What Is Delta-8 THC?

What Is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, often known as delta-8 THC, is found in the cannabis or hemp plant. Although it exists in low amounts in the cannabis plant, this cannabinoid is similar to delta-9 THC. Delta-8 THC is a degraded version of delta-9 THC, which is the plant’s primary THC component.

As a result, it’s only natural that delta-8 THC plays a role in getting you high when you use cannabis. Despite having a lower psychotropic potency when inhaled, this compound has the same intoxicating and euphoric effects as delta-9.

Delta-8 has a chemical structure that is comparable to that of other THC compounds. However, this “high” effect may have numerous properties, such as stimulating appetite, pain relief, and reducing nausea.

Delta-8 THC, like other THC molecules, interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which is a part of the central nervous system. The endocannabinoid system comprises a network of cell receptors that control a variety of bodily functions, including the immunological and neurological systems. CB1 and CB2 receptors are the two primary cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system.

CB1 receptors are found throughout the nervous system, including the brain. On the other hand, CB2 receptors are present all across the body and immune system. Therefore, delta-8 THC works by binding to CB1 receptors in the central nervous system.

Furthermore, delta-8 THC may sometimes bind to CB2 receptors, although this is a less common binding mechanism. This process explains why delta-8 THC compounds have a stronger effect on the nervous system than on the rest of the body, such as medicinal benefits.

Is Delta-8 Legal?

The legal status of delta-8 depends on where you live. In general, delta-8 isn’t controlled as strictly as regular THC. The reason why delta-8 is becoming increasingly popular is that it is legal in the majority of states.

Delta-8, unlike THC, can be extracted from both cannabis and hemp, making it legal in most areas. However, you should learn more about the legality of delta-8 goods before stocking up. Typically, hemp and its byproducts don’t fall under the list of federally controlled substances by the Agriculture and Nutrition Improvement Act of the Federal Farm Bill in 2018.

The legality of hemp stems from its low THC content (less than 0.3%). While delta-8 doesn’t appear in this bill, numerous dealers have managed to capitalize on its availability as a derivative of the hemp plant.

As a result, it’s no surprise that it’s becoming increasingly popular on the market. However, little study has been done on delta-8 and its products. Therefore, several scientists and chemists have voiced worries about the safety of such products. Following this, several areas, including Colorado and New York, have begun to restrict the use of delta-8.

When it comes to testing delta-8 THC, the situation is a little more complicated. To avoid any issues, make sure delta-8 goods are legal in your state before purchasing them.

However, you should keep in mind that, even though it is legal, the use of delta-8 can still be a tricky concept. If you have a pending drug test, you should know that no urine, nail, or hair test can distinguish between delta-8 and its illegal counterpart, delta-9. As a result, you will most likely fail any drug test you take.

Therefore, if you have a urine test coming up, you should avoid delta-8 until the test is completed. However, if it’s a nail or hair test, the compound will still be detectable months after consumption. In this case, you should refrain from using any such products for several months.

Delta-8 THC Vs. Delta-9 THC

Delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC compounds boast similar properties. For starters, both delta-8 and delta-9 make you high by binding to the endocannabinoid system. When it comes to their chemical structures, both compounds resemble each other due to their similar double bonds.

Their intoxicating and euphoric high comes from the double-bonded part of their structure. However, there are significant differences between the two compounds. We’ve listed some of the most prevalent differences:

One of the things that set both compounds apart is the placement of this double-bonded chain. The delta-8 compound has a double bond on the eighth carbon chain of the configuration, whereas the delta-9 compound has a double bond on the ninth carbon.

Due to the slight variations in the double bond, the delta-8 compound binds differently to the endocannabinoid system than the delta-9 compound. Therefore, the potency of the delta-8 molecule and how it responds to the body is ultimately determined by its binding.

Delta-8 THC is less volatile compared to delta-9 THC, making it harder to oxidize. In addition, while delta-9 THC can oxidize into CBN when exposed to air for an extended period, delta-8 THC does not. As a result, delta-8 THC tends to have a longer shelf life.

