Delta-8 THC

Delta-8 THC products are NOT recommended for use by anyone subject to drug testing.

In the 2021 Farm Bill, all hemp and its “derivatives, isomers, and cannabinoids” were made federally legal, so long as the hemp contains less than 0.3% Delta-9-THC by dry weight. Therefore, hemp-derived Delta-8-THC is legal to purchase and use for product formulations including consumer favorites like vaporizable extracts and oils. 

Many cannabis users are familiar with Delta-9-THC, the chemical found in the marijuana flower which gives the user a high feeling. However, there are many other useful (and legal) cannabinoids (like THC, CBD, CBG, etc.) in the cannabis plant. Delta-8 THC is similar to its cousin Delta-9 THC in that it causes an intoxicating, euphoric effect, but with some key differences.  

Similar to Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 THC is anti-nausea, anti-anxiety, appetite-stimulating, pain relieving, slows the growth of tumors, and is protective of the brain. It does contain psychoactive properties, but it is much less intense in nature, and seems to eliminate the paranoia, anxiety, and other negative effects that some report with Delta-9 THC. Users report feeling clear headed with Delta-8 THC. You may wish to combine Delta-8 THC products with CBD for what is known as the entourage effect - they help each other work better than if you used them separately.  

In 1995, Delta-8 THC was shown to be an efficient new cannabinoid antiemetic (anti-nausea) in pediatric oncology in an experiment conducted in Israel. Delta-8 THC was found to be an effective agent in relieving the symptoms of chemotherapy. Eight children between the ages of 3 and 13 were given the compound two hours before their treatment. Vomiting was eliminated and other side effects lessened. Raphael Mechoulam, called the father of modern-day cannabis research and a patent holder for Delta-8 THC antiemetic treatments, was part of a team comparing Delta-8 THC and metoclopramide (brand name Reglan, an anti-nausea drug commonly used in chemotherapy patients). The children enrolled in the trial were all blood cancer patients — primarily leukemia — and Delta-8 THC stopped all nausea and vomiting induced by the chemotherapy treatments. Metoclopramide was only effective in 40 percent of patients and higher doses caused dangerous side effects. The Delta-8-THC side effects observed were negligible.

Always check with your medical provider before discontinuing any medications. 

References

“What Is Delta 8 THC?!” Medicinal Dreams, www.medicinaldreams.com/blogs/news/what-is-delta-8-thc?fbclid=IwAR0jWUl0fRSPBEVali4EKDlljm43TxZ3bel0f8toGW04ESsXtZ9PdP3rRpA

Wilhelm, Jeremiah. “What Is Delta-8-THC and How Is It Different from Delta-9?” Leafly, 8 Mar. 2018, www.leafly.com/news/science-tech/what-is-delta8-thc

“The Therapeutic Benefits of Medicating with Delta-8 THC.” Trulieve, www.trulieve.com/blog/the-therapeutic-benefits-of-medicating-with-delta-8-thc

“What Is Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)?” Shango, 19 Feb. 2019, goshango.com/blog/what-is-delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol-thc/