Cannabinoids are the diverse chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. They play a pivotal role in the benefits and effects experienced by users. Among over a hundred cannabinoids, Delta-8 THC has gained traction because of a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill. Read on to explore Delta-8’s effects, legal status, and its place in the cannabis conversation.
What is Delta-8 THC?
Delta-8 THC, short for delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, is one of the lesser-known cannabinoids. Structurally, it is similar to its more famous relative, Delta-9 THC, the primary psychoactive component in cannabis. Despite their similarities, it has a slightly altered molecular structure that leads to a milder psychoactive experience.
Psychoactive Effects
Delta-8 THC can be described as a sort of middle ground between CBD and Delta-9 THC. Reported effects include a mild sedative physical sensation but without the intense head highs associated with Delta-9.
Users typically report a clear-headed, functional buzz with lower anxiety. This makes it appealing to those who may be sensitive to the more intense effects of Delta-9 THC.
Medical Applications
There is some evidence to suggest that the medical potential is similar to its more potent cousin. Delta-8 THC may be able to help alleviate pain, reduce nausea, and stimulate appetite.
These effects are worth noting, especially for patients undergoing treatments like chemotherapy, which can result in severe nausea and loss of appetite. However, medical research on the cannabinoid is still in its infancy.
Legal Status and Availability
The legality of Delta-8 THC is very complex and varies between jurisdictions. Technically speaking, the 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized hemp and its derivatives. This has led to a surge in the availability of products because of its trace presence in industrial hemp.
However, the question of its legality remains ambiguous. Some states have moved to specifically ban its use and sale on the “grey” market.
Recreational Use and Culture of Delta-8 THC
Recreational users enjoy its less potent psychoactive effects. This has helped make it a popular choice among a wide range of demographics.
It’s also gained a lot of traction through mail and subscription cannabis services. This, along with its sale at smoke shops around the country has helped to make this compound a part of the cannabis culture in states where it remains legal.
Is Delta 8 safe?
The safety of this cannabinoid is under a lot of scrutiny these days, as it is with all the cannabinoids gaining popularity. While we can’t definitively say that it’s safe, the key to safer use lies in knowledge.
One primary concern for safety is the need for potentially harmful chemicals to synthesize CBD into larger concentrations in the hemp plant. Since there isn’t any oversight in the process, there’s a potential for contaminated and unsafe products from bad manufacturing practices.
Understanding its effects, appropriate dosing, and the importance of sourcing high-quality, lab-tested products is key. Known side effects can be similar to those of Delta-9 THC, including dry mouth, red eyes, and short-term memory impairment, but are typically less severe.
Economic Implications
Delta-8 THC has carved out a niche in the cannabis market. Its legality in certain states has contributed to a flourishing retail and by-mail industry. These products have become an economic driver. Not just for producers and retailers but also for auxiliary industries like lab testing and product development.
Delta 8 THC vs Delta 9 THC
The differences between delta 8 vs delta 9 are subtle but important:
Structure
Delta 8 THC is an isomer of Delta 9 THC. This means that the molecular structure is slightly different from that of Delta 9 THC, with a double bond on the carbon structure in a slightly different spot.
Potency
It’s is often considered less potent and psychoactive than Delta-9 THC. This distinction has made it particularly attractive to those seeking a moderate alternative to traditional cannabis products and to markets looking to capitalize on its semi-legal status.
Safety
Delta 8 THC requires chemical processes to create concentrations high enough to produce psychoactive effects, while Delta 9 THC occurs naturally in larger quantities (around 0.3% by weight) in the cannabis plant. The need for potentially unsafe chemicals to produce Delta 8 THC, along with the lack of research on long-term effects raises safety concerns.
Final Thoughts
Delta-8 THC is a compound with increasing popularity and interest, situated at a crossroads between acceptance and regulatory oversight. As it stands, its in a place of cautious curiosity in the cannabis industry, promising potential therapeutic benefits and a lighter recreational experience.
The narrative of cannabinoids is evolving as we continue to explore the intricacies of cannabis and its compounds. As research continues, so will our understanding of its place in the market and the lives of those who choose to use it.
Sources:
The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018
Delta-8 THC use in US adults
Potency and safety analysis of hemp delta-9 products
