Journal:Delta-8-THC: Delta-9-THC’s nicer younger sibling?

Full article title	Delta-8-THC: Delta-9-THC’s nicer younger sibling?
Journal	Journal of Cannabis Research
Author(s)	Kruger, Jessica S.; Kruger, Daniel J.
Author affiliation(s)	State University of New York at Buffalo, University of Michigan
Primary contact	Email: jskruger at buffalo dot edu
Year published	2022
Volume and issue	24
Article #	4
DOI	10.1186/s42238-021-00115-8
ISSN	2522-5782
Distribution license	Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
Website	https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-021-00115-8
Download	https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/track/pdf/10.1186/s42238-021-00115-8.pdf (PDF)

Abstract

Background: Products containing delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁸-THC) became widely available in most of the United States following the 2018 Farm Bill, and by late 2020, those products were core products of hemp processing companies, especially where delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC) use remained illegal or required medical authorization. Research on experiences with Δ⁸-THC is scarce, and some state governments have prohibited it because of this lack of knowledge.

Objective: We conducted an exploratory study addressing a broad range of issues regarding Δ⁸-THC to inform policy discussions and provide directions for future systematic research.

Methods: We developed an online survey for Δ⁸-THC consumers, including qualities of Δ⁸-THC experiences, comparisons with Δ⁹-THC, and open-ended feedback. The survey included quantitative and qualitative aspects to provide a rich description and content for future hypothesis testing. Invitations to participate were distributed by a manufacturer of Δ⁸-THC products via social media accounts, email contact list, and the Delta8 Reddit.com discussion board. Participants (n = 521) mostly identified as White/European American (90%) and male (57%). Pairwise t tests compared Δ⁸-THC effect rating items; one-sample t tests examined responses to Δ⁹-THC comparison items.

Results: Most Δ⁸-THC users experienced a lot or a great deal of relaxation (71%); euphoria (68%) and pain relief (55%); and a moderate amount or a lot of cognitive distortions such as difficulty concentrating (81%), difficulties with short-term memory (80%), and alerted sense of time (74%). Many did not experience anxiety (74%) or paranoia (83%). Participants generally compared Δ⁸-THC favorably with both Δ⁹-THC and pharmaceutical drugs, with most participants reporting substitution for Δ⁸-THC (57%) and pharmaceutical drugs (59%). Participant concerns regarding Δ⁸-THC were generally focused on continued legal access.

Conclusions: Δ⁸-THC may provide much of the experiential benefits of Δ⁹-THC with fewer adverse effects. Future systematic research is needed to confirm participant reports, although these studies are hindered by the legal statuses of both Δ⁸-THC and Δ⁹-THC. Cross-sector collaborations among academics, government officials, and representatives from the cannabis industry may accelerate the generation of knowledge regarding Δ⁸-THC and other cannabinoids. A strength of this study is that it is the first large survey of Δ⁸-THC users; limitations include self-reported data from a self-selected convenience sample.

Keywords: medical cannabis, cannabis, cannabinoid, delta-8-THC, subjective effects

Background

Among hundreds of cannabinoids, delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁸-THC or delta-8-THC) has rapidly risen in popularity among consumers of cannabis products. Δ⁸-THC is an isomer or a chemical analog of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC or delta-9-THC), the molecule that produces the experience of being high when ingesting cannabis. (Qamar et al. 2021) Δ⁸-THC differs in the molecular structure from Δ⁹-THC in the location of a double bond between carbon atoms 8 and 9 rather than carbon atoms 9 and 10. (Razdan 1984) Due to its altered structure, Δ⁸-THC has a lower affinity for the CB1 receptor and therefore has a lower psychotropic potency than Δ⁹-THC. (Hollister and Gillespie 1973; Razdan 1984) Δ⁸-THC is found naturally in the Cannabis plant, though at substantially lower concentrations than Δ⁹-THC.(Hively et al. 1966) It can also be synthesized from other cannabinoids. (Hanuš and Krejčí 1975)

The 2018 Farm Bill did not specifically address Δ⁸-THC, but it effectively legalized the sale of hemp-derived Δ⁸-THC products with no oversight. Its popularity grew dramatically in late 2020, gaining the attention of cannabis consumers and processors throughout the United States. As of early 2021, Δ⁸-THC is considered one of the fastest-growing segments of hemp derived products, with most states having access. (Richtel 2021) However, little is known about experiences with Δ⁸-THC or its effects in medical or recreational users. (Hollister and Gillespie 1973; Razdan 1984)

