Delta 9 THC is what we see in many dispensaries, social media posts, and educational content. But recently, hemp introduced (to the public) a new delta compound that still provides a “high” and is actually legal under federal hemp law- delta 8 THC.
Delta 8 is THC, but not like delta 9. Delta 9 THC is federally illegal, though legal in many states with medicinal and adult use laws. Delta 8 THC on the other hand is federally legal because it’s a THC compound derived from hemp and is said to be a degraded form of delta 9 THC; THC with less potency, and not an intense high.
What is Delta 8 THC
In a recent Plain Jane blog post about delta 8 THC, Evan discussed delta 8 THC and stated that this isn’t a new compound:
“Believe it or not, scientists have known about delta 8 THC since the 1970s. Leo E. Hollister M.D. and H. K. Gillespie B.A. wrote about the effects of delta 8 THC in humans in their 1973 paper, “Delta‐8‐ and delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol; Comparison in man by oral and intravenous administration.”
Delta 8 THC, as described by Weedmaps, is:
“An analog of delta-9-THC, a molecule with a similar structure, but some notable differences. While the two share many similar properties, such as reportedly stimulating appetite, reducing nausea, and soothing pain, delta-8-THC tends to exhibit a lower psychotropic potency than delta-9-THC”.
So, it looks like delta 8 THC is in fact legal THC, with a less intoxicating effect than delta 9 THC- which is the main compound responsible for the “high”.
Delta 8 THC and Legal Status under Federal Hemp Law
In August 2020, the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) published a rule regarding the scheduling of hemp and marijuana. Andrea Hope J. Steel, director of the Cannabis Business Law Group for Coats | Rose, and Lisa Pittman, co-chair of the Cannabis Business Law Practice, dissected the new rule because the assumption in the cannabis community was that delta 8 THC is illegal.
Steel and Pittman state that:
“We dug into the Rule and other materials, and we disagree with the “now illegal” conclusion. Instead, we theorize that so long as the Delta-8 is derived from cannabis that meets the definition of hemp, it does not appear to be illegal under the federal CSA and we don’t believe the DEA Rule alters this”.
The Benefits of Delta 8 THC
One of the benefits of consuming delta 8 THC is- the benefit of consuming legal THC. Other benefits include:
- Appetite-stimulation
- Analgesic and neuroprotective properties
- Lower psychotropic potency
- Anti-nausea
- Anti-anxiety
- Pain relief
- Anti-inflammation
- Clarity and focus
HealthMJ, provided a list of delta 8 research:
- A study conducted in 1995, described Delta 8-THC as “an efficient new cannabinoid” with “lower psychotropic potency than the main cannabis constituent, delta-9-THC.”
- A 2018 study published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research found that Delta 8-THC could reduce pain and inflammation in mice. Delta 8-THC was applied topically to mice and the results showed reduced pain and inflammation on the area.
- In a 2004 study, researchers analyzed Delta 8-THC and its effect on appetite control. Researchers gave Delta 8-THC to mice who had recently completed a weight loss regimen. Because of the results, researchers suggested that a low dose of Delta 8-THC “may be a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of weight disorders.”
Delta 8 THC Products
Delta 8 THC can be found in the same forms as Delta 9 THC products. Because of its legality, delta 8 THC can be ordered online, and shipped. As for the ways one can consume delta 8 THC, here are a few delta 8 products on the scene:
- Delta 8 Hemp Flower
- Delta 8 Edibles
- Delta 8 Vape Cartridges
- Delta 8 Nano Drops
- Delta 8 Tincture Oil
- Delta 8 Hemp Cigarettes and Prerolls
- Delta 8 Syrup
Final Thoughts
It’s worth mentioning that Plain Jane will have a delta 8 product drop soon.
The information provided isn’t intended to be legal advice. For legal consulting, it’s best to discuss with an attorney. Equally, this article isn’t intended to provide medical advice, so talk to a physician for questions about delta 8 THC and treatment for medical conditions.
Veronica Castillo is a writer from Miami, with a pre-Cannabis background in insurance and human resources. Currently, she is a resident of the road exploring all thing’s cannabis and hemp in the United States, and soon abroad.
You can follow her journey on IG @vee_traveling_veg_canna_writer.
