The cannabis plant is full of mysteries that are only beginning to be discovered. As other cannabinoids like CBG and CBC start to gain the attention of researchers and the cannabis community, the diversity of benefits this plant has to offer doesn’t seem to cease.
However, when it comes to THC, there are definitely some variations of this cannabinoid that are taking the market by storm. Cannabis extractors have discovered varying forms of THC, different from the common delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, with minor disparities in where chemical bonds occur.
These differences in the chemical constitution of each variation allow THC to provide alternative effects, or even potentiate the already known benefits of this cannabinoid. One of the most popular forms of THC is delta-8-THC, which has promising benefits that have already made some users choose it over delta-9-THC.
Key Takeaways
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Delta-8-THC is a cannabinoid similar to the more well-known delta-9-THC but with less psychoactive potency. It's produced in small quantities by the cannabis plant and is known for providing a milder high and reduced anxiety compared to delta-9-THC.
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Effects include light high, appetite stimulation, and anxiety reduction, with potential analgesic, antitumor, antiemetic, and neuroprotective properties. Delta-8-THC interacts with the CB1 receptors in the nervous system, offering a unique set of benefits.
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Legality varies by state, with some places having explicitly legalized or banned it. Delta-8-THC is often derived from hemp to comply with the 2018 Farm Bill, making it federally legal if it contains less than 0.3% delta-9-THC. However, its legal status can be complex due to its synthetic conversion process.
What is Delta-8-THC?
In order to understand the basics of Delta-8-THC, it is necessary to know the process by which cannabinoids are produced. These compounds are produced by natural chemical reactions such as decarboxylation, isomerization, and oxidation. A few enzymes produce CBDA, CBCA, and THCA. Once this process is done, these substances convert CBGA, also called the “mother cannabinoid”, into the acidic forms of the cannabinoids we know, CBD and delta-9-THC, as well as lesser-known compounds like CBG and delta-8-THC. Delta-9-THC is the common form of THC we find in weed. However, it can undergo different reactions that generate new variations like delta-8-THC. Delta-9-THC is oxidized into a new isomer with a similar structure: delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol.
Delta-8-THC is produced in small quantities by the cannabis plant, which makes it almost impossible to experience its effects when smoked in THC flower and other derivatives. The only way to experience its effects is to consume very specific concentrates.
| Feature | Delta-8 THC |
|---|---|
| Psychoactive Potency | Less psychoactive than Delta-9 THC, offering a milder high. |
| Effects | Provides a light high, reduces anxiety, stimulates appetite, and has potential analgesic, antitumor, antiemetic, and neuroprotective properties. |
| Legality | Varies by state; federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill if derived from hemp and contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. |
| Production | Produced in small quantities by the cannabis plant, often extracted and concentrated from hemp. |
| Chemical Structure | Similar to Delta-9 THC but with the double bond on the eighth carbon atom. |
| Psychoactive Effects | Similar to Delta-9 THC but with reduced potency, offering a more manageable high without significant paranoia or anxiety. |
| Research and Uses | Shown to have analgesic, antitumor, antiemetic, and neuroprotective effects in research settings; used as an antiemetic in pediatric oncology with success. |
| Safety | While considered to have a good safety profile, more research is needed; users should approach with caution due to its concentrated form. |
| Delta-8 vs. Delta-9 THC | Delta-8 THC offers a less intense high, potentially making it preferable for those seeking milder effects or needing to stay focused. |
Does Delta 8 have THC?
Chemically, Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC are similar in that they both have a double bond in their structures. Experts think this double bond is what produces the intoxicating effects that make you feel high.
Still, the two THCs are different because the double bond has another place in their molecular structure. The above means that both cannabinoids have a chain of carbon atoms, but Delta-8 has a double bond on the eighth carbon, whereas Delta-9 has it on the ninth. Over with organic chemistry so far.
How much THC is in Delta 8?
Even though Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC are different cannabinoids, their effects just differ in their psychoactive potency. This means that Delta-8 has between half and three-quarters of the power of Delta-9 THC.
