The cannabis plant is full of compounds that help create the experience you’re looking for when you pick up a new strain. Delta-8 THC is one of those cannabinoids, and its popularity has absolutely exploded within the cannabis community over the past few years.
If you aren’t sure what delta 8 THC is, or what its intoxicating effects look like, we’re here to help.
From defining the compound to comparing it other cannabinoids and even looking into various delta 8 THC products, Elevate Holistics is covering everything you need to know about D8.
Defining Delta-8
To get right down to it, delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid found in marijuana and hemp plants. It is very similar to delta-9 THC, which is what most people are referring to when they talk about THC.
However, the cannabinoids have two different chemical structures, resulting in delta-8 being less potent than delta-9. Still, it offers many of the same physical effects.
How Are D8 Products Made?
Delta-8 THC naturally occurs in the cannabis sativa plant, and professionals can extract the compound to put into other types of cannabis products.
However, most products on the market that contain delta-8 THC don’t use naturally occurring versions of the compound. Instead, they use synthetic versions of the compound.
This is because delta 8 is only present in small quantities within the cannabis sativa plant. This is unlike delta-9 which has abundant levels in cannabis. Thus, exactors will take hemp-derived CBD and convert it into D8 using a process called isomerization, allowing them to infuse high concentrations of the cannabinoid into flower, oils, or other products.
The isomerization process has caused a bit of a stir in the community, with many people wondering about the effects of consuming synthesized cannabinoids like delta 8.
Is Delta-8 Natural or Synthetic?
When it comes to delta-8 THC products, then, many people want to know if they’re considered natural or synthetic. Synthetic delta-8 products are going to be legal throughout the entire country because they are derived from hemp.
However, it’s very important to make sure they are developed in a reputable lab.
Making these kinds of synthetic chemicals at home can be extremely dangerous, which is why it’s so important to get them from a source you can trust. (Please, avoid D8 products you find at gas stations or convenience stores.)
As we mentioned, when making delta-8 in a lab, manufacturers will actually start with hemp-extracted CBD.
Although it started off as CBD, the final product is true THC. After the conversion is complete, manufacturers test it and then put it into products like flower, gummies, tinctures, and more. Because of this process, most people consider delta-8 THC to be synthetic.
Delta-8 THC Benefits
When comparing delta-8 vs delta-9, the two have many of the same benefits. They can create a high that results in feelings of relaxation and euphoria.
The cannabinoid may also help you manage pain and insomnia.
However, delta-8 THC is much less potent than delta-9. This means it can be a good option for people who find traditional cannabis products to be too intense.
Studies in public health sciences suggest that delta-8 THC might hold promise for further medical applications, though more research is needed to understand its full effects.
Can Delta-8 THC Get You High?
Although it is less potent than delta-9 THC, yes, delta 8 will still get you high.
This experience will differ from person to person, but many people find it results in feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and happiness. You may also notice it stimulate creativity a bit.
The sensation of being high can also help you relax your muscles and cause drowsiness.
However, it can also cause paranoia and anxiety, and can even have negative effects on your short-term memory. In this sense, D8 THC is similar to traditional D9 THC.
Is Delta-8 THC Safe?
As a compound, delta-8 THC is safe to consume. However, not all delta-8 products are safe, and consumers should be very discerning when shopping for these items.
Right now, delta-8 THC manufacturers do not have to go through state and federal cannabis regulations and licensing. This is because the product is technically derived from hemp, not marijuana.
What’s the difference between hemp and marijuana? Read more in our blog.
Because delta-8 products aren’t subject to any real oversight or unbiased testing, it’s hard for consumers to know exactly what’s in them. The chemical process of converting CBD into THC could result in contamination if it isn’t done properly, which is one of the reasons why it’s so important to be cautious while shopping.
Before purchasing delta-8 THC, be sure to research exactly how the product is made and seek out unbiased reviews from other customers.
If you’re in a state where marijuana is legal for recreational use, this is a much safer option. Marijuana products are subject to state oversight, which makes them much safer.
How Much THC is in Delta-8 Products?
This will vary depending on the specific product you buy. The higher the concentration of THC, the more intense the product is, so be sure to check this before making a purchase.
As with delta-9 THC, there are some potential side effects of using delta-8 THC regularly, even when it is processed safely. These include increased appetite, anxiety, dry mouth, short-term memory loss, and more.
Is Delta 8 THC Legal?
Yes, delta-8 THC is federally legal in the US.
But, because of its similarities to delta-9 THC, many people have understandably wondered – how is delta-8 THC legal?
In 2018, the federal government legalized hemp. Because delta-8 THC can be made from hemp, these products are technically legal on a federal level. However, there are many states that have started banning delta-8 THC products because of safety concerns.
Right now, there are restrictions on delta-8 in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Kentucky, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and Washington. Bans are currently pending legislation in various other states, too.
What states is delta-8 legal in? Find out more in our blog post.
The federal minimum age requirement to consume delta-8 THC, right now, is 18, but you may need to be 21 in certain areas. This is to help curb any potential drug abuse in young people; however, adolescent use of D8 has risen quite a bit over the years.
Delta-8 THC vs. Delta-9 THC
Delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC are very similar in structure. They both consist of a chain of carbon atoms with one double bond. However, that double bond is in a different place on delta-8 THC, which is why it is slightly less potent than delta-9 THC.
This also means that delta-8 THC takes longer to have a psychoactive effect on the body, which can be much more pleasant for some users.
Where To Buy Delta-8 THC
Because delta-8 THC isn’t regulated or licensed through the government, you won’t find it at dispensaries.
However, there are many stores that focus specifically on CBD and delta-8 THC products, and you might be able to find one near you. You also can order delta-8 THC through online retailers, which will give you a much larger selection of options.
No matter where you get your delta-8 THC, it’s very important to do your research and make sure the product you are purchasing is safe to use.
If you’re considering using delta-8 THC to help a medical condition, consider getting your medical marijuana card instead.
Having a medical marijuana card grants you access to the best products in your area at the lowest prices.
You’ll be able to make purchases with confidence knowing that your products are high-quality and come from the best farms and growers around.
Experience reassurance, quality, and consistency with a medical marijuana card. Get approved today, online, in minutes.
