Delta 8 THC has been steadily gaining attention in the hemp and cannabis industries as a lesser-known but increasingly popular cannabinoid.
As more consumers and researchers delve into the world of cannabinoids, Delta 8 THC has emerged as a subject of intrigue due to its psychoactive properties and ongoing legal debates.
Understanding Cannabinoids
To understand Delta 8 THC, it is essential to grasp the concept of cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in all cannabis and hemp plants.
There are over 100 known cannabinoids, with the most well-known being Delta 9 THC and CBD (cannabidiol).
These compounds interact with the human endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological and cognitive processes.
Delta 8 THC: An Overview
Delta 8 THC, short for Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, is a minor cannabinoid present in small concentrations in cannabis and hemp plants.
Delta 8 THC is an isomer of Delta 9 THC, which means they share the same chemical formula but have slightly different molecular structures.
As a result, they exhibit different properties and effects on the human body.
The Creation Process
Delta 8 THC is typically produced through a process called isomerization. This process involves converting CBD or Delta 9 THC into Delta 8 THC.
It can also be extracted directly from cannabis or hemp plants, although it is present in relatively low concentrations, making extraction less efficient.
- CBD to Delta 8 THC: In the CBD isomerization process, CBD is dissolved in a solvent and combined with an acid catalyst. This mixture is heated to a specific temperature, causing a chemical reaction that converts CBD into Delta 8 THC. The resulting Delta 8 THC is then purified through distillation, chromatography, or crystallization to remove any remaining impurities or unwanted compounds.
- Delta 9 THC to Delta 8 THC: The conversion of Delta 9 THC to Delta 8 THC is similar to the CBD isomerization process. The primary difference is that Delta 9 THC, rather than CBD, is used as the starting material. As with the CBD method, the process involves the use of a solvent, an acid catalyst, and heat to induce the chemical reaction.
The Effects of Delta 8 THC
Delta 8 THC’s effects are often described as a middle ground between those of Delta 9 THC and CBD. Although it is less potent than Delta 9 THC, it still exhibits psychoactive properties that can alter mood, perception, and cognition.
- Psychoactive Effects: Delta 8 THC binds to the CB1 receptor in the central nervous system, similar to Delta 9 THC. However, it has a slightly weaker affinity for the receptor, resulting in a milder psychoactive effect. Users often report feelings of relaxation, euphoria, and increased creativity without the intense intoxication or paranoia sometimes associated with Delta 9 THC.
- Antiemetic Effects: Research suggests that Delta 8 THC may possess antiemetic properties, which can help reduce nausea and vomiting. A 1995 study conducted on pediatric cancer patients found that Delta 8 THC effectively reduced chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting with minimal side effects (Abrahamov, Mechoulam, & Shvo, 1995).
- Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Effects: Preliminary studies have shown that Delta 8 THC may have analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory properties. In animal studies, it has demonstrated the ability to reduce pain and inflammation
Legal Status of Delta 8 THC in the UK
Delta 8 THC remains legal in some US states, where it is being used as a quasi-legal version of cannabis.
By designating THC equivalents and derivatives as Class B substances and prohibiting all synthetic cannabinoids, the UK government has closed all legal loopholes for Delta 8 use in the UK.
Even if you do find it for sale online in some places, it’s not officially legal.
Delta-8 THC is not sold as a supplement in the UK, however, popular CBD products may contain trace levels of this cannabinoid.
