What is the difference between Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC?

Cannabis is a plant with an infinite number of unique qualities. From THC to CBD, there is a wide range of cannabinoids and terpenes that can affect you in different ways. When buying cannabis for therapeutic purposes or just for pleasure, it is crucial to know the intricacies of the plant and its properties.

Delta-9 THC is a property of cannabis that was discovered back in 1964. This property is linked to some of the expected effects of cannabis, such as excitement, sedation, relaxation, laughter, memory impairment and hunger. So what is Delta-8 THC? Delta-8 is a lesser-known cannabinoid but an equally important one to be aware of. The main difference between Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC is that Delta-8 is slightly less psychoactive than Delta-9. This means that products with Delta-8 THC have a more gradual and more satisfying effect on the consumer.

Of the more than 100 cannabinoids available for isolation, why Delta-8?

Why struggle to find products with Delta-8 THC? Well, there are several reasons. Firstly, some studies have shown several health benefits of Delta-8. Let's dive in.

1. The anti-tumor effects of cannabinoids

This study published by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found several exciting results of Delta-8 use, all of which broadly imply its beneficial qualities:

Oral administration of Delta-8 THC suppressed tumor growth in the lungs.

When measured 12 days after tumor inoculation, all doses (50-400 mg/kg) of Delta-8 THC inhibited primary tumor growth by 40-60%.

Mice treated with 50, 200 and 400 mg/kg delta-8-THC were found to have increased longevity by 22.6, 24.6 and 27.2%, respectively.

Mice receiving delta-8-THC and CBN for 20 consecutive days reduced primary tumor size.

Experiments with bone marrow and isolated Lewis lung cells incubated in vitro with delta-8-THC showed a dose-dependent (10 -4 10 -7) inhibition (80-20%, respectively) of tritium-labeled thymidine and 14C-uridine uptake in these cells.

These results suggest a link between the use of Delta-8 THC and cancer reduction. Considering how this study may affect the more casual cannabis user, consider that these results help prove Delta-8's overall health benefits as a cannabinoid that will do more good than harm to your body's functions.

2. A new effective cannabinoid antiemetic in pediatric oncology.

This study published in Natural Sciences investigated the use of Delta-8 as an antiemetic in the treatment of childhood cancer and found some promising results:

Delta-8 THC has antiemetic properties that help prevent vomiting.

With 480 courses of Delta-8 THC, which started two hours before each anti-tumor treatment and continued every six hours for 24 hours, vomiting was prevented entirely.

For young cancer patients in this study, Delta-8 THC was seen to prevent vomiting after their chemotherapy treatment effectively. This is a positive sign of the overall health benefits of Delta-8, even for those who may be suffering from less severe diseases.

3. research on Delta-8 THC: literature from the National Institutes of Health.

In the literature found by the National Institutes of Health, some health benefits have been associated with Delta-8 THC:

Delta-8 THC is less effective than Delta-9, but it has been found to stimulate appetite better.

Delta-8 THC is less disturbing than Delta-9.

Delta-8 THC may even be 200% more effective as an antiemetic than Delta-9.

This study showed that Delta-8 THC could cause less anxiety or potentially paranoid highs than regular marijuana with THC, which is great news for the casual cannabis user. In terms of health uses, this study shows that there is a possibility of Delta-8 THC being used therapeutically as an antiemetic to inhibit nausea and vomiting in people suffering from such conditions.

4. Delta-8 THC and increased appetite.

This article, found on PubMed, presented a study that found an association between Delta-8 THC use and food intake, cognitive function and neurotransmitters:

Mice were fed 2.5 hours a day for 9 or 50 days, with a 9-day regimen of THC-treated mice increasing food intake by 16% compared to controls.

Delta-8 THC induced an increase in activity in mice.

Cognitive function showed a trend towards improvement with Delta-8 THC.

Overall, Delta-8 THC induced increased food intake and improved cognitive function without cannabimimetic side effects. Thus, low-dose THC can be seen as a potential therapeutic tool for treating weight disorders.

The use of Delta-8 in this study has shown cannabinoid benefits in treating appetite disorders and cognitive function. This means that Delta-8 THC has the potential to help with any loss of appetite as well as metabolic process and mental clarity.

5. Delta-8 efficacy.

In this article published by Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, researchers found:

Delta-8 has the same effect on the human body as Delta-9, but its relative effectiveness is 2: 3.

This further confirms what we have already learned that Delta-8 is an effective but quieter and less potent cannabinoid than Delta-9.

In short, thanks to this research, we can see that Delta-8 THC can help with a more transparent and less anxious high and help with pain and inflammation, stimulate appetite, curb nausea, and generally complement a healthier lifestyle. The medical benefits of Delta-8 make it a fundamental property of cannabis.

More important information about Delta-8 THC:

Cannabis is a plant that grows naturally and safely around the world. Each cannabis plant is made up of different types of cannabinoids, chemical components that interact with our body's receptors. These cannabinoids are why we feel the mental and physical effects of consuming or using cannabis products. Delta-8 THC is one of the four most common cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Although Delta-8 is a rarer cannabinoid than Delta-9, it can be harder to obtain.

