The wide-spread drop in legal barriers surrounding cannabis has caused a spike in research, and in turn, medical use.
While cannabis and its reported effects had been widely known since ancient times, the plant only got a major scientific breakthrough a few years ago. Today, such products as Delta 9 THC are generally known and used worldwide.
As cannabis-based research deepens, the results are fascinating. So far, researchers have discovered over 130 naturally occurring compounds in the plant, called cannabinoids.
Although Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (popularly called THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) are predominant, researchers have found that all the compounds in the plant (or cannabinoids) come with unique potential health effects.
That said, this article discusses two relatively close CBD – Delta-9-THC and Delta-8-THC.
If you are looking to buy Delta 9 or Delta 8, it’s essential to understand these distinctions between them. Let’s quickly discuss more similarities and differences between Delta-9-THC and Delta-8-THC.
Delta-9-THC Vs. Delta-8-THC
Structurally or chemically, delta-9-THC, and delta-8-THC CBD differ. This difference is linked to the positioning of a vital chemical bond.
Both compounds have molecular chains with double bonds. But while delta-8’s bond exists on the 8th chain, delta-9’s bond is found on the 9th chain.
This difference may look subtle, but the effects are noticeable in the different ways the endocannabinoid receptors interact with the molecules.
Also, delta-8-THC is more stable than delta-9. While delta-9 oxides to become delta-8-THC, delta-8 is stable and boasts a longer shelf life. Although delta-8-THC’s stability is desirable for medical purposes, the compound is 3 to 10 times less potent than your favorite delta-9-THC. Wondering where is Delta 8 available? Follow the link to find out.
Let’s quickly discuss more similarities and differences between Delta-9-THC and Delta-8-THC.
- Mechanism of Action
Both delta-9-THC and Delt-8-THC bind to the CB1 receptor. But Delta-8-THC’s slightly different molecular structure causes a different bond with the receptor that helps deliver THC’s psychoactive effects.
The difference in the manner they bind may account for the distinct ‘high’ the delta-8 delivers.
For clarity, delta-8-THC’s psychoactivity is characterized by less anxiety and better concentration – unlike with hemp-derived delta 9 THC. Likely, the unique molecular design also influences the effects of the compound on the different receptors.
- The entourage effect
The entourage effect is coined to mean the collective effect delivered by an array of cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenoids found in cannabis. This ensemble effect typically outperforms the offerings of THC-onlyor any other isolated compound.
Most research on the entourage effect focuses on delta-9-THC’s role in the process. However, since delta-8 and delta-9share molecular similarities, delta-8 may deliver a similar impact when used with other compounds than in isolation.
That said, more research is required to understand delta-8-THC’s impact when in the company of other cannabinoids.
- Medical Potential
As THC research and its consumer base enlarge, evidence are increasingly available regarding its potential therapeutic properties.
In 2018, a preclinical study in the Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research suggested delta-8-THC’s potency to manage inflammation and pain associated with corneal injury.
The study shows that topical delta-8-THC application helped reduce pain and inflammation. The researchers linked the resultant effect to the compound’s interaction with the CB1 receptors.
Another rat-based study shows delta-8-THC may help handle pain. However, in this case, the participants developed a high tolerance to the compound rapidly.
- Anxiety
The US National Library of Medicine says delta-8-THC shows similar anxiety-reducing properties as in delta-9-THC.
Research andsupporting anecdotal testimonies show delta-8-THC’s high comes with more calm, better focus, and without the anxiety associated with delta-9-THC.
- Anti-nausea
An old study examined delta-8-THC’s properties. The researchers monitored eight patients with pediatric cancer patients.
The experiment recorded no vomiting with delta-8-THC doses taken before and after the cancer medications. A few side effects were,however,reported.
- Appetite Boost
Appetite boost is another possible benefit of delta-8-THC. Mice-based research revealed that low-level delta-8-THC might increase food cravings up to 22 percent.
The researchers considered the delta-8-THC as an appetite stimulator since it may boost food consumption a lot more than delta-9-THC.
Side effect and other safety concerns
Delta-8-THC is considered among the minor compounds which have attracted only a few research. With relatively little info about the combination, experts advise cautious consumption.
The compound is mainly found in concentrates, and most cannabis strains may contain but not up to 1 percent of delta-8-THC. This makes the compound widely scarce.
Extracting a fair amount of delta-8 THC will require a remarkable load of cannabis herbs, as well as rigorous extraction and refinement processes. Although delta-8-THC often comes in isolates, in most cases, it is mixed with the more available delta-9-THC and/or CBD, which encourages more availability and, of course, possibly higher potency.
Again, before you dose delta-8, remember that the available information so far is based on limited data on animal studies. Although the Endocannabinoid System in animals works similarly to man’s, a 2018 systematic review found the compound may deliver differing effects in humans and animals. For instance, while delta-8-THC caused reduced heart rate in animals, it increased the human subjects’ rate.
How do I spot a delta-8-concentrate?
While Delta-8 is scarcely sourced in the cannabis plant, some products contain high delta-8-THC concentration.
However, being a poorly regulated market, many fake products disguises as genuine.
To find out the actual delta-8-THC concentration of any product, check the certificate of Analysis from a licensed third-party lab. This result investigates the ingredients and their concentrations in a product.
Wrap Up
With the increasing awareness, we hope to see more of delta-8-THC among recreational users. Thanks to its many potential health and recreational gains, trailed by only a small percent ofhighthe delta-9-THC offers.
While THC (that is delta-9-THC) has found a home in many products, we wish delta-8-THC soon becomes active ingredients in products, including gummies, brownies, dabs, tinctures, etc., as science allows.
