The latest cannabis craze in town is the new yet highly sought-after cannabinoid: delta-8 THC. This substance is less psychoactive than delta-9 THC, the primary psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant, thus delivering a mild and mellow high. This newly-discovered cannabinoid is ideal for cannabis consumers seeking CBD with a bit of a zing.
But not all products are equal, and you can find more about the best delta 8 vendors online for maximum effect and boost your mental health. A healthy mind constitutes a balanced mental and emotional state and enhanced functionality and productivity.
Find out delta-8 THC’s role in nurturing healthy minds below.
What is Delta-8 THC
Delta-8 THC (delta-8-hydrocannabinol) is among the hundreds of cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant. However, unlike delta-9 THC, delta-8 THC is hemp-derived and not derived from marijuana extracts.
Both THC compounds share an almost identical molecular structure. However, the main difference between the two is that Delta-9 THC features a double bond on the 9th atom, while delta-8 THC’s double bond appears on the 8th atom. The seemingly slight difference in molecular structure affects how each compound binds to the endocannabinoid system’s (ECS) receptors.
However, naturally-occurring delta-8 THC exists in concentrations too low for cost-effective extraction. Therefore most delta-8 THC comes from a laboratory process that entails manipulating CBD’s molecular structure.
Now that you have a better understanding of delta-8 THC keep reading to find out its effect on the mind.
It Relieves Stress
Delta-8 THC is available in various consumable forms; however, its vapes are pretty popular for instant anxiety relief. A balanced emotional state is an extricable part of a healthy mind, yet stress upsets that delicate emotional balance, triggering negative emotions like irritability and anger.
Stress, if unchecked, can morph into anxiety disorders like general anxiety disorder (GAD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and social anxiety disorder (SAD). However, delta-8 THC’s stress-relief and anxiolytic effect facilitate stress management, helping keep this condition in check.
Delta-8 THC’s mechanism of action in exerting stress relief is by binding to the ECS’s receptors. The ECS is an elaborate cell signal transmission system, with most of its receptors located in the brain and the central and peripheral nervous systems. It functions by modulating the body’s processes to maintain optimal physical and mental health.
One study conducted on the ECS revealed that its CB1 receptor modulates stress and stress responses. Delta-8 THC modulates stress by bonding to the said CB1 receptors located in the amygdala or the stress-processing portion of the brain.
However, since its psychoactive effect is not as robust as delta-9 THC, it lowers stress levels without inducing sedation rather than exacerbating stress. Therefore, Delta-8 THC’s anxiolytic effect promotes a healthy mind by relieving stress to facilitate emotional balance.
Mood Elevation
Besides causing anxiety disorders, chronic stress also exacerbates mood disorders like depression. Depressive mood disorder manifests through symptoms like perpetual sadness, lethargy, feelings of self-loathing, and even suicidal thoughts.
American mental health statistics show that 7.1% (17.3 million) of the American adult population suffers from some form of depression. However, delta-8 THC’s antidepressant properties help alleviate depressive symptoms by boosting moods.
Besides stress and anxiety, CB1 receptors also regulate moods and delta-8 THC bonds to induce euphoric effects. So, delta-8 THC’s psychoactive effects boost your mood yet allow you to stay in control and remain productive, improving the quality of your life. You can find disposable hyde vapes products with nicotine here.
Memory and Focus
Delta-8 THC is a relatively new compound; hence, scientific research on its effects remains limited at best. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that the cannabinoid improves cognitive functions like memory and focus since most people report feeling clear-headed, alert, and calm after taking it. Cognitive processes are at the heart of the mind’s effective function, facilitating enhanced productivity.
It all comes back to CB1 receptors, although this time, the spotlight is on the receptors located in the hippocampus- portion of the brain regulating memory. Delta-8 THC partially binds to hippocampal CB1 receptors triggering alertness without inducing the paranoia and heightened sensitivity of THC.
The hippocampus modulates declarative memory associated with facts and events and solidifies short-term memory into long-term memory. Therefore, not only will delta-8 THC keep you alert, it boosts productivity, and its anxiolytic effect helps tackle stress-induced memory impairment.
Neuroprotection
Age takes its toll on every portion of the human body, and the brain is no exception. Consequently, advanced age is a risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s. Such neurodegenerative diseases are perhaps the most literal sense of an unhealthy mind.
However, one study concluded that THC’s potent antioxidant effects protect delicate brain cells called dopaminergic neurons from oxidative damage that causes cell death at low doses. Neuroprotection refers to any product that prevents damage to and brain cell death, so THC’s antioxidant effect helps.
The dopaminergic neurons control voluntary movement and various cognitive functions. However, they are pretty delicate, and their number decreases by up to 10% with age. Delta-8 THC’s low THC potency makes it perfect to offer neuroprotection for the dopaminergic neurons.
Conclusion
Delta-8 THC delivers the best of both worlds, allowing you to experience mental clarity and cognitive improvement without losing control. Although the compound is available in various forms, consider delta-8 THC vapes due to vaping’s high bioavailability.