In other words, you need to take twice as much Delta-8-THC as Delta-9-THC to get the same effect. Hence, 10 milligrams of delta-9-THC is equal to 20 milligrams of delta-8-THC. So, if you consume enough Delta-8 THC, it is highly probable that you will experience troublesome paranoia and anxiety aftereffects of regular THC.
Delta-8-THC Effects
Since it is a different form of THC, a cannabinoid known for its psychoactive effects, delta-8 does have the same psychoactive effects as the common THC we know. However, its intoxicating qualities are not as potent as those of delta-9-THC. Similar to CBD, delta 8 also binds to the CB1 cannabinoid receptors in the nervous system.
Users have reported a light high, anxiety symptoms reduction, appetite stimulation, and non-sedative effects. However, everyone is different, and products and strengths vary, so each individual will experience a unique reaction to this cannabinoid.
Additionally, delta-8-THC has demonstrated analgesic, antitumor, antiemetic and neuroprotective properties in research settings. In all these studies, delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol stood out the most among other forms of THC, providing important information about the potential benefits of this compound for health. Moreover, this cannabinoid has already been successfully tested as an antiemetic in pediatric oncology.
Delta-8-THC was administered to eight children ranging from 3–13 years of age with various hematologic cancers who had been treated with chemotherapy. During the experimental treatment with the cannabinoid, vomiting was completely prevented and other side effects from chemotherapy were dramatically reduced. As for negative side effects, the reduced quantity of studies hasn’t allowed researchers to find solid proof of side effects of delta-8-THC.
While delta-8-THC will get you high, online users have reported that it is possible to overdo it. However, the common anxiety provided by high delta-9-THC levels isn’t a side effect when consuming delta-8. Additionally, delta-8-THC can still cause redness of the eyes, especially in stronger doses.
Is Delta 8 THC Safe?
Since Delta-8-THC is a minor cannabinoid, we have much more to learn about, so you need a cautious approach to using it. In addition, the cannabinoid is generally available in concentrated forms because cannabis flower usually contains less than 1% Delta-8-THC, so producers need to extract it to sell Delta-8-THC products. Research on animals has indicated that Delta-8-THC and Delta-9-THC increased blood pressure by temporarily constricting the blood vessels.
Then the rise in blood pressure was followed by a drop in blood pressure and a slower heart rate, so if you have any kind of cardiovascular condition, please be careful with your Delta-8 THC dosage. You should also be aware that Delta-8-THC gets converted to 11-hydroxy-THC in the liver, just like Delta-9-THC, resulting in many people overindulging in edibles without realizing it.
This conversion also means hemp-derived Delta-8-THC edibles may be just as potent as marijuana-derived edibles. Though sometimes unregulated, Delta-8-THC edibles can still lead to a very uncomfortable psychological shift for unprepared users. Inhaling Delta-8-THC won't send the cannabinoid to your liver, and as a result, won't produce the same potentially intoxicating effects.
How is Delta 8 THC made?
Delta-8 comes from hemp flowers like CBD does and not from Marijuana as Delta-9, so the process starts with extracting and isolating CBD from the hemp flower to get pure CBD of 98% or more. Then, a solvent washes the pure CBD isolate to melt it down.
Later on, an acid reagent turns the isolate into a new substance to be neutralized with an alkaline material, washed, and then distilled to clean it up. The final distillate is 60% to 70% Delta-8 and between 2% to 6% Delta-9.
A legal cannabis hemp product must be under the 0.3% Delta-9 THC limit, so certain companies run a comprehensive chromatography to remove the Delta-9 or dilute it down to be compliant with the limits.
Is Delta-8-THC Legal?
Unfortunately, there is still a long way to go for delta-8-THC to be legal all over the country. The current laws reiterate the DEA’s position that any cannabinoid that is created synthetically is illegal.
