What is Delta-8 THC?
This is an update to a post that was first published on April 14, 2021.
What is Delta-8?
CBD (cannabidiol) & Delta-9 THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) are the two primary compounds found naturally in cannabis plants. Delta-9 THC is still federally prohibited in concentrations greater than 0.3% per the 2018 Agriculture Improvement Act.
Delta-8 THC is a cannabis compound found naturally in extremely small concentrations in cannabis plants. Molecularly, it is only slightly different from Delta-9 THC.
From weedmaps.com:
“From a chemical or structural perspective, delta-8-THC differs from delta-9-THC due to the location of a critical chemical bond. Both delta-8 and delta-9-THC contain double bonds in their molecular chain. Delta-8-THC contains that bond on the 8th carbon chain, while delta-9-THC contains the bond on the 9th carbon chain.”
Delta-8 THC must be extracted from the cannabis plant or synthesized using organic chemistry. It’s more common for D8 to be synthesized because extraction is costly and ineffective in comparison.
The word “synthesis” has deterred many people, but this is irrational. The process is clean and safe as long it’s done in a lab that meets accreditation standards. (And not your friend of a friend’s garage!)
D8 must be synthesized to work efficiently in vape cartridges, one of the most popular consumption methods—in our opinion, synthesized D8 results in a cleaner, better, and more shelf-stable product.
How is Delta-8 made?
Since Delta-8 is available in such small quantities in the plant, it’s not viable for a manufacturer to extract Delta-8 THC naturally from the plant. Instead, various techniques are used to facilitate the conversion of CBD into Delta-8 THC through a process called isomerization.
This process is straightforward regarding organic chemistry but should never be attempted by anyone without a strong understanding of chemistry or access to a lab. If errors are made, low-grade materials are used, or proper testing isn’t performed, the sample can become contaminated. While some of these byproducts are harmless, others are toxic.
It’s best to leave the creation of Delta-8 THC to the professionals. If you want to try Delta-8 THC, look for brands that offer a full range of tests to prove the purity of their products.
What are the effects of Delta-8 THC?
Delta-8 THC: Weed Light (?)
Delta-8 THC has quickly become a popular option for pain and anxiety patients. Commonly described as a “less-psychoactive” high, users of Delta-8 say that it offers them anxiety & pain relief without too much short-term memory loss or mental fog. Users also say that Delta-8 offers them some of the mild psychoactive effects they felt they were missing from CBD without the paranoia that is sometimes associated with Delta-9.
In addition to its many potential therapeutic benefits, D8 THC can also be used recreationally. Users of Delta-8 describe a “stoned” feeling that is notably milder than D-9.
Delta-8’s difference in effect is due to the slight difference in the structure of the THC molecule described above. While it is believed that Delta-8 attaches to both the CB1 and CB2 receptors, it is thought to have a greater affinity for the CB1 receptor and our central nervous systems, resulting in a “body high” (as opposed to a “head high”).
Weedmaps explains: “Its affinity for the receptor is different due to its slightly altered molecular structure. The CB1 receptor is responsible for mediating most of the psychotropic effects of THC.”
Because D8 is a low-potency “body high,” some cannabis users feel it’s more effective than CBD for certain kinds of pain.
Delta-8 has become popular among people who experience excessive paranoia that they get when they use Delta-9 THC. Perhaps because of its affinity for the CB1 receptor — which is partly responsible for regulating how your body reacts to THC — it is harder to “overdo it” with Delta-8. It tends to be about 1/2 to 2/3 as bioavailable in the body as D-9 — but everyone’s body is different, so this does not always correlate to 1/2 to 2/3 of the effects.
Many ask about how potency compares between Delta-8 and Delta-9, but potency is not necessarily a scientifically useful term when describing the differences between the two cannabinoids. For example, anecdotally, some people feel like Delta-8’s body high is actually more intense.
I predict that when Virginia fully legalizes retail sales of D-9, D-8 products will remain popular among those who enjoy a bit of chill without the couch lock.
