What is Delta-8 THC? What You Need to Know

Recently, delta-8 THC products have been swarming stores. Delta-8 is proclaimed by many as a legal alternative to delta-9 THC and that delta-8 sits between it and CBD in potency. As such, uncovering the facts behind this new THC analog can’t come fast enough. Especially since, unlike delta-9 and CBD products, delta-8 THC items almost always contain semi-synthetic cannabinoids. 

Delta-8 THC, What is This?

Similar to cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, and delta-9 THC, delta-8 is a cannabinoid naturally produced by cannabis plants. It has a structure that almost mirrors delta-9 THC — just move the double carbon bond to the 8th spot on the carbon chain. Doesn’t seem like much, but by most accounts, delta-8 is significantly less intoxicating than delta-9 THC. 

Delta-9 being the main culprit behind marijuana's intoxicating and delightfully euphoric high. Some users — more likely those that heavily partake in high delta-9 consumption — even say delta-8’s high is barely noticeable — i.e., not really there unless they really ‘look’ for it. Most say side effects are less than common as well, but they may be slightly stronger than CBD’s. 

Now, while delta-8 is naturally occurring, no current cultivator is producing incredible amounts of it. In other words, trying to naturally derive delta-8 is costly. And costs can be cut by simply manipulating more commonly occurring cannabinoids like CBD in delta-8’s molecular shape. This might seem unnatural, but cannabinoids change into one another all the time when they are developing on living cannabis plants. 

The Effects of Delta-8 THC

Similar to delta-9 THC, delta-8 THC can produce feelings of euphoria and side effects such as paranoia, which is a classic side effect of marijuana. Now, nearly everyone says that euphoria or paranoia is much less intense and frequent. This makes delta-8 a potentially better candidate for pain and anxiety relief than delta-9 or CBD. However, by activating CB1 receptors, unlike CBD, delta-8 is always considered ‘psychoactive’ — read tangible — and the effects and side effects are often greater. 

With all that said, individuals will react differently to products rich in delta-8 THC. Some may find they have a particular sensitivity to THC cannabinoids. This means if you have only used a non-intoxicating cannabis product before you should proceed with caution. Make sure you’re able to be intoxicated i.e., take it during a time when you don’t have any pressing responsibilities. 

Now, while some may find delta-8 more intoxicating than others, comparable dosages between it and delta-9 THC will likely produce a less intense high/effects. With that said, you can expect delta-8’s effects and benefits to be similar to delta-9 just dialed down. 

Safety Concerns About Delta 8 and Recommendations

Now, while some cannabis items are ‘safer’ than others, all cannabinoids can cause side effects. With the biggest, in general, being their interaction with the CYP enzyme system. When metabolized by these enzymes, they can speed up and slow down the rate the enzymes will go on to metabolize another compound. The CYP enzyme system metabolizes the majority of prescription drugs, and depending on the cannabinoid and its effect on the particular enzyme responsible for breaking it down, cannabinoids can increase and decrease another medication’s potency. 

In particular to delta-8, without a doubt, the biggest current concern with these products is currently they are being created using semisynthesis or partial synthesis processes. Now nothing is inherently scary about this, however, due to their unregulated nature, delta-8 items may be bringing along harmful contaminants left behind from the chemicals used to create them. Please produce with caution and only buy from reputable sources. 

Delta-8 THC vs. Other Cannabinoids

There are a lot of cannabinoids out there — over 100 easily — then don’t get us started on all the various terpenes that have their own effects and influence on the cannabinoids. Thankfully, we have an easy way to look at cannabinoids. First, there are the cannabinoid-based products that can cause an intoxicating high.

We’ve mentioned how delta-8 and delta-9 THC can do this; some others include HHC and THCV. Then on the other side, we have the non-intoxicating cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, and CBN (this one may sit more in the mild due to its notable sedative effects). So where does delta-8 sit in all of these cannabinoids?

In my research, I’ve been working on organizing the cannabinoids based on the degree they intoxicate the body. While this list is always susceptible to change based on new info, here is my current one. From weakest to strongest in terms of psychoactive effects: CBG, CBD, CBN, THCV (in low doses), HHC (HHC-9S), delta-10 THC, delta-8 THC, HHC (HHC-9R), THCV (in high doses), delta-9 THC, THCP, and THCO. CBN (especially at higher doses) is right around the point where you may describe the effects as feeling intoxicating. Now, ranking them on a therapeutic level is trickery and really depends on how one feels about being high, how often they see side effects, and so on. 

To conclude

With the ability to cause a much less intense high compared to delta-9 THC, delta-8 products potentially provide an exciting opportunity for those looking to get more out of their non-intoxicating cannabis products but want to avoid a powerful high. Thanks to delta-8’s activation of CB1 receptors, you will likely find its effects more apparent than CBD. This does not indicate whether it’s more therapeutic, which is heavily influenced by an individual’s needs. 

Now, the semi-synthetic nature of delta-8 products is concerning due to the unregulated nature of cannabis items. As such, you may prefer to stick with a naturally derived cannabis item that contains a balanced ratio of CBD and delta-9 THC, which may closely mirror delta-8's effects and benefits.

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Nicholas McEnzie

Cannabis Expert EditorExpertise : Cannabis and Hemp Cultivation

Over the past decade, Nicholas McEnzie has dedicated himself to educating gardeners, enterprises, and enthusiasts on thriving in the dynamic cannabis industry. Whether he's actively involved in cultivation or conducting research on cannabinoids in the laboratory, Nicholas is committed to providing thoroughly researched, accurate, and clear information to a sector that greatly benefits from it.