The National Institute of Health (NIH) defines synthetic cannabinoids as synthesized in a laboratory: examples include CB1 agonists (CPP-55, ACPA), CB2 agonists (JWH-133, NMP7, AM1241), CB1/CB2 nonselective agonist (CP55940), ajulemic acid (AJA), nabilone, and dronabinol.
Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta 8 THC) is a cannabinoid found in cannabis (marijuana) that has psychoactive effects similar to Delta-9 THC but is typically less potent In a medical application, it is used for anxiety relief and pain management, but it only occurs naturally in cannabis at trace levels. Although Delta-8 THC is widely considered to have a safety profile similar to other cannabinoids, this assumption rests largely on its chemical similarity to Delta-9 THC rather than comprehensive clinical studies. Novel cannabinoids such as Delta-10 THC, Synthetic Delta-9 THC, THC-O Acetate, and Delta-8 do not have a long record of safe use or extensive scientific research.
To create high levels of Delta-8 THC, producers use isomerization—a chemical conversion of CBD or Delta-9 THC. All Delta-8 THC products thus involve some form of chemical conversion, and only a few human studies have examined Delta-8 THC’s long-term safety, high-dose effects, or full medicinal benefits.
Quality testing is critical for Delta-8 THC products because extracts often contain elevated amounts of Delta-9 THC and other impurities that can be difficult to remove. The isomerization process used to convert CBD into Delta-8 THC can also introduce additional contaminants. In some jurisdictions, Delta-8 THC products sold in state-regulated dispensaries undergo the same testing and purity requirements as other cannabis products. However, many Delta-8 THC items come from hemp-based CBD and appear in unregulated outlets such as convenience stores, smoke shops, and gas stations, where they are not reliably tested.
As for legality, many states have taken steps to ban or regulate Delta-8 THC products. In 2022, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that federal law does not explicitly prohibit manufacturing or selling Delta-8 THC products, as long as they come from hemp or hemp-derived cannabinoids, acknowledging a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill. The court deferred to Congress for clarification. In 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) maintained that Delta-8 THC products fall outside the Farm Bill’s scope because they do not occur naturally in cannabis and are obtained synthetically. This discrepancy will likely be addressed in the next version of the Farm Bill.
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