What is Delta-8?

Key Points

• Research suggests delta-8 THC is a milder cannabinoid compared to delta-9 THC, found in cannabis, often made from hemp CBD.
• It seems likely that delta-8 offers relaxation and pain relief, but evidence for medical uses is limited.
• The legal status is complex, varying by state, with some restrictions due to safety concerns.
• There are risks, especially for children, with reports of adverse events like hallucinations and accidental ingestion.

What is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, or delta-8 THC, is a cannabinoid naturally present in small amounts in the cannabis plant. It’s an isomer of delta-9 THC, meaning they share the same chemical formula but have different structures. Most commercial products are created by converting CBD from hemp into delta-8 THC through a chemical process, as noted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)¹.

How Does It Differ from Delta-9 THC?

Delta-8 and delta-9 THC differ in their molecular structure, with delta-8 having a double bond at the 8th carbon and delta-9 at the 9th. This affects how they interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Users often report delta-8 provides a milder high, with less anxiety and paranoia, as supported by a survey in the Journal of Cannabis Research². Research from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) suggests delta-8 has a lower binding affinity to the CB1 receptor, potentially explaining its milder effects³.

Legal Status and Availability

Delta-8’s legal status is complex due to its derivation from hemp CBD, legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. However, some states have banned or restricted it due to safety concerns, as reported by the FDA⁴. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has highlighted increased availability and risks, especially for youth⁵ in products such as gummies.

Safety Concerns and Risks

Despite its appeal, delta-8 poses risks, particularly for children, with the FDA reporting adverse events like hallucinations and vomiting⁶. The National Poison Data System documented 2,362 exposure cases from January 1, 2021, to February 28, 2022, with 41% involving children, emphasizing the need to keep products out of reach⁷.

Comprehensive Analysis on Delta-8 THC: Detailed Insights and Research Findings

Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8 THC) has emerged as a significant topic in the cannabis landscape, particularly following the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill, which legalized hemp-derived products. This analysis synthesizes information from top search results to provide a thorough understanding of delta-8 THC, focusing on its definition, differences from delta-9 THC, legal status, effects, safety concerns, and ongoing research, with citations from U.S.-based studies by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) where applicable.

Definition and Background

Delta-8 THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid found in traces in both hemp and cannabis (marijuana) plants, as detailed by WebMD⁸. It is an isomer of delta-9 THC, sharing the same chemical formula (C21H30O2) but differing in the position of a double bond, located at the 8th carbon in delta-8 versus the 9th in delta-9, according to Wikipedia⁹.

Naturally occurring in low quantities, most delta-8 products are manufactured from hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) through a chemical process, a point emphasized by the FDA⁴.

Comparison with Delta-9 THC

The structural difference between delta-8 and delta-9 THC influences their effects. Delta-8 is reported to produce a milder, euphoric high, often described as less intense and shorter-lasting than delta-9, with fewer side effects like anxiety and paranoia, as per WebMD⁸. A survey in the Journal of Cannabis Research found that 71% of 521 consumers reported significant relaxation, 68% euphoria, and 55% pain relief².

Legal Status and Availability

Delta-8’s legality stems from the 2018 Farm Bill, allowing hemp-derived products with less than 0.3% delta-9 THC, placing it in a gray area federally. However, state regulations vary, with approximately 12 states restricting or banning it, as noted by WebMD⁸. It is available over-the-counter at various outlets, raising concerns highlighted by SAMHSA⁵.

Effects and Potential Uses

User-reported effects include relaxation and pain relief, with some using delta-8 for stress and depression, though scientific evidence is limited. The Journal of Cannabis Research survey detailed consumption methods like edibles and vaping².

Historical research suggests potential antiemetic benefits, but large clinical studies are lacking.

Safety Concerns and Risks

Safety is a major concern, with the FDA reporting 104 adverse events from December 2020 to February 2022, including 8% pediatric cases⁶. The National Poison Data System noted 2,362 exposure cases, with 41% pediatric⁷.

Research and Studies

Research is ongoing, with NIDA studying delta-8’s properties ¹⁰.

A 2022 JAMA study found delta-8 products often contain impurities¹¹, highlighting the need for further investigation.