While the Delta-8-THC cannabinoid may be new to many, very few knew that it was being used as far back as 1974 when researchers from the National Cancer Institute used Delta-9-THC, Delta-8-THC, and CBD on mice, which eventually led to the discovery that instead of THC causing harm to the immune system, it actually served as a treatment for cancer-related side effects. In 1995, Israeli scientists from Shaare Zedek Hospital conducted a study using Delta-8 on pediatric cancer patients to cure nausea that was caused by chemotherapy, and to much surprise, there was a 100% success rate in more than 480 treatments.
The reality is that very few people know about the history of Delta-8 THC and the lack of information about Delta-8-THC will generate many questions that go unanswered. In this article, we want to clear up one of the most common questions we’ve heard: “Is there such a thing as Delta-8 CBD?”
Is There A Delta-8 CBD?
To answer the question briefly, no, there is no such thing as a Delta-8 CBD. Both Delta-8 (Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (Cannabidiol) are two different cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Both present their own benefits, yet their makeup is very much different. Delta-8-THC is considered a psychoactive compound, while CBD contains no psychoactive characteristics.
Another big difference between the two cannabinoids is that Delta-8 occurs in very small concentrations and to obtain large amounts, cannabis must undergo a crucial process that involves extraction, isolation, conversion, and refinement. CBD, on the other hand, must go through an extraction process of its own or can be used from raw hemp flowers since hemp contains a high concentration of CBD.
The use of a “Delta-8 CBD” would be pointless anyway, taking away from the less potent psychotropic effects that THC offers. CBD-rich flower does contain low levels of Delta-9-THC, which is the psychoactive compound marijuana is most known for. However, the high concentration levels of CBD regulate the effects of THC. The entourage effect is a positive side for the combination if Delta-8 CBD actually existed because CBD can have better effects because of the synergy between CBD and THC. Another positive note would be that CBD encourages THC to remain in the system for longer, which is especially important for those with chronic conditions.
CONVERTING DELTA-8 TO CBD
Although your dreams of a Delta-8 CBD have been shattered, since we are on the topic, we may as well tell you the correlation between the two or why the names are thrown around together. For some people the name Delta-8 CBD is being used because new cannabidiol users who lack knowledge of cannabinoids are hoping for the best of both worlds; a psychoactive compound, which is federally legal, and one that delivers an abundant number of benefits. Mixing the two, however, is an option.
There are other people who bring the names or abbreviations together because you can actually convert Delta-8 to CBD. To isomerize CBD to THC, you must dissolve 1-gram of CBD in 10mL 0.005molar H2SO4 in glacial acetic acid. You then let the solution stand at room temperature and after a period of time, CBD has been converted into Delta-9-THC and Delta-8-THC.
- After 3 hours, CBD converts into 52% Delta-9 and 2% Delta-8.
- After 3 days, CBD converts into 15% Delta-9, 54% Delta-8, 10% Delta-8-Iso, and 10% CBD.
CONCLUSION
Though your hopes for a Delta-8 CBD aren’t a reality, there are some benefits and drawbacks of using the two cannabinoids together, and certainly some advantages using them separately. Learning about these cannabinoids, how they interact with one another, and what even exists takes research and really immersing yourself into the world of cannabis where you can discover new and interesting information about cannabinoids such as Delta-8 and CBD. However, we are glad that we could at least clear up one of the questions, among many for you in this article.