Most dried cannabis flowers will contain less than 1% Delta-8. Those in the Delta-8 industry know that the only way to produce a significant amount of this cannabinoid is to extract, isolate, convert and purify dried cannabis flowers. Cannabis distillate can contain a much higher percentage (even up to 99%) of Delta-8. For example, this Washington-based cannabis extractor produces a distillate called AquaTek Delta-8 THC, containing 58% Delta-8 THC, 7.9% Delta-9 THC, and 0.35% CBD. Fortunately, Delta-8 can be extracted from any cannabis plant, both Sativa and Indica strains, contributing to its availability.

How is Delta-8 produced?

Delta-8 THC production starts with the cannabis plant. High-quality cannabis grown in rich quality soil will, of course, contribute to the best quality Delta-8. These buds will then be harvested, dried, processed and trimmed. Each cannabis will contain many cannabinoids in addition to Delta-8, including Delta-9 and CBD. To focus on a single cannabinoid, the producer goes through extraction, extraction and synthesis. Some producers start by crushing the flower by fractional distillation. Delta-8 isolation can take place by changing the temperature and pressure during distillation. This process will create a distillate that can be refined enough to be 99% Delta-8 or less, if necessary.

Some producers use an isomerization process which can help convert CBD and CBG to volumetric Delta-8 THC. Isomerization is a chemical procedure in which a molecule is converted to an isomer with a different chemical structure, allowing the conversion of CBD to Delta-8.

What types of Delta-8 products are available?

With health benefits in mind, when shopping for cannabis products, it is in your best interest to start looking for products that contain Delta-8. As with other cannabis properties, terpenes and cannabinoids, you cannot be sure that a product includes Delta-8 unless it is clearly and specifically labeled. Here are just some of the forms in which Delta-8 may be sold:

Delta-8 chewable candies

Delta-8 Balms

Delta-8 Wax

Delta-8 Vape

Delta-8 THC Oils

Delta-8 creams & lotions

Which type of product you buy depends a lot on which form of cannabis consumption usually works best for you, so think about what has worked for you in the past with other forms or varieties of cannabis. If you are a beginner, try starting with a simple low-dose product to get you better accustomed to Delta-8.

What is the standard recommended dosage for Delta-8 THC?

The suggested dosage of Delta-8 THC can be highly subjective and depends on what type of user you are. Are you new to cannabis and have never tried it before? Or have you been using cannabis for a long time? Do you casually use cannabis for recreational purposes? Or do you mainly use cannabis for medicinal purposes? Perhaps you've only taken CBD products before and want to know if the same dosage applies?

Consider all of these questions before you buy the first product you see. With Delta-8 products, you may want to find a slightly different dosage than with CBD products, simply because they have other effects, and Delta-8 is slightly more psychoactive than CBD. You will also want to look for two numbers: milligrams and the dosage.

Strength in milligrams refers to the amount of Delta-8 in the formula compared to the other ingredients.

The dosage is the amount you take in one dose.

Depending on your consumer type, consider this summary table as a guide to decide which dosage is best for you:

STARTING USER (low or unknown tolerance): 5-15 mg in one dose.

PROMOTE USER (medium tolerance, semi-regular user): 15-45 mg at a time.

ADVANCED USER (high tolerance, occasional user): 45-150 mg+ at a time

Is there a difference between Delta-8 and CBD?

Both CBD and Delta-8 are much less effective than Delta-9 THC, and as we have learned, many products can contain both CBD and Delta-8. There are several things to consider when differentiating between Delta-8 and CBD:

Delta-8 THC

·       Psychoactive

·       Low concentrations per cannabis plant

·       Low potency

·       Used for medicinal and recreational purposes

·       Binds to CB1 receptors and relates to CB2 receptors

CBD

·       Non-psychoactive

·       Higher concentrations per cannabis plant

·       Mainly used for medicinal purposes

·       Binds to CB1 receptors

The most significant difference between CBD and Delta-8 is their non-psychoactive and psychoactive nature. Combined with a product, they can provide a well-balanced, health-conscious experience.

What is the best form of Delta-8 THC?

We've mentioned all the many forms you can find in Delta-8 THC - chewable candies, topicals, tinctures and vapes. Is there a premiere version? The one document that provides the most quality results? Again, this is a subjective question that can only be answered based on your specific needs and experience level.

Generally, chewable candies come in a much more comprehensive range of dosages. They thus are an excellent option for those who are just starting or want to play around with potency levels. Topical remedies, lotions and oils are best for those who would like to focus on specific aches and pains: dry skin, tight muscles, bruising, neck stiffness, etc. D. Tinctures are a great form for those who prefer a tasteless alternative - one that can be mixed with anything from coffee to smoothies and cocktails.

This is another particular example of assessing your status as a cannabis consumer. Ask yourself the questions you need to answer and test your body to determine which type of product best suits your needs.

Conclusion

We have now learned that Delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid with the following properties: psychoactive, lower than its more common brother, Delta-9 THC, and contains many health benefits, including potential use as an antiemetic, appetite. Stimulant, metabolic enhancer, cognitive enhancer, pain relief and stress reliever.

Hopefully, these facts about Delta-8 have opened your eyes a little bit to the potential positive effects that cannabis can have on your life. It is a unique cannabinoid that can change the way you look at the whole world of cannabis. When starting your Delta 8 journey, be sure to look for Delta 8 products when looking for cannabis. Look for proven companies with good reviews where you can shop. Once you find the product and dosage that suits you best, get ready for a balanced, calm and clear Delta-8 experience.