A History of Delta-8: What a Wild Ride!

In the vibrant realm of cannabis, there’s a character whose dramatic history isn’t as widely sung as some others – say hello to the history of Delta-8-THC! This molecule has been lurking in the annals of cannabinoid history, waiting for its shining moment. And guess what? That moment is now.

Our tale begins in 1941, with an American organic chemist named Roger Adams. No, he didn’t play in a rock band or invent a dance move. Instead, he was the first to publish about the partial synthesis of delta-8-THC. The University of Illinois became the epicenter of newfound interest, as Adams and his team delved into the psychoactive wonders of delta-8 and its “star-of-the-show” sibling, delta-9.

Father knows Best

Shift the scene to 1965, and in comes the Israeli organic chemist, Raphael Mechoulam. AKA the “father of cannabis”, he achieved the total synthesis of delta-8-THC. BAM! But, ahem, the full pharmacology wasn’t published till 1970. Interestingly, delta-8 played a bit of an identity game back then. Initially introduced as delta-6-THC (cringe), it finally got its true name once the world realized its double bond was playfully positioned at carbon chain number 8.

Grit to Keep Going

But here’s where the plot thickens! Delta-8’s burgeoning research in the US hit a stone wall with the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. Cannabis was pushed into the shadows, research was clamped down, and delta-8, like a misunderstood artist, was left waiting in the wings.

However, enterprising Mechoulam, away in Israel, kept plugging away, unaffected by U.S. laws. His passion for Delta-8 burned bright, even though he often faced criticism due to its rarity in cannabis strains. The plot twist? The early 2000s saw Mechoulam patenting the “isomerization” process, turning the abundant CBD into the elusive delta-8 (this will be on the test). 

A Welcome Shift

Today, the U.S. landscape is different. The 2018 Farm Bill ushered in a new era, legalizing hemp derivatives, and Delta-8, once in the shadows, now stands tall, its mellow effects making it a darling among cannabis enthusiasts. 

Early research had touched upon delta-8’s promise in areas like cancer management, glaucoma treatment, and appetite stimulation. And with its newfound legality and accessibility, the future looks vibrant. New avenues beckon: Could Delta-8 be a game-changer for anxiety, pain, inflammation, or a slew of chronic illnesses?

Now, delta-8 has grown up to the point where you can have a tablet dissolve under your tongue and feel the chill in just minutes (this is less than 100 years since it was discovered and we had bumps along the road) check our own sublingual nano-delta-8 tablet: Our Good, it’s that good.