If you know anything about Marijuana you know that it’s the THC is what gets you high. Although THC is an active compound in Marijuana (Cannabis), it’s also in Hemp. The most famous Hemp plant product is Cannabidiol (CBD). A lesser-known fact is that the Hemp plant can also produce Delta 8 THC. Here is a brief History of Delta 8 THC.

Delta 8 THC Research

Researchers have conducted many experiments to discover the effects of Delta-8 THC. The majority of the experiments were using mice and not humans. Restrictions are limiting the research. Efforts to discover the potential of Delta-8 THC have come from consumers and their personal experiences to be positive.

Delta-8 THC Research in the 1970s

 

1 Gram - A Brief History of Delta-8 THC

In 1974, researchers used a trio of cannabinoids on mice, which included Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 THC, and CBD. The test, which was conducted by the National Cancer Institute, discovered the effects THC has by using the cannabinoids in mice. That study was conducted to prove that THC harmed the immune system. However, they ended up discovering something completely different. What was discovered instead of Delta-8 THC causing harm to the immune system, was that the cannabinoid possessed cancer-killing abilities. While the tests were conducted using Delta-9 THC, the tests also incorporated Delta-8 THC on different occasions.

 

In 1975, further research was conducted using rats, which discovered that Delta-8 THC could also shrink tumors. What had been discovered was quite fascinating. It found that Lewis lung adenocarcinoma growth was decreased by an oral administration of a few specific cannabinoids, which included Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 THC, and CBN (Cannabinol). It, however, did not slow growth when CBD (Cannabidiol) was administered.

 

Tumor Implantation

During the study, animals (mice) were treated for 10 consecutive days using the Delta-9 THC cannabinoid. It started the next day of tumor implantation and discovered that it decreased tumor growth. The mice treated for 20 consecutive days with Delta-8-THC and CBD showed that the primary tumor size had decreased. When CBD was administered, unfortunately, there was no effect on the growth of the tumor during the 14, 21, or 28 days the research was conducted. Unsurprisingly, Delta-9, Delta-8, and CBN increased the survival time.

Delta-8 THC Research in the 1990’s

 

In 1995, another study was conducted jointly by Shaare Zedek Hospital, Bikur Holim Hospital, and the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. At the head of the team was Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, who was the first to discover Delta-9 THC. In this study, Delta-8 THC was administered to children with cancer in an effort to cure nausea caused by chemotherapy.

 

The scientists conducting the research discovered many positive impacts that Delta 8 THC had on pediatric cancer patients, including that it significantly helped with related symptoms. What is most impressive is that the researchers in the study noted that during the research, as many as 480 treatments were administered to cure the patient’s nausea, and there was a 100% success rate.

Treating More Illnesses

 

In addition to the study, research suggests that Delta-8 offers a strong potential for treating more illnesses. It can potentially help produce a neurotransmitter known as Acetylcholine, which is responsible for cognition, memory, neuroplasticity, and arousal. The study used a combination of Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 THC, and CBD.

 

United States researchers are still conducting experiments on Delta 8 THC. There is a lot of positive information discovered from the past. Information that we can use today to learn more about the potential of Delta-8 THC.

 

Delta-8 THC Research in the 2000s

In 2004, a study was conducted using mice. Low amounts of Delta-8 THC were administered to the mice. Researchers discovered that it caused the mice’s appetites to increase more than they did when using Delta-9 THC. It has proved itself to be useful for a variety of conditions. It showed that it is less likely to cause anxiety in the mice that were given Delta-9 THC. Despite the mice having had the munchies, they experienced less anxiety.

 

In 2018, a preclinical study was conducted and published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. Through the research, scientists discovered that Delta-8 THC could potentially diminish pain and inflammation in mice with corneal injury.

Other Uses for Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol

Different patents filed for Delta 8 THC include:

  • Patent US20040248970A1: This patent states – A pharmaceutical composition for use as an anti-emetic comprising an effective amount of Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol. It goes on to state big differences between Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC. Researchers are conducting experiments, while Delta-8 THC is also used for recreational purposes.
  • Patent US20040143126A1: Conversion of CBD to Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC. The patent states methods of converting cannabidiol to Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC. The described methods produce higher yields and higher purity compared to prior art methods.
  • Patent US8637087B2: Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis using Delta-8 THC-11-OIC Acids.
  • Patent US6355650B1: Delta-8 THC-11-OIC Acids useful as anti-inflammatory agents and analgesics.

Limited research in relation to Delta-8 THC is making headway. We put this information together and it gave us a clear view of what information we have learned. What information do we need to gather an even better understanding of this fascinating cannabinoid?

Interested in Delta-8 THC?

Interested in Delta-8 THC, the best ways to use it are through cartridges. You are able to vape these cartridges using vape pens that come with a built-in airflow. You will want to keep the wattage or power low to make sure that you’re not burning the Delta-8 cannabinoid.  We encourage you to do your own research to learn more about Delta-8 THC.