Everyone has heard of THC before, however not many know that THC has a broad range of compounds in cannabis! Typically, when people refer to THC, they are referring to Delta 9 THC. However, there are other compounds that have amazing medical benefits too!
Recently, the compound Delta 8 THC is gaining buzz for its own unique medicinal properties. We talked to Joseph Nielson, Head Extraction Engineer at Oregrown. Oregrow is Oregon’s premier farm-to-table dispensary. Learn more!
What is Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 THC is a compound found in the cannabis plant. Traditionally, it’s not found in large enough amounts to form a concentrate. However, in our lab, we perform reactions to convert Delta 9 into Delta 8 THC.
What makes it so special?
Until recently, many thought it would be impossible to create a Delta 8 THC concentrate. Studies have shown that Delta 8 THC is similar to Delta-9 THC, but has slightly different effects and benefits. According to the National Cancer Institute, Delta 8 THC has anti-anxiety, pain relieving and brain-protecting properties. In a 1995 study performed by Shaare Zedek Hospital in Jerusalem, Israel, Delta 8 THC appeared to have antiemetic properties, and a 2004 study by the Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School in Jerusalem, Israel found Delta 8 THC to be an appetite stimulant.
Why is it helpful to understand different cannabinoids?
As a society, we’ve just begun to scratch the surface on the potential of cannabinoids. The cannabis plant is made up of over 100 cannabinoids and all cannabinoids have a different type of effect on the body. It’s important to understand the effects of different cannabinoids in order to determine what cannabis product will best suit your needs.
Are there any important factors to consider when picking cannabis for medical use?
The use of cannabis as a medicine shouldn’t be taken lightly. There are lots of factors one would need to consider if they were looking to use cannabis medicinally. It’s recommended to consult a doctor when
looking to begin any type of cannabis treatment. In my experience, there is no hard-and-fast rule to prescribing cannabis as a medicine. Patients who have found success using cannabis have had to use a trial and error approach to finding what works best for them.
What makes you passionate about what you do?
The bottom line is that I love cannabis. The way it looks, the way it smells, the way it tastes and the way it makes me feel. I’m passionate about what I do because I’m able to focus on creating a product that’s dedicated to capturing the uniqueness of individual cannabis strains.
About Oregrown
Oregrown is a standout among cannabis brands. As Oregon’s premier farm-to-table cannabis company, the Oregrown team cultivates organic-method, indoor cannabis and processes world-class products in the pursuit of unparalleled craftsmanship in every facet of their supply chain. As the first, exclusive Oregon producer for PAX Era and Jolly Greens Hard Candies, Oregrown’s cultivation and extraction professionals craft several of the state’s premier dispensary products including their own lines of Oregrown flower, extracts, and concentrates.
Oregrown’s award-winning flagship dispensary located in downtown Bend, Oregon, an outdoor recreation destination and tourism capital of the Pacific Northwest, has been named Best Place to Work (2017), Bend’s Best Place to Visit for First Dispensary Experience (2016), and Bend’s Best Dispensary three years in a row (2015-2017).
About Joseph Nielsen
Joseph Nielsen is the Head Extraction Engineer at Oregrown Industries. Joseph oversees extraction production and new product development at Oregrown’s extraction laboratory. Through market trend analysis and research, Joseph, along with Oregrown senior executives, leads critical decisions on product innovation and processing strategies. Adroit in chemistry, biology, and physics, Joseph brings a passion for alternative therapeutics and in-depth knowledge of cannabis ethnobotany to the company’s extraction vertical. Joseph also holds experiential knowledge in cannabis cultivation and MMJ customer service.
