According to a study conducted in 2013 cited by the National Cancer Institute, delta-8 THC is considered to be one of the cannabinoids that has been shown to inhibit tumor growth, “…Delta-9-THC, delta-8-THC, and cannabinol (CBN) were found to inhibit the growth of Lewis lung adenocarcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo. In addition, other tumors have been shown to be sensitive to cannabinoid-induced growth inhibition.”

A study from 1995 published in Life Sciences indicates delta-8 THC’s ability to reduce symptoms of nausea with minimal side effects in children, “Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol…was administered (18 mg/m2 in edible oil, p.o.) to eight children, aged 3-13 years with various hematologic cancers, treated with different antineoplastic drugs for up to 8 months…Vomiting was completely prevented. The side effects observed were negligible.”

A 2004 study published in Pharmacol Biochem showed that delta-8 THC, even in extremely low doses, increased appetite and cognitive function in mice. “Delta(8)-THC (0.001 mg/kg) caused increased food consumption and tendency to improve cognitive function, without cannabimimetic side effects. Hence, a low dose of THC might be a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of weight disorders with minimal side effects associated with cannabis use.”

A 2018 study from the Cannabinoid and Cannabis Research journal has shown potential for treating pain and inflammation with topical delta-8 THC (and CBD), “Our results provide novel evidence that the phytocannabinoids Δ8THC and CBD…are antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory in an experimental model of corneal hyperalgesia.”

A study from a 1987 Alcohol and Drug Research journal conducted on mice, shows that delta-8 THC may also possess some neuroprotective properties based on brain activity that was monitored in the study. The point of the study was to test various cannabinoids, but delta-8 THC was one of the components of the cannabis plant that stood out to the researchers of this study for its significant effect from such a minute dosage.

Hopefully more research will be conducted on the various potential medicinal uses for Δ8THC in the future. Here is a quick list of the current benefits that have been documented so far:

• Antitumor
• Antiemetic
• Appetite-stimulant
• Analgesic
• Neuroprotective properties

The side effects of delta-8-THC as observed by researchers were pretty insignificant. Especially when compared to some of the more common pharmaceutical alternatives. There is still a lot more research that needs to be done, but delta-8-THC seems to possess many of the beneficial properties of cannabis, with significantly less adverse effects when compared to delta-9-THC.

However, it is still a form of THC. Any cannabis product with high levels of THC, a known psychoactive compound, should always be used with caution. While delta-8-THC is said to be less psychoactive, online users have reported that it is possible to over-do it. Start slow and low and assess your tolerance from there. Just because it gets you less high doesn’t mean it won’t get you high at all. One last thing to note is that delta-8-THC can still cause redness of the eyes, especially in stronger doses.

Isn’t it fascinating how two cannabinoids, almost identical to each other on a molecular level, can produce such different effects when interacting with the human endocannabinoid system?

Unfortunately, there is not a simple answer—especially after the Drug Enforcement Administration’s rule issued on Aug. 20 regarding delta-8 THC. The rule reiterates the DEA’s position that any cannabinoid that is created synthetically is illegal. Since delta-8 THC occurs in low concentrations naturally, it is typically produced by converting CBD into delta-8 THC with a chemical catalyst. Although CBD occurs naturally in hemp, once a catalyst is applied, the DEA considers the resulting delta-8 THC to be “synthetically derived” and therefore a Schedule I narcotic. 

In section 297A of the 2018 Farm Bill (or Agriculture Improvement Act), it states ‘‘The term ‘hemp’ means the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis.” (Emphasis added.) 

However, the supposedly “not groundbreaking” new rule from the DEA creates yet another giant hurdle for delta-8 THC, in addition to the original 0.3% delta-9-THC limitation. Considering the most common method used for delta-8 THC production is being deemed illegal by the DEA, it’s likely going to be difficult to manufacture and sell delta-8 THC in the near future. Note that the legality of delta-8 THC can also vary from state-to-state. Lastly, not all drug tests distinguish between delta-9 and delta-8 THC—because they are very closely related chemically—so using delta-8 THC can potentially cause a person to test positive for marijuana, even if they’ve never consumed delta-9 THC. 

Remember when hemp was tainted by silly stoner stereotypes and tales of reefer madness? People are starting to accept the truth about cannabis, beyond its ability to “get you high.” Yet many are still behind the times, or possibly have ulterior motives. According to the DEA, “Schedule I drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.” Based on the limited but promising research cited above, does that sound like accurate depiction of delta-8 THC to you?