Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol (CBD), the two cannabinoids found in cannabis sativa that are most commonly known, may not be the only ones this plant has, according to studies.
The psychoactive cannabinoid delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, sometimes known as delta-8 THC, has effects that are comparable to those of delta-9 THC. Continue reading to find out more about delta-8 THC, including how it differs from THC and CBD, potential advantages, hazards, and more.
What Is Delta-8 THC?
Cannabis and hemp plants both produce tiny amounts of the Phyto cannabinoid delta-8 THC. The idea that delta-8 THC is a synthetic or man-made cannabinoid is a widespread one. The delta-8 THC goods you see in the store are not manufactured of synthetic cannabinoids like the hazardous street drug K2/Spice or the synthetic marijuana prescription medicine dronabinol.
Although delta-8 THC does naturally exist in small concentrations in the cannabis plant. Scientists have discovered a way to extract more of it from CBD using an isomerization procedure. Due to the legalization and regulation of hemp under the 2018 Farm Bill, goods containing CBD and, consequently, delta-8 were able to flood the market.
Some of the effects of delta 8 THC are like those of delta-9 THC. Such as heightened relaxation and increased hunger. It results in a more focused and energizing high than delta-9 THC. As well as a less powerful high.
Although studies on the potential medical advantages of delta-8 THC for patients are only being started. There is now evidence to suggest that it may reduce nausea and vomiting, increase appetite, and help with seizures.
Benefits Of Delta-8 THC
Regarding delta-8 THC, there are few scientific studies and clinical trials, and the majority of its putative advantages rely on marketing claims. Although legality concerns make this research challenging. More information is required to determine any potential health benefits associated with delta-8 THC.
Although more research is required on this matter. Some of the findings indicate consuming delta-8 THC may cause sedation, euphoria, and pain alleviation. It was thoroughly reported in the Journal of Cannabis Research.
Risks and Side Effects of Delta-8 THC
In order to create delta-8 THC synthetically, hemp’s CBD is transformed using potentially toxic compounds including strong acids and organic solvents. There are no research studies that demonstrate the long-term effects of these items on health, and they are not subject to regulation.
According to a study that appeared in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research delta-8 THC has a number of negative effects, including:
- Having trouble with short-term memory
- Changed perception of time
- Anxiety and suspicion
According to 104 complaints between December 2020 and February 2022. The FDA has seen an increase in the number of adverse events linked to consuming delta-8 THC. These incidents had a variety of characteristics, including hallucinations, nausea, and loss of consciousness.
What Is TheLegal Status of Delta-8 THC?
The legality of delta-8 THC is still debatable. Despite the Federal Controlled Substance Act’s assertion that cannabis is banned on the federal level due to its delta-9 THC percentage. Each state has its own regulations governing its use for both medical and recreational purposes. Federal law permits the use of CBD that has been produced from hemp, but not from cannabis.
Although delta-8 THC products have not been declared banned at the federal level, the National Drug Court Institute believes that manufacturing delta-8 THC probably violates federal law. Furthermore, delta 8 THC products have been expressly outlawed in some jurisdictions. Where marijuana is permitted for recreational use, including Colorado.
Can Delta-8 THC Show Up on Drug Test?
Contrary to delta-9 THC, delta-8 THC is unlikely to result in a positive THC test result unless the test specifically looks for delta 8 THC metabolites. Drug tests, however, can come up positive for THC if the delta-8 THC product contains high levels of delta-9 THC. Many commercial laboratories are now including confirmatory analyses for delta-8 THC in drug tests as a result of delta-8 THC’s rising popularity.
In conclusion, it is impossible to say for sure that delta 8 THC won’t test positive on a drug test. Because it depends on the quality and composition of the particular delta-8 THC product used as well as the type of drug test performed.
Comparison Between delta-8 and delta-9 THC
Dr. Gordon is a lead researcher On Cannabis plantation under World health organization. On his observation only a small difference in the arrangement of the identical set of components. Such as carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen distinguishes this specific THC from delta-9 THC. Although they are both made of THC. Delta 8 and delta-9 differ greatly.
Similarity
Since both delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC engage the body’s CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, including those in the central nervous system. They can have the favorable or unfavorable effects indicated above.
According to Dr. Gordon, activating CB1 receptors can lessen pain, aid in sleep, promote relaxation, calm a hyperactive nervous system, boost appetite, mend and protect nerves, and avoid sensory overstimulation. According to research, “activating CB2 receptors primarily calms an overactive immune system and reduces inflammation. Both of which are crucial for improving many chronic conditions.”
Dr. Gordon also has been observed excessive use of delta 8 THC or delta-9 THC can overstimulate CB1 receptors. Which can result in fatigue, confusion, anxiety (and possibly panic), dry mouth and eyes, a faster heartbeat, and lack of coordination.
Differences
According to Dr. Gordon, delta-9 THC has been the subject of extensive research for about 60 years. Where as delta-8 THC has received much less attention. The way they are (or are not) regulated is another significant distinction.
“Delta-9 THC is highly regulated in states where legalization measures have passed with specific rules on testing, extracting, and labeling,” the author continues. However, according to Dr. Gordon. Many producers of delta-8 THC products don’t adhere to precise rules. Though its might not guarantee that the final product has only the ingredients listed on the label or that it is devoid of adulterants.
Another distinction between delta 8 THC and delta-9 THC is potency. “I think it’s reasonable to assume that properly labeled delta 8 THC would be about one-quarter to one-third less potent than an equivalent amount of delta-9 THC. In flower (bud) form, delta-9 THC can be smoked or vaporized without the need for extraction. But this is not true for edibles, topicals, and other preparations. Contrarily, almost all delta-8 THC products are created, extracted, and refined from CBD derived from cannabis” says Dr. Gordon
Is Delta-8 THC Safe?
The safety of THC is a subject of some worry. This is due to the fact that it is poorly controlled and that items containing delta 8 THC may also contain other substances. Such as manufactured byproducts. Which may have negative consequences.
What Is The Toxicity Rate of Delta-8 THC
The toxicity of delta-8 has continued to be reported to the FDA by national poison control centers. 2,362 incidents of delta 8 exposure occurred between January 1, 2021, and February 28, 2022; 41% of these cases included children under the age of 18, and 70% required medical attention.
“It’s probably functions as a less effective stimulant. But none of that really matters if you use a product whose label can’t properly indicate how much of the product is in the bottle, according to Dr. Streem. Even though the substance is less potent. If the container contains twice as much as what is listed on the label. You will unintentionally consume more of it.
Takeaway
For those who prefer a gentler “high” than they experience from conventional THC. This may be an option to delta-9 THC. More research is required to fully understand the potential adverse effects of delta 8 THC. Even though it is said to have less strong effects than delta-9 THC.
Furthermore, there are worries that it may be challenging to determine the contents of items containing delta 8 THC due to the lack of regulation surrounding this substance. You could feel more at ease choosing delta-9 THC and CBD products until better regulatory requirements for the production of delta 8 THC are in place.
