Avoid ‘Diet Weed,’ Johns Hopkins Expert Says

The cannabis-derived cannabinoid market is hotter than ever, but experts warn that people need to learn about the fundamental differences between delta-8 and delta-9 THC products. high times It was previously reported that delta-8 THC was first partially synthesized in 1941, but there is still a lot of controversy surrounding this ingredient due to the methods of extraction and transformation.

nextstar report Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine professors and other experts say they want to educate people about the choices they have to make when it comes to cannabis.

“Chemically, they are almost the same. But small differences in their chemical structure make a difference in how they interact with the body. [cannabinoid] “receptor”. Dr. Ryan Vandree, He is a professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, specializing in the behavioral pharmacology of cannabis.

The majority of delta-8 on the market is converted from CBD using natural solvents and acids as catalysts, but those inside and outside the cannabis industry are wondering whether delta-8 should be defined as synthetic or natural. They don’t seem to agree on what should be defined.

Vandrey also added, why would consumers choose delta-8 when delta-9 THC is more potent?

“Why People Call Delta-8-THC ‘Diet Weed'” [is because] The chemical difference is that it’s a little less potent at the receptor,” Vandry said, adding that delta-8 is “about half as effective” at producing the same high as delta-9. .

“Does Delta 8 THC get you high? Or is it a scam?” Popular Reddit thread in r/weed he asked. The consensus seems to confirm that delta-9 has fewer psychedelic effects compared to THC.

Sales of CBD and other cannabis-derived cannabinoids surpass adult-use cannabis and rival the craft beer industry, says Whitney Economics found. There are no signs that the industry is slowing down.

This was revealed by a NORML representative. high times Delta 8 is not the primary concern, chemical residue and other byproducts in gas station hemp products are the most concerning. Dale Gieringer of Cal NORML specifically warned about THCO, which he considers to be one particularly problematic compound that can cause real injuries.

Dr. Peter Grinspoon,A primary care physician at Massachusetts General Hospital and a lecturer at Harvard Medical School, he supports medical marijuana, but says the state’s medical marijuana program does much more vetting of ingredients than stores selling Delta-8 products. He says he is doing an excellent job.

Grinspoon revealed that confusion created by the federal government itself has made it difficult to distinguish between what is safe and what is not when it comes to hemp-derived cannabinoids.

“On top of the lack of regulation, there is a lack of consistency in regulation across different departments and levels of government. …That’s going to make it even more difficult to have consistent regulations on things,” he said. Said Nexstar.

Legal experts noted that the clock is ticking for the hemp-derived cannabinoid industry, as the FDA had no intention of legalizing Delta-8 when the 2018 Farm Bill was passed. But sellers have it virtually everywhere.

“Delta-8 is very close to Delta-9, so it’s probably relatively safe,” Grinspoon said. “But even if Delta 8 is found to be safe, you don’t know what’s in the Delta 8 you’re buying at your local smoke shop.”

of 2018 Farm Bill paved the way to 9th Circuit The court ruled that certain low-THC cannabis derivatives are exempt from the Controlled Substances Act. This left a loophole for hemp-derived products that produce psychoactive effects, something the federal government never intended to do.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned Delta 8 and similar cannabinoid derivatives are “Psychoactive and intoxicating effects” It could be dangerous for consumers’ and requested the parliament To act and enact regulations. These hemp-derived cannabinoids include potential for harmful contaminants; says the FDA.

How is Delta-8 THC made?

Delta-8 THC is only found in trace amounts in the wild, so it must be converted from CBD to get enough to infuse into products. Roger Adams and his research team at the University of Illinois be the first to report Partially synthesized Delta-8 in 1941.

high times We have reported exactly how it is done.

Publication Chemical Engineering News (CEN) The process is described as “refluxing CBD in an organic solvent such as toluene or heptane with p-toluenesulfonic acid or another acid that acts as a catalyst.” In a controlled, regulated environment, these reactions are performed by chemists with Ph.D.s to ensure that no harmful byproducts remain in the products sold to consumers, but the hemp industry is Lab testing is not required, as testing is notoriously inadequate.

CEN also described the increase in delta-8 THC as “concerning.”

It is up to every consumer to abide by “buyer beware” or at least know the important differences between delta-8 and delta-9 THC.