What is Delta-8-THC?
Have you seen Delta-8-THC for sale online and in stores? Are you wondering what it is and if it has the same effects as “regular” THC? Read on to learn the differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9-THC, how Delta-8-THC reportedly makes people feel and its potential health and wellness benefits.
Delta-8-THC and Delta-9-THC can be thought of as cousins. Both tetrahydrocannabinols are compounds naturally found in hemp and cannabis plants and are chemically similar. The only difference is a particular chemical bond that appears on the eighth versus ninth carbon. Both react with our endocannabinoid systems (ECS) in a similar fashion and offer mood elevating, anti-nausea benefits and more. (Scroll down to for links to scientific studies.)
What does Delta-8-THC feel like?
Of course, many people want to know, will Delta-8-THC get me high? The answer is: yes, delta-8-THC can be intoxicating.
Anecdotal reports say that Delta-8-THC offers a smoother, milder high and is about half to two-thirds as intoxicating as Delta-9-THC.
Some people who have taken Delta-8-THC report feeling a relaxed, full body high with less risk of the racing thoughts, anxiety or paranoia that sometimes accompany the psychotropic effects of Delta-9-THC.
Is Delta-8-THC legal and where can I buy Delta-8-THC?
Delta-8-THC is legal at the federal level but many states have recently banned it because of its potential psychoactive effects. The laws are very confusing and are constantly changing at the state level. It is very difficult to understand how legal or illegal Delta-8-THC is in each state and what the ramifications of selling or purchasing it could be right now and in the future. For this reason, Rare Cannabinoid Company has decided not to sell Delta-8-THC as we do not want to put our business or our customers at risk.
We would like to recommend a reputable website or store that sells Delta-8-THC, but we unfortunately have not found any that embrace the same level of safe production and lab testing that we perform on all of our products.
Although Delta-8-THC is slightly different from Delta-9-THC, Delta-9-THC will often offer similar benefits. Medical cannabis dispensaries (currently available in 36 states) carry Delta-9-THC and are highly regulated. We therefore feel that it is a safer option to purchase Delta-9-THC from a licensed dispensary.
We do sell hemp-derived cannabinoids that may offer benefits similar to Delta-8-THC. Depending on one’s reason for looking into Delta-8-THC, they may find that another minor cannabinoid could be helpful. Read on to learn more about them.
What are THCV, CBN, CBG, CBC, CBDA, and CBDV?
Confused by all the acronyms? Rare Cannabinoid Company offers an apothecary of cannabinoids so you can mix and match them according to your needs.
THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) is reportedly good for energy and appetite control. (Related article: Can THCV really curb the munchies?) Rare Cannabinoid Company was the first to offer a purified THCV oil tincture for sale. We also sell the strongest THCV gummies on the market.
CBN may help people relax and sleep better. (Related article: CBN oil for sleep). Buy CBN here. Buy CBN gummies for sleep here.
CBG is being studied for many potential physical and mental benefits. (Related article: Is CBG better than CBD for pain, inflammation and aging?) CBG is for sale online here. Buy CBG cannabinoid gummies here.
CBC is believed to elevate levels of the brain’s “bliss” chemical anandamide and may therefore boost one’s mood. (Related article: CBC for depression) Buy CBC oil here.
CBDA is being studied for anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory uses as well as other health and wellness benefits. (Related article: CBDA vs CBD. What is CBDA and what is it good for?) CBDA is sold here.
CBDV is being researched for autism spectrum disorder and other issues. See studies and buy CBDV here.
We also sell a 1000mg full spectrum CBD oil from premium Hawaiian hemp, a 3000mg extra strength CBD oil, and strong, tasty vegan CBD gummies. We recommend taking CBD oil gummies or tinctures along with rare cannabinoids. CBD oil is good for balance, calm, and inflammation after exercise. It can also offer the entourage effect. This means that it may amplify the effects of rare cannabinoids and that by taking two (or more) cannabinoids together, they may each become stronger than the sum of their parts.
Health benefits of Delta-8-THC?
Delta-8-THC appears to have many of the potential benefits of Delta-9THC.
Delta-8-THC is described by the National Cancer Institute as having “antiemetic, anxiolytic, appetite-stimulating, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties.”
Delta-8-THC and anti-tumor research:
In this scientific study, mice implanted with cancerous tumors and treated with Delta-8-THC saw a reduction in tumor size. Delta-9-THC and CBN were also effective at reducing tumors in this particular study but CBD was not.
Anti-nausea properties of Delta-8-THC:
Israeli researchers gave Delta-8-THC to pediatric cancer patients who were suffering from chemotherapy-induce nausea. Delta-8-THC was found to cure the children’s nausea with vomiting completely prevented in all 480 treatments. Side effects were considered negligible.
The U.S. government also has a patent on the antiemetic or anti-nausea uses of Delta-8-THC. The patent describes a mix of Delta-8-THC with CBD. One portion of the research shows Delta-8-THC to be 200 percent more effective at reducing nausea than Delta-9-THC.
Delta-8-THC and cognitive function:
Delta-8-THC may show promise in treating cognitive issues including Alzheimer’s disease.
A 2004 study found “a tendency (of delta-8-THC) to improve cognitive function.”
A study on mice found that Delta-8-THC increased acetylcholine levels (Ach) in the cortex and hippocampus, and decreased acetylcholine turnover in hippocampus. This finding is notable because Alzheimer’s disease is associated with declining levels of Ach in the brain.
Another experiment found that Delta-8-THC significantly lowered the incidence and severity of neurological decline in autoimmune encephalomyelitis in rats.
Delta-8-THC and pain and inflammation:
A 2018 study found topical Delta-8-THC decreased corneal pain and inflammation in mice.
A 2004 review says that Delta-8-THC (along with Delta-9-THC) could be helpful for patients with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and bowel disorders such as Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Driving and drug tests
While there are potential health and wellness benefits associated with Delta-8-THC there are a few warnings to note:
Due to its intoxicating effects, people should never drive or operate machinery while under the influence of Delta-8-THC.
Drug tests are designed to test for Delta-9-THC. However, due to Delta-8-THC’s similar chemical structure to Delta-9-THC, it is possible to turn up positive on a drug test. It is therefore recommended that anyone who is likely to be drug tested not take Delta-8-THC.
Additionally, due to the uncertain legal status of Delta-8-THC, we advise purchasing other rare cannabinoids or going to a licensed medical marijuana dispensary for Delta-9-THC instead.