Read below about some of the differences between the two different cannabinoids found in hemp & marijuana, potential benefits and risks, and related studies.
The Difference Between Delta 8-THC and Delta 9-THC
Let's get this out of the way: cannabis naturally contains delta 8-THC, however at far lower levels than delta 9-THC. This means that delta 8-THC is a natural cannabinoid just like delta 9-THC found at your local dispensary in states where marijuana has been legalized.
The first question that may pop into your head is what is more preferable. Because of the two cannabinoids similarities, the answer is: it depends.
According to one study, the majority of delta 8-THC users reported high levels or very high levels of relaxation (71%), euphoria (68%) and pain relief (55%), as well as a moderate amount or a lot of cognitive distortions like trouble focusing (81%), problems with short-term memory (80%), and an alerted sense of time (74%). However, the subjects who delta 8-thc, did not report high levels or very high levels of anxiety (74%) or paranoia (83%). Most subjects reported substituting delta-8-THC for delta-9-THC (57%) and pharmaceutical medicines (59%), with participants typically comparing delta-8-THC positively with both delta-9-THC and pharmaceutical drugs.
This implies that delta 8-THC has less adverse effects than delta 9-THC, but will still be quite similar to its older sibling in many ways with its risks and benefits.
Comparisons between Delta 8-THC and Delta 9-THC: What are the potential benefits of delta-8? What are the potential risks of delta-8? A Comprehensive Chart.
Cannabinoid | Potential Benefits | Potential Risks | Impairing Effects |
Delta 8-THC | • pain relief • euphoria • relaxation • insomnia relief • anti-nausea • appetite stimulator | • red eyes • dry mouth • rapid heart rate • trouble with coordination • slowed reaction times • anxiety • memory loss | YES |
Delta 9-THC | • pain relief • euphoria • relaxation • insomnia relief • appetite stimulator | • red eyes • dry mouth • rapid heart rate • trouble with coordination • slowed reaction times • anxiety • memory loss | YES |
Is Delta 8-THC a newly discovered cannabinoid?
Another misconception found in many articles is calling Delta 8-THC a newly found cannabinoid. The first references to Delta 8 are from the 1940s, with its full synthesis occurring in the 1960s. Delta 8 has been well documented since then.
There have been quite a few studies to compare the differences between the two cannabinoids. For example, in another study eight cancer patients were given delta-8 THC by researchers in 1995, two hours prior to each chemotherapy treatment. None of these individuals vomited after their cancer treatments throughout the course of 8 months. In accordance with prior findings, the researchers came to the conclusion that delta-8-THC was a more stable chemical than the more extensively researched delta-9-THC and that delta-8-THC would be a better candidate for novel treatments.
A summary of Delta 8-THC Research
Anti-Nausea Research
A study published in the National Library of Medicine details the following research. A total of 18mg of Delta 8 THC was administered in edible oil form to eight children, aged 3-13 years with various hematologic cancers, treated with different antineoplastic drugs for up to 8 months. The total number of treatments with delta-8-THC so far is 480. The Delta 8 treatment started two hours before each antineoplastic treatment and was continued every 6 hrs for 24 hours. Vomiting was completely prevented. The side effects observed were negligible.
Cancer-Fighting Research
The Journal of the National Cancer Institute published a study where mice with cancerous tumors were administered Delta 8 THC in conjunction with CBN. The study showed a reduction in the size of the tumor and an increase in the mean survival rate when taking Delta 8 and CBN for 20 consecutive days.
Appetite Stimulation Research
A study published by the National Library of Medicine concluded that low doses of Delta 8 THC (0.001 mg/kg) caused increased food consumption and a tendency to improve cognitive function, without cannabimimetic side effects. Hence, a low dose of D8 might be a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of weight disorders.
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