Introduction to Delta-8
What is Delta-8? Delta-8 is a type of cannabis derived compound known as a cannabinoid. Unlike delta-9 THC, delta-8 is legal in most states and is associated with reduced psychoactive effects when consumed. Delta-8 has been gaining popularity in the cannabis market due to its potential therapeutic benefits, including pain relief and anti-anxiety properties.
In this article, we will provide an overview of delta-8 and explain how it is different from delta-9 THC.
Definition of Delta-8
Delta-8 is a type of cannabis concentrate derived from the delta-9-THC found in marijuana. It has similar effects to delta-9 but with a much lower psychoactive intensity than its more popular counterpart. It has also been used for medical purposes such as pain relief, inflammation reduction, and appetite stimulation.
Delta-8 has been used to treat many of the symptoms associated with cancer treatments and other medical conditions.
The definition of delta 8 often depends on where it comes from. Pure D8 is derived from hemp, while Delta 8 THC products generally come from marijuana plants or synthetic production methods. Hemp-derived products must have less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC in order to meet federal law requirements – these are considered legal and safe for consumption, while marijuana-derived products may contain higher percentages of Delta 9 THC and vary by state laws regarding their use and legality.
Most forms of Delta 8 will produce milder mental effects compared to those found in Delta 9 THC products due to its lower psychoactive intensity and longer lasting effect profile. However, it still contains some level of psychotropic activity and may produce some impairment or other adverse reactions if taken in high doses or in combination with other drugs or alcohol.
Benefits of Delta-8
Delta-8 is a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid found in small concentrations in the cannabis plant. It is an analogue of delta-9 THC and has similar effects, but with less intensity. Delta-8 has many potential benefits, including aiding sleep, enhancing mood and inducing relaxation, so it is becoming increasingly popular among marijuana users.
The main benefit of Delta-8 is that it induces the same effects as delta-9 THC but at a higher potency and with less psychotropic potency. This means that it can be used to help people who are looking for the benefits of THC without its more intense side effects. Some studies also suggest that Delta-8 may have neuroprotective and/or neuroregenerative qualities which could potentially be useful for treating degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. Furthermore, since Delta-8 is not as potent as delta-9 THC the risk of overdosing on this cannabinoid is much lower than with its counterpart.
Other potential benefits associated with cannabinoids include:
- Easing body aches and pains due to inflammation.
- Alleviating anxiety and stress.
- Suppressing nausea associated with chemotherapy treatments.
- Reducing seizures associated with epilepsy or other neurological disorders such as Dravet Syndrome.
- Reducing inflammation in conditions such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
- Helping individuals achieve a better quality of life through increased energy levels, improved mental clarity and deeper sleep patterns.
Finally, due to its relatively low level of psychotropic potency compared to other cannabis derivatives such as delta -9 THC ,Delta 8 may be preferable when seeking relief from physical symptoms while avoiding the intoxicating effects usually experienced when using traditional marijuana products.
History of Delta-8
Delta-8 is an isomer of CBD, a popular non-intoxicating cannabinoid derived from hemp. Delta-8 has been increasing in popularity due to its calming effects and ability to produce a mild psychoactive high. While it has only recently emerged as a popular cannabinoid, delta-8 has a long and varied history.
This section will explore the history of delta-8 and how it has changed over time.
Origin of Delta-8
The history of Delta-8 dates back to the early 90s when it was first discovered by researchers at the University of Michigan. Since then, many studies have been conducted to research the potential effects and benefits of this unique cannabis derivative.
Delta-8 is a cannabinoid produced naturally in the human body, specifically by epidermal cells. These cells produce Delta-9THC as well, which is the most commonly found form of THC in marijuana plants. In fact, many believe that Delta-8 may help reduce some of the anxiousness caused by smoking or ingesting cannabis with higher levels of Delta-9THC.
Lawmakers in certain countries have banned further scientific exploration into this cannabinoid due to its psychoactive qualities and professional medical opinions vary. It is important for consumers to conduct their own research and speak with a registered medical professional before attempting to use this substance for any purpose.
Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol has become increasingly popular amongst Cannabis enthusiasts, who are able to legally purchase and enjoy products containing this compound from licensed dispensaries or through online marketplaces.
Popularity of Delta-8
The history of delta-8 THC us being short up until recently, and its popularity is mainly due to the 2018 Farm Bill. This legislation largely legalized hemp-derived products in the United States and allowed delta 8 to be legally sold as an agricultural commodity.
Prior to the Farm Bill, delta-8 THC was only present in trace amounts in cannabis plants that contained Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Because of its low concentration and the lack of regulations on its production, product availability and legal status, it was not available for widespread commercial use.
In recent years, however, delta 8 has become increasingly popular as research into its potential therapeutic benefits has increased. It is now widely used for a variety of purposes including pain relief and relaxation. Some believe it may have anti-cancer properties and could play a role in treating symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease.