In 1973, Δ⁸-THC and Δ⁹-THC were administrated to six research participants. Despite the small sample size, researchers concluded that Δ⁸-THC was about two-thirds as potent as Δ⁹-THC and was qualitatively similar in experiential effects. (Hollister and Gillespie 1973; Razdan 1984) In 1995, researchers gave Δ⁸-THC to eight pediatric cancer patients two hours before each chemotherapy session. Over the course of eight months, none of these patients vomited following their cancer treatment. The researchers concluded that Δ⁸-THC was a more stable compound than the more well-studied Δ⁹-THC (Abrahamov et al. 1995), consistent with other findings (Zias et al. 1993), suggesting that Δ⁸-THC could be a better candidate than Δ⁹-THC for new therapeutics.

In recent months, 14 U.S. states have blocked the sale of Δ⁸-THC due to the lack of research into the compound’s psychoactive effects. (Sullivan 2021) However, all policies and practices, including those related to substance use and public health, should be informed by empirical evidence. The current study seeks to better understand the experiences of people who use Δ⁸-TH to inform policy discussions and provide directions for future systematic research. Because this is the first large survey of Δ⁸-THC consumers, we take an exploratory approach to describe experiences with Δ⁸-THC. We combine quantitative rating items with open-ended qualitative items, enabling participants to provide feedback which is rich in content.

Methods

Procedures

We developed an anonymous Qualtrics online survey to assess experiences with Δ⁸-THC. Bison Botanics, a manufacturer of Δ⁸-THC and cannabidiol (CBD) products in New York State, distributed invitations to participate in the study via their social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram), via their email contact list, and via the Delta8 online discussion board (Subreddit) on Reddit.com. The invitation read: “Are you a Delta-8-THC consumer? We’ve partnered with researchers at the University at Buffalo and the University of Michigan to learn more about experiences with delta-8-THC and its impact on public health and safety.” Screening questions verified that participants were 18 years of age or older, were currently in the USA, and used or consumed products containing Δ⁸-THC. Surveys were completed between June 12 and August 2, 2021. Δ⁸-THC products were sold legally in New York State until July 19, 2021.

Participants

Completed surveys (n = 521) were included for analyses, with a completion rate of 74%. Participants were men (57%), women (41%), and individuals who reported another gender identity (2%). The mean age was 34 years old (SD = 11; range: 18–76). Participants had completed 15 years of education on average (SD = 2; range: 8–20) and 17% were currently students. Participants identified (inclusively) as White/European American (90%), Hispanic/Latino (5%), Black/African American (3%), American Indian or Alaska Native (3%), Asian (3%), Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (1%), and Other (3%). Most (59%) participants provided zip codes, which ranged across 38 U.S. states. The largest portion was from New York State (29%), with all other states representing below 10% of the total. Nearly all these participants (90%) were in states where Δ⁹-THC cannabis products were not yet commercially available for adult (i.e., “recreational”) use.

Measures

Participants reported on the content of their experiences with Δ⁸-THC by rating its effects. The question stem read: “Please indicate how much you experience the following when you use delta-8-THC.” Specific experiential aspects included altered sense of time; anxiety (unpleasant feelings, nervousness, worry); difficulty concentrating; difficulties with short-term memory; euphoria (pleasure, excitement, happiness); pain relief; paranoia (thinking that other people are out to get you, etc.); and relaxation. Response options were "not at all," "a little," "a moderate amount," "a lot," and "a great deal."

Two items assessed participants’ comparisons of experiences with Δ⁸-THC and Δ⁹-THC. The first question read: “How does Delta-8-THC compare to Delta-9-THC in the intensity or strength of effects?” [emphasis in original]. Response options were: "Delta-8-THC is much more intense," "Delta-8-THC is somewhat more intense," "about the same," "Delta-9-THC is somewhat more intense," "Delta-9-THC is much more intense," and "do not know." The second question read: “How does Delta-8-THC compare to Delta-9-THC in the duration or length of effects?” [emphasis in original]. Response options were: "Delta-8-THC lasts a lot longer," "Delta-8-THC lasts a little longer," "about the same," "Delta-9-THC lasts a little longer," "Delta-9-THC lasts a lot longer," and "do not know."

