If you like to stay on top of new developments in the cannabis scene, you have caught wind of the meteoric rise of Delta-9 THC alternatives such as Delta 8 and the less widespread Delta 10.
Following these trailblazers, it was inevitable that there would be a new kid on the block eventually. It seems that this has happened, or rather, it’s beginning to happen right now with Delta-7 THC.
Sure, Delta 7 is still relatively unheard of among the general public and scarcely available commercially. But with an eye on the near future, what makes Delta-7 THC special, and what conclusions can we draw about its usefulness compared to its stablemates?
Read on to find out!
Key Takeaways
- Delta-7 THC is a fully synthetic cannabinoid, not naturally occurring in hemp. It is created by manipulating the structure of Delta-9 THC through a series of chemical reactions.
- Currently, there is no standardized process for its production, and it is not commercially produced.
- Unlike its more famous counterparts, Delta 7 appears to be mildly psychoactive, causing a traditional high.
- As of the article's writing, there is no clear legal stance on Delta 7.
What is Delta-7 THC?
As you might know, cannabinoids exist within the raw hemp plant in an inactive state and must first undergo decarboxylation (decarbing) in order to become psychoactive.
These inactive states are usually denoted with the letter “a”, so for THC, the corresponding “natural” state is THCa. THCa decarbs to form mostly Delta 9, but also very small amounts of Delta 8 THC.
Delta-7 THC, on the other hand, is not one of those naturally occurring byproducts. It’s a fully synthetic chemical created by manipulating the structure of Delta 9 through a series of reactions. This is much like how Delta-10 THC is produced in a lab because the chemical bonds that are required for it to exist don't occur naturally.
How is Delta-7 THC Made?
There is no established, standardized process for making Delta-7 THC, especially because it isn’t produced commercially anywhere yet. The synthesis of Delta-7 THC involves multiple chains of chemical reactions that change the molecular structure of Delta-9 THC.
This is a complex process that requires an expensive and precise setup and is arguably one of the major hurdles toward widespread access to this THC isomer.
Delta-7 THC Effects
The effects of Delta 7 are still shrouded in some degree of mystery, but what we can say for now is that this THC isomer appears to be non-psychoactive compared to its peers.
Instead of a classic high, Delta-7 THC seems to cause a sort of full-body relaxation reminiscent of high doses of Delta 8, though it seems to affect the body quite differently. In animal studies, Delta 7 has shown exceptionally strong abilities as an anti-convulsant and in preventing seizures.
Delta-7 THC Benefits
There aren’t many quality sources on the benefits of Delta-7 THC on humans. For now, based on theoretical research and some studies conducted on mice and monkeys, Delta-7 THC could carry fewer if any serious side effects compared to its “harder-hitting” psychotropic friends, Delta 8 and 9.
Delta 7 might actually be even more potent than the above THC isomers in controlling physical pains, spasms, seizures, and other conditions.
Is Delta-7 THC Safe?
While the side effects of using Delta 7 have not yet been established, the lack of reliable research on its effects alone should serve as a word of caution.
Is Delta-7 THC Legal?
While the law on cannabis is confusing enough, things enter a real gray zone when you start including rare or unusual cannabinoids such as Delta-7 THC.
There are laws on the books in many states concerning (and often limiting access to) the relatively new Delta 8 and Delta 10. Accordingly, assuming that Delta-7 THC becomes popular eventually, you might see new legislation in the near future.
However, as of now, there is no absolute official stance on this cannabinoid. In theory, Delta 7 should be legal to sell and possess in most states under the 2018 Farm Bill as it is not psychotropic and can be gained artificially from a hemp base. However, only time will tell whether that precedent will stand in the long term.
Does Hemp Contain Delta-7 THC?
Hemp doesn’t naturally contain Delta-7 THC. The chemical reactions necessary to create Delta-7 simply aren’t natural, and the only way to produce Delta 7 is to synthesize it in a lab.
Does Delta-7 THC Get You High?
While more research needs to be done on this topic, it appears Delta 7 is slightly less psychoactive than Delta 9.
Delta 7 interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the same way as Delta 9 or Delta 8. It even binds to similar receptors, which explains its THC-like properties.
How to Buy Delta-7 THC
Unfortunately, we aren’t aware of any retailers currently offering Delta 7 THC in 2022. With the ongoing trend towards experimentation within the cannabis sector and the increasing desire to move towards “alternative” THC isomers to avoid legal crackdowns, it’s possible that Delta-7 THC might become much more widely available very soon.
Just like you, we will stay tuned to add this amazing cannabinoid to our garden. We hope you enjoyed this article. Our blog section takes a closer look at terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids, like what is Delta-11 THC. Check it out!
