A Brief History of Delta-8 THC

If you know anything about Marijuana you know that THC is what gets you high. Although THC is the active compound in Marijuana, it’s also in Hemp. The most famous product that the Hemp plant is known for 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

Though it may not be considered a cannabinoid that is quite as prominent as its famed relative Delta-8 THC, researchers have conducted many experiments to discover the effects of Delta-8 THC. However, the majority of the experiments were reported using mice, and not humans.

Despite limited research due to restrictions, a lot of headway has been made in an effort to discover the potential of Delta-8 THC, much of it being consumers that have reported their personal experiences.

1974

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 cannabinoids in mice. The study was originally conducted to prove that THC harmed the immune system; however, to much surprise, 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 incorporate Delta-8 THC on different occasions.

1975

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.

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 that were treated for 20 consecutive days with both 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. To no surprise, Delta-9, Delta-8, and CBN increased the survival time.

1995

In 1995, another study was conducted in a joint effort by Shaare Zedek Hospital, Bikur Holim Hospital, and the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. At the head of the team was Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, which 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 that were 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 made a note that during the research, there were as many as 480 treatments administered to cure the patient’s nausea, and there was a 100% success rate.

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

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

2004

In 2004, a study was conducted using mice. Low amounts of Delta-8 THC were administered to the mice, and researchers discovered that it caused the mice’s appetites to increase more than they did when using Delta-9 THC. Proving itself to be useful for a variety of conditions, it also showed that it is much less likely to cause anxiety than those mice that were given Delta-9 THC. In other words, the mice had the munchies even more and experienced less anxiety.

2018

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

Other Uses

There have been different patents filed for Delta-8 THC, which include:

• Patent US20040248970A1: This patent states – A pharmaceutical composition for use as an anti-emetic comprising an effective amount of Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol. Also, it goes on to state big differences between Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC. Aside from experiments that researchers have conducted, Delta-8 THC is 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.

Conclusion

Though on a grand scale there has been limited research in relation to Delta-8 THC, when we put this information together, it gives us a clear view of what information we have learned, and what information we need to gather to better understand this fascinating cannabinoid.

Note: The information contained in this blog is for informational purposes only. We are not making any medical claims and we suggest talking to your doctor before trying any type of THC.

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