Last Updated on September 12, 2024 by Kaira
Since the legalization of cannabis products in North America, people have been exploring different ways to incorporate it into their daily lives. From treating anxiety to correcting sleep disruptions, cannabis has become a hot topic in the health and wellness industry.
More recently, Delta-8 THC has become an exciting topic of conversation. Here’s what you need to know about what Delta-8 THC is, and how it impacts fitness enthusiasts and athletes.
What is Delta-8 THC
Delta-8 THC is one of many cannabinoids derived from cannabis. Unlike some of the other cannabinoids, Delta-8 THC exists only in small quantities within each plant. As such, it’s largely been ignored until recently.
After a few cannabis connoisseurs tested Delta-8 THC, this cannabinoid became a buzzworthy topic thanks to its relaxing, focusing effects without some of the adverse side effects associated with THC in general.
How is Delta-8 THC Different from Delta-9 THC
Delta-9 THC is most commonly found in cannabis and is mostly responsible for the psychotropic effects of this plant. While many people enjoy the relaxing effects of Delta-9 THC, they don’t like the paranoia or hunger that’s often associated with its use.
The difference between Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC comes down to a difference in their molecular bonds. Delta-8 has a double bond (two electrons shared between two atoms) on the eighth carbon, while Delta-9 has a double bond on the ninth carbon. To simplify the complex field of organic chemistry: this tiny difference alters how your brain reads the information presented to it.
The result of this atomic variation is that Delta-8 has a lessened psychotropic effect than Delta-9. Users report that they feel more focused and relaxed without feeling foggy, paranoid, or impaired. This improved level of function has led many users to switch to Delta-8 before engaging in physical fitness.
Delta-8 THC and Working Out
Focus and concentration play a significant role in fitness. Sometimes, endurance is a mental game rather than purely physical. Using cannabinoids as a part of a fitness routine is nothing new. Many fitness enthusiasts swear by their CBD oil morning smoothie while others use topical treatments like The Helping Friendly Salve for recovery.
So how can Delta-8 THC impact training? The mental clarity and focus are said to improve performance and enjoyment during intense exercise. Many users also enjoy Delta-8 THC as a part of their training recovery, to help them relax and unwind after an intense workout.
Considerations to Keep in Mind
There are a few considerations to keep in mind if you want to incorporate Delta-8 THC into your training plan. Most importantly, it’s important to remember that THC is still illegal in many states over a certain threshold.
While THC use is legal in Canada and many states, it could be considered a performance-enhancing drug in competitive fitness environments. If you’re using Delta-8 THC to curb your anxiety before a powerlifting competition, you should check with the federation leading up to the event.
If you start using Delta-8 THC, test it on a rest day rather than heading to the gym. It’s essential to know how it will impact you as an individual before trying it in a gym setting.
Finally, because Delta-8 THC is only found in small quantities in cannabis, it’s somewhat rare. As a result, it can be hard to come by and cost significantly more to procure.
Conclusion
Over the coming years, Delta-8 THC will become increasingly popular. This cannabinoid can help offset performance anxiety and improve mental clarity when training without the adverse side effects of Delta-9 THC.
