The passage of Farm Bill 2020 has resurrected the massive CBD industry. It not only attracts corporate investment to this industry, but it has also encouraged businesses and entrepreneurs to enter this thriving industry, as well as opened the door to many other CBD-related products. Delta 8 THC is one such product that has grown in popularity in recent years.
As a cannabis enthusiast, you’ve probably heard of it or have some idea about it. However, many people and newcomers are unaware of this product.
This blog is dedicated to all those CBD newcomers. This blog will cover all of the fundamentals of Delta 8 THC, such as what it is, how it differs from Delta 9 THC, what the medical potential of delta-8 is, is delta 8 safe to consume and legal, and how to find the best delta 8 products.
Let’s get started.
What is Delta-8 THC?
As a CBD user, you may be aware that the cannabis plant contains nearly 144 known chemical substances known as cannabinoids. CBD, THC, CBG, CBN, and other well-known substances The THC that we are familiar with is a type of THC known as Delta THC-9, which is a psychoactive compound that causes a high.
Many people are unaware that THC is not a single compound but rather a family of compounds known as analogs found in a cannabis plant. Furthermore, different THC analogs have different effects on the body. This means, when a CBD product mentions THC, it usually refers to Delta 9 THC, a compound known to produce euphoric effects when consumed.
Another difference between delta 8 and Delta 9 is– Delta 8 THC is a THC compound or an isomer of THC, but unlike THC 9, it does not produce high consumption.
Delta 8 THC is a potent cannabinoid found in marijuana flowers. The most notable difference between their molecular structures is that delta 8 has a double bond on the 8th carbon chain, whereas delta 9– regular THC, has a double bond on the 9th carbon chain.
Furthermore, when compared to delta 9, delta 8 produces a milder euphoric effect with little or no anxiety-inducing effects. Besides, it provides a variety of benefits that cannabis can provide, such as improving appetite, reducing nausea, enhancing mental calmness and relaxation, reducing fatigue, and combating insomnia, among others.
Let us now examine the distinction between delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC. Let’s look at how these two compounds differ from one another.
Delta 8 THC Vs. Delta 9 THC: What’s the Difference?
Following are some of the major differences between delta 8 and delta 9 THC.
Due to the placement of the double bond, Delta-9-THC is easily oxidized by biologically inactive cannabinol, whereas delta 8 THC is stable and does not oxidize cannabinol. Furthermore, it has a relatively long shelf life. In addition, delta 9 and delta 8 have nearly identical pharmacological profiles due to their substantial structural similarity.
Also, the THC we’re familiar with, or the THC found in weed or marijuana is known as delta 9 THC. On ingestion, this THC analog gives you a high or makes you dizzy. Many people avoid this effect because it interferes with their work, so they only use cannabis products.
Delta 8 THC, on the other hand, works in the same way as Delta 9 THC, but is less potent and does not produce the paranoia or “high” sensations. This means that when you use delta 8 CBD products, you will not experience the dizziness, nausea, or euphoric effects that you would get from delta 9 THC. If you want to know more about the delta 8 THC then we have written a detailed guide about Delta 8 THC.
Difference Between Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC
Therefore, those who aren’t fond of THC’s psychoactive effects of delta 9 can opt for less potent delta-8 THC products instead. However, it is important to note that a lower psychoactive effect does not imply a reduction in benefits.
Another important reason for Delta 8’s growing popularity is that it is significantly less expensive than Delta-9– regular THC. The low cost of delta 8 CBD makes it a viable option for those seeking a brief uplifting feeling without becoming intoxicated.
In addition, cannabis contains a diverse range of cannabinoids and terpenes that can affect you in various ways because it is a complex plant with an infinite number of unique qualities.
Therefore, it is recommended that you learn about the characteristics, potential side effects of delta 8, and dosage amount of cannabis products before using them for therapeutic or recreational purposes.
Let’s move on to the next section of the blog: delta 8 THC’s medical potential and health benefits.
The Medical Potential & Health Benefits of Delta- 8 THC
One of the main reasons for delta 8 THC’s sudden popularity is its remarkable medical potential and health benefits. Despite the fact that delta 8 THC research is still in its early stages, the results of all studies are very promising. The following are some of delta 8 THC’s most notable characteristics.
A. Antiemetic
Antiemetic drugs are used to treat nausea and vomiting, which are frequently side effects of other medications.
Shaare Zedek Hospital, Bikur Holim Hospital, and Hebrew University conducted a study in 1995 under the supervision of Dr. Raphael Mechoulam. Just to add, Dr. Raphael was the person who led the team that made the first discovery of THC delta 9.
Delta 8 THC was given to children with hematologic cancers aged 3 to 13 in that clinical trial. According to the study report, the scientists reported over 400 successful cancer therapies using delta 8 THC.
Furthermore, the study found that the cannabinoid played a significant role in preventing vomiting in participants.
B. Antitumor
Antitumor drugs, as the name implies, slow or stop the growth of a tumor or tumors.
In 1975, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) discovered that delta 8 THC derived from hemp could significantly slow tumor growth. Beginning the day after the tumor was implanted; mice were given delta 8 THC and CBN for a total of 20 days. The treatment, according to the findings, has reduced the size of the primary tumor.