1:1 CBD:Delta-8 THC
Delta-8 is awesome, but don’t forget about the rest of the plant! Some people say they enjoy using CBD and Delta-8 together! This is no surprise since we already know that cannabinoids are known to work better together — This is known as The Entourage Effect. Much literature on medicinal cannabis recommends using CBD and THC together in various ratios for different conditions.
I recommend that any THC (Delta-8 or Delta-9) users also incorporate CBD extracts into their routine. You don’t need to use CBD daily, though it is known to be more effective that way.
FOR THERAPEUTIC USE: THC has psychotropic effects that are partially modified and decreased when it meets CBD. From personal experience, the 1:1 combination seems to be great for anxiety, sleep, pain, and athletic recovery.
FOR PAIN: Since CBD has great anti-inflammatory properties, CBD supplements my need for over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen/acetaminophen when needed.
DAILY USE: When taken almost daily, I feel like CBD significantly helps keep my anxiety/focus levels in check long-term so that my THC use can thrive as an as-needed thing and not be relied upon as a fix-all.
FOR MODERATING THC USE: CBD is known to help moderate THC routines by helping regulate our endocannabinoid systems. While CBD is primarily known to moderate the effects of THC, it can also help boost the effects of your THC if you’ve been using THC a lot. It essentially helps keep your system calibrated and your tolerance in check.
FAQs
Is Delta-8 legal in the United States?
Yes. “The 2018 Farm Bill legalized all hemp production and everything in the composition of hemp other than Delta-9 THC, of which hemp must contain below 0.3%. This is the standard for hemp on the federal level, so CBD, CBC, and every other cannabinoid other than Delta-9 THC, including Delta-8 THC, are legal.” (from cannabistech.com)Is Delta-8 legal in Virginia?
As of July 1, 2023: No. It is now illegal to sell and buy in Virginia due to SB 903.Will I fail a drug test?
Yes. Delta-8 THC metabolizes as THC so you will fail any drug test looking for THC.How is it consumed?
Delta-8 is most popularly sold/consumed as a concentrate to be vaped/eaten or mixed into an edible candy/snack for easy dosing.How is it made?
Delta-8 is only found in very, very small concentrations naturally in a hemp plant. Delta-8 must be synthesized or extracted from the plant using CO2 Extraction. High-quality cartridges and concentrates usually contain about 85% Delta-8 concentrate with 15% CO2-extracted terpenes and flavor added. Delta-8 Edibles are made by heating the concentrate at a moderate temperature and mixing it with food.What about Delta-8 Flower?
Since Delta-8 is only found in very, very small concentrations naturally in a hemp plant, Delta-8 Flower isn’t really a thing like CBD Flower and Delta-9 THC Flower are things. In order to have Delta-8 Flower, a Delta-8 concentrate needs to be sprayed onto CBD flower or added onto a pre-roll. (I am personally pretty skeptical about the consistency/efficiency of making/consuming Delta-8 these way, so I steer clear.)Why are my Delta-8 carts so harsh?
This has nothing to do with the cannabinoid Delta-8 compared to other vape-able cannabinoid extracts. This is probably because the product was not made correctly or does not contain an ideal distillate ratio to terpenes. Cartridges are not commonly made with whole plant extract. They isolate the main cannabinoid by itself as Delta-8, Delta-9 or CBD distillate and then add anywhere between 10-20% terpenes to the product to give it flavor and hybrid, sativa, or indica-leaning effects.
Sources & Excerpts:
Below are our sources for the above information.
From maitrimedicinals.com:
The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) notes that delta-8-THC exhibits a lower psychotropic potency than its cousin, delta-9-THC. Researchers have estimated the potency to be ~2/3 that of delta-9-THC. This is likely achieved by differential binding to the CB1 receptors, as well as interactions with other potential receptors and neuroactive pathways. Given the lower potency of delta-8-THC, this leads to a different cognitive profile for those who use it. People who have used it describe that they are more clear-headed when compared to delta-9-THC products, with less impact on concentration and less anxiety, while still retaining its medicinal properties (ex: relief of pain, nausea, etc.). As such, products containing delta-8-THC may be a pathway to relief of symptoms in patients unable to tolerate significant quantities of delta-9-THC or those who prefer a less psychoactive profile.
