What is Delta-8-THC? Potential Effects and Risks

Among the many cannabinoids currently described, a sibling of the well-known tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has appeared. There are different variants of THC: Delta-9-THC is the most studied and most abundant in cannabis, but today we will discuss Delta-8-THC.

Delta-8-THC is produced in the cannabis plant (although Delta-8-THC products on the market contain it of synthetic origin), and has different properties and effects than THC. Today in Cannactiva, we tell you the differences between these two types of THC.

What is Delta-8-THC?

Delta-8-THC (delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol) is a cannabinoid with psychoactive effects found naturally in cannabis plants in small amounts. Not to be confused with delta-9-THC, or simply THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is a more psychoactive form of THC, and is found in cannabis in higher amounts than delta-8-THC.

All kinds of Delta-8-THC products are available on the market, from flowers to resins, vapes and gummies. These products contain this cannabinoid of synthetic origin.

Delta-8-THC is marketed primarily for recreational purposes. It is also of interest in the therapeutic field, as it has less psychoactive effects than THC. However, current scientific evidence continues to show more benefits for THC, with delta-8-THC having few proven benefits. There are very few studies demonstrating therapeutic effects of Delta-8-THC.

Differences between Delta-9-THC and Delta-8-THC

Delta-8-THC and delta-9-THC have structural differences in their molecules, which cause Delta-8-THC to interact less strongly with the body’s endocannabinoid system.

Specifically, delta-8-THC binds to CB1 receptors less strongly than THC, resulting in milder psychoactive effects and a different profile of potential therapeutic benefits.

Effects of Delta-8-THC

Delta-8-THC is known to induce a “lucid” effect as it facilitates a clearer and more manageable perceptual experience in contrast to the potent psychoactive effect of delta-9-THC.

Because Delta-8-THC users have reported having a more moderate experience (2) than when using marijuana, it has been suggested that Delta-8-THC could be a tool to effectively induce the desirable effects of medical cannabis without the psychoactive effects of Delta-9-THC (3).

Origin and production of Delta-8-THC

Delta-8-THC is found naturally in cannabis plants in considerably smaller amounts than Delta-9-THC (4). The vast majority of commercially available products include synthetic Delta-8-THC, from CBD (cannabidiol) or Delta-9-THC (5).

Delta-8-THC can be produced artificially from CBD or Delta-9-THC (5).

From industrial hemp CBD it is possible to manufacture delta-8-THC and delta-9-THC. This practice has been carried out by some producers for economic reasons. In addition, as of 2020, legal ambiguity in the United States encouraged a boom in delta-8-THC products, including vapes and edibles. This synthetic cannabinoid has not only been produced on an industrial scale, but also in small quantities on a domestic basis.

Products with Delta-8-THC

Delta-8-THC is available in a wide range of products in some countries, including edibles, tinctures, vapes, resins, flowers and many other products. These products are marketed exclusively for recreational purposes, being promoted as psychoactive.

An analysis of delta-8-THC vape products in the United States published in 2021 showed that none of the products had correct labeling for cannabinoid content, and all of them contained undeclared adulterants, including everything from by-products of their chemical synthesis to heavy metals (15). Although further research is clearly needed, these findings are already raising alarms about the safety of these products.

Potential benefits of Delta-8-THC

There are very few studies demonstrating the possible therapeutic effects of Delta-8-THC. Most of this research has been carried out in cell culture and animal models, which, although they appear promising, have reported controversial results. Reports in humans are mainly based on anecdotal evidence, with the exception of a few studies focused on oncology patients.

For the moment, Delta-8-THC has few studies showing its efficacy, while its sibling delta-9-THC has the most scientific evidence and medicinal potential.

Pain Management

In animal studies, it has been observed that Delta-8-THC can induce an antinociceptive effect that is minor (6) or similar to that of Delta-9-THC (7). This means that Delta-8-THC could give relief from the pain present in some conditions.

Vomiting Prevention

Several preclinical studies have validated the ability of Delta-8-THC to prevent vomiting resulting from exposure to cancer treatment (8). A study in children confirmed the efficacy of Delta-8-THC in preventing the occurrence of vomiting in children who received several cycles of antitumor treatment (9).

Antiepileptic

Research related to the possible antiepileptic effect of Delta-8-THC has been carried out in rodent models. One study showed that high doses of Delta-8-THC can reduce the occurrence of seizures by up to 25%; but, although administration of Delta-8-THC may work as an antiepileptic, it also appears to produce tolerance rapidly (10).

Intraocular Pressure Reduction

Delta-8-THC has been shown to be effective in lowering intraocular pressure according to studies in rabbits (11); in addition, it is possible that Delta-8-THC is also linked to the reduction of inflammation in corneal injury (12).

Effects on the Immune System

Research on the impact of Delta-8-THC on the immune system has been conducted primarily through studies in cell culture and animal models. Some researchers have identified a potential immunosuppressive effect associated with Delta-8-THC (13). However, this effect, which could initially be considered adverse, seems to manifest itself only after the initial doses. Evidence suggests that the accumulation of tolerance to Delta-8-THC over time may attenuate or completely eliminate this immunosuppressive effect.

Side effects of delta-8-THC

Although Delta-8-THC tends to cause less severe side effects compared to Delta-9-THC, it can still cause symptoms such as dry mouth, red eyes, diarrhea, anxiety and palpitations (14).

Side effects of delta-8-THC

Although Delta-8-THC tends to cause less severe side effects compared to Delta-9-THC, it can still cause symptoms such as dry mouth, red eyes, diarrhea, anxiety and palpitations (14).

Conclusion

Delta-8-THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis in very small amounts, and marketed products containing it are usually obtained from synthetic sources.

There are still many aspects to be evaluated through scientific studies to understand the applications and safety profile of Delta-8-THC. As for its possible therapeutic potential, for the moment, delta-8-THC has few studies showing its efficacy, while its sibling delta-9-THC has the most scientific evidence and medicinal potential.

We hope you found this article interesting. We will continue to report more cannabinoids in future posts!

References

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12. Thapa, D., Cairns, E. A., Szczesniak, A. M., Toguri, J. T., Caldwell, M. D., & Kelly, M. E. M. (2018). The Cannabinoids delta-8-THC, CBD, and HU-308 Act via Distinct Receptors to Reduce Corneal Pain and Inflammation. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 3(1), 11-20. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2017.0041
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