Participants were also asked the open-ended question, “Do you have any comments about how Delta-8-THC compares to Delta-9-THC?” after the rating items. This item was followed by a brief demographic section assessing age, gender identity, education, ethnicity, and zip code. At the end of the survey, participants were asked, “Do you have any comments about these topics or this survey?” There were no restrictions on participants’ responses.

Analysis

Pairwise t tests compared ratings on Δ⁸-THC effect items; descriptive statistics, 95% confidence intervals, and effect sizes were calculated (see Table 1 and Fig. 1). Responses to items comparing Δ⁸-THC to Δ⁹-THC intensity and duration were examined by one-sample t tests with a comparison value of 3 (“About the same”), effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals were calculated (see Fig. 2). Demographic comparisons were made for participants’ gender with between-subjects t tests, participants’ age with Pearson correlations, and participants’ educational levels with partial correlations controlling for age. Responses to open-ended questions were coded as a set to avoid the duplication of codes for the same participant (see Table 2). The coders had been trained in qualitative methods, and an inductive coding method was used to create a codebook. After the first coder assigned the codes, a line-by-line coding was used to then categorize codes. To establish inter-rater reliability, two coders independently read participant responses and identified overall themes. Once general themes were established, the responses were coded for theme categories and subcategories. Coding discrepancies were resolved and coding omissions were eliminated by adding codes, although no previously identified themes were deleted. Instances of themes and subthemes were calculated across participants. Individual participants could express more than one subtheme within a thematic category.

Table 1. Comparison of effects from Δ8-THC with item descriptive statistics. Values in columns 2–8 indicate effect sizes for pairwise comparisons, d = .20 indicates a small effect, d = .50 indicates a medium effect, d = .80 indicates a large effect. ° indicates p = .405, all other comparisons are p < .001 Effect M SD 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1. Relaxation 3.96 0.92 0.45 0.74 1.58 1.60 1.72 2.06 2.26 2. Pain relief 3.41 1.17 – 0.16 1.04 1.06 1.12 1.44 1.68 3. Euphoria 3.22 0.99 – 1.08 1.16 1.17 1.49 1.81 4. Altered sense of time 2.00 0.91 – 0.15 0.18 0.62 0.82 5. Difficulties with short-term memory 1.84 0.95 – 0.01° 0.44 0.62 6. Difficulty concentrating 1.83 0.85 – 0.49 0.67 7. Anxiety 1.38 0.70 – .027 8. Paranoia 1.22 0.56 –

Fig. 1 Participant experiences with Δ8-THC. Values are means with 95% confidence intervals. Experiences were coded as: 1 = not at all, 2 = a little, 3 = a moderate amount, 4 = a lot, 5 = a great deal.

Fig. 2 Participant comparisons of Δ8-THC and Δ9-THC experiences. Values are means with 95% confidence intervals. Intensity was coded as: 1 = Delta-9-THC is much more intense, 2 = Delta-9-THC is somewhat more intense, 3 = about the same, 4 = Delta-8-THC is somewhat more intense, 5 = Delta-8-THC is much more intense. Duration was coded as: 1 = Delta-9-THC lasts a lot longer, 2 = Delta-9-THC lasts a little longer, 3 = about the same, 4 = Delta-8-THC lasts a little longer, 5 = Delta-8-THC lasts a lot longer.