The National Cancer Institute Drug Dictionary defines delta-8-THC as: An analogue of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with antiemetic, anxiolytic, appetite-stimulating, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties. Delta-8-THC binds to the cannabinoid G-protein coupled receptor CB1, located in the central nervous system. NCBI’s MedGen and PubChem further note: This agent exhibits a lower psychotropic potency than delta-9-THC, the primary form of THC found in cannabis. Most researchers estimate psychotropic potency as being 2/3 that of THC. This lower psycho-activity creates effects described by many as more clear- headed, less likely to affect concentration and less anxious than delta-9-THC, while still retaining desired medicinal benefits (relief of pain, nausea, anxiety, etc.). While delta-8-THC differs chemically from delta-9-THC by only a few atomic bonds, it offers a desirable psychoactive profile attractive to patients/consumers.
From Inverse.com:
https://www.inverse.com/mind-body/delta-8-thc-science-explained
“People report that Delta-8-THC delivers, per the cannabis platform Weedmaps, a “smooth high with no anxiety or paranoia,” and “seems to be sort of more energetic and less sedating." (Anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis are all symptoms tied to high dosages of THC).
The molecular difference between Delta-8-THC and its famous cousin (Delta-9-THC) is small, but it’s enough to change how it binds to the brain. Grinspoon estimates it is about “two-thirds” as potent as Delta-9-THC. There's a double carbon bond on the eighth carbon in the chain that makes up the compound, as opposed to the ninth. It can still get you “high”, yet that tiny change has generated a lot of interest.
When scientists develop drugs, they aim to pinpoint a “therapeutic window” (or therapeutic index), a dosage that’s high enough to produce positive effects, and too low to produce unwanted side effects. Delta-9-THC, says Gobbi, has a narrow therapeutic window. Because Delta-8-THC doesn’t bind as well to the CB1 receptors, she suggests it might have a larger therapeutic window than Delta-9-THC.”
From Discover Magazine:
“That’s why many cannabis consumers are turning to an obscure analogue of Delta-9-THC called Delta-8-THC. The difference between Delta-8 and Delta-9 is subtle: Both will get you stoned, but the former is about half as potent as the latter. Many people claim that Delta-8 is a smoother, less anxious psychoactive experience than the more familiar Delta-9. It also seems to have additional medicinal effects than regular THC, such as better pain relief, but these claims have yet to be weighed out in clinical trials.”
From WeedMaps:
https://weedmaps.com/learn/dictionary/delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol/
“Delta-8-THC is a minor cannabinoid, occurring in the plant in very small concentrations. Delta-8-THC is also known to be a degraded form of THC, and is not directly produced by cannabinoid-synthesizing enzymes within the plant. When THC is stored for a period of time, it degrades into delta-8-THC. Commercial growers and extractors use selective breeding and molecular isolation to access greater quantities of delta-8-THC.
Delta-8-THC binds to the CB1 receptors located in the central nervous system. Delta-8-THC additionally has an affinity for CB2 receptors, although less is known about this binding mechanism.
From a chemical or structural perspective, delta-8-THC differs from delta-9-THC due to the location of a critical chemical bond. Both delta-8 and delta-9-THC contain double bonds in their molecular chain. Delta-8-THC contains that bond on the 8th carbon chain, while delta-9-THC contains the bond on the 9th carbon chain. Although it’s a subtle difference, it has noticeable effects on how the body’s endocannabinoid receptors bind and respond to the molecule.
Delta-8-THC binds to the CB1 receptor like delta-9-THC, but its affinity for the receptor is different due to its slightly altered molecular structure. The CB1 receptor is responsible for mediating most of the psychotropic effects of THC.
This differential binding may be responsible for the reported clearer high with reduced anxiety, and greater ability to concentrate often associated with delta-8-THC. It’s possible that its unique molecular structure also impacts the chemical’s effects on other receptors and neural pathways.”
