The THC With the Least Psychoactive Effect
A sibling of the famous delta-9 THC, delta 8 has the same therapeutic properties but without the side effects.
Cannabidiol and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabidiol, popularly known as CBD and THC, are the two most abundant and well-studied components of cannabis. Its medicinal properties are already properly evidenced within medical science, offering treatment for several pathologies, from epilepsy to depression and healthy mind.
Not everyone knows, however, that these are just two of the more than one hundred cannabinoids naturally present in the plant. As scientific research advances, several molecules call the attention of the medical profession. This is the case with the delta-8 THC.
The substance is an isomer of delta-9 THC. This means that it has the same types and amounts of atoms in its composition, but with one difference: they are positioned in different ways. This small difference causes delta-8 THC to make less efficient binding in the endocannabinoid system, which may be good news.
The Advantages of Delta-8 THC
The main advantage is practically eliminating the adverse effects caused by the most famous THC. According to the US National Cancer Institute, the psychoactive effect is halved in delta-8, reducing the risk of panic attacks, paranoia and increased anxiety.
Patients who changed the type of THC in their treatment reported lower levels of anxiety and sedation effect, and reported feeling clearer in their thoughts. The benefits remain virtually unchanged.
Research has shown that delta-8 is equally effective as THC analogue in its antiemetic (reducing vomiting and nausea, especially in patients undergoing chemotherapy), analgesic, neuroprotective and appetite-stimulating properties. It is also effective in modulating mood.
So the patient can benefit from all the benefits of medicinal cannabis, but without the euphoria and mental confusion, which for many can be unpleasant.
Rarity
But not everything is perfect. Unlike delta-9, cannabinoid is found in much smaller proportions in Cannabis flowers. It represents less than 1% of the total phytocannabinoids. Thus, in order to be viable in treatment, it needs to go through a more complex extraction process that requires large quantities of dry plant.
Even in the US, where the cannabis industry is more advanced, there is no specific regulation on the delta-8, and the supply of products counting delta-8 THC is still scarce.