What is Delta 8 THC? The Ultimate Guide to D8
Did you know that there are over 100 different cannabinoids produced by the cannabis plant? Well, it’s true, and each different cannabinoid can give you a variety of sensations and provide different benefits to your body.
You’re probably most familiar with delta-9 THC which is the compound in weed that gets you high. But today we are here to talk about delta-8 THC. So keep reading to learn more about this cannabis product and how you should use it in your life.
What is Delta-8 THC?
Delta-8 THC is an abbreviation for delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol and is a cannabidiol compound found in the marijuana plant that produces psychoactive effects in the user. But unlike delta-9 THC(delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), another compound found in the marijuana plant, these effects are less obvious, and usually felt less strongly by the user. This is why many people refer to it as a “milder dose” of THC.
This compound is naturally occurring but is found in very small amounts in hemp and marijuana plants. Because of its less powerful effects, you can find products with delta-8 THC almost everywhere, as it is usually preferred by consumers. Delta-8 THC is a natural Sativa, which means it is from a cannabinoid strain known specifically to help its users relax. This can come especially in hand for those who suffer from anxiety, more on this later.
Is Delta-8 THC Legal?
The good news about delta-8 THC is that, unlike its more powerful delta-9 THC sibling, it is actually legal to use in most states under a 2018 farm bill. This is because it is typically extracted from hemp rather than the heavily regulated marijuana plant. It isn’t always black and white, however, and while you won’t have any federal issues with delta-8 THC, but some states have banned the substance or at least begun to question its legality, most notably New York and Colorado.
The reason for this ban is because many companies have been known to sell products with delta-8 THC, which, while not illegal, can be very dangerous. Especially to younger customers who have very little experience with common delta-8 THC products like edibles. And it needs to be mentioned that the popularity of delta-8 THC plants has led to many manufacturers cutting corners and creating the product using delta-9 THC or extracting it from marijuana plants directly.
Unlike the hemp version of this product, the delta-8 THC derived from these methods is illegal. Not to mention that there are many other by-products of marijuana that can be used to make delta-8 THC. This means there are many companies selling something labeled delta-8 THC that is not actually delta-8 THC.
The Benefits of Delta-8 THC
It’s cool that delta-8 THC is generally legal because it does offer many of the same health benefits as delta-9 THC but without as powerful of a high.
These benefits include:
- Pain relief
- Relaxes the body
- May help with anxiety
- Sense of euphoria
- Calms nausea
- Boost appetite
- Boost mental health
- Cures Insomnia
Now, of course, everyone’s reactions to CBD products like delta-8 THC will be different. So before you embark on a journey to try out a CBD product like our CBD chocolate bars, it’s best to speak to a medical professional so they can help you decide how much is best for you and prepare you for how you may react to the product.
Is Delta-8 THC Safe?
Delta-8 THC is still a relatively new product to become popular, meaning that there is still much research needed to guarantee its safety. And according to the FDA, there are many adverse side effects to using delta-8 THC. If you are currently experiencing any of these side effects to a delta-8 THC product it is important that you immediately contact a medical professional for help.
These side effects of delta-8 THC include:
- Vomiting
- Red Eyes
- Dry Mouth
- Rapid Heart Rate
- Difficulty With Hand/Eye Coordination
- Slowed Reactions
- Anxiety
- Memory Loss
- Hallucinations
- Trouble Standing
- Loss of Consciousness
- Sedation
Most of these health risks occurred in children under the age of 18 who had consumed too much of the product. But these side effects can be serious, and even lead to some patients ending up in the hospital. This is why it is important to always follow the recommended dose of a delta-8 THC product and to keep them out of the reach of children, even if they aren’t regulated in your area.
You should also keep all delta-8 THC products out of the reach of pets, who won’t know the difference between delta-8 THC products and a tasty forbidden treat! Besides the side effects, there are also many cases when delta-8 THC is mixed with additional chemicals to make it more prominent, or to separate it from other cannabis compounds. The problem with this is, these chemicals are not always safe for consumption and may cause damage to your health.
It is also important to note that the Food and Drug Administration cautions users heavily when they are considering the use of delta-8 THC. Although delta-8 THC is not illegal on the federal level (so the DEA won't come knocking on your door) they are unregulated, meaning there is very little oversight to their testing and labeling for safe use.
Will Delta-8 THC Show Up Positive on a Drug Test?
The average drug test issued by employers is looking for the controlled substance delta-9 THC compound. But, delta-8 THC products are rarely pure, and they also have a similar chemical structure to delta-9 THC. This means that if you are subject to random drug testing for your job, it is best to avoid delta-8 THC products as it is difficult to know the origin and ingredients of your product and it is likely your use of these products could show up positive on a drug test.
You don’t have to give up on the health benefits of delta-8 THC altogether, however, because there are numerous products with this compound that you use externally and do not ingest. This means that these products won’t show up positive on a drug test. So for those working a job that they are drug tested for, take a look at these CBD bath bombs which can help you have the perfect relaxing night in without having to worry about ruining your relationship with your employer.
Will Delta-8 THC Get You High?
