Many people assume the effects that arise after using marijuana are caused by one chemical. However, this plant is made up of many different substances, including cannabinoids and terpenes. All these chemicals are responsible for making cannabis famous. The most common name you may have heard of is a cannabinoid called tetrahydrocannabinol.
These chemicals are called The High Causer (THC) for their potency. One of the most prevalent cannabinoids among expert consumers is Delta 9 Tetrahydrocannabinol. However, a new version of this THC is slightly different and has a different impact on a user’s body. The name is delta 8-tetrahydrocannabinol.
Delta 8-THC is a cannabinoid in cannabis, almost like delta-9-THC but for a difference in the bonds’ position. Both delta-8 and delta-9 THC have double carbon bonds, located on the 8th and 9th carbon. Delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, and when concentrated, the effects are potent, almost like those of delta-9-THC. Delta 8 occurs in low concentrations in the cannabis plant, and to get usable levels, researchers extract and use other cannabinoids to concentrate it.
How is Delta-8-THC chemically different from Delta-9 THC?
To understand Delta 8, one should know the chemical composition of this cannabinoid. As you have noted above, Delta 8 and Delta-9 THC have double carbon bonds. The location of these bonds is what makes the difference between the two THCs. The double bonds’ site may seem insignificant, but in the real sense, it matters on the impact it has on the endocannabinoid system. The sub-atomic particles on the 8th carbon interact differently with cannabinoid receptors in the body.
Since Delta 8 exists naturally with concentrations less than 0.1%, scientists can create a THC tincture. It is done by extracting and concentrating it from stored THC and soaking it in alcohol or glycerin. For commercial purposes, growers have utilized selective breeding and molecular isolation to create more Delta 8 tinctures.
Benefits of Delta 8 THC
In 1974, government scientists discovered delta 8 THC’s actions on the immune system after a series of tests on mice was not harmful if concentrations were low. It is also the period that the cancer-killing ability of delta 8 was noteworthy. Few studies concerning delta 8 have been conducted since this time. Decades later, patents on how to get delta THC were filled, with the first one having instructions on how to convert CBD to delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol.
The history and studies on delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol have unveiled this cannabinoid’s benefits and how impactful it can be for users. The product is legal in some states with a recommended dosage of less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. Below are some benefits of delta 8 from research and user experience.
Less potency
Delta -8 has psychoactive effects, but the results are less potent than its sister, Delta 9-THC. The cannabinoid binds easily to receptor CB1 in the central nervous system, and the experience it offers is smooth and clear-minded. Users attest to zero anxiety and paranoid side effects associated with delta 9. This report does not mean the potency is diminished; in fact, delta 8 offers about 75% of the strength in delta 9. The effect is similar, only low key with more control of the senses.
Pain relief
THC is used in medicine for its pain relief effects. After a 2018 preclinical study in mice, the findings were published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, indicating that the topical application of delta 8 helped reduce pain and inflammation due to corneal injury. CB1 receptors in the nervous system mediated the cannabinoid effects.
Tumor repression properties
The National Cancer Institute has cited studies showing that delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol is among the cannabinoid that can inhibit tumor cell growth. In the study, the exposure Lewis lung adenocarcinoma cells were delta 8, delta 9 THC, and CBN in vitro and in vivo, subduing the cells’ growth. Earlier studies from Shaare Zedek Hospital, Hebrew University Hospital, and Bikur Holim Hospital showed delta 8 has cancer-killing abilities after conducting 480 successful cancer treatment with the THC.
This new finding was a backup to the 1974 results; the cannabinoid had shown cancer-killing abilities in mice. Both research pieces from the Jerusalem hospitals and the government researchers show that this cannabinoid can be used to treat cancer.
Anti-emetic properties
Delta 8 has shown the ability to suppress nausea in cancer patients post-treatment. A 1995 study conducted on children with various hematologic cancers showed that vomiting was utterly prevented with a low potency cannabinoid administration every 6 hours for 24 hours. The side effects were also negligible. Currently, the United States government has a patent on delta-8 for anti-emetic uses.
Appetite Stimulant
Users of delta-8-THC have narrated experiencing higher appetites after taking the cannabinoid. Furthermore, it is already in use among patients undergoing treatments that cause a lack of appetite. An added advantage is that Delta 8 is great for children that suffer from lack of appetite, especially after cancer treatments. Interestingly, adults’ psychoactive effects after taking delta 8 were not present in the children who went through the study.
A 2004 study shows that administering low doses of delta 8 to mice over several days led to increased food intake. The increase while using delta 8 was more significant compared to delta 9 THC. With further studies, this cannabinoid can correct low weight issues caused by eating disorders.
It can alleviate anxiety
Delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol, like its more potent counterpart delta 9, has anxiety-reducing properties. The former gives a calmer, more relaxed, and focused high without the paranoia that accompanies delta 9 THC.
Neuroprotective properties
Though more research and study are required to ascertain this, some studies have revealed that delta 8 promotes acetylcholine production. This enzyme promotes brain activities such as memory, cognition, and neuroplasticity.
How to take delta 8 THC
Delta 8 is present in a thick distillate form after it has passed through the labs’ extraction and concentration process. It is available in cartridges or syringes and can also be mixed with flowers for higher potency. You can take it orally since it is edible. Other uses include vaping, dabbing, and sublingual use through delta 8 infused oral tinctures.
An excellent choice for a starter is our Delta 8 THC Tincture. This cinnamon, natural or spearmint flavored tincture that we offer, passes through a clean extraction process to give a highly potent extract mixed with organic coconut oil.
Conclusion
Delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol is legal under the 2018 Farm Bill as long as it contains less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC. However, specific states may have different regulations concerning the use of cannabis, and hence, you should check with the laws of your particular country or area.
If you are looking to consume delta 8 for medical purposes, it is best to talk to your medical practitioner before starting any product. They can best advise you depending on your current medical condition. If it is recreational, research on the best products and how well your body can tolerate the side effects. It would be best if you carefully follow the recommended dosages as outlined in the packages.