The legalization of hemp in 2018 did not only cause a surge in consumers’ interest and demand. It also stimulated the creativity and innovative spirit of several natural wellness brands. Initially, the focus was centered on CBD and Delta 9 THC. However, nowadays, a growing number of companies have turned their attention to minor cannabinoids.
This article will discuss two of the hottest cannabinoids in the market these days—Delta 8 THC and THCV. Let’s go over how each could improve your lifestyle and which one would be better match your expectations for cannabis-derived products.
What is the Role of the ECS?
The ECS is responsible for sending signals to the central nervous system and maintaining our body equilibrium. It consists of millions of CB1 and CB2 receptors in various areas, including the brain, lungs, muscle tissues, liver, skin, and bones.
Because of their broad reach, the ECS plays a crucial mediating role in the regulation of the following:
- Appetite
- Feelings of pain
- Inflammation
- Mood
- Responses to stress
- Sleep
What is Delta 8?
Delta 8 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is one of the rare compounds obtained from the hemp plant. Though it requires a tedious extraction and distillation process, some brands have been heavily marketing it as the milder of Delta 9, which is what most people refer to when they talk about THC.
The two cannabinoids bear the same molecular formula. However, the slight variations in their atoms’ arrangement result in their different impacts when they activate the CB1 receptors of the human endocannabinoid system (ECS).
Most people report feeling “high” and experiencing anxiety or jitters after taking Delta 9 THC. That’s why the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not allow any hemp product to be sold and consumed if it contains more than 0.3% THC.
On the other hand, Delta 8 users describe the euphoric feeling as mellow and stable. They can take it even when they have to socialize or complete tasks throughout the day.
What is THCV?
THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) is another cannabinoid that naturally occurs in small amounts only. Unlike Delta 8, its interaction with the ECS turns off the CB1 receptor. This compound produces the appetite-suppressing effects that have distinguished THCV from the other popular hemp-derived compounds.
THCV’s distinct benefits have prompted cannabis companies to look for strains that contain more than the average amount. At one point, one “hunter” had lost his life due to malaria while searching for the elusive strain in the formerly war-torn lands of Congo in Africa.
Fortunately, the subsequent technological advancements in the breeding process have made producing enough THCV for product developers and manufacturers safer and more accessible.
Which of the Two Cannabinoids Should You Pick?
Before purchasing products made of these cannabinoids, consider the following factors that differentiate Delta 8 from THCV.
Therapeutic Benefits
Research and anecdotal evidence suggests that Delta 8 works best when used as a natural remedy for:
- Anxiety
- Chronic pain
- Inflammation
- Mood disorders
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stress
Other than appetite suppression, THCV may be used by people suffering from the following conditions:
- Drug addiction
- Inflammation
- Parkinson’s disease
- Schizophrenia
- Seizures
- Type-2 Diabetes
Many studies on cannabinoids involve animal subjects, so we are still not sure about the true extent of their effects on us. The impacts of Delta 8 and THCV may also vary from one person to another.
Therefore, we encourage everyone to consult their primary healthcare providers before purchasing any cannabis product. Be selective while browsing through the websites of cannabis brands. Remember, the FDA does not regulate these products closely. So, to be safe, read through the third-party test results that some brands provide for every batch of their finished products.
Psychoactive Properties
As we have mentioned earlier, a dose of Delta 8 may cause a mild euphoria. However, you won’t have to worry about couch lock or paranoia, unlike when taking Delta 9 THC. This characteristic makes Delta 8 an ideal choice for those who have not yet tried any THC product before.
THCV cannot get you “stoned” unless you have consumed an extremely high dose. Taking the prescribed amount can make you feel like you have just had a cup of coffee, according to users. That’s why several THCV products are marketed as weight reducers, energy boosters, or mental performance enhancers.
Effects on Appetite
Like its more famous sibling, Delta 8 THC may increase your desire for food. Known as the “munchies” among cannabis users, this tends to occur within a few hours after consuming THC. Don’t worry about gaining a lot of weight, though. One study involving mice suggests that Delta 8 improves the metabolic rate, thus minimizing the probable weight gain even with a more robust appetite.
In comparison, the ability of THCV to suppress the appetite has been studied by pharmaceutical companies for their anti-obesity drugs. This also makes this cannabinoid a potential aid for individuals with type-2 diabetes.
Types of Products
Wellness companies offer a diverse range of Delta 8 products, and the lineup continues to grow, given the rising demand for this cannabinoid. The most popular types include Delta 8 gummies, capsules, and oil tinctures.
On the other hand, THCV is typically sold as oils or gummies. We hope that with the relatively accessible supply, brands will come up with more exciting products featuring this rare cannabinoid.
Legality
Currently, Delta 8 and THCV are considered legal at the federal level. The loophole found in the 2018 Farm Bill allows the usage and consumption of these cannabinoids as long as the companies observe the limit on Delta 9 THC.
However, some US states have started banning Delta 8 because of its intoxicating effects. Do yourself a favor by checking the most recent developments on the cannabis laws of your state before purchasing a Delta 8 product.
Delta 8 + THCV
Can Delta 8 and THCV be combined into a single product? Some brands think we can.
Given the differing effects of these cannabinoids, blending them results in a cannabis product that may boost our energy level while keeping our minds clear and focused. To further enhance the potency of Delta 8 + THCV products, other cannabis compounds, such as CBD, CBG (cannabigerol), or CBN (cannabinol), are added into the mix.
At the moment, there isn’t much variety to choose from, and most of what is available in the market are sold as gummies and vape cartridges in different flavors. We hope more brands will develop other product types made of Delta 8 and THCV since their combination sounds promising for cannabis fans who want a convenient way to experience the health benefits of these cannabinoids.
Final Thoughts
Delta 8 and THCV provide distinct health and wellness benefits. When processed safely and in a well-controlled setting, you won’t have to worry about these cannabinoids causing severe adverse effects on your wellbeing.
Even though you can choose either option, both may be incorporated into your daily lifestyle as a single or multiple product. For instance, we found that taking THCV in the morning helps us stay alert, focused, and energetic even when we encounter stressful situations. Since it can lessen our hunger pangs, we could also concentrate better on what must be done without eating snacks in between the big meals of the day.
Since Delta 8 promotes relaxation, taking a dose in the evening has helped us fall and stay asleep throughout the night. It works even better when combined with the sleep-enhancing properties of CBN.
As you can see, the synergy of these cannabinoids can bring significant and positive changes to your daily routine. However, getting the dosage and timing right is critical, so we suggest that beginners go for more convenient product types, such as capsules or gummies. You can take those without having to measure or prepare anything else. However, many still opt for more complicated means such as vaping or the sublingual method for faster results.
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