Due to a slight variation in their molecular structure, delta-8 and delta-9 THC have different affinities for cannabinoid receptors. Both delta-8 and delta-9 THC compounds bind to CB1 receptors. However, delta-8 does an even better job due to its stable structure.

Due to this enhanced binding, delta-8 has improved interaction with receptors and neural pathways. This interaction is thought to provide a more focused high with less anxiety than regular delta-9 THC.

Is Delta-8 Safe?

Delta-8, like any other natural cannabis or hemp plant product, is generally harmless. However, you will notice variations among different delta-8 products. For example, unlicensed and untested delta-8 THC vape cartridges with no FDA regulation may pose some risks.

The concerns are not a result of the natural delta-8 compound but the artificial additives or preservatives in the vape oil. For instance, vitamin E acetate is often added to vape oils. This compound has been linked to lung disease and even fatalities.

Still, as a minor cannabinoid compound, more research is needed to understand the effects of delta-8 THC. After all, the cannabis flower only contains about 1% or less delta-8 THC. Some people use delta-8 THC as an isolated product, but in most cases, it is combined with other cannabinoids such as delta-9 THC.

Therefore, before you begin taking delta-8, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the current information on the compound so you can understand the risks, should there be any. You also want to exercise caution when trying out delta-8 THC products the same way you would with delta-9 THC products. 

Effects Of Delta-8 THC

With the limited research available, the delta-8 THC compound has been proven to affect the body positively. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), delta-8 may improve food consumption and appetite, amongst other benefits. Some of these benefits include;

Nausea

As it improves appetite, delta-8 may also help eliminate nausea.

Muscle Recovery

In mice, studies have shown that delta-8 THC may help reduce inflammation due to its interaction with the endocannabinoid receptors.

Promote Calmness

Similar to CBD, delta-8 does an excellent job at reducing stress. Thanks to the calmer and more focused effects you get from delta-8, it can eventually help to calm you down.

Other Effects

The method in which you take delta-8 also influences the effects you get from it. For example, ingesting delta-8 will have completely different effects than inhaling it. When you consume delta-8 THC products, the compound is converted to 11-hydroxy-THC in the liver.

Due to this, you may feel less potent effects – forcing you to take a higher dosage compared to regular marijuana. However, if you ingest too much, you can still feel the strong high you get when consuming marijuana products such as edibles.

On the other hand, inhaling delta-8 THC doesn’t have the same effects. Remember, when inhaled, the smoke doesn’t go to the liver. Instead, it travels to the lungs, where it is absorbed into your bloodstream. So compared to compounds such as delta-9 THC, delta-8 THC doesn’t produce the same irritating smoke.

Instead, the smoke is more forgiving and light – eliminating the possibility of garnering the same intoxicating effects. But, a modest number of users have also reported side effects, such as confusion, drowsiness, slow or fast heart rate, numbness, and low blood pressure.

Does Delta-8 THC Get You High?

Smoking delta-8 THC can get you high. Unlike delta-9 THC, delta-8 offers a lighter and more forgiving high, leaving you clear-headed, relaxed, and feeling creative. According to some people, taking delta-8 mimics the effects of a blend of CBD and THC. The reason why delta-8 offers a lighter high is its lower potency compared to regular THC. In fact, according to some researchers, delta-8 THC has about three-quarters of the potency of delta-9 THC.

But, the lower potency of delta-8 THC is not the only reason why you experience milder effects. The molecular structure of delta-8 also plays a significant role in determining the type of high you get. As mentioned above, delta-8 and delta-9 are slightly different in their identical double bonds in their molecular structures.

Thus, as delta-8 binds differently to endocannabinoid receptors, in turn, you feel milder effects when you take it. Look at it this way – when you take two types of alcoholic drinks, they both get you drunk, but at different intervals and intensities.

In this case, consider delta-9 to be whiskey and delta-8 to be beer! Drinking an eight-ounce bottle of whiskey will have you trashed. But drinking an eight-ounce can of beer will not. So, while you will get high from taking delta-8, the effects are mild and more controlled.

