Tennessee medical cannabis patients will soon have access to low-THC oil with up to 0.9% THC. But before the Volunteer State sees its first dispensary, one cannabis product is already available both medically, and recreationally.
Delta-8 seemingly sprouted into popularity overnight, while the details about what the compound is and what it does have taken a back seat. In this Tennessee Marijuana Card Guide, we’ll cover what Delta-8-THC is, what it does, and if it’s safe.
What is Delta-8?
Delta-8, also known as Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis family of plants.
It is a cannabinoid alongside at least 100 others and is usually only present in very small quantities within the plant flower.
It can be found in both hemp and marijuana plants, which is why you’ll find it in a federal grey area right now, but we’ll cover that in a bit.
Delta-8-THC looks and sounds similar to Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, they both share a nearly identical name as well as a double bond in their chemical makeup.
The difference between Delta-8 and Delta-9 is found in their molecular chain:
· Delta-8 has a double bond on the 8th carbon chain
· Delta-9 has a double bond on the 9th carbon chain.
This might not sound like a huge difference, but for anyone brushed up on their high school chemistry this tiny change in where the double bond is determines how the cannabinoid works, and how well it works.
Delta-8, a Less Efficient THC
Anecdotal reports show Delta-8 has a similar range of effects to the more commonly known Delta-9-THC. Including a euphoric “high”, an increase in appetite and mood, and potentially reduced anxiety, Delta-8 shows promise for those looking for a subjectively legal alternative to regular THC.
Typically, Delta-8 is taken through vaporizing or edibles.
Because the compound is not in high enough quantities in cannabis flower, it is not commonly smoked.
Delta-8 and Delta-9-THC both seem to at least try to work the same way when consumed, as they both travel through the endocannabinoid system in order to bind to CB1 receptors.
Why Medical Marijuana Patients Stick with THC
However, because of the difference in chemical shape between the two cannabinoids, Delta-8 is not as efficient in fitting into the CB1 receptor as Delta-9-THC and is therefore less effective at the same job.
This is possibly why Delta-8 is frequently reported to be like a “lighter THC”, it isn’t binding as well to the CB1 receptor as Delta-9-THC might, thus the produced effects are reduced.
Often it is reported that Delta-8 produces less intense effects for a shorter duration than its Cousin Delta-9-THC, but because dosage and tolerance can heavily affect this, Delta-8 should be taken with caution and moderation for first time users.
Is Delta-8 Illegal in Tennessee?
Delta-8 is legal as of right now in Tennessee and can be bought at many retail stores.
Because Delta-8 can be derived from both hemp and marijuana plants, it presently falls under a federal grey area after the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill.
After passing, producing and cultivating Delta-8 from hemp would be technically legal, while production from the marijuana plant would remain illegal, even though the compounds are identical regardless of where they come from.
As of right now, Tennessee considers Delta-8 that is produced from hemp legal.
Is Delta-8 Dangerous?
Cannabis as a plant contains inherently safe compounds depending on the method of consumption. For Delta-8, the main concern is in how it is extracted, and vaporizer products.
Delta-8 is not federally regulated, which means there are less rules and regulations regarding how companies can extract Delta-8. Unreliable or large-scale wholesale operations can include many incorrect measurements and processes that can seriously impact the final product on the shelf.
There have been significant dangers linked to unregulated cannabis products, specifically vape carts. Black market extracts or concentrates can be very dangerous and even deadly if they are produced without extreme safety precautions.
Vape cartridges that are not purchased from a safe and reliable retailer with a history of high-quality products should be regarded as unsafe unless tested.
Delta-8 is especially vulnerable to this because the large majority of products that are made containing Delta-8 are vape cartridges. The dangers of Vitamin-E Acetate and other toxic cutting agents can have detrimental health consequences.
Why Doctors Do Not Prescribe Delta-8
Because Delta-8 is (kind of) a recreationally produced compound right now, there are many less available studies on its use as a medicine.
Much more medical and scientific research has been accessible for other cannabinoids like Delta-9-THC and CBD, and as such they are the primary compounds that receive the most research for potential use as a medicine.
The use of other cannabinoids have shown promising medical applications for several decades now, presented confidently enough for medical doctors and state governments to consider them as alternative medications.
The same is not the case for Delta-8 right now, and although more scientific research may reveal medicinal properties of the compound in the future, for now patients are sticking with cannabinoids that have known medicinal benefits.
Medical Cannabis in Tennessee
Being a Tennessee cannabis patient allows you the freedom to take your medication the right way for you.
Reserve your appointment today and get $25 off when we start processing applications!
We’re dedicated to helping patients every step of the way, feel free to give us a call at (833) 781-5611 and we can answer your questions about getting a medical cannabis card in Tennessee.
Doctors Who Care. Relief You Can Trust.
At Tennessee Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
Call us at (833) 781-5611, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
Check out Tennessee Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information!
Comments