THC comes in two forms: delta-8 and delta-9.
While all marijuana products can provide a similar sensation, the experience of edibles and smoking marijuana is very different. Edible highs often have more potent physical symptoms and more intense cerebral stimulation, which may be practically hallucinogenic for some. The reason for this is because you are not experiencing euphoria from the same molecule.
When edibles are consumed, an entirely different type of THC is produced than when cannabis is smoked, known as 11-hydroxy-THC. However, the variety of THC variants does not end there. In the cannabis environment, a new cannabinoid is developing with its own distinct and intriguing effects: delta-8 THC. Join us as we dive into this fascinating new world of delta-8 THC cannabis.
What is Delta-8?
The “8” in delta-8 denotes the positioning of the chemical bond, just a step higher than in delta-9. Due to its structural resemblance, it has comparable effects. However, there are significant distinctions.
Delta-8 THC is produced in minute levels in cannabis and hemp plants, making it significantly more uncommon than delta-9. It may, however, be created from any cannabis plant with the use of unique extraction, breeding, and processing techniques.
Delta-8 is a cannabis component that has gained popularity due to its resemblance to THC, the primary active ingredient in cannabis that produces euphoria, happiness, sedation, and symptom alleviation. The majority of cannabis cultivars contain significant quantities of THC.
The two cannabinoids are identical in their molecular structure and labels. THC is often referred to scientifically as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, delta-9 THC, or simply delta-9. The abbreviation delta-8 refers to delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, also delta-8 THC. Delta-8 THC may provide comparable effects to conventional delta-9 THC—but at a considerably lower potency.
At the moment, the legal status of delta-8 remains unclear. Hemp or cannabis may be used to extract it. As a result of the 2018 farm bill, hemp may now be cultivated and extracted lawfully across the United Places, making delta-8 legal.
Almost all delta-8 THC on the market at the moment is sourced from hemp-derived Cannabidiol, which theoretically places it inside a federally legal chain of production.
People who live in places where THC is banned seek cannabis products and are now turning to delta-8 since it may be lawful in their state, despite its lower potency. Here is a list of options for them. Multiple extractors have ramped up production of delta-8 to meet this increased demand and transporting it around the United States.
Delta-8 THC’s Effects
So, if a distinct THC cannabinoid exists, what difference does it make? Although delta-8 and delta-9 THC have certain similarities, they also have some significant distinctions. Apart from CBD, which is renowned for its absence of psychoactive properties, delta-8 THC does not share this distinction.
Delta-8 has the potential to be psychoactive for specific users, though to a lesser extent than delta-9. A helpful analogy is the “Weed Light”: all of the effects and advantages of delta-9 – but toned down several levels. It retains its euphoric effects and boosts appetite. It may energize or calm the user, similar to delta-9, because of the higher terpene and cannabinoid profile. And, indeed, it is capable of eliciting some of the more traditional high, psychedelic experiences.
The primary distinction is that although delta-8 can perform all of these functions, it does so at a lower intensity. Even regular cannabis users will feel a definite effect but a less intense one. However, the trade-off is that the possibility for unfavorable cannabis side effects is also lowered.
Delta-8 provides users with the relaxation, concentration, and uplift they anticipate, as well as significant pain relief and reduced nausea.
Delta-8 users report experiencing most of the same results as THC users, including moderate euphoria, happiness, elevating sensations, and alleviation from some ailments such as pain, despite the compound’s significantly lower potency. Delta-8 may also be beneficial for insomnia.
Similar to THC, side effects may include sore throat, red eyes, cravings, impaired short-term memory, anxiety, or paranoia. It’s critical to note how delta-8 has not been thoroughly examined. There is definitely more study required to determine its full effects on the brain and body.
Although these impacts have not been thoroughly investigated, user experience indicates that they are positive. The National Cancer Institute is also aware of the compound, noting that it has “antiemetic, appetite-stimulating, anxiolytic, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Delta-8
Is Delta-8 Going to Get you High?
