Delta 8: The Variant

Unlike the highly contagious Delta variant of COVID-19, causing a rippling effect of preventative measures in the United States, the Delta-8 THC strain is rippling through our beverage and hospitality environment, providing a curative experience. Introducing the legal cannabinoid peppering our social affairs, Delta 8. Let's start from the beginning. 

The discovery of the Delta-8 variant is often attributed to an American Organic Chemist residing in Illinois named Roger Adams in 1941. However, the discovery was a group effort as the molecule was synthesized twenty years later by Raphael Machoulam. Delta-8 research has recently been limited or overshadowed by its more robust counterpart, Delta-9. As Delta-8 is synthesized from CBD, which is derived from legal hemp, it gives experts and entrepreneurs the ability to research and sell. 

Hundreds of chemical compounds are in the hemp plant, and over 120 are considered cannabinoids. These cannabinoids bind to our receptors and regulate various cerebral functions, including appetite, memory, mood, and pain perception. The most popular variants or cannabinoids are Delta-9 THC and CBD. Unlike Delta-9 (aka "regular" THC), Delta 8 gives off a smoother and less paranoid "high," making it perfect for recreational alcoholic consumption. 

The differences between the Delta-9 and Delta-8 THCs are separated by law and molecular structure.  The chemical difference between the two Delta strains is the double bonds on the carbon atoms chain. Delta-8 contains a double bond on its eighth carbon atom, while Delta-9's double bond resides on its ninth carbon atom. Delta-8 is approximately 60% as psychoactive as Delta-9 THC. The level of inebriation, however, greatly depends on the number of milligrams used and the route you choose to ingest. Being that Delta-8 is far less potent than its counterpart, the individuals who consume it have less of a chance of unwanted side effects such as hyperstimulation, paranoia, and "couch lock." In the case of an alcoholic beverage, it should take about 45 minutes to an hour to feel the effects, so it should be considered that taking it slow is the way to go.

Another significant difference between the two variants is that Delta-8 is federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, legalizing all hemp production and everything in the composition of hemp. This includes CBD, CBG, and Delta-8 THC. This bill created a loophole for Delta-8, considering that the variant is a derivative of hemp and also has less than 0.3% THC concentration, the federal level of legal marijuana. The 2018 Farm Bill states, "Section 12619 of the 2018 Farm Bill removes hemp-derived cannabinoids from its Schedule I status under the Controlled Substances Act."

Although Delta 8 is a federally legal hemp product, checking in with your local and state laws is widely encouraged. 

Beyond the social aspects that this variant brings, the medicinal elements are surprising and are essential for the future movement of medicine. Studies have shown that Delta-8 can manage cancer-related treatments along with treating glaucoma and corneal injuries. A 1995 study has demonstrated that Delta-8 can relieve symptoms of nausea at a 100% success rate within pediatric cancer patients while reducing the potentially harmful effects that the Delta-9 variant might cause.

So, now that we've covered the basics and differences of the Deltas, let's get to the fun part!

Since the 2018 Farm Bill was introduced and implemented, waves of bars nationwide have included the legal variant in their social circles. Patrons of the elixir have described feelings of euphoria without the adverse effects that the Delta-9 variant can produce. The psychoactive drug even has a place on the market with companies like Wunder, providing low-dose sparkling cocktails. These cocktails also include CBD to keep you engaged within your social unit without feeling groggy. Delta-8 has even made its way to Minnesota, producing a cocktail and Delta-8 edibles within an upcoming neighborhood on Saint Paul's west end: The White Squirrel. 

The low-key music venue is named after the neighborhood albino squirrel that pops up now and then, affectionally named Kevin. The owners, Dani and Jarret Oulman say that the bar has caused a stir within their community regarding the unique cocktails and the Delta-8 mixture. The small bar provides intimacy and produces the Delta-8 tincture to mix with their signature cocktails. The local favorite is the West End Girls, a mix of reposado tequila and mezcal with a variant shot straight into the concoction.

Although the variant is particularly popular with alcoholic beverages, it can continue its usage with non-alcoholic drinks. A study conducted by a team from the University of Colorado, Boulder, stated that cannabis consumption may decrease alcohol intake by individuals being treated for alcohol abuse. 96 individuals from the year 2016-2020 were seeking alcohol treatment while consuming cannabis and had submitted data as part of the study. The results found that the subjects drank 1.05 fewer drinks on days that cannabis was consumed. The study also showed that on days that the individuals would use cannabis, they were 2.06 times less likely to binge drink. Lastly, the study concluded that the individual's cannabis usage increased on days when the subjects did not drink. Some say the analysis produces fallacies, as individuals may replace one habit with another. More long-term studies must be done between the two drugs for an accurate assessment.

Delta-8 tends to come in tincture form along with vaporizer cartridges, edibles, dabs, and flowers. The best way to ingest Delta-8 depends on what high you want to enjoy. In the case of alcoholic drinks, the consumption would be oral and would have to pass through the digestive system to feel its full effects. This route would demand the THC variant to lose its bio-availability (referring to the amount of Delta-8 that ends up in the bloodstream) in small doses, causing the strain to be felt mildly.

The second best route of administration is to consume the variant in sublingual (under the tongue) form. This way, the product can bypass the digestive system and fall right into the capillaries of the language and straight into the bloodstream. The most bio-available way to consume Delta-8 is through vaping. This route gives the fastest-acting effects and contains the highest bioavailability. This route is often experienced in minutes.

While Delta-8 continues to become popular among bars and restaurants nationwide, some investors of the variant say that the strain is a fad. Sean Santa, an investment banker who helps cannabis companies raise capital, said that Delta-8 products are too often jostling for consumers who would much prefer the Delta-9 variant if they could get it.

With the insurgence of THC use in America, it is only possible to come up with a new, fun way to invest in this variant. Alcohol can be considered a part of America's social structure of fun. With Delta-8 included in that structure, you can now think of that social fabric as a leg up to relaxation. Cheers.