What is Delta-8 THC...and Why Do I Want It?

When we talk about THC we are usually referring to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Delta-9-THC is the major cannabinoid present in marijuana and is known for its medicinal and psychoactive properties. There is another cannabinoid that has a very similar sounding name -- delta-8-THC -- that is not as prevalent in either marijuana or hemp, but can be extracted from either. Delta-8 is not as psychoactive as delta-9 and has huge medicinal potential!

The National Cancer Institute defines delta-8-THC as an analogue of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with antinausea, antianxiety, appetite-stimulating, pain reliever, and neuroprotective properties. [1]

CANCER & OTHER DISEASES

Delta-8-THC also has great potential for its anti-tumor effects. In vitro and animal studies have shown direct inhibition of tumor cells by delta-8-thc (as well as delta-9 and other cannabinoids). [2]
We strongly advocate for human clinical trials to discover the full potential of cannabinoids on cancer.

Antiemetic (anti-nausea & vomiting):
In one study, Delta-8-THC was given to 8 children (ages 3 to 13) with hematologic cancers. It was administered two hours after each cancer treatment and was continued every 6 hours for 24 hours. Delta-8 prevented vomiting in all children. [3]
Nausea and vomiting are very common side effects to cancer treatments so the potential for delta-8 to help hundreds of thousands of people is promising.

Appetite Stimulating:
Multiple treatments for cancer and other ailments frequently cause a loss of appetite and chronic wasting. Delta-8-THC has been shown to increase appetite in consumers to help patients get the nutrition they need. A study on mice in 2004 supports these results. [4]


SO WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE?

The consensus from product testing is that it reduces anxiety (who doesn’t have anxiety right now during a pandemic?) and gives you a nice “balanced” feeling. It doesn’t cause brain fogginess associated with the “other” THC and physically you feel less tense. Customers, Family, and Friends who are familiar with CBD all reported positive first impressions of Delta-8-THC.

IS IT LEGAL?

Federally, yes!
The 2018 Farm Bill made all derivatives and cannabinoids in hemp legal granted that the final product has less than 0.3% delta-9-THC. However, some states have put additional restrictions on delta-8 so check with your state laws before purchasing.

WILL I FAIL A DRUG TEST?

Most likely, yes. Any 12 panel drug test can detect delta-8-thc so if you have a drug test coming up it is best to stay away from any delta-8 or full-spectrum hemp products.


  • NCI Drug Dictionary. (n.d.). Retrieved July 23, 2020, from https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-drug/def/delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol
  • Bifulco, M., Laezza, C., Pisanti, S., Gazzerro, P .(2006). Cannabinoids and cancer: Pros and cons of an antitumour strategy. Retrieved July 23, 2020, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16501583/
  • Abrahamov, A., & Mechoulam, R. (1995). An efficient new cannabinoid antiemetic in pediatric oncology. Retrieved July 23, 2020, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7776837/
  • Avraham Y, Ben-Shushan D, Breuer A, et al. Very low doses of delta 8-THC increase food consumption and alter neurotransmitter levels following weight loss. Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior. 2004 Apr;77(4):675-684. DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2004.01.015.