Chances are you may have heard of or stumbled upon Delta 8 products but maybe you're not quite sure what it is, why someone would take it, or how it will make you feel. We'll dive into the basics of Delta 8, providing you with a general overview to help you understand what it is and if it is right for you.
Delta 8 popularity has skyrocketed along with CBD. This is in part due to the reports that it has a therapeutic benefit similar to CBD as well as “regular” THC without the overly intense psychoactive effects.
As popularity continues to grow for Delta 8 products, offerings continue to expand. User testimonials of those who are using it for both medical and recreational reasons continue to fuel its popularity.
What is Delta-8?
Originally discovered back in 1941, Delta-8 THC is one of over 100 naturally occurring compounds, called cannabinoids found in small traces in both the hemp and cannabis sativa plants. Delta 8 THC makes up less than 1% of a mature cannabis plant.
Ever ask yourself "Will delta-8 THC get you high"? Well, since Delta 8 is a psychoactive compound, it does produce a "high", but to a much lesser degree than that of Delta 9 THC. It can be considered a middle ground between Delta 9 THC and CBD.
As a cannabinoid, the benefits that Delta 8 THC brings to the table are very appealing for many and make for a great alternative to those who are either unable to access THC legally, or those who prefer a more mellow alternative to Delta 9 THC or other cannabinoids.
Potential Delta-8 Benefits
There are many potential Delta 8 benefits. According to the National Cancer Institute, Delta 8 THC has potential antiemetic (reduces nausea), anxiolytic (reduce anxiety), appetite-stimulating, analgesic (pain-relieving) and neuroprotective properties. There are other benefits that users have reported experiencing such as:
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Sleep
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Reduce Stress
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Help with Anxiety
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Increase Appetite
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Relieve Chronic Pain
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Muscle Recovery
Bear in mind, there is a limited amount of scientific research at this point but based on user experiences and feedback, Delta 8 THC products may be worth considering for anyone who has benefited from and is looking for, an alternative to Delta 9 THC. It may be a great option for those who don’t want as potent or intense of a high.
Anyone looking for the potential therapeutic or medical uses of Delta 8 THC may even find it a better option to try over CBD, other cannabinoids.
Potential Delta-8 Risks
Like any chemical compound, it can affect users in different ways. Because Delta 8 THC produces mind altering effects similar to Delta 9, it should only be used by responsible adults. Like Delta 9, it has not been found to have directly caused death or overdoses. That of course does not mean that there are not any potential delta 8 side effects.
Being as Delta 8 THC is derived from hemp, it could potentially be confused with CBD products. Which, for the unexpecting user could warrant concerns due to its psychoactive nature.
Since the hemp market is not regulated, some Delta 8 THC products may not be manufactured in a way that prioritizes safety. Manufacturing processes that are made in uncontrolled or unsanitary settings pose the largest risk.
Additional risks could include potentially harmful chemicals left over from the manufacturing process, such as mold, heavy metals, and pesticides, or other potentially harmful substances, which could pose health risks and other significant public health concerns.
CBD safety and side effects
Like Delta 8 THC, CBD product safety is subject to the same issues. Since CBD oil is also derived from cannabis plants or hemp, it too is not regulated by the FDA or any other federal and state partners. This makes it essential for consumers to purchase both CBD and Delta 8 THC products from a reputable manufacturer who openly provides lab tests results on all of their products, which will indicate there are no potentially harmful substances which could pose serious health risks.
Side effects of CBD do differ from Delta 8 THC, this is mainly due to the fact that CBD is a non-psychoactive compound. While most research suggests that CBD is safe, there are some common side effects that are reported. These include:
- Gastrointestinal Issues
- Dry Mouth
- Reduced Appetite
- Nausea
- Potential interactions with other medications
Will delta-8 get you high?
Yes, like Delta 9 THC, Delta 8 THC products will get you high. Its effects include relaxation and euphoria like Delta 9 does but it will produce a much less intense high. Some find this lower psychoactive intensity to be welcomed as users are much less likely to experience some of the common side effects that can come with using Delta 9.
Some prefer the high from Delta 8 since it is considered by many to be a more mellow or mild feeling of euphoria without the feeling of being locked to the couch.
Delta 8 Dosage
Delta 8 THC products are typically dosed anywhere between 10mg to 40mg. Overall, dosing tends to be in higher amounts than Delta 9 THC products due to its lower potency.
Companies offer products in different dosages ranging from 5mg all the way up to 100mg or more. Products can include everything from edibles, gummies, tinctures, vapes, and flower.
There really is no cut-and-dry answer to what delta 8 dosage is right for everyone. This is because everyone's experience will vary, it is best to start off with a very small dosage and work your way up slowly, giving yourself time to assess your tolerance before taking more.
Another potential dosing option worth exploring is called microdosing. Many users find that this dosing method provides them the optimal benefits of Delta 8 without the unwanted side effects. If you are curious to learn more about this dosage routine check out our article on how to microdose Delta 8 and learn how it can help.
Is Delta-8 Legal?
Yes, all Delta 8 THC that is derived from the hemp plant which contains no more than .3% Delta 9 THC on a dry weight basis is considered federally legal. Even though the 2018 Farm Bill, signed into law in December 2018, outlines that all derivatives and extracts form the hemp plant are legal by federal law, that is not necessarily the case on a state-by-state basis. Some states have taken it upon themselves to ban the sale of Delta 8 THC products in their state defining them as controlled substances.
