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The world of cannabis is so vast and complex that there is still much to research and discover. This plant contains over 100 cannabinoid compounds that are being studied with great interest by the scientific community. Among the cannabinoids that have already been described and isolated, one has emerged that could be considered the younger sibling of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): Delta-8. Below, we explain more about this substance.
What is Delta-8-THC?
Delta-8-THC (delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol) is a psychoactive cannabinoid that occurs naturally, though in small amounts, in the Cannabis Sativa plant. It should not be confused with Delta-9-THC, which is commonly known simply as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Delta-9-THC is the most abundant and psychoactive form of THC in marijuana and is responsible for the high experienced when consumed.
What effects does it produce?
This cannabinoid is present in much smaller quantities and its psychoactive effects are much milder. Like other cannabinoids, it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system and binds to cannabinoid receptors to trigger certain responses. In general, it produces a calming and relaxing effect that can be effective in relieving stress and anxiety. Additionally, it may enhance mood, increase appetite, and reduce pain or inflammation.
How is it marketed?
Despite these interesting properties, it is typically marketed for recreational purposes, although it is attracting interest in the therapeutic field due to its lower psychoactive effects compared to THC. However, there are still few studies conducted on its therapeutic properties.
Delta-8 in Spain is not yet as popular as other cannabinoids like CBD or HHC. However, various commercial products containing this compound are starting to appear, including vapes, flowers, carts, oils, and gummies.
How is it obtained?
As mentioned, Delta-8 is found in marijuana plants in very small concentrations, typically less than 1%. This means that to use this product, it must be synthetically isolated and extracted in a laboratory using advanced technology through a process called cannabinoid conversion. Therefore, the risks of this substance are mainly due to any chemicals it may contain if not properly purified.
Differences between Delta-8-THC and HHC
Both are synthetic cannabinoids that naturally occur in cannabis but in very small concentrations. As we have seen, Delta-8 is a minor cannabinoid that is produced in laboratories from CBD extracted from hemp. Chemically, it is very similar to Delta-9-THC, with a slight difference in a bond. Its psychoactive effects are very mild, leading to it being referred to as “light marijuana” or “diet marijuana.”
As for HHC, it is obtained by hydrogenating CBD and Delta-9-THC, and its psychoactive effects are more similar to Delta-9-THC than to its younger sibling. In other words, HHC causes a more intense high than Delta-8 but less than Delta-9. Below, we present a table summarizing the main differences between these three psychoactive cannabinoids.
| Characteristic | Delta-8-THC | Delta-9-THC | HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol) |
| Chemical Structure | Isomer of Delta-9-THC, with a double bond on the eighth carbon. | Main psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis, with a double bond on the ninth carbon. | Hydrogenated derivative of THC; no double bonds in its structure. |
| Psychoactivity | Moderate, less intense than Delta-9-THC. | High, more potent than Delta-8-THC. | Moderate to high, similar to Delta-8-THC but with slight differences. |
| Reported Effects | Relaxing, less likely to cause anxiety or paranoia. | Intense psychoactive effects, may cause euphoria, paranoia, or anxiety at high doses. | Balanced effects, with relaxation and mild euphoria. |
| Origin | Occurs naturally in small quantities in the plant; can also be synthesized from CBD. | Abundant in cannabis naturally. | Usually synthesized from THC through hydrogenation. |
| Legality (Spain) | Not explicitly regulated but may be considered illegal if intended for human consumption due to narcotics laws. | Illegal except for medical use under strict supervision in approved medical cannabis contexts. | Ambiguous legality; not explicitly classified but may be illegal for human consumption. |
| Medical Use | Used to relieve anxiety, pain, and nausea with lower psychoactive intensity. | Wide medical use, including treatment for chronic pain, nausea, and appetite stimulation (in regulated contexts). | Investigated for therapeutic effects similar to THC, with less chemical degradation. |
| Duration of Effects | Generally shorter than Delta-9-THC. | Longer duration depending on dose and method of consumption. | Similar to Delta-8-THC but reported to have greater chemical stability. |
| Availability | Limited in the Spanish market, mainly through imported or unregulated products. | Available only in medical cannabis contexts under prescription. | More common in the Spanish market, especially in CBD shops or alternative product stores, though human consumption sales are controversial. |
Possible benefits
As mentioned, there are still few studies on the possible therapeutic uses of Delta-8-THC, but research is yielding promising results that could open new treatment options for different patients. Here are some of its properties.
Pain Relief
Some studies have shown that this synthetic cannabinoid can induce an analgesic effect very similar to Delta-9-THC, but with mild psychoactive effects.
Antiemetic
It has also been validated as a substance capable of preventing vomiting in patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Reduction of Intraocular Pressure
Delta-8 is linked to reducing inflammation in cases of corneal injury and decreasing intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma.
Antiepileptic
This compound also appears promising as a potential antiepileptic, capable of reducing the frequency and intensity of seizures.
Risks of Delta-8
Delta-8-THC carries a lower risk of addiction compared to other psychoactive cannabis compounds, but the reality is that any substance that stimulates the brain’s reward system can become addictive if a person is vulnerable and does not use it responsibly. Another aspect to consider is that due to its similarity to THC, this substance can also result in positive drug tests.
The legal situation of Delta-8 THC in the United States
The legal situation of Delta-8 THC in the United States is complex and varies by state. At the federal level, the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight, which includes Delta-8 THC.
However, many states have enacted laws specifically banning or restricting Delta-8 THC. For example, states like Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Montana, Pennsylvania, Utah, and Vermont have explicitly banned the sale and possession of Delta-8 THC.
Other states have implemented regulations that limit its use or allow it only for adults aged 21 and over. In California, for instance, Delta-8 THC derived from hemp is strictly regulated and restricted under the AB 45 law, enacted in 2021.
Since state laws are constantly evolving and can change, it’s essential to check the current local regulations for updated information on the legality of Delta-8 THC in a specific jurisdiction.
