What is Delta 8?

Delta-8 is a cannabis molecule that has grown in popularity due to its similarity to delta-9 THC, the main element of cannabis that gets you high and produces euphoria, happiness, sedation, symptom reduction, and many other effects. The vast majority of cannabis varieties have significant THC content.

The two cannabinoids have comparable names and molecular structures. Scientists refer to THC as tetrahydrocannabinol, sometimes known as delta-9 THC or just delta-9. Delta-8 refers to tetrahydrocannabinol delta-8, or delta-8 THC. Delta-8 THC has similar effects to regular delta-9 THC, while being substantially less strong.

Both delta-8 and delta-9 variants of THC exist. However, people often mean delta-9 THC when they refer to THC in ordinary speech. (When the term “THC” is used in this article without a modifier, it refers to delta-9 THC.)

Delta-8’s legality is still up for debate. The 2018 agricultural bill makes it legal across the US to cultivate hemp and use it for extractions, allowing delta-8 to be used in states where delta-9 THC is occasionally illegal.

Since the bulk of delta-8 THC available today is created using CBD derived from hemp, it forms, at least conceptually, a link in a supply chain that is acknowledged by the law.

People who reside in states where THC is illegal crave for cannabis products and are currently looking to delta-8 since, while being less strong than regular THC, it may be legal in their state. To fulfill this rising demand, several hemp-based extractors are increasing the amount of delta-8 they produce and exporting it across the US.

Delta 8 vs. Delta 9: The Differences

According to Dr. Gordon, only a tiny difference in the arrangement of the identical components (carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen) distinguishes delta-8 THC from delta-9 THC. Although they are both made of THC, delta-8 and delta-9 differ significantly.

Similarities

Since delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC engage the body’s CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, including those in the central nervous system, they can have the favourable or unfavourable effects indicated above.

According to Dr. Gordon, activating CB1 receptors can lessen pain, aid sleep, promote relaxation, calm a hyperactive nervous system, boost appetite, mend and protect nerves, and avoid sensory overstimulation. In addition, in order to improve many chronic illnesses, activating CB2 receptors vastly decreases inflammation and soothes an overactive immune system.

According to Dr. Gordon, excessive use of delta-8 THC or delta-9 THC can overstimulate CB1 receptors, resulting in fatigue, confusion, anxiety (and possibly panic), dry mouth and eyes, a faster heartbeat, and lack of coordination.

Differences

In contrast to delta-8 THC, which has gotten far less attention, Dr. Gordon claims that delta-9 THC has been the topic of extensive research for roughly 60 years. Another important difference is how they are (or are not) regulated.

“Delta-9 THC is strictly regulated in states where legalization initiatives have been successful, with specific regulations on testing, extraction, and labeling,” the author says. Dr. Gordon claims that many manufacturers of delta-8 THC drugs must follow specific guidelines. They might not promise that the finished product has only the materials specified on the label or that it is free of contaminants, for example.

Potency is another difference between delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC. Dr. Gordon asserts that it is logical to assume that accurately marked delta-8 THC would be around 25% to 30% less effective than an equivalent amount of delta-9 THC.

While consumables, creams, and other preparations cannot be smoke or vaporized without extraction, delta-9 THC in flower (bud) form can. On the other hand, practically all goods containing delta-8 THC are made, extracted, and refined from CBD that comes from cannabis.

Benefits of Delta 8

Because delta-8 and THC are related, those who eat it may experience a few of the same advantages. Among the ailments that delta-8 can treat are:

• pain reduction
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Nausea

It is necessary to conduct more research on delta-8, the body’s interactions with it, and any potential consumer advantages.

Effects of Delta 8

Although far less effective than THC, delta-8 users report several of the same effects, including mild euphoria, cheerfulness, and uplifted feelings, as well as alleviation from some ailments, such as pain. Insomnia can also be treated with delta-8.

There may also be THC side effects include anxiety, short-term memory loss, psychosis, dry mouth, red eyes, and cravings. It’s important to note that delta-8 hasn’t been thoroughly studied, and more research is needed to understand its impacts on the body and mind.

Delta 8 vs. CBD

Because it makes you high and shares more molecular similarities with THC (delta-9) than CBD, delta-8 is more similar to THC than CBD. Similar to delta-9 THC, delta-8 THC connects to the body’s endocannabinoid system. Despite the fact that CBD can have therapeutic effects for users, it is non-intoxicating because it doesn’t attach to the endocannabinoid system as quickly.

Delta-8 might be right for you if you want THC-like effects with less potency. On the other hand, you might want to try a CBD product if you want to get rid of some symptoms but don’t want to get drunk.

How Much Delta 8 Should I take?

Most people will experience delta-8 as significantly milder than conventional THC, especially intermediate or experienced users. However, delta-8 may have a significant impact on someone who has never used cannabis; it all depends on your body chemistry.

While delta-8 is available in numerous of the same forms as conventional marijuana products, candies and vape carts are the most popular.

Delta-8 edible producers typically measure and dose their gummies at more than twice the intensity of THC gummies to offer an idea of delta-8’s potency relative to THC:

THC gummies are frequently sold in 10mg dosages; users may eat half of a 10mg gummy or a complete 10mg gummy for a dose.

A full gummy of delta-8 contains 25 mg; therefore, a half gummy has 12.5 mg, and a full gummy has 25 mg. Because delta-8 is less potent than conventional THC by more than 50%, manufacturers of these standard gummies believe that a 25mg dose of delta-8 will have effects similar to those of a 10mg dose of THC.

