Delta-8 THC Cannabinoid

An info graphic of the chemical compound structure of Delta-8 THC Cannabinoid
Delta-8 THC Cannabinoid. When you consider that the cannabis plant contains more than 100 known cannabinoids (and counting), it’s hardly surprising that there are many cannabinoids that we are still in the process of studying. One such cannabinoid is delta-8 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is currently the subject of much conversation among cannabis industry thought leaders, health officials, researchers, and even federal regulators. Even for someone that generally keeps up on the latest cannabis news, there are plenty of questions surrounding the topic of delta-8 THC: exactly what is it, what effects can it have, and is it even legal? We’re going to take a closer look at delta-8 THC, examining its chemical structure, potential effects, and why it’s earned some popularity among consumers.

What is the Delta-8 THC Cannabinoid?

Delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid naturally found in the cannabis plant. You can think of cannabinoids as the “active ingredients” of cannabis, the compounds that contribute to its diverse therapeutic profile. Delta-8 is similar to the widely-known delta-9 THC, the psychoactive compound that most people associate with the “high” produced by cannabis consumption.

How is Delta-8 THC Made?

Both cannabis and hemp plants contain trace amounts of delta-8. Because hemp can be legally cultivated anywhere in the U.S., and it is generally more accessible to manufacturers, delta-8 THC is most commonly sourced from hemp plants. First, CBD (cannabidiol) is extracted from the hemp plant. It is then refined into a CBD isolate, which is further synthesized into delta-8 THC. Because delta-8 THC requires additional processing, it is typically more expensive to produce than CBD.

Delta-8 vs. Delta-9 THC: Similarities and Differences

As their nearly-identical names suggest, delta-8 and delta-9 THC share some key similarities. However, they also have some important differences as well.

Chemical Structure

Delta-8 THC (short for delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol) and delta-9 are both forms of THC. Typically, people refer to delta-9 THC when they are talking about cannabis and THC. Its scientific name is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, though it is commonly called delta-9 THC or simply delta-9. Both delta-8 and delta-9 contain a double bond in their chemical structures, which many researchers believe is what causes the psychoactive effects of THC. However, the specific placement of the double bond varies between delta-8 and delta-9. While both have a carbon atom chain, delta-8’s double bond is located on the eighth carbon atom, and delta-9’s is on the ninth.

Interaction with the Body’s Endocannabinoid System

Both cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system in a way that creates the feeling of being “high” due to psychoactive effects. However, because each one has its double bond in a different location, delta-8 and delta-9 bind to the endocannabinoid system and receptors differently. This dissimilarity is largely thought to be the reason why delta-8 is often considered less potent than “regular” (delta-9) THC. However, scientists will need to continue to research this concept before they can say for certain.

Effects

Both delta-8 and delta-9 will produce the mind-altering “high” that many people associate with cannabis use. However, delta-8 is generally described as having less intense or less potent effects. For some consumers, standard THC can have negative side effects such as anxiety. But because delta-8 is milder, it may be an alternative option ideal for individuals sensitive to THC. Generally, delta-8 consumers report many of the effects that you would expect from delta-9 THC, albeit on a smaller scale:
    • Mild euphoria
    • Mild pain relief
    • Happiness
    • Improved mood
    • Stress reduction
    • Better sleep
    • Increased concentration and clarity

The Legality of Delta-8 THC

Delta-8 tends to fall into a legal gray area at present, and not all states in the U.S. regulate it in the same way. It can be extracted from cannabis or hemp, which can play a part in if and where it’s legally permitted. Because the large majority of delta-8 THC products are made using hemp-derived CBD, which is legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill, they are technically legal on a federal level (at least, in theory). In states where THC is still illegal, regulators have not necessarily developed laws for delta-8 THC yet. So, here may be certain places in which it could still be considered legal – for now. For the time being, delta-8 can be sold in many locations because of a legal loophole. This also means that there is little to no oversight on the production of delta-8 products, which has been a cause for concern among health experts, scientists, and cannabis safety advocates alike. So far, about a dozen U.S. states are making moves to either restrict or completely ban the use of delta-8, including:
    • Alaska
    • Arizona
    • Colorado
    • Delaware
    • Idaho
    • Iowa
    • Mississippi
    • Montana
    • Rhode Island
    • Utah
Furthermore, the DEA has released an Interim Final Rule (IFR) that proposes updates to the language contained in the 2018 Farm Bill. If the new language is adopted, then “All synthetically derived tetrahydrocannabinol remain Schedule I controlled substances” – and delta-8 would be illegal.

The Promising Potential of Delta-8 THC

There’s no question that the effects of THC (delta-9) are a key reason that consumers are interested in cannabis, both for medicinal and recreational purposes. But for a certain segment of consumers, delta-8 THC could be an even better option. While some consumers experience no undesirable side effects from THC, there are others that are unable to utilize cannabis products containing THC. Their sensitivity to THC can lead to anxiety, paranoia, and other issues, potentially canceling out the other benefits of cannabis. Because delta-8 is often considered a “lighter” version of typical THC – in fact, it’s been nicknamed “marijuana lite” by some consumers – it can be a good match for THC-sensitive consumers. So, what does this mean for dispensaries and cannabis manufacturers? Delta-8 may be a (largely untapped) market with an impressive potential for growth and success. Medical marijuana patients and recreational adult-use consumers can both appreciate the distinct benefits of delta-8, making it a solid addition to virtually any dispensary or product line-up.

Expand Your Understanding of the Chemical Makeup of Cannabis

Delta-8 THC is just one of the many fascinating topics being explored in the cannabis industry today – and new information and advancements continue to materialize at a rapid rate. As a trusted provider of cannabis and hemp testing in Colorado, Nordic Analytical Laboratories  takes pride in serving as a source of reliable, up-to-date cannabis news. We strive to provide the best lab testing for cannabis and hemp retailers, cultivators, and manufacturers, while also offering useful resources that empower clients to pursue progress. If you’re interested in learning more about the future of delta-8 THC, or any other relevant topic, feel free to reach out to the Nordic Analytical Laboratories team today!

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