What Is The Delta-8 Cannabinoid?

Understanding Delta-8 THC: The Basics

What Is Delta-8 THC?

The cannabis plant contains hundreds of compounds with potential therapeutic benefits. One of these is Delta-8-THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), a cannabinoid structurally similar to Delta-9-THC, the compound primarily responsible for marijuana’s psychoactive effects (Mechoulam & Hanus, 2000).

Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC share nearly identical molecular structures, differing only by a double bond placement (Pertwee, 2008). This slight variance results in Delta-8’s reduced potency, making it an appealing option for those seeking a milder psychoactive experience.

Delta-8 occurs naturally in cannabis but in trace amounts, usually making up less than 1% of the plant’s total cannabinoid content (ElSohly et al., 2017). Due to its limited availability, Delta-8 is primarily derived from hemp-derived CBD through isomerization (Brown, 2021).

Therapeutic Benefits of Delta-8 THC

Though research on Delta-8 THC is still evolving, early studies and anecdotal reports suggest potential health benefits:

• Appetite Stimulation: A 2004 study found that low doses of Delta-8 THC significantly increased appetite in rodents (Avraham et al., 2004).
• Anxiety Relief: Research from 1995 in Israeli pediatric patients (ages 3–13) found that Delta-8 reduced anxiety with minimal psychoactive effects (Abrahamov et al., 1995).
• Nausea and Vomiting: According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Delta-8 has antiemetic properties, making it a potential aid for chemotherapy-induced nausea (NCI, 2021).

Delta-8 THC vs. Delta-9 THC: Key Differences

1. Psychoactive Effects

• Delta-8 THC: Produces a milder, more manageable high, often referred to as “marijuana-lite” or “diet weed”. It is less likely to induce paranoia, anxiety, or drowsiness (Hollister, 1971).
• Delta-9 THC: Known for its strong psychoactive effects, which may lead to heightened anxiety or paranoia in some users (Russo, 2011).

2. Legality

• Delta-8 THC: Extracted from hemp-derived CBD, Delta-8 remains federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill but exists in a legal gray area due to state regulations (Agriculture Improvement Act, 2018).
• Delta-9 THC: Classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in many states (Drug Enforcement Administration [DEA], 2021).

3. Popularity

• Delta-8 THC’s mild effects and legal status make it a go-to option for those seeking therapeutic benefits without the intensity of Delta-9 THC.

Finding High-Quality Delta-8 THC Products

As Delta-8 products gain popularity, it’s essential to purchase from reputable brands that prioritize safety and quality:

• Third-Party Lab Testing: Ensure products are tested for purity and cannabinoid content (U.S. Food and Drug Administration [FDA], 2021).
• Product Types: Delta-8 is available in gummies, tinctures, vapes, and oils.
• Dosage Recommendations: Start with a low dose and gradually increase to find the right balance for your needs.

Texas Freedom CBD offers high-quality Delta-8 products that adhere to strict safety standards, ensuring potency and effectiveness.

Why Is Delta-8 THC So Popular?

Users are increasingly turning to Delta-8 THC for its therapeutic benefits and mild psychoactive effects. Reported advantages include:

✔ Reduced Anxiety & Stress (Blessing et al., 2015). ✔ Appetite Stimulation (Avraham et al., 2004). ✔ Nausea Relief (NCI, 2021). ✔ A Manageable High without overwhelming side effects like paranoia or extreme drowsiness (Hollister, 1971).

Is Delta-8 THC Legal?

Delta-8 THC remains legal in most states, as it is derived from hemp-based CBD and falls under the 2018 Farm Bill (Agriculture Improvement Act, 2018). However, state regulations vary, and some have banned or restricted Delta-8.

✔ Legal at the federal level if derived from hemp with less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. ❌ Restricted or banned in certain states—always check local regulations before purchasing (DEA, 2021).

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References

Abrahamov, A., Abrahamov, A., & Mechoulam, R. (1995). An efficient new cannabinoid antiemetic in pediatric oncology. Life Sciences, 56(23-24), 2097-2102.

Agriculture Improvement Act. (2018). U.S. Department of Agriculture. Retrieved from https://www.usda.gov/farmbill

Avraham, Y., Ben-Shushan, D., Breuer, A., Zolotarev, O., Okun, E., Fink, N., & Shohami, E. (2004). Very low doses of Delta-8 THC increase food consumption and alter neurotransmitter levels following weight loss. Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior, 77(3), 431-439.

Blessing, E. M., Steenkamp, M. M., Manzanares, J., & Marmar, C. R. (2015). Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 12(4), 825-836.

Brown, J. D. (2021). Cannabinoid conversion: Delta-8 THC from hemp-derived CBD. Journal of Cannabinoid Research, 5(2), 178-184.

Drug Enforcement Administration. (2021). Controlled Substances Act. Retrieved from https://www.dea.gov

ElSohly, M. A., Radwan, M. M., Gul, W., Chandra, S., & Galal, A. (2017). Phytochemistry of Cannabis sativa L. Progress in the Chemistry of Organic Natural Products, 103, 1-36.

Hollister, L. E. (1971). Structure-activity relationships in man of cannabis constituents, and homologs and metabolites of Δ9- tetrahydrocannabinol. Pharmacological Reviews, 23(4), 349-357.

Mechoulam, R., & Hanus, L. (2000). A historical overview of chemical research on cannabinoids. Chemistry and Physics of Lipids, 108(1-2), 1-13.

National Cancer Institute. (2021). Cannabis and cannabinoids (PDQ®)–Health professional version. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov

Pertwee, R. G. (2008). The diverse CB1 and CB2 receptor pharmacology of three plant cannabinoids. British Journal of Pharmacology, 153(2), 199-215.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021). FDA and cannabis: Research and drug approval process. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov