What is Delta-8 THC?
The cannabis plant makes Delta-9 THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid). Over time or upon exposure to heat, THCA converts to Delta-9 THC. If the THCA is extracted, acid can convert the THCA to THC. However, if the exposure is allowed to continue, the Delta-9 form converts to Delta-8 THC.
Growers have selected hemp plants to produce CBD, which is known to have a broad variety of medicinal effects with very low toxicity and with no intoxicating effects. Thus, CBD has been used in a variety of both topical products and edible products. However, economic fluctuation and over-production resulted in producers looking for other uses. Chemists found that CBD can be converted to THC, except that doing so resulted in the production of Delta-8 THC. Other chemical manipulation generates Delta-10 THC.
The designations of ∆8, ∆9 and ∆10 all refer to the location of a double bond within one of the THC ring structures. As the presence of a double bond means that two-fewer hydrogen atoms are present, one might describe the difference as a change in location of bonded hydrogen atoms. The diagrams below don’t show all the hydrogen atoms, but assume they are present wherever the carbons have fewer than four C-C bonds (Carbon atoms usually have four bonds).
∆8-THC produces intoxication similar to ∆9-THC, but with only 50-65% of the strength. Users report that ∆8-THC produces less anxiety than ∆9-THC. ∆8-THC also provides anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory effects.
Anecdotal reports describe Delta-10 THC as not having intoxicating effects, but as enhancing one’s mood. However, Delta-10 THC is not a naturally occurring cannabinoid. As a synthetic drug, it may fall under the regulations seeking to outlaw bath salts (K2 and Spice). It is probably safer than bath salts which are illegally manufactured, may contain residual chemicals, and can cause harmful effects.
Chemists describe synthetic Bath Salts as cathinones, stimulants that are related to amphetamines and cause effects similar to cocaine and methamphetamine. Substance abuse experts link Bath Salts with psychiatric problems. In 2011, DEA received an increasing number of reports from poison control centers, hospitals and law enforcement. Smoking supply stores commonly stocked these materials in the early 2000’s, but legislation reduced their availability. Obama signed a Federal ban on ‘Bath Salt’ drugs in 2012. ///
Another synthetic pathway produces Delta-9 THCOA (see right-most figure), which stands for a Delta-9 THC with an acetate group attached. Producers also generate THCOA from hemp, and claim that it is legal according to the language in the 2018 Farm Bill. However, as this drug is psychoactive like THC, not naturally occurring, and synthetic, it may just as easily be interpreted as being covered by the Bath Salts ban. Consumers report the experience as being relaxing, again perhaps having less paranoia like Delta-8 THC. Colorado stores sell it, but its legal status remains uncertain. ///
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