If you have ever wondered "Is Delta-8 Legal in my area?" You should be aware of your local and state laws on hemp products, as they may be more restrictive or have certain age restrictions. If you have any concerns, it is always recommended that you consult an attorney for legal advice.
Alternatives to Delta-8
Delta 8 vs CBD
Delta 8 THC and CBD share many similarities, such as they are both cannabinoids which can be derived from hemp cannabis raw extracts. They both show promise in their potential for similar therapeutic and medical uses.
When you compare Delta 8 vs CBD the key difference between them is that Delta 8 THC is a psychoactive compound and will produce cognitive changes in our body, whereas CBD oil is a non-psychoactive substance and produces changes focused on the body instead of your mind. This also means that Delta 8 THC will show up on a drug test and hemp derived CBD will not.
Delta 8 vs Delta 9 THC
Both share many similarities; they are both forms of THC and are both cannabinoids that are found in the hemp or cannabis plant. They both produce psychoactive and intoxicating effects, with Delta 8 THC doing so to a lesser degree than Delta 9 THC. They will also both show up on a drug test.
Although similar in their effects, when looking at Delta 8 vs Delta 9 there are some slight differences in their chemical structure. Even though they have the same chemical formula, their chemical structure is different. In Delta 9 THC its double bond is located at the 9th carbon atom, this double bond is located at the 8th carbon atom in Delta 8 THC.
Delta-8 vs Delta-10
Both Delta 8 and Delta 10 are a psychoactive substance found in the cannabis plant and hemp plants. Their differences really lie in their effects, even though they both get you high.
When you compare Delta 8 vs Delta 10, it is reported that the high you get from Delta 10 products is more of a sedative effect than the high you get with Delta 8 THC, which produces more psychoactive and intoxicating effects.
Some consider this to mean that Delta 10 may be more effective to use for certain medical conditions. Since Delta 8 THC products are more sedative, they may be better suited for pain and anxiety relief.
THC-O vs Delta-8
There are quite a few differences between THC-O and Delta 8 THC. When you take a look at both cannabinoids they of course have some similarities, such as they are both psychoactive. The major difference is their strength and potency.
Where Delta 8 THC is roughly half as potent as Delta 9 THC, THC-O is considerably stronger, often times referred to as being 3 times more potent than Delta 9 THC. This major difference in strength should be considered when setting your expectations on its overall effect and deciding on dosage.
Delta 8 THC is usually described as providing a more relaxing effect compared to THC-O, which is described as giving a more uplifting stimulation, great for boosting mental energy and overall creativity.
Another major difference when comparing THC-O vs Delta 8 is in their legal status. since many states have started to outright ban Delta 8 THC, THC-O is still considered to be federally legal.
HHC vs Delta 8
HHC and Delta 8 THC are found in small quantities in the hemp or cannabis sativa plant. Although most HHC found on the market is produced synthetically in a lab. HHC and Delta 8's main differences are in their chemical makeup.
When comparing HHC vs Delta 8 THC has a double bond at the 8th molecule, HHC lacks this double bond but instead has two hydrogen atoms attached to the central atom. This difference in chemical structure results in a difference in their effects.
The effects between the two can vary since HHC is considered to be about 70-80% the strength of Delta 9 THC, whereas Delta 8 THC is roughly 50-60& as strong.
The high associated with is usually described differently. HHC produces a more cerebral high and Delta 8 THC products produce more of a body high.
Frequently asked questions
What is delta-8?
Delta 8 THC is a one of many naturally occurring compounds called cannabinoids found in the hemp and cannabis plant. It is psychoactive and produces a "high" similar to Delta 9 THC.
Is delta-8 the same as THC?
Delta 8 THC is another form of THC, although the THC that is commonly associate with cannabis is Delta 9 THC. They are very similar with their main difference being their overall strength.
Is delta-8 the same as CBD?
Delta 8 THC and CBD are both cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, but Delta 8 is more similar to Delta 9 THC than it is CBD. Unlike CBD, Delta 8 is psychoactive.
Is delta-8 safe?
When used properly Delta 8 THC can be considered safe. Although, since it is unregulated, product safety is reliant on proper lab testing to ensure there are no potentially harmful chemical or by products.
Why is delta-8 legal?
Delta 8 THC is considered legal when it is derived from the hemp plant. In order for the cannabis plant to be considered industrial hemp it must contain no more than .3% Delta 9 THC on a dry weight basis.
Will delta-8 make you test positive for THC?
Yes, Delta 8 THC will show up on most common drug tests. These tests cannot differentiate between legal or illegal THC in your system.
Will delta-8 get you high?
Yes, delta 8 THC is psychoactive and will make you high, much like Delta 9 THC will.
Conclusion
Delta 8 THC products popularity doesn't look to be slowing down anytime soon and for good reason. Now that you are more familiar with these products you can make a better-informed decision on if it is right for you.
Just remember that, if you do choose to try Delta 8 THC, be sure to purchase it form a reputable source that is transparent and can provide you with lab testing for every product they offer.
Even though you may be able to find hemp products at your local gas stations, tobacco shops, or convenience stores you are better off buying for a more trusted source. We offer a wide selection of Delta 8 THC products which can be purchased online at EverydayDelta.