Delta 9 THC, also known as tetrahydrocannabinol, is a cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. It is the most abundant cannabinoid in the plant and is responsible for the psychoactive effects associated with marijuana use. The legal status of Delta 9 THC varies from state to state, but generally, any amount greater than 0.3% is not legal at the federal level. Delta 8 products, on the other hand, are not regulated by the FDA and can contain a variety of impurities.
Delta 8 THC products offer many of the same therapeutic benefits as Delta 9 THC, but with fewer risks and adverse effects. However, due to a lack of research on Delta 8 THC, some states have banned it altogether. Long-term use of Delta 9 THC has been linked to recurrent nausea, severe vomiting, dehydration and abdominal pain. In states where marijuana is legal, cannabis dispensaries offer a wide range of products containing Delta 9 THC.
However, the plant contains very little Delta 8 THC, a minor cannabinoid. Research collaborations are needed to generate more knowledge about Delta 8 THC and other cannabinoids. The difference between Delta 8 and Delta 9 is that one of the carbon-carbon double bonds is located in a different position. A recent study asked 74 subjects to assess their level of disability before and after smoking Delta 8 THC on a scale ranging from 0 (no deterioration) to 10 (maximum disability).
When someone smokes or consumes Delta 9 THC above a certain threshold, they usually experience a “high”. To verify the patterns of experiences described in this study, carefully controlled studies such as double-blind randomized studies are needed to compare Delta 8 THC with Delta 9 THC and pharmaceutical drugs.