In addition to being widely available due to improved production methods resulting from changes in regulations after 2018 Farm Bill, delta 8 THC products are also incredibly accessible thanks to advancements in technology. Consumers are now able to purchase various forms of Delta 8 products online or through cannabis dispensaries both legally and conveniently. With its increasing popularity there is no doubt that Delta 8 will continue to rise as a major trend throughout 2021 and beyond!
Chemistry of Delta-8
Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a cannabinoid derived from the hemp plant. It is known for its unique chemical structure, which gives it different properties from other types of cannabis. Delta-8 is also believed to have positive effects on the body, including helping with stress and managing pain.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the chemistry of delta-8 and how it interacts with the body.
Molecular Structure of Delta-8
Delta-8 is an isomer of Delta-9 THC, the psychoactive component in cannabis plant. It has a similar molecular structure to delta-9 with a few key differences. Delta-8 molecules have double bonds between its 8th carbon atoms while delta-9 molecules have double bonds between its 9th carbon atoms (hence their names). This difference also gives Delta-8 its unique effects, as they interact differently with the receptors located in the human brain.
Delta-8 molecules have a molecular formula of C₁₆H₁₈O₂ and a molecular weight of 234.33 g/mol. It has a boiling point of 175°C and vaporizes at 218°C. It is usually found in raw cannabis plants as an acetylated form before it's extracted and processed into final forms such as oils, crystals, or edibles. The compound has also been found naturally occurring endocannabinoids made by humans called 2-arachidonoylglyerol (2AG).
Delta 8 THC may pass through the bloodstream quickly when consumed orally or sublingually, which is why it's commonly added to vaping cartridges or used for dabbing waxes and concentrates at higher temperatures. When inhaled, delta 8 breaks down in the lungs and enters the bloodstream directly to be circulated throughout the body much faster than when it's digested orally or sublingually.
The effects of this particular cannabinoid are often described as milder than those of Delta 9 but offer a ‘body high' that's more noticeable than with regular Delta 9 consumption — though this can vary based on various factors including personal body chemistry and tolerance level.
Chemical Properties of Delta-8
Delta-8 is a cannabinoid found naturally in cannabis plants, but it can also be synthesized in the laboratory. It is an analogue of the more well known Delta-9 THC and has similar effects on the body, though generally not as intense.
The chemical structure of delta-8 is slightly different than delta-9 which accounts for its unique properties. Specifically, delta-8 has double bonds on both sides of the molecule, while Delta 9 only has one single bond. This change to the molecular structure affects how it binds to our bodies receptors and is some of what gives Delta 8 its unique qualities and effects.
When heated, Delta-8 breaks down faster and turns into an analog called cannabinol (CBN). This process happens much faster than with Delta 9 THC which remains stable when heated and stays in its original form until it breaks down in our bodies receptors or acid deterioration causes it to degrade into CBN over time.
Delta 8 is hydrophobic meaning it does not dissolve very easily in water so it generally must be consumed with some kind of oil based medium for absorption. Its solubility rate when dissolved in fat or oil greatly influences how long it will stay active in our bodies before entering metabolism, usually ranging from 2 to 6 hours depending on each individual's body chemistry and metabolism rate.
Legal Status of Delta-8
Delta-8 is a form of cannabis-derived compound, similar to delta-9 THC and cannabinol (CBN). Delta-8 is a lesser known cannabinoid and so there is still a lot to be explored when it comes to it. While delta-8 isn't illegal federally, its status on a state-by-state basis can vary significantly.
In this article, we will be exploring the legal status of delta-8 in different states:
Federal Regulations on Delta-
The legality of Delta-8 products vary from state to state, as well as on the federal level. On the federal level, Delta-8 is considered to be a marijuana-derivative and is regulated under the Controlled Substances Act. This law categorizes cannabis products cannabis derivatives into two schedules – Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 – according to their potential health risks and beneficial uses.
Currently, Delta-8 falls into Schedule 1 of the Controlled Substances Act, meaning it is treated like other THC derivatives such as delta-9 THC in regards to legal status. While there are certain exemptions available for certain industrial uses, Delta-8 is ultimately still illegal under federal law when not used for industrial purposes. With that said, individual states may have their own laws regarding Delta-8 that may supersede those set forth by the federal government. It is important to research each state's individual laws before attempting to purchase or use any form of Delta 8 product.
State Regulations on Delta-8
The legal status of delta-8 is a complicated and changing matter. It is important for businesses and consumers to understand the regulations around delta-8, especially if considering selling or purchasing products containing it.
The legality of delta-8 varies from place to place, so an understanding of state regulations is critical. Generally speaking, delta-8 is not explicitly illegal in the United States at the federal level. However, many states have enacted laws that affect its sale and use in various ways. Some states have outright banned the sale of products containing delta-8 while others have imposed strict age limits or taxation requirements on it. Furthermore, some states allow the use of delta-8 legally but under certain circumstances may still classify it as a controlled substance.
Due to this complex legal landscape, it can be difficult to know exactly where you stand when considering whether to purchase or sell products containing Delta 8, especially as state laws change frequently and vary widely from one another. It is best practice for customers as well as business owners to seek informed advice before engaging in any type of exchange involving Delta 8 products in order safeguard their reputation, rights, finances and safety.