What is Delta 8?

What is Delta-8-THC?

We often get asked what is Delta-8-THC? With Delta-9-THC being the most commonly known form of THC, and still illegal at the federal level, it’s easy to see how this can be confusing for some. In this article, we will explain some of the history and differences between Delta-8-THC and Delta-9.

History

Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-8-THC) is one of the many cannabinoids that occur naturally in the hemp plant. According to the National Cancer Institute Delta-8-THC is: “An analog of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with antiemetic, anxiolytic, appetite-stimulating, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties.” 

In the 1970s the National Cancer Institute studied Delta-8-THC alongside Delta-9-THC and CBD’s affects on tumors in mice. It was discovered that, like Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 THC was able to reduce the size of tumors when taken over a 20 day period when administered with CBD. Delta-8-THC was studied further into the ’90s and has made another resurgence recently as a federally legal, go-to alternative of Delta-9-THC that shares several of the same positive benefits.

Is Delta-8-THC Legal?

H.R. 2 is also known as the 2018 Farm Bill which essentially made all “derivatives, isomers, and cannabinoids in hemp legal, provided the final product has less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC”. Delta-8 THC is an isomer of CBD, a derivative of hemp and CBD, and a cannabinoid found in hemp. The 2018 Farm Bill includes an amendment to the Controlled Substances Act which removes all tetrahydrocannabinol found in hemp. Delta-8 is federally legal, but you should check your state’s local laws for more information.

“Delta-8-THC is federally legal.”

Delta-8-THC v.s. Delta-9-THC

Drug Testing 

Delta-8 THC is pretty similar to Delta-9 THC in a lot of ways except for some minor chemical differences and differences in effects. Standard drug tests do not test specifically for THC but rather the metabolites created by us when our bodies are exposed to THC. We recommend that if you are worried about THC showing up on a drug test, you should refrain from using Delta-8-THC as well, as it can possibly trigger tests.