What You Need to Know about Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinols
Are you one of those who believes that delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is the only psychoactive substance found in the cannabis sativa? If yes, you are wrong! Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is not the only psychoactive compound.
Research tells us that some of the closest relatives of the cannabinoids might also have a few minor mind wrapping effects. Not to mention, delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol is one of those compounds.
So the question is; what do we know about this obscure cannabinoid and what potential does it hold?
Understanding Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol
Well, this compound is present in cannabis and quite similar to delta-9-THC. As we know delta-9 is the most famous and abundant psychoactive substance in the plant, delta-8-THC is the closest relative to Delta-9. To be precise, they are only differentiated by some bonding electrons.
Delta-8-THC is one of the 4 primary cannabinoids that are present in dried flower. As per experts’ estimation, there are around 113 cannabinoids and delta-8-THC is one of the most common ones that make even less than 1% in dried flower. Oftentimes, there is only 0.01% delta-8-THC in the famous dried cannabis flower.
Potency
Research suggests that delta-8-THC has the psychoactive strength that can be easily compared to THC in the ratio of 2:3. This indicates that delta-8-THC is much more potent than THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin). In fact, THCV holds a potency of only 25% of THC.
Further research work suggests that delta-8-THC is found to boost a specific chemical in the brain that plays a major role in memory and learning. This chemical is, in fact, neurotransmitter acetylcholine. When there is a deficiency in acetylcholine, it is believed to lead to Alzheimer’s disease including other cognitive and memory issues.
Benefits of Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol
Unfortunately, due to lack of research work, we do not have much information in terms of potential advantages of delta-8-THC. Indeed, the molecule is quite similar to THC so we can assume that it contains some similar effects.
As per the U.S National Cancer Institute, considering the early studies on delta-8-THC, we know that this chemical must have numerous beneficial effects. Among them;
- Anti-anxiety
- Appetite-stimulation
- Pain relief
- Neuroprotection
Some researchers also observed the non-psychoactive derivatives of delta-8-THC. This indicates that the molecule might also be beneficial for the potential formation of new pharmaceutical drugs. Researchers’ speculate that some of the Delta-8-THC derivatives might also be helpful in various conditions like asthma, septic shock, and systematic anaphylaxis.
However, the most promising study on this compound itself is in regards to anti-emetic properties. It is a softer term that is used for anti-vomiting.
Also, like common THC, this compound is also helpful for improving appetite. Interestingly, during the study, this compound made the mice a lot hungrier than any other traditional stuff.
If you are wondering where you can get delta-8-THC then, unfortunately, there are no high strains for patients to try out. In fact, the best way to get it is by encouraging the cannabis plant to produce more cannabinoid by providing it a nutrient-rich life.
