Delta 8 THC: What Is It And How Is It Made?
Delta 8 THC is a Delta 9 THC molecule which has been “rotated 180 degrees” using a lab process known as decarboxylation, or “decarbing.” Delta 8 is extracted from the Delta 9 THC molecule found in cannabis. Delta 8 can be produced by combining olive oil with an extract of cannabidiol (CBD). Delta-8 THC is a derived from Delta (9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol by refluxing the oil of a baked cannabis plant for 2 hours with an excess amount of super concentrated ethanol. Delta 8 is also known as Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid-A. Delta 9 THC is the primary cannabinoid found in most cannabis plants.
Delta 8 was discovered by Raphael Mechoulam and S. Ben-Shabat as one of possibly as many as ten other Delta 8 and Delta 9 conversion products that occur naturally from Delta 9 THC when exposed to heat over time.
The Delta 8 version of Delta 9 THC does not have any psychoactive properties at all, so you can’t get high off it. It does however have great anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, so it could be used effectively at around cold and flu season to help stave off common infections.
Delta 8 comes from the hemp plant so it is completely legal and exempted from listing as a controlled substance due to the Farm Bill granting legal distribution of hemp derived products.
Delta 8 has a strong citrus flavor when smoked or vaporized due to its terpene content. There are about 700 different varieties of compounds in cannabis that make up 40% of the plant’s extractable oil which contain at least 100 different cannabinoids besides Delta 6 and Delta 9. Because Delta 8 is so rare, it is not known to have as many medical benefits that Delta 9 has. Delta 8’s effects are mainly soothing and calming.
Delta 8 works in the body by attaching itself to Delta receptors which act as keys to open up an array of cannabinoid pores on the serotonin network throughout your brain. These serotonin “doors” can be opened by Delta 6 or Delta 9 THC as well but Delta 8 just doesn’t have as efficient of a connector. It still acts as a supplement to Delta 9 though because Delta 7 has a very strong connection to these mouths and opens them much wider than Delta 9 ever could due to its infrequency. Once Delta 8 attaches to the Delta receptor without Delta 7, a larger than normal dose of serotonin floods the brain.
Users of Delta 8 should be aware that Delta-8 activates the serotonin receptor to a greater degree than Delta 9 THC because Delta 7 has a very strong connection to these mouths. This is why, in sensitive individuals, Delta 8 can produce psychedelic experiences similar to those caused by hallucinogenic drugs. However, this also means that Delta 8 can have stronger negative effects on these individual’s mind/body such as anxiety or confusion when taken at high doses. This is due to the fact that Delta-8 blood levels don’t peak until after serotonin is already released into your system. Use should be limited or avoided altogether if you are prone to anxiety attacks or paranoia.
Use should be limited or avoided altogether if you are prone to hallucinations or have been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder. Delta 8 THC is also known to have some of the strongest effects on appetite out of all cannabinoids, which can be a positive or a negative depending on your situation. Delta 8 may be helpful for sick people who need longer term relief from nausea and loss of appetite due to illness or chemotherapy.
The Delta-9 THC molecule does not have any effect without being activated by the attachment of a “molecular gnome” that fits into the Delta 9 like a key into a lock. This incredibly unique structure is found in Delta-8 molecules but not Delta-9 THC. If Delta 9 THC was exposed to this specialized enzyme it would be quickly deactivated instead of activating with its usual uplifting cerebral effects. (Raphael Mechoulam)
Delta-8 THC has many therapeutic benefits when combined with other cannabinoids in low doses and taken orally. Delta 8 works well when mixed with cannabinol (CBN), cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Delta 8 helps stop seizures in epileptics. It may also help improve mood elevating depression in AIDS patients and reduce pain in cancer patients by increasing their appetite so they can eat without fear of nausea and vomiting.
Delta 8 , as commonly found in most medical marijuana dispensaries, has the most potent effect once vapor or smoke is inhaled and enters the blood stream. This research was used to combine Delta 8 with Delta 9-THC to create the prescription drug Marinol, is used to help patients suffering from nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy. Delta 8’s structure differs from Delta 9 but its antispasmodic tendencies still provide pain relief without the negative side effects of Delta 9 THC.
In summary, Delta 8 THC is produced through various solvent extracts with olive oil extraction being most common. Delta-8 offers many health benefits when mixed with cannabinol (CBN), CBD, and Delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