Delta-8 will make you feel euphoric, albeit not as much as the more prevalent delta-9 THC. For people who live in places where cannabis is prohibited, delta-8 could be a legal method to get some THC-like effects associated with cannabis.
Some users may even choose lower-THC cannabis products, especially when they can legally buy THC products. THC may have adverse effects on certain people, causing anxiety or paranoia. Delta-8 may provide a more refined, gentler high.
What is the Dosage of Delta-8?
Delta-8 will feel much milder than ordinary THC for most individuals – especially by moderate or experienced users. It all depends on your body chemistry.
To illustrate delta-8’s potency in comparison to THC, delta-8 consumable manufacturers often measure and dosage their gummies at a concentration more than double that of THC gummies:
THC gummies are often available in 10mg doses—users may take half a gummy or a whole gummy for a dosage of 5mg or 10mg.
Delta-8 gummies are often 25mg gummies—a half gummy has 12.5mg, while a whole gummy has 25mg.
Manufacturers calculate that since delta-8 has less than half the strength of conventional THC, a 25mg delta-8 gummy may have the same impact as a 10mg THC gummy.
Again, keep in mind how little study has been conducted on delta-8. We don’t know anything about its potency or how it impacts the body. Like any cannabinoid, the chemical composition of cannabis, the chemistry of your body, your tolerance, and the quantity you consume all influence how you feel.
We recommend you start with a smaller dose and then observe its effects before increasing the dose. The mode of ingestion influences how fast you experience those effects. If you vape delta-8, you should start to feel the effects within 10-15 minutes or even less; if you consume edibles, expect to wait a couple of hours before consuming more.
How is Delta-8 Synthesized?
Delta-8 is present in trace levels in hemp and cannabis plants. Since hemp is allowed to cultivate in all 50 states of the United States and is more easily accessible, the cannabinoid is frequently derived from hemp.
CBD is often taken from hemp, processed into an isolate, and afterward synthesized into delta-8. As a result, delta-8 takes additional processing and is much more costly to manufacture than CBD. However, its high demand offsets this extra cost.
The word “delta” refers to the double bond inside a compound’s molecular structure in chemistry.
Delta compounds have more electrons and interact with our bodies differently than cannabinoids with just one link. The sole distinction between Delta-8 & Delta-9 is the double bond placement along the carbon atom chain.
The eighth carbon chain in Delta-8 has the double bond, while the ninth carbon chain in Delta-9 has the double bond. This may seem minor, yet it is a significant enough variation to have distinct consequences both in physical and cognitive senses.
You may believe this is a recent discovery; that some fantastic researcher discovered this terrific cannabinoid in the last five years or so, providing us with all the psychoactive substance we need.
For example, Delta-8 was shown to be beneficial in the treatment of pediatric cancer in 1995! Following treatment with Delta-8, patients reported feeling alleviation from nausea caused by their chemotherapy.
As with everything, people interested in experimenting with Delta-8 THC must be cautious about following dose guidelines precisely and consulting their physicians before usage. The majority of consumers have reported only favorable interactions with cannabis, stating that they continue to enjoy their vapes, candies, and smokable flowers daily.
While using Delta-8, you may notice that your perception of time is also altered. We will explain techniques to be safe when taking Delta-8, but keep in mind that everyone’s experience with this cannabinoid will be unique.
How to Locate Reliable, Secure Delta-8?
Because delta-8 is a relatively new substance in the industry, it may be challenging to locate goods that are exactly what they claim to be and genuinely contain delta-8. When buying delta-8 items, visit the producer’s website to learn more about their sourcing and manufacturing processes.
There is a QR code or serial number on the box of most tested products that enables you to check up testing results on the producer’s website. Avoid items that have not been tested or have dubious test findings since you will not know whether they contain delta-8 and may include other potentially hazardous compounds.
Conclusion
However, always make some of your own inquiries and due diligence on the legal status of any cannabis in your region before use or purchase. Laws are diverse and complicated, and you should familiarize yourself with all applicable federal and local laws before purchasing and utilizing them, as well as talking with physicians or other specialists.
