What Exactly Is Delta-8?
It truly is an excellent time because Delta 8 at TRE House can be consumed via eating, dabbing, smoking, vaping, and even sublingually. There is much more to know about the product, like the best ways to consume it, dosages, duration of stay in the body, and its side effects. The rise in delta-8 yields puts the CBD industry in fun, but the cautious end of the curve after the 2018 Farm Bill loophole permits its use. THC products are also known to interact with other medications.
Delta 8 THC comes in many forms, like CBD and delta 9 THC. You can find it in vapes, tinctures, gummies, capsules, concentrates, and even pre-rolled joints. The primary cannabinoids present in cannabis are CBD and delta-9 THC. However, many other secondary cannabinoids are found in trace amounts like delta-8 THC. It is an analog of delta-9 THC and has a similar molecular structure with a few key differences. For instance, delta-8 THC is less psychoactive than delta-9 THC when inhaled, but if you ingest it, it can cause the same psychoactive effects.
There was and still is much speculation around its medical usage. Delta-8 is a minor cannabinoid, so there is much more to learn, which necessitates a careful approach to its use. The cannabinoid is generally available in concentrated forms because cannabis flower usually contains less than 1% delta-8-THC. The half-life of THC is about 24 hours. Cannabis is known to react with other pharmaceutical medications in all its forms. It is most commonly prescribed today for pain relief and anxiety.
Does Delta-8 Have A Future In Cancer Treatment?
A network of receptors, enzymes, and cannabinoids found throughout the body creates the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS regulates many different biosystems and helps the body achieve a state of homeostasis (an automated process assisting the animals to maintain stability best suited to survival). Given its dialed-down psychoactive qualities and similar benefits to THC, delta-8 has gained some attention from cancer researchers. The idea is that the therapeutic aspects could be harnessed without some of the downsides of delta-9-THC. Research by the National Cancer Institute Drug Dictionary recognizes that delta-8-THC has multiple beneficial effects which help cancer patients, including analgesia, appetite stimulation, and neuroprotective properties. Another report by the National Cancer Institute has also noted that delta-8 THC has shown the ability to stop tumor growth in some instances. A study also showed that delta-8 killed glioblastoma cancer cells in the lab. However, no studies have been conducted on people with cancer.
Many cancer patients have also mentioned that CBD and delta-8 have helped them with the side effects of their chemotherapy, like inducing hunger, nausea, depression, insomnia, and depression. Doctors also consider prescribing delta-8 for chronic pain management caused after chemo. There are no FDA-approved CBD or delta-8 products for treating cancer or side effects of cancer treatments. There are two synthetic medications manufactured using cannabis. Nabilone (Cesamet) and dronabinol (Marinol or Syndros) are FDA-approved to treat nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy (lab manufactured).
Is Delta-8 Safe For Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy?
A 1995 Israeli study published in “Life Sciences” studied the effects of the administration of delta-8 on eight children between the ages of 3 and 13 with various blood-related cancers. The study, which lasted over two years, found that the patients didn’t vomit when they ingested delta-8 two hours before chemotherapy and every six hours for 24 hours after treatment. The side effects caused solely due to delta-8 were negligible.
A 2004 study published in “Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior,” found in the U.S. National Library of Medicine, stated that a meager amount of delta-8 THC administered to mice seemed to stimulate appetite and boost hunger.
A 2018 study published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine focused on cannabinoid research found that delta-8 might help reduce pain and inflammation in mice. Additionally, the analysis indicated that when delta-8 is applied topically (on the skin), pain sensitivity and inflammation reduce through its effects on CB1 receptors present in the ECS.
There is a lot of speculation and wide-eyed guessing about how safe cannabis products interact with other pharmaceutical medications. A definitive answer is yet to come. Still, there are too many variables to consider, like duration of use, the concentration of THC, properties of other consumed medicines, and personal biological properties. The bottom line is that it is all too subjective, and there are multiple anecdotes and accounts with different stories and outcomes. You may also find stories favoring or encouraging delta-8 and CBD use for cancer patients. Remember that these well-intentioned stories are only personal accounts, devoid of any scientific research or evidence. It is also important to note that some studies have shown that CBD might interfere with how your body processes cancer medications, called a drug interaction. This might make cancer treatments more toxic and less effective. More research is to be done on these effects.
Takeaway
Consumers look to delta-8 to meet their cannabis cravings in some states where THC is illegal. The delta 8 thc currently available comes from hemp, which should be federally legal. If THC is legal in your state, delta-8 could be pretty beneficial.
The fact remains that delta-8, if researched, manufactured, and administered correctly, will be a much healthier alternative than the current opioids prescribed for the same effects. Opioid addiction may reduce entirely and cause less strain on the patients already suffering due to the many side effects of chemotherapy and other medications prescribed to relieve cancer patients of the side effects. A significant improvement in patients’ mental health may also be seen by reducing side effects. There is still research to be done to eliminate the adverse impact of delta-8 when it coincides with chemotherapy.
Today’s laws curb the study and use of delta-8-based treatments. But the regulatory landscape for cannabis is evolving. One day it may join the fight against cancer.