Because delta-8-THC occurs in low concentrations naturally, CBD is turned into delta-8-THC with a chemical catalyst. For this reason, the DEA considers the resulting delta-8-THC to be “synthetically derived” and therefore a Schedule I narcotic. However, take into account that the legality of delta-8 THC can also vary according to the state you live in since some of them have completely legalized the cannabis plant in almost all forms. Products containing Delta-8 THC do not appear to be prohibited by FDA regulations but must receive pre-market approval. Under the 2018 Farm Bill, the FDA retains authority to regulate products that contain cannabis or cannabis derivatives under the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA). This Drug Exclusion Rule causes the sale of products containing CBD to be of questionable legality under federal law.
However, there do not appear to be any FDA investigations regarding Delta-8 THC, so it seems that the Drug Exclusion Rule does not apply to the sale of products that contain Delta-8 THC. Lastly, not all drug tests are able to distinguish between delta-9 and delta-8 THC, since they have similar chemical structures. For this reason, delta-8-THC can potentially make you fail a drug test, even if you haven’t consumed delta-9-THC.
Is Delta 8 THC Legal in Texas?
Yes, Delta-8 THC is legal in Texas. According to the Senate Bill 352 -Second section, “hemp” means the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds of the plant and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a Delta-9 THC concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis.Is Delta 8 THC Legal in Florida?
Delta 8 THC is legal according to Florida state law. Like federal law, Florida specifically legalized all derivates, cannabinoids, and isomers of hemp, including all other than Delta 9 THC.Is Delta 8 THC Legal in North Carolina?
Delta 8 THC is legal according to North Carolina state law. Like federal law, North Carolina specifically legalized all derivates, cannabinoids, and isomers of hemp, including all THC other than delta 9 THC.Is Delta 8 THC Legal in Georgia?
Yes, Delta-8 is legal in Georgia! Georgia Delta-8 THC laws include phrasing that protects all hemp-derived cannabinoids, but there may still be some limits to the types of products available.Is Delta 8 THC Legal in New York?
New York state is the latest to expressly prohibit delta-8 THC and other THC isomers derived from hemp under new state Health Department regulations since May 2021. At least 12 other states have also banned Delta-8 THC, including Colorado, one of the first states to legalize marijuana itself.Buying Delta-8-THC
If you want to buy delta-8-THC, your best bet is to ask your local dispensary about the companies that are producing delta-8 distillate. This concentrate is available in cartridges or syringes and can be vaporized using a standard weed pen or dab rig. In addition, you can mix it with your flower to increase the delta-8-THC potency. Moreover, distillate is virtually edible.
For this reason, you can consume it orally, although there is not much research about the effects of delta-8 when metabolized in the body. As the market expands, some other companies are starting to develop delta-8-THC infused tinctures, making it a great product to add to your foods or consume sublingually.
Make sure you are buying from reliable companies that have third-party lab tests for their products. For instance, Botany Farms offers an amazing Delta-8 THC Live Resin Cartridge. Allow your curiosity to explore the vast, enticing effects of Delta-8 THC with our products.
Does Hemp Contain Delta 8 THC?
Delta-8 THC is naturally present in both hemp and Marijuana, but its concentrations are so small that it is a rare compound in any cannabis plant. However, some processes convert similar compounds into another due to similar molecular structures.
Sometimes they transform themselves into one another with a bit of change of conditions such as light or temperature. That’s why it is not that easy to cultivate strains rich in delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol THC because it transforms quickly into other cannabinoids.
Delta-8-THC vs Delta-9-THC
Since they are similar in terms of chemical structure, the effects of delta-8-THC are similar to those of delta-9-THC. However, the main difference reported by users is that delta-8 won’t provide a high as potent as delta-9 does.
This allows many consumers to enjoy a mellow buzz while having a greater ability to stay focused when working or performing daily tasks. Additionally, some other users have reported feeling more energized when they vaporize delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol. As the misconceptions regarding cannabis start to be eliminated, we can expect more research to be performed on this plant to find many more benefits offered by its compounds.
Delta-8-THC seems like a potent cannabinoid that could be put to good use if researchers decide to run more studies on its effects and potential uses as a medical treatment. We hoped 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!