Even though delta-8 THC isn’t the most powerful active ingredient in a marijuana plant, it will still get you high. This is why it is illegal in some states. Many people report that the high they feel from delta-8 THC is not as powerful as the high from delta-9 THC or other forms of THC. This can be beneficial for people who typically experience anxiety from smoking weed, as enjoying a product with delta-8 THC is much less likely to bring on as strong of a sense of paranoia.
If you consume large amounts of delta-8 THC products, however, you will likely feel just as high as if you took a small amount of a delta-9 THC product. Those who have never tried a THC or marijuana product before should be careful, as they likely have very little resistance and are likely to still feel quite high after enjoying a delta-8 THC product.
How Long Does a Delta-8 THC High Last?
Generally, the high from using a delta-8 THC product will last just as long as the high from using a delta-9 THC product. This time period depends on how much you consume, but you should plan to be high for at least a couple of hours after consuming something containing delta-8 THC.
What Products Have Delta-8 THC?
In the modern-day, if you wish to consume a delta-8 THC product, you don’t need to smoke or vape (although you can if you want) because there are numerous other ways to take in delta-8 THC. Below is a list of the types of products you can find containing the compound.
- Gummy Candies
- Cookies
- Brownies
- Cereal Treats
- Flavored Droplets
- Flavorless Droplets
- Concentrated Droplets
- Taffy
- Vape Cartridges
- Oil
- Powder that can be dissolved in water
- Injections
- Pills
- Syrup (Similar to Cough Syrup)
Don’t see a product you like? Not to worry, as the flavorless droplets can easily be used to make a product that you do want to eat. For example, check out our easy-to-make recipe for Red Velvet Ice Cream Sandwiches that can be made using CBD oil, ice cream, and delta-8 THC cookies!
Where Can You Get Delta-8 THC Products?
Because delta-8 THC is closer to being legal than delta-9 THC, it is much easier to acquire. And usually, delta-8 THC products can be purchased over the counter. You can usually find delta-8 THC products at places like dispensaries and convenience stores, sometimes even in gas stations! But if you want to take out the guesswork, it is best to buy you delta-8 THC products from an online retailer and have exactly what you are looking for shipped right to your door!
Before you order any THC or CBD products, be sure that you check your local regulations to be sure it is allowed in your state. Even though it is legal on a federal scale, each state will have its own separate regulations when it comes to delta-8 THC.
What’s an Alternative to Delta-8 THC?
Of course, delta-8 THC isn’t for everyone. If you experience adverse effects from delta-9 THC, then there is a high possibility that you will experience the same side effects from delta-8 THC. If this is the case for you, don’t worry, as there are many alternatives to delta-8 THC. First and foremost, if you are worried about drug tests or the safety of delta-8 THC, then you should try CBD oil instead.
This oil will give you all the benefits of delta-8 THC without the high or the side effects. It’s perfect for someone who wants pain relief but has a busy day ahead. This doesn’t mean that CBD oil is 100% safe all the time, however, as it too can be produced using questionable chemicals by shady companies. This is why you should research any CBD company before you buy from them.
Hemp products and hemp plants are another good alternatives to delta-8 THC and other regulated marijuana products. Hemp products can come in several varieties, the most common being lotions and topical salves. Although hemp products are highly featured in the wellness industry, this doesn't mean they are always safe easier.
Similar to the weed industry, the hemp industry is widely unregulated. This means that you should check the labeling and origin of your products to be sure they only contain hemp and not any additional solvents or chemicals.
What is the Best Delta-8 THC Product?
Because everyone reacts differently to different delta-8 THC products, the best product for you will widely depend on your personal preference. But there are a few things you should take into account when choosing a delta-8 THC product. First and foremost, you have to consider how you will consume the delta-8 THC. While delta-9 THC is normally smoked, this is much less common for delta-8 THC as it is a derivative of the actual weed plant.
Many people find it easiest to ingest delta-8 THC by eating a tasty edible, but others prefer closer ingestion to smoking that they can accomplish with a vape. If you have a condition like asthma, you also need to consider that you probably will be unable to consume delta-8 THC by smoking. Then, you need to decide why you are taking delta-8 THC and how much you need to take.
If you need a bigger dose for pain relief, it is probably easier to use concentrated drops or a water solvent. This way you can ingest a higher amount in a shorter time period. If you are just looking for a fun night, it's probably best to stick with gummies or candy, as these are easier to dose and track how much you are ingesting over the course of the evening.
Either way, don't be afraid to try a couple of different delta-8 THC products until you find the one that is for you. And just because your friend likes a certain product, doesn't mean it's the right one for you. Having trouble finding the product that is for you?
Chances are someone at your local dispensary or an online weed retailer can help. It also may be worthwhile for you to purchase smaller samples at first before purchasing a large amount of a product that you aren't quite sure if you like or not.
Ready to Try Delta-8 THC?
Whether or not you think delta-8 THC may be the right choice for you, it's always worth discussing with a doctor or health care provider what they think. You never know when a product like delta-8 THC may be just the pain relief you've been looking for!
If you've already got some delta-8 THC oil on hand, but you aren't quite sure how to use it, try out one of these ways to use it in your everyday life. You might just be surprised where you manage to squeeze it in!