For a long time, the global search rate for Delta 8 THC was stagnant. But between 2019 to 2020, it observed an increase of 257.0% and then by 705.0% from 2020 to 2021. In 2021, the D8 search rate was comparatively ten times more than any other country.

So what makes D8 a famous cannabinoid? Let us explore some interesting facts about D8 that make it one of the most loved cannabinoids.

The Iconic Story of D8

The story of D8 began in 1941 when an American organic chemist, Roger Adams, published a paper about the partial synthesis of Delta 8 THC. After some time, he with his colleagues began researching the psychoactive nature of D8 and Delta 9 THC.

Until this time, researchers thought that D8 was only present in Marijuana. Also, D8 was known as Delta-6 THC. After learning about the double bond placement at carbon position 8, scientists named it more precisely as D8 THC.

In the United States, Cannabis was illegal under the Controlled Substance act. Under this law, if anyone wants to research Cannabis, they need a special permit from the government. Moreover, most of the time the government gave this permit to study Delta-9 THC, the abundant cannabinoid. Therefore, researchers were unable to carry out much research on the compound.

However, research on D8 was going on in other parts of the world. One such study in Israel gave an important insight that changed the fate of D8. Raphael Mechoulam, ‘the Father of Cannabis,’ researched D8 with his colleagues.

Initially, he did not receive support for his work because D8 was only in trace amounts in the Cannabis plant, inaccessible for therapeutic benefits. He received recognition after filing a patent in the early 2000s.

The patent was related to isomerization, a process used to convert CBD into Delta-8-THC. After this process, D8 became more accessible to people. Today, manufacturers have come up with several ways to isomerize CBD into high-quality delta-8 THC. 

The Confusing Legal Zone of D8

Is Delta 8 THC a THC? The answer would be, ‘Yes!’ Does D8 offer psychoactive effects? Yes, mild psychoactive effect? Is Delta 8 federally legal? Yes, it is!

But how could a THC that gives psychoactive effects be federally legal? Well, there is a twist. As D8 is a hemp derivative, it is permitted under the Farm bill, 2018. The DEA and other federal agencies have tried to ban the product several times but in vain.

The Farm bill did not interfere with the state-ruled regulations over D8. Even if D8 is federally legal, your state might ban it. Here is a table that summarizes the legal status of Delta 8 in all 50 states.

If traveling with Delta-8 THC, make sure your destination is not a state where D8 is illegal. It may land you in legal charges. Also, these laws are continuously changing. So, research well before purchasing D8, possessing D8, or traveling with D8.

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The Potential Therapeutic Benefits of D8

The National Cancer Institute defines D8 as “An analog of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with antiemetic, anxiolytic, appetite-stimulating, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties. Delta-8 THC connects to the cannabinoid G-protein coupled receptor CB1, in the central nervous system. This agent shows a lower psychotropic potency than [delta-9 THC], the primary THC form found in Cannabis.”

A list of research and trials shows some possible benefits of Delta 8. Some of them are:

• A study in 1974 organized with a purpose to show that THC damage the immunity system gave an opposite insight. This study by the National Cancer Institute focused particularly on Delta 9 and incorporated D8. It revealed that Cannabinoids possess the ability to kill cancer cells.
• Another research in 1975 on rats revealed that several cannabinoids, including D8, might reduce tumors. The study found a decrease in the growth of Lewis lung adenocarcinoma after administering some specific cannabinoids ( D8, Delta-9, and Cannabinol) orally. Another exciting discovery of this research was that CBD did not slow tumor growth.

• A 2004 study on mice revealed that Delta-8 THC increased appetite among mice. The increase in need was more significant in groups with Delta-8 administration than in groups with Delta 9 administration.

• In 2018, Cannabis and Cannabinoid research organized and published a preclinical study where researchers found the potential of D8 in treating pain and inflammation among mice with corneal injury.

Additionally, several studies show that the effect of D8 on ECS systems might help with various body functions, such as sleep, pain, stress, anxiety, inflammation, etc.

Delta-8 is Biphasic

Do you know that Cannabis has different strains? Yes, they come in three different strains: Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid. To understand why D8 is biphasic, you need to know the meaning of biphasic.

Biphasic are those compounds whose effect depends on their dosage. For instance, CBD oil is a biphasic compound because it affects changes when consumed in high amounts.

Similarly, Delta 8 offers a mild psychoactive effect when consumed in a low dosage. It is almost similar to the Sativa strain. On the other hand, it behaves more like an Indica strain with sedative effects that might also relax your body in high dosage.

Now you know some interesting facts because most people love this new ( not-so-new) cannabinoid.

Conclusion

Several cannabinoids, such as CBD, Delta 9 THC, and D8, have become popular in recent times. While CBD and D8 were present for a long time, their appearance in the mainstream market is current. Now you can find tons of different D8 brands selling endless D8 products. So, you might enjoy this cannabinoid the way you want.