THE DELTA 8 THC DETAILS
Delta-8 THC is a bit of a mystery. Researchers have performed countless studies to unearth the effects of Delta-8 THC. Most of these studies involved mice and not humans. Besides this, there are a lot of restrictions imposed on how the substance can be studied. Hence, Delta-8 THC continues to remain a mystery.
What Do We Know about Delta-8 THC Until Now?
For that, let’s travel back in time to the years 1974, 1975, 1995, 2004, and 2018.
- 1974
The National Cancer Institute experimented on mice using Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 THC, and Hemp Shop. The study’s purpose was to prove the harmful effects of THC on the immune system, but to their surprise, they discovered the complete opposite. Delta-8 THC had cancer-killing properties.
- 1975
Researchers experimented on rats using Delta-8 THC and discovered its tumor-shrinking ability. Delta-8 THC decreased the growth rate of the Lewis lung adenocarcinoma. The researchers also administered Delta-9 THC and Cannabinol (CBN), with the latter not contributing to a slow growth rate.
- 1995
Researchers in Jerusalem administered Delta-8 THC to children with cancer to reduce nausea, which is a symptom of chemotherapy. They discovered that giving Delta-8 THC to cancer patients reduced their nausea, noting a 100% success rate, and helped with other related symptoms.
- 2004
Researchers administered Delta-8 THC to mice, giving them low amounts. Compared to Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 THC increased their appetite and reduced their anxiety.
- 2018
A preclinical study discovered that Delta-8 THC could reduce pain and inflammation in mice with a corneal injury.
Delta-8 THC has shown to be effective and beneficial on various occasions, but where did it come from? Although some of you may already know the answer, most of you may not. Do you know what this means? It’s time to delve into Delta-8 THC’s past.
Delta-8 THC: Origin Story
Delta-8 THC is a minor cannabinoid or a degraded form of THC that occurs in the plant in extremely small amounts. The cannabinoid-synthesizing enzymes in the plant don’t directly produce it. You need to store THC for a specified duration to convert it into Delta-8 THC. Commercial extractors and growers use molecular isolation and selective breeding to access large amounts of Delta-8 THC.
Delta-8 THC: What is It
Delta-8 THC is a molecule with a similar structure as Delta-9 THC, but with distinguishable differences.
Although the two share several of the same properties, Delta-8 THC’s psychotropic potency is lower than Delta-9 THC.
Delta-8 THC: How It Works
Delta-8 THC binds to the CB1 receptors found in your central nervous system. Delta-8 THC has an affinity for CB2 receptors, but information on this binding mechanism is limited. Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC may come from the same plant, but they have similarities and differences.
Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC: Similarities and Differences
Delta-8 THC’s chemical structure differs from Delta-9 THC’s chemical structure. Their molecular chain contains double bonds, but the location of a critical chemical bond is different. Delta-8 THC’s critical chemical bond is on the 8th carbon chain, whereas Delta-9 THC’s critical chemical bond is on the 9th carbon chain.
Even though the chain isn’t that drastic, the effects are. They influence the body’s endocannabinoid receptors and react to the molecule differently from each other. Additionally, Delta-8 THC is more stable than Delta-9 THC.
You can oxidize Delta-9 THC to convert into Delta-8 THC or cannabinol (CBN). Delta-8 THC is stable and doesn’t oxidize to convert into CBN and has a longer shelf life, making it popular for medicinal purposes.
Although Delta-8 THC’s strength and potency are less than Delta-9 THC, it doesn’t produce any psychotropic effects but offers medicinal benefits. It’s ideal for people who want the benefits while being aware of their surroundings.