In the ever-evolving world of legal cannabis, a constant stream of new and exciting products and/or innovations are continuously being released. Cannabis users are already acquainted with the well-known psychoactive cannabinoid Delta-9 THC, however, hundreds of other cannabinoids exist within the plant and most of them remain sadly underutilized and under-researched. Delta-8 THC, the industry's new “buzz product” is no exception. Products featuring Delta-8 started to appear on the legal market in Washington just a few years ago and at that time, the inclusion of Delta-8 was simply a novelty for those “in the know." Since then, more producers have jumped on the bandwagon to meet demands. While there is still much to learn about this cannabinoid, increased interest has prompted medical studies that show promising results, especially in pediatric cancer treatment.
DELTA-8 EFFECTS
Like Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 does exhibit psychoactive properties by binding to the CB-1 cannabinoid receptors in our internal nervous system. While Delta-8 can make you feel “high,” the psychoactive effects reportedly are around 2/3 as psychoactive as its Delta-9 counterpart. This may be due to the way that Delta-8 bonds to our endocannabinoid system. Delta-8 does not bind as thoroughly as Delta-9, making the psychoactive effects less powerful. Interestingly, the effects are also said to be less anxiety-inducing, less lethargic and appetite is suppressed rather than enhanced. Some users have commented on seeing the world around them in high voltage, with brighter colors and a heightened sense of euphoria. Others have reported a stronger body high while remaining clear-headed and focused enough to complete daily tasks.
MEDICAL USE
Medical data on Delta-8 THC is still sorely lacking, but an early study on children undergoing chemotherapy showed promising results. Two hours before undergoing treatments, 480 children aged 3-13 years were given 18mg doses of Delta-8 in edible oil form. The preemptive Delta-8 dosage (which was continued every 6 hours, for 24 hours) prevented vomiting in all cases. Not only was Delta-8 highly effective as an anti-nausea treatment, but there were little to no side effects exhibited in any of the children. Only two of the children in the study exhibited slight irritability and possible euphoria (though euphoria in children is obviously harder to gauge).
Another study cited by the National Cancer Institute concluded that Delta-8 THC (along with another cannabinoid, CBN) was found to inhibit tumor growth in Lewis lung adenocarcinoma and shows promise in inhibiting the growth of other types of tumors as well.
Additional studies have shown encouraging results for possible neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties.
LEGALITY
Standards for hemp production on a federal level requires that Delta-9 THC must fall below 0.3%, subsequently making hemp-derived Delta-8 THC a federally legal substance. State regulation varies, but in Washington State, the dosage for Delta-8 is currently a legal grey-area. While Delta-9 is allowed at a maximum of 10mg per serving and 100mg total per package, Delta-8 is not regulated in that same way, allowing for higher dosages in products currently offered in the i502 market. This will likely change in the coming months, as complaints have already been filed with the LCB regarding certain producers using this as a THC dosage-loophole.
DELTA-8 PRODUCTS
Because Delta-8 is naturally found in much lower percentages than it’s Delta-9 counterpart, Delta-8 has only just started to make an impact in the WA cannabis industry. Oleum Extracts offers a Delta-8 THC distillate oil in cartridge and tanker form, testing at anywhere from 34-78% Delta-8 and retailing at $40-$65. Smokiez Edibles, a multi-state brand, currently markets a Delta-8 THC edible boasting 250mg of Delta-8 per package (25mg per single serving). This product retails for $28-$32. Lesser-known boutique brand Mobius offers a wide array of Delta-8 products ranging from Delta-8 beverages, transdermal patches, and topicals and testing at anywhere from 50-100mg of Delta-8 and retailing for $15-$45. Smokiez Edibles can be found at many retailers throughout the Vancouver and Portland areas. Oleum Extracts is sold at Fire & Frost, High-5, and GreenHead Cannabis. The Mobius patches and infused beverages are exclusive to GreenHead Cannabis in the Vancouver area.
We have only just begun to scratch the surface when it comes to the curative and enriching properties of the hundreds of cannabinoids that lie within the Cannabis plant. As legality issues are settled and research becomes more readily available, it will be interesting to see what other applications are revealed for this interesting, novel cannabinoid. Until then, we’ll keep you updated as more Delta-8 products come to market in the Pacific Northwest!
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