Table 2. Themes in responses to open-ended questions. See Supplementary Table S1 for unique responses. Theme/subtheme Count Comparisons between Δ8-THC and Δ9-THC 239     Overall similarity of experience 38     Δ8-THC is less intense or potent than Δ9-THC 38     Δ8-THC enables better mental clarity than Δ9-THC 37     Δ8-THC produces less anxiety than Δ9-THC 28     Δ8-THC produces less paranoia than Δ9-THC 20     Δ8-THC has a lower cost than Δ9-THC 11     Δ8-THC is more accessible than Δ9-THC 7     Prefers Δ8-THC 6     Δ8-THC has a shorter duration of effect than 6     Δ8-THC produces less sedation than Δ9-THC 5     Can be more active and/or productive with Δ8-THC 5     Prefers Δ9-THC 4     Δ8-THC is legal so no risk of arrest, job loss, etc. 3     Δ8-THC is harsher on the lungs when inhaled 3     Δ8-THC has better social acceptance 3     Δ8-THC provides better pain relief 3     Δ8-THC stimulated the appetite less than Δ9-THC 3     Δ8-THC generates fewer or no panic attacks 2     Δ8-THC provides better relaxation 2     Δ8-THC has lesser (unspecified) adverse effects 2 Therapeutic effect or benefit from Δ8-THC 62     Relaxation 15     Pain relief 9     Anxiety 9     Sleep aid 6     Maintaining a positive mood 4     Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 3     Depression 3     Migraines 2     Increasing appetite 2 Comments on the study or researchers 33     Praise for the researchers for conducting a study on Δ8-THC 22     Feedback and suggestions on the survey content or features 9     Criticism of study design 2 Expressions of concern 22     Concern for continued legal access to Δ8-THC 17     Concern for the purity of the product 3 General expressions of praise for Δ8-THC 19 Substitution of Δ8-THC for other substances 17 Cannabis and cannabis products containing Δ9-THC 6 Comparisons between Δ8-THC and pharmaceutical drugs 11     Δ8-THC is better at pain relief 3 Dual use of Δ8-THC and Δ9-THC 8     Δ8-THC is for working and being active and Δ9-THC is for fun, relaxation, and recreation 5 Adverse effects of Δ8-THC 6     Anxiety (at high doses) 2     Headache 2 Other comments 25     Δ8-THC edibles or tinctures are more potent than vaping 7     Building tolerance to Δ8-THC 3     Biochemistry of Δ8-THC 2     Δ8-THC is more for medical use than recreational use 2     Recreational use of Δ8-THC 2     Δ8-THC is better than alcohol 2     Does not like Δ8-THC 2

Results

Participants mostly consumed Δ⁸-THC through edibles (64%; brownies, gummies, etc.), vaped concentrates (48%; hash, wax, dabs, oil, etc.), and tinctures (32%). Some participants consumed Δ⁸-THC through smoking concentrates (23%; hash, wax, dabs, oil, etc.), smoking bud or flower (18%), vaping bud or flower (9%), topical products (9%; lotion, cream, oil, patch on skin), capsules (6%), suppositories (1%), and other methods (1%). Most participants (83%) also reported consuming Δ⁹-THC cannabis and products and reported substitution for Δ⁹-THC (57%) and pharmaceutical drugs (59%).

Experiences with Δ⁸-THC were most prominently characterized by relaxation, pain relief, and euphoria (see Table 1 and Fig. 1). Participants reported modest levels of cognitive distortions such as an altered sense of time, difficulties with short-term memory, and difficulty concentrating. Participants reported low levels of distressing mental states (anxiety and paranoia). There were large statistical effect sizes in differences between items in the first set of experiences (relaxation, pain relief, and euphoria) and items in the second set (cognitive distortions), and medium statistical effect sizes in differences between cognitive distortions and anxiety and paranoia.

On average participants reported that the effects of Δ⁸-THC were less intense—t(433) = 23.86, p < .001, d = 1.15—and had a shorter duration—t(421) = 10.08, p < .001, d = 0.49—than the effects of Δ⁹-THC (see Fig. 2). Proportionally, participants reported the intensity of effect as much more with Δ⁹-THC (36%), somewhat more with Δ⁹-THC (44%), about the same (15%), somewhat more with Δ⁸-THC (4%), and much more with Δ⁸-THC (2%). Proportionally, participants reported the duration of effect as much more with Δ⁹-THC (20%), somewhat more with Δ⁹-THC (27%), about the same (41%), somewhat more with Δ⁸-THC (8%), and much more with Δ⁸-THC (5%).

Demographic analyses indicated that women perceived Δ⁸-THC effects to be somewhat more intense—t(420) = 3.55, p < .001, d = 0.36—and longer lasting—t(408) = 3.45, p < .001, d = 0.36—compared to Δ⁹-THC than did men. Older individuals perceived Δ⁸-THC effects to be somewhat more intense—r(429) = .141, p = .003—and longer lasting— r(418) = .293 p < .001—compared to Δ⁹-THC than younger individuals. Controlling for age, those completing more years of education perceived Δ⁸-THC effects to be somewhat more intense—r(383) = .158, p = .003—and longer lasting—r(383) = .139, p = .006—compared to Δ⁸-THC than those with less education.