How To Take Delta-8 THC 

Delta-8 THC can be taken in a variety of ways, depending on your preferences. It doesn’t offer a set dosage size. Therefore, as you start to use it, you have to gauge it first. Start with small doses and work your way up. However, don’t compare delta-8 to other cannabis or hemp products as their potency varies.

For example, delta-8 is stronger than CBD, but classic THC is stronger than delta-8. Furthermore, always check the cannabinoid potency of whatever product you are using. Like weed edibles, you don’t want to take a large amount of delta-8 in a short period. Space out your usage and continue to monitor how you react to it.

Edibles

Edibles such as gummies or brownies offer a perfect method of taking delta-8. The best thing about using edibles is choosing the flavor and type of food item you want.

Furthermore, edibles do a great job of masking the unpleasant taste of delta-8 if you were to take it on its own. Additionally, since edibles are digested, and delta-8 is sent to the liver to be broken down, the effects are much stronger and long-lasting.

Cooked Meals

In addition to edibles, you can include delta-8 in your regular meal plan. Therefore, you can enjoy it with your favorite meals. Similar to edibles, it takes a little longer for delta-8 in cooked food to be effective. However, its results are also long-lasting – making it perfect for those who want longer relief from its effects.

Vaping

On the other hand, vaping yields results instantly since it is absorbed into the bloodstream via the lungs. Thus, it is a perfect option for those who want to experience a quick hit – whether to enjoy a movie or focus on your creative project.

But, as you feel the effects quicker, they are not long-lasting – making this method more suitable for those who want to tackle anxiety or lack concentration. Vaping allows you to use oil concentrates and delta-8 flower products, which takes us to the next point.

Delta-8 Flower

Using the delta-8 flower, you can try out a selection of different methods- including smoking, vaping, and cooking. Choosing the method is dependent on how you want to experience the effects and how long you want them to last.

Other methods you can try out include dabbing, oral tinctures, and topicals. All of these will have the desired effects.

Where To Find Good, Safe Delta-8 Products

You can buy delta-8 products at nearby gas stations or tobacco stores. In fact, due to the regulations, you can even purchase your supply of delta-8 products online.

Budpop

Budpop was launched by a group of hemp industry professionals, and specializes in producing natural hemp products in the USA.

These products contain zero GMOs, additives, gluten, or preservatives. In addition, the brand is transparent about its manufacturing process, and each product has undergone intense lab testing to ensure its potency and safety.

Budpop offers a range of delta-8 products, including gummies, hemp flowers, and vape cartridges. Most importantly, Budpop strictly abides by federal regulations, ensuring the THC in each product remains well below the 0.3% limit.

Delta-8 Dosage 

As mentioned above, delta-8 THC doesn’t have a precise dosage scale. Thus, beginners should start with smaller doses and gauge themselves as they go – gradually increasing the dosage until they hit the perfect scale. However, you also want to remember that delta-8 THC is different from classic THC.

Therefore, experienced users may not get the buzz they want from small doses. Alternatively, you can try to gauge the dosage by using something you are familiar with. For example, if you are already using classic THC, you can use THC products to determine the ideal dosage for your delta-8 THC products.

For example, most delta-8 THC gummies usually have twice the strength of THC gummies. Additionally, they even weigh more than regular THC gummies. For example, a regular THC gummy can weigh 10mg, while a delta-8 THC gummy can weigh 25mg.

In this case, the potency of a 25mg delta-8 THC gummy is equivalent to that of a 10mg regular THC gummy. But, again, this may not work for everyone. So, the best option is to start small! You also want to extend cannabis etiquettes to when you are using delta-8 THC products.

For example, when vaping, you don’t want to do it continuously. Instead, take small breaks in between. Similarly, when eating edibles such as cookies, you want to eat small amounts and take 30-minute intervals to ensure you don’t overdose yourself.

Conclusion

When you need to unwind after a hard day, delta-8 is a fantastic pick-me-up, but you should always be cautious when consuming such products. We understand that choosing a product and brand can be difficult, which is why we are here to assist you. If you decide to utilize a product, several factors come into play. It will serve you well as long as you don’t abuse the drug or go against the law. However, to be safe, check with your doctor before trying anything, and don’t exceed the suggested dosage.