DELTA 8&9 THC

THC, the active ingredient in cannabis sativa, has been used recreationally and for medical purposes worldwide for thousands of years, until made illegal in the US in 1937. It remains one of the highest used recreational drugs, and is progressively being decriminalized and legalized across many states today.

Delta 8 became popular when the US had an overproduction of hemp, where CBD comes from, and the industry used CBD to create delta 8 THC. This became a popular item for states that have no legalized cannabis products.

Delta 8 stems from hemp (part of cannabis plant containing <0.3% THC) and delta 9 THC is derived for the marijuana part of the plant. Delta 8 is an analog to delta 9, making the structure just a difference in a singular double bond placement. Due to this, delta 8 THC has a weaker effect, about half as potent as delta 9, and many states can sell it at smoke shops or convenience stores.

Delta-8 specifically:

Inhalation: THC and other cannabinoids present make way to the bloodstream from the lungs when smoked. From there, THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and in other organs. The effect of THC achieves peak levels in 6-10 minutes. After absorption, the liver receives THC and it's metabolites to either clear it, or it will re-circle back to the bloodstream. It is lipophilic and taken up by adipocytes to be released slowly, therefore, the half life runs from 1- 13 days depending on chronic use.

Oral: THC is absorbed in the stomach and small intestine, which takes longer to reach peak effect, about 1-2 hours. It travels from the bloodstream to the liver, and is mostly excreted in the feces, but some metabolites re-enter the circulation. Edibles have a stronger effect due to the liver converting THC into a stronger metabolite when received from the GI tract.

Both routes have effects that usually last around 1-4 hours. Higher doses are more likely to produce stronger psychoactive effects.

Short term effects: Paranoia, Dry mouth, Nervousness, Increased heart rate, Coughing, Reduced lung capacity, Psychoactive effects

Long term effects: Potential risk of heart problems (ongoing trials), Worsening of some mental illnesses, Short-term memory impairment.

There has never been any confirmed cases of death caused by cannabis when taken by itself. Severe adverse events include hallucinations, vomiting, tremors, loss of consciousness, and extreme anxiety. These are more commonly reported with edibles.

Since THC is broken down mainly by CYP2C9 and CYP3A4, drugs metabolized by these in the liver may have interactions with THC. Some of these drugs are: benzodiazepines, statins, corticosteriods, PPIs, azole antifungals, and more. Interactions are still being studied. It is important to note that research has showed that THC increases effects of alcohol, and users should never drive due to increased of accidentrelated deaths.

Hemp derived products (delta-8) are legal on a federal level, although some states have restrictions. Delta-9 products are not federally legal, but legal in states like Colorado, that have legalized recreational marijuana. There are currently 20 states with legalized use of delta 9.

Delta-8 is legal due to the 2018 Farm Bill. It states that hemp can be sold and grown legally as long as it contains <0.3% THC.

There is no regulatory oversight of delta-8 products, while delta-9 products are highly regulated by government parties before sold in dispensaries is legal states. Tested delta 8 products commonly find other cannabinoids and by-products.

THC can be tested by urine, blood, saliva, or hair, and detection varies across tests, Saliva will only show positive within hours after use, but hair will show use up to 90 days before. Test kits can be bought over the counter or persons can be tested in a lab.

THC is mostly used through smoking or vaping, and cooked into a oil for edible ingestion. There are other medically used routes of administration, such as pills, transdermal patches, topicals, and powders.

Medical marijuana is used for symptom relief for chronic pain, MS, and neuropathic pain, and prescribed for diseases such as AIDS, cancer, and glaucoma. It is seen mostly used with chemotherapy patients, as it improves symptoms from therapy.

Due to no known deaths of monotherapy, and a debunked theory of marijuana being a gateway drug, in my professional opinion I believe both forms of THC should be legalized and decriminalized. THC should still be mildly used to do potential long term effects, but usage recommendations should be similar to alcohol. Use of cannabis should be regulated by restriction of amount purchased, regulatory overview of governing parties, and legal sales only coming from licensed dispensaries. ~ S.Sans

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