C. Appetite Stimulation
Delta-8-THC also helps to stimulate appetite. Scientists gave Delta 8-THC to mice that had recently completed a weight-loss program in a 2004 study. According to the study, Delta 8 THC increased food intake by 22% without causing any negative side effects.
The researchers concluded that a low delta 8 CBD dose could be a potential therapeutic agent for obesity based on their findings.
D. Diminish Pain and Inflammation
Like CBD and THC-9, Delta-8-THC has properties that can also help you reduce inflation and offer pain relief.
According to a 2018 study, delta-8-THC reduces pain and inflammation in mice with corneal injury. Applying Delta-8-THC to the skin can help reduce pain and inflammation, according to the findings.
E. Ability To Fight Anxiety
According to the US National Library of Medicine, just like Delta-9-THC, Delta-8-THC also has anxiety-relieving properties.
Although there hasn’t been enough research done on delta-8-THC’s anti-anxiety properties, anecdotal evidence suggests that ingesting delta-8-THC produces a calming effect without the anxiety that delta-9-THC users frequently experience.
F. Cancer-killing Power of Delta 8 THC
The National Institute of Cancer conducted research in 1974 to learn more about the effects of delta 8 or THC on the immune system, and the results were quite surprising.
On the other hand, scientists were taken aback when they discovered the polar opposite of what they had expected! Using mice, the researchers wanted to show that THC 8 harms the immune system. The researchers discovered that delta 8 THC has cancer-killing properties rather than being harmful to the immune system.
These were the top 6 properties of 8 Delta THC. Let’s move on to the next section of this article: Is delta-8 going to get you high?
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Does Delta-8 THC Get You High?
The most common concern with cannabis and related products is that they will have a psychoactive effect. Delta 8 THC isn’t an exception either. This scepticism stems from the fact that the product’s name contains the word THC, which is a psychoactive substance.
What, on the other hand, is the truth? Is delta 8 a high-inducing substance, or does it have any psychoactive properties? Let’s see what happens.
Let’s be completely honest with each other. Yes, delta 8 THC gives you a high, but it’s not the same as the high you get from delta 9 THC. Delta-8 consumption has a much milder effect than delta-9 consumption, which causes paranoia.
You must realize that delta-8 THC is very similar to the THC we are all familiar with, delta-9 THC. There is only one chemical bond that separates these two compounds. However, the ‘high’ effect in delta-8 is significantly reduced by this one bond difference.
Is Delta-8 THC a Psychoactive Compound?
Furthermore, as with any substance, consuming too much delta-8 THC will result in a high. This is very similar to how alcohol works. A sufficient amount of alcohol will not cause a ‘high,’ but once you cross that threshold, you will.
So we know that delta-8 THC has a variety of health benefits, is relatively safe to consume, and produces a mild high. But there’s one last question to answer before we place our order: is delta-8 legal?
In the following section, we’ll find the answer to this question.
Is Delta-8 Legal?
CBD users, CBD manufacturers, and the CBD industry as a whole are all confused and sceptical about the legality of delta 8 THC. As a result, it’s critical to address this issue so that people can buy these products without fear of harm.
First and foremost, we must recognize that the legality of THC delta 8 products is determined by Farm Bill 2018.
The legal status of non-psychoactive cannabis plants was clarified in the 2018 Farm Bill. The bill also stated that hemp products or medical marijuana products would be legal if they contained less than 0.3 percent THC– the legal limit. The issue is that the Farm Bill only mentions the percentage of Delta 9 THC, but not the amount of Delta 8 THC.
The legality of delta 8 is further complicated by its process. According to the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration), delta-8 THC is legal when extracted from hemp, but synthetically converting CBD to delta 8-THC is illegal.
The Legality of Delta-8 THC in The USA
Furthermore, because THC 8 is only found in trace amounts in hemp plants, most manufacturers consider synthetically altering CBD with the aid of a chemical catalyst to be a cost-effective way to produce wholesale 8 THC delta. However, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) considers produced delta-8 THC to be “synthetically derived” and thus a Schedule I narcotic.
The DEA brought the August 2020 supplement because of the uncertainty surrounding THC-8’s legality. The addendum clarifies the legal status of delta 8 THC. According to the addendum– “The concentration of 9-THC in synthetically derived tetrahydrocannabinol is not a determining factor in whether the material is a controlled substance. Tetrahydrocannabinol derived from synthetic sources are still classified as Schedule I controlled substances.”
Is Delta-8 THC Legal?
Many CBD manufacturers have added an entire section on their websites or in stores specifying which states they will deliver delta 8 THC products to and which states they will not. This is to assuage customers’ concerns.
On the other hand, many cannabis pharmacies and dispensaries buy these products in bulk from other vendors and rebrand them as their own to avoid legal repercussions.
In a nutshell, we recommend that you double-check the legality of delta-8 THC in your state before ordering or purchasing the products.
Summary: This is how delta 8 THC differs from delta-9 THC– the THC we’re all familiar with. The chemical formula of both of these substances, as well as the psychoactive effects they produce, are some of the key differences. The THC-8’s low psychoactive effect makes it an ideal product for those who want to consume THC but only want a mild high. So, if you’re looking to try something new, 8 THC delta products are an excellent choice!