Could delta-8 THC provide some of marijuana's benefits?

During the last year, you may have noticed the availability of a product labelled delta-8 THC or "delta 8" in local drugstores and supermarkets. These items are available for purchase alongside CBD-containing edibles, oils, and topical creams. Hemp-derived delta-8 THC is chemically similar to the psychoactive component of cannabis, delta-9 THC, which is responsible for the high that cannabis users report. More often, people will just refer to THC as delta-9 THC. Delta-8 THC may be smoked or swallowed just like regular marijuana. However, it's smoked seldom. Anecdotal data suggests this substance's benefits include facilitating relaxation and relieving pain without the intense highs that might cause anxiety or psychosis. Despite this, hardly much research has been conducted on this chemical. To better understand who is taking delta-8 THC, why, and what effects it has, we public health scholars decided to conduct the first-ever study of its users.

Newest market-making cannabinoid


The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, or farm bill, legalised the distribution of compounds derived from hemp. The commonly available substance known as CBD originates from hemp. But can you buy delta-8 thc edibles? Yes, surely!


Delta-8 THC is a subtype of the cannabinoid


Similar to THC chemically, but not identical; an isomer. Since delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol contains a distinct double bond in its carbon ring compared to ordinary THC, its affinity for the CB1 receptor in the brain's endocannabinoid system is lower. This may explain why its psychoactive effects are less than those of THC. The following two diagrams depict the molecular structures of delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC, respectively.

Best Structure


When it comes to molecular structure, delta-9 THC, or "real" THC, and delta-8 THC are almost identical. All that separates these two is where a double bond is situated inside the carbon ring. Raw cannabis bud or flower does not contain enough of the therapeutic cannabinoid delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol to be smoked for medicinal purposes. It may be synthesised in a chemical lab, converted from CBD or another cannabinoid, or extracted from a lot of plant matter. Despite this, delta-8 THC products are quickly becoming one of the most exciting niches in the hemp industry. They seem to be especially well-liked in places where it is still illegal to sell products containing THC or where medical treatment is scarce.

Using scientific methods to shed light


So can you buy delta-8 thc edibles? Surely. Our data was gathered via an online survey taken by over 500 people from 38 different states as part of our study. Most of the people in our research used concentrations of delta-8 THC, either orally (through edibles and tinctures) or by smoking it (via electronic cigarettes), both of which may be safer than smoking.

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