Participants (n = 204) provided text responses in one or both open-ended questions (see Table 2 and S1). The most common theme was comparisons between Δ⁸-THC and Δ⁹-THC. Examples of participants’ responses containing this theme included:

• “Delta 8 feels like Delta 9’s nicer younger sibling.”
• “It has all the positives and many fewer drawbacks/side effects. It is less impairing and much less likely to cause anxiety or paranoia. It has much milder to nonexistent aftereffects.”
• “Delta 8 is not as heavy as Delta 9. With Delta 8, I am able to perform my normal day to day activities, i.e., no couch lock, paranoia, munchies. I am able to function well at work under the influence of Delta 8 whereas under the influence on Delta 9 at work, I am paranoid and feel less motivated to do work activities. Delta 8 has more of just a euphoria feeling than any other feeling for me. I want to do activities and I want to have a pleasurable time. Whereas if I have too much of Delta 9, all I want to do is watch TV, eat snacks, distance myself from the outside world. Delta 9 is better for sleep.”

The second most common theme was the therapeutic effect or benefit from Δ⁸-THC. Examples of participants’ responses containing this theme included:

• “It is like 'lite' Delta 9. I can focus and work more with Delta 8 than Delta 9. It helps my pains and relaxation and I feel more able. Depending on the strain it has taken the place of melatonin for sleep.”
• “As with any newer drug with limited study, care should be taken with its use. But I’ve personally found it immensely useful and therapeutic, with management of anxiety and sleep issues. Which nothing but far more addictive drugs (regarding anxiolytics), have helped with in the past. I hope lots more studies will be able to be done.”
• “Delta-9 I pretty regularly experience panic attacks. Delta-8 I do not and it relieves symptoms of PTSD and anxiety pretty quickly.”

The third most common theme was comments on the study or researchers. Some examples of this praise include:

• “I'm glad that there's more academic research being done on the subject, thank you for doing it!”
• “Keep up the good work. Need more studies and information on cannabinoids.”

The fourth most common theme was expressions of concern, particularly for continued legal access to Δ⁸-THC. Examples of participants’ responses containing this theme included:

• “D8 is Great for daytime relief when you need to get stuff done. It has helped me a lot! I HOPE THEY DON’T BAN IT!”
• “I feel that delta-8-THC is a very effective alternative to delta-9-THC with less side effects. I primarily consume it in combination with high CBD or CBG hemp. I do wish there was regulation purely for safety concerns; more reliable lab testing, testing specifically for solvents and reagents used in delta-8-THC production, etc. But I do fear that harsh regulation may get in the way of a wonderful substance that could improve the lives of many people. I hope against hope that a fear mongering campaign doesn't put an end to the golden age of D8 that we are currently experiencing.”

The fifth most common theme was general expressions of praise for Δ⁸-THC. Many participants had similar statements such as, “Delta 8 is a great thing. It needs to stay accessible and affordable for the people that can really benefit.”

The sixth most common theme was substitution of Δ⁸-THC for other substances. One participant stated: “The therapeutic and medicinal effects of Delta 8 have significantly improved my life, treating pain and sleeplessness while not making me feel the high I get from Delta 9. I have stopped taking pharmaceutical drugs and my health and wellbeing has improved.”

The seventh most common theme was the dual use of Δ⁸-THC and Δ⁹-THC. One representative comment was: “It seems a lot more of a ‘functional’ high, at my job we call it work-weed. I get too much anxiety to effectively deal with customers on Delta 9, Delta 8 is just about perfect for when you gotta actually do things. I still do prefer Delta-9 after a long day though.”

The eighth most common theme was adverse effects of Δ⁸-THC. One example: “I love Delta 8 because I do not need to take it daily. I’ve never had withdrawals when I did not take it. What I dislike about Delta 8 is the feeling of always being cold. I did read the dosage had something to do with this but unfortunately even reducing the dosage gave me the same result.”

Participants also made comments that did not fit into the major themes. The most frequent of these comments was that Δ⁸-THC edibles or tinctures were more powerful than when Δ⁸-THC was inhaled as a vape. A representative comment was, “How Delta 8 is consumed plays a large role in the effects, when eaten or taken in a tincture it feels much closer to Delta 9 in effects compared to when vaping/dabbing Delta 8.”

Notes

This presentation is faithful to the original, with only a few minor changes to presentation. Some grammar and punctuation was cleaned up to improve readability. In some cases important information was missing from the references, and that information was added.