It’s crucial to emphasize how little delta-8 research has been done. As a result, we don’t have much information regarding how powerful its effects are or how it impacts the body. The chemical composition of the cannabis, your body’s chemistry, your tolerance level, your set and setting, and the quantity you consume all impact how you will feel, just as with any cannabis product.

It is always advised to start with a small amount and wait for the benefits to start before taking more. The speed at which you experience such effects depends on how you consume it. You should begin to experience the effects of delta-8 in ten minutes or less if you’re vaping it; if you’re eating edibles, you should give it at least an hour or two before consuming another.

Will Delta 8 Get You High?

You will get high from delta-8, however, not as strong as from ordinary delta-9 THC. Therefore, delta-8 may be a safe and legal alternative for those who live in states where cannabis is still prohibited from getting some of the same effects as THC.

Despite the fact that it is acceptable to buy THC products, some consumers could choose cannabis items that aren’t nearly as potent as conventional THC. THC may cause unfavorable side effects for some people, such as anxiety or paranoia. Delta-8 high can be more gentle and smooth.

When Dante Jordan of Leafly tried delta-8 THC, he said it gave him a lighter, more energetic high than usual delta-9 THC. He said that while delta-8 does get you high, it does so more subtly than joint smoking, dabbing, and eating traditional edibles do for me.

How long does a Delta 8 high last?

We want to mention that there is presently no proof to establish the length of Delta-8 effects before we get into how long the euphoria from Delta-8-THC may persist.

Instead, all of our knowledge of Delta-8’s impacts is anecdotal. Additionally, as each individual’s body metabolizes Delta-8 differently, your dose of Delta-8 could not wear off at the same time as another person who took the same dose.

Because every individual product absorbs differently, the dosing method directly impacts how long Delta-8’s benefits last. In other words, the duration of effects from Delta-8 edibles and vaporizers will vary.

On the other hand, the effects of vaporizers and other inhalation products are often felt within 15 minutes. The body normally metabolizes medicines quickly through these pathways, and the high may last for three to five hours.

Accordingly, the length of a Delta-8 THC high can last anywhere between 3 and 8 hours, depending on your dosage method and biological traits like your metabolism rate.

FAQS:

Why is Delta 8 Legal?

There is currently legal ambiguity around delta 8 products.

Currently, only a few state statutes specifically mention delta-8 THC. Most state legislation dealing with marijuana or cannabis mentions those substances, as well as THC, CBD, or delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol. According to state law, delta-8 is allegedly prohibited in 11 states.

Through an indirect classification as a Schedule I banned narcotic, the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has suggested making delta-8 THC unlawful. However, the decree is not yet law.

Since hemp is a more prevalent source of delta-8 THC than cannabis, it is currently available in many states where cannabis use is prohibited. To be more precise, the majority of delta-8 THC that is now sold comes from CBD that has been extracted from hemp that is compliant with federal laws.

Because hemp is officially a cannabis plant with less than 0.3% THC, this can be a little perplexing. But when we use the word “cannabis,” we typically mean cannabis plants with a THC level of 0.3% or greater.

How long does Delta 8 stay in your urine?

Five to ten days after consuming delta 8 thcp, the test can detect THC metabolites in regular users. As a result, it is advisable to abstain from THC products at least ten days before a planned drug test. According to some sources, THC can linger in a user’s urine for up to 48 days. Therefore, the outcomes may be different for every person.

Where to buy delta-8 online?

Depending on the state you live in, you can buy delta 8 through the mail. However, due to the ambiguous legal status of the best delta 8 brands, some producers may decide to refrain from transporting their products to specific states. To find out if a producer ships to your state, you may check delta 8 online. Surprisingly, not all states that have adult-use cannabis legislation permit delta-8.

Producers frequently ship the best delta-8 brands to all states except from these:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Idaho
• Iowa
• Mississippi
• Montana
• Rhode Island
• Utah
• Washington

How to clear Delta 8 from your System?

Water consumption is the most efficient technique to remove Delta 8 from your body. This will aid in diluting the remaining THC metabolites in your body and help you flush more Delta 8 THC through pee. Consider creating your own detox beverage in addition to water!

How much thc is in delta 8 edibles?

The amount of delta 8 THC in edible gummies with THC is premeasured and ranges from 10 to 40 mg per gummy. Beginners and light users are advised to take 10 mg, while experienced users and those with a greater tolerance to delta-8 THC are advised to take 40 mg.

How is Delta 8 made?

Since hemp is more widely available and can be produced anywhere in the US, where it is present in trace levels, delta-8 is frequently derived from that plant.

It is typical practice to extract CBD from hemp, purify it in isolation, and then turn the isolate into delta-8. Because of this, producing delta-8 is more expensive than producing CBD, but the strong demand for it more than offsets this cost difference.

References

Commissioner, O. of the. (2021). 5 Things to Know about Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol – Delta-8 THC. FDA. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/5-things-know-about-delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol-delta-8-thc

What Exactly Is Delta-8? Why You’re Hearing About It. (2022, July 11). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/delta-8

(2021). Acs.org. https://cen.acs.org/biological-chemistry/natural-products/Delta-8-THC-craze-concerns/99/i31

5 Things to Know About Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol: Delta-8 THC. (2022). Missouri Medicine, 119(1), 21–22. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9312454/

What Is Delta-8? (2021, December 27). Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-delta-8/

‌Smith, D. G. (2022, July 1). How Delta-8 THC Works, and Why Experts Are Worried About It. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/01/well/mind/delta-8-thc-marijuana.html