Delta-8-THC And Its Properties
Studies keep revealing new insights into the fascinating potential of the cannabis plant. The species produces a plethora of valuable compounds that can help us improve or maintain our health. Many people are familiar with THC, but in fact, we should call the substance delta-9-THC. This is the cannabinoid responsible for the cannabis high experience. In addition to this delta-9-terahydrocannabinol, we also know delta-8-THC. Although this compound is quite similar to delta-9, it has different characteristics. It may prove an ally in the ongoing battle against cancer, and it could help improve appetite. Nonetheless, its psychotropic effects are less intense. This blog discusses the properties and potential uses of delta-8-THC.
Delta-9-THC And Delta-8-THC
Not long ago, marijuana plants were the subject of constant scepticism. To most people, this was simply a strange herb that could get people high. Put bluntly, weed was a bad influence that ought to be banned altogether. Fortunately, public opinion has shifted in recent years, and that is for the better. As soon as you look beyond the surface of cannabis, you’ll learn that this plant is simply brimming with useful natural compounds. Research keeps revealing new ways in which cannabis can contribute to our good health.
THC and CBD are the two best-known compounds to be found in cannabis. Many others exist. However, and basic knowledge of the uses of these cannabinoids can be very useful; whether for medical reasons or for recreational purposes. THC tetrahydrocannabinol is the cannabinoid producing the high associated with weed. Initially labelled Δ-9-THC, the delta symbol “Δ“ is the letter D in the Greek alphabet. As it turns out, several types of THC exist; but they don’t all share the psychotropic impact of their delta-9 version.
Δ8 And Δ9 THC: One Cannabinoid, Two Isomers
The different types of THC are also called isomers. These are all highly similar, with similar molecular structures and the same number of atoms per molecule. However, since these molecules are connected in slightly different ways, every isomer has a slightly different shape. The somewhat more obscure delta-8-THC isomer differs from delta-9 in a number of critical ways. That opens up interesting avenues of research into its recreational uses as well as its medicinal potential.
What Are The Differences Between Delta-9-THC And Delta-8-THC?
If you mention THC, people usually associate the name with stories about weed and getting high. Cannabis plants reveal a far more complicated and nuanced picture, however. As it turns out, there’s THC, and then there’s THC. We can distinguish various types of THC isomers. Below, you’ll read more about the differences between Δ9 and Δ8 THC.
Firstly, there is a difference in the extent to which either compound is psychoactive. Delta-9-THC has strong affinity for binding to CB1 receptors of our endocannabinoid system, which explains its strong psychoactive properties. Delta-8-THC is less capable of binding to these CB1 receptors, due to differences in chemical structure. The connections between CB1 receptors and delta-8 molecules is weak. Sure enough, you can still get high from delta-8-THC, but the effect will be different. Delta-9-THC produces the familiar potent buzz; delta-8 invokes a milder type of euphoria instead. The mind remains clear while the body relaxes. It appears as if delta-8 does not impair mental performance.
Whereas delta-9-THC is one of the most common cannabinoids found in marijuana, delta-8-THC is far less prevalent. Colas contain just about 1% delta-8 on average. On the other hand, delta-9 is less stable than delta-8. It oxidizes more easily, which turns delta-9-THC into the cannabinoid CBN (cannabinol). Chemically speaking, delta-8-THC is more stable, resulting in less rapid deterioration that enables it to remain in cannabis flowers longer.
Possible Applications Of Delta-8-THC
Even though delta-8 was discovered as early as 1975, the compound has not been studied extensively at all. Research conducted by the National Cancer Institute back in those early days already demonstrated that delta-8 can have anxiolytic, neuroprotective, sedative and antiemetic effects.
Potential Effects On Cancer
It appears that delta-8 may be capable of countering certain processes involved in cancer pathology. Several studies have investigated this potential. Oral administration of delta-8-THC appeared to limit lung tumour growth; in-vitro trials showed 40-60% reduction. Mice administered different dosages of delta-8-THC turned out to live longer than control group animals.
Δ-8-THC As An Antiemetic
Research also demonstrated that delta-8-THC may be an effective anti-emetic, or anti-nausea agent, when used for children undergoing cancer treatment. The cannabinoid appeared to help prevent vomiting. Vomiting was completely prevented in a total of 480 tumour treatments. Delta-8 was administered 2 hours prior to treatment, and then every 6 hours over a 24-hour period. Obviously, this helped the young patients cope better with the side-effects of their treatment, which adds to the evidence of delta-8’s potential positive health benefits.
In addition to its anti-emetic properties, delta-8-THC can also help improve appetite.
Stimulates Appetite
In addition to its anti-emetic properties, delta-8-THC can also help improve appetite. In one study in which mice were given delta-8-THC, animals were fed during 2.5-hour time slots for either 9 or 50 days. The mice in the nine-day experiment receiving delta-8 turned out to eat 16% more than the control group. The research team expects delta-8 to be a good candidate for treatment of eating disorders and weight problems.
Positive Effect On Activity And Cognition
The study mentioned above revealed another highly interesting positive delta-8-THC effect. In addition to the increase in appetite, the mice in the delta-8 group became more active, too. What’s more, the researchers also noticed improvement in their cognitive performance. As it turns out, this THC variant has several wholly different effects on the brain than the cannabinoid that gets us high. It seems as though delta-8-THC has a whole lot in store for us – pretty amazing for a compound that’s been present in all our cannabis strains for so many years!
Delta-8-THC From The Best Amsterdam Genetics Cannabis Seeds
As we mentioned earlier, we still don’t know much about the potential of delta-8-THC. Research is still underway, but the possibilities seem promising nonetheless. We obviously still have a lot to learn about the cannabis plant. If you’re not done expanding your own cannabis knowledge just like us, we have a lot more to tell you about the uses of cannabis. You could explore the many potential applications of weed, for instance, including treatment of fatigue, chronic pain, anxiety, migraine and headaches, depression, or stress. Perhaps growing medicinal cannabis is right up your street? In our online catalogue, you’ll find the best genetics packed in specially cultivated cannabis seeds of the very highest quality. Our grow blogs are designed to see any grower off to a good start; so whether it’s for recreational or medicinal purposes, ordering Amsterdam Genetics cannabis seeds is always the fastest route to the best natural results!
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