For many years, the most predominantly known cannabinoids have been Cannabidiol (CBD) and Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-9 THC). One has been conversely demonized and glorified for its psychological effects on the body, while the other has been seen through either a touted or skeptical lens regarding its natural health benefits.

But the public is beginning to become more aware of what many scientists have been studying for years: there are more than just two different cannabinoids in cannabis plants, and they shouldn’t just be brushed over.

When it comes to THC, the cannabinoid that most people think of--whether they realize it or not--is Delta-9 THC. This is the botanical compound that is known to help relieve pain, inflammation, and different mental illnesses while also causing the user to experience the well-known “high”. But there is quite the scuttlebutt across the internet about another variation of THC that has been making a lot of waves in both the cannabis and legal space: Delta-8 THC.

What is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC are fairly similar in their chemical structure. While they both have a double bond in their structures--which is what is believed to cause a euphoric high--the placement of the double bond is different. The double bond in Delta-9 is on the ninth carbon atom, and the double bond on the Delta-8 chemical structure falls on the eighth carbon atom. 

Delta-8 is a pretty controversial topic right now, as well. 

Naturally, you find very little of it in the cannabis plant. Just traces, really. What American farmers have figured out, though, is that they can chemically derive Delta-8 THC from CBD.

The difficulty comes into play because technically, Delta-9 THC is illegal and some people are wanting to assume that any variation of THC would fall under that purview. This has been a loophole for farmers and cultivators for a bit now, allowing them to use what would have been a lot of wasted biomass and money down the drain and create a viable, not-technically-illegal product. 

But many states and even cannabis authorities like the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment are banning the sale or use of products containing Delta-8 THC. There isn’t any clear legal guidance in regards to this cannabinoid specifically, and many are trying to close that gap that others found and used to their advantage.

While cannabis reform is beginning to take place in America, it is still a very slow-moving process and will most likely be a while before clear, legal guidelines regarding Delta-8 and other emerging cannabinoids are put into place.

What Kind of Effects Does Delta-8 Have? 

Delta-8 seems to have a less potent effect on the user than Delta-9 does, and this differing placement of the double bond is believed to be why.  

Many who have tried Delta-8 themselves describe the feelings they experience as being “clear-headed and somehow high at the same time.” Anecdotal evidence suggests that Delta-8 is a good option for those looking for the benefits of Delta-9 THC while still remaining clear-headed, calm, focused, and motivated.

In addition to affecting people in a milder way, studies over the years show that Delta-8 seems to be a pain reliever, inhibits tumor growth, counteracts nausea, and works as an appetite stimulant. And this is just the beginning of what scientists have been able to discover.

How Do You Dose Delta-8?

For most people, Delta-8 will have a much more mild effect in comparison to Delta-9. To give an idea of the difference in potency, gummy producers create Delta-8 gummies with more than twice the strength of the Delta-9 gummies just to get the same effect. 

So a 25mg Delta-8 gummy could be comparable to a 10mg Delta-9 gummy. That means that 1mg of Delta-9 THC is 2.5 times as strong as 1 mg of Delta-8 THC.

As with any hemp or cannabis product, it’s always better to start out with a smaller dosage and work your way up until you find your ideal dose. Whatever consumption method you are using, try a small amount first and once you feel the onset of the effects, move up a bit if you like.

Conclusion

Delta-8 still has a long way to go in both the scientific study and legal realms, but there is a lot of promise surrounding it as well. To have a potential botanical alternative that presents all of the benefits of Delta-9 THC without the same kind of high would be a game-changer for many.

1. https://www.forbes.com/sites/roberthoban/2021/06/07/delta-8-thc-a-story-of-american-ingenuity/?sh=5f22e8f534f7
2. https://www.leafly.com/news/science-tech/what-is-delta8-thc
3. https://www.dallasobserver.com/arts/whats-the-difference-between-delta-8-and-delta-9-thc-11942338
4. https://www.leafly.com/news/science-tech/what-is-delta8-thc