBD by using an acid.”
This means that the Delta-8 found in many states isn’t merely taken from a plant, it’s made in a laboratory. This doesn’t necessarily suggest that Delta-8 is harmful to your health however, Dr. Dawson explains that it is a sign that they don’t have any information about the long-term health risks of taking large quantities of Delta-8 as it is typically found in such tiny amounts at the source. Click here to know more about Delta 8 THC products.
What are the main differences between CBD Delta-8, CBD or regular cannabis?
Another cannabinoid that is well-known is CBD which is also known as cannabidiol. It’s the non-psychoactive counterpart to THC. Although CBD is present in standard cannabis, similar to Delta-8 or Delta-9, CBD itself can be extracted from hemp. As opposed to hemp and hemp, hemp-derived CBD oil doesn’t give you an “high” sensation, which is the reason CBD is usually considered legal in the event that it has less than 0.3 percent THC.
Since CBD is present in both cannabis and hemp plants, it also implies that CBD has been researched more extensively in recent times particularly when compared to Delta-8 -which is thought to be well-accepted by the majority of people. Furthermore, CBD offers a wide array of health benefits, including improving sleeping, reducing anxiety, and easing chronic pain.
Although CBD is considered to be legal however, it’s essential to be aware of the fact that CBD products aren’t controlled by the FDA. So should you choose to experiment with CBD you must be sure to select the product from a vendor that you are confident in. Visit ATLRx for more information.
Which option should you select?
“The decision to choose a medication or treatment is a balance between the risks and benefits,” says Dr. Chen. “If an item has the risk of high and small benefit, then it’s likely not worth the risk. If, on the other hand, a product has a moderate risk and has a significant profit, then it is worth the investment!”
In the case of CBD the benefits are being researched and the risk is small. Based on Chen, Dr. Chen, there are potential side effects associated with CBD which are associated with drugs, therefore it is important to speak with your physician about whether CBD could be a good option for you.
“Consumers are aware of their body the way they know it,” Dr. Chen states, “so if they do decide to test CBD it is important to take note of any benefits they feel against the risks and side effects.”
As for Delta-8? It’s a matter of being open. There’s less research on Delta-8 as compared to CBD or cannabis in general This means that experts don’t know whether it’s suitable for consumption.
“You might be able to say that lower concentrations in Delta-8 THC, similar to those in the majority of cannabis dispensaries, could have a similar safety and risk profile to cannabis” Chen explains. Chen explains. “However, the Delta-8 THC products being sold now are much higher in concentration than the naturally occurring amounts in cannabis, so you don’t have data on what the safety implications of those concentrations/dosages are.”
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