Scientific research into delta-8 THC isn't new - over there have been various studies more than the past decades into this original lesser cannabinoid. In this list, are several of the ways in which researchers have inspected delta-8 THC so far:
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Immune system functioning: In 1974, the U.S. government undertook an animal study intended to determine whether delta-8 THC could be harmful to the immune system of laboratory mice. An unexpected observation in this study was that delta-8 THC offered anti-tumor effects in mice.
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Behavioral impact and tolerance: In 1977, the U.S. government conducted an additional study on mice to determine how delta-8 THC impacted behavior and reflexes, as well as how tolerance builds. Researchers measured heart rate, tail-flick speeds, and rectal temperature changes in conscious, unrestrained, etc. Researchers determined that heart rate significantly decreased after delta-8 THC was administered. They also noticed that tolerance built up rapidly and the intensity of the effects soon waned after repeated dosages.
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Childhood cancer treatment: A 1995 study into the use of delta-8 THC in cancer patients, particularly children, found that the compound was effective in improving treatment outcomes in 480 successful cases. The researchers, which included world-renown cannabis researcher Raphael Mechoulam, noted that it also significantly reduced nausea and vomiting in the subjects. Further, researchers found that children are not prone to the same anxiety responses observed in adults consuming THC, and so they were able to tolerate heightened doses of delta-8 THC for treatment. This was also the basis for identifying delta-8 THC's anxiolytic qualities.
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Appetite stimulation: In 2004, researchers examined the effects on mices' appetites when given a dosage of delta-8 THC. These mice were given low doses of delta-8 THC, while a control group was not. The mice that were given delta-8 THC exhibited a heightened appetite over the control.
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Pain reduction: In 2018, researchers examined the effects of delta-8 THC on mice with corneal injuries, hoping to observe its analgesic potential. The researchers determined that delta-8 THC served as an effective analgesic that reduced eye pain, reinforcing its potential as a pain relieving compound.
These studies stretch back decades, but many questions remain around delta-8 THC. Like many less famous cannabinoids, our understanding of delta-8 THC has been limited due to the ongoing federal prohibition on cannabis. Now, though, as the legal cannabis industry is growing, research into minor cannabinoids like delta-8 THC is also expanding.