The sudden emergence of Delta 8 THC and its quick rise in popularity are classic examples of unintended consequences and loopholes that innovative entrepreneurs learn to use. It’s not necessarily good, or bad, it is just the state of affairs in the cannabis industry, right now.
The cannabis plant contains over 100 molecules that are quite similar. These molecules are called cannabinoids. For example, Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is the most plentiful and most psychoactive molecule in marijuana.
Delta 8 is made when the double bond between two carbon atoms shifts. This has similar effects as Delta-9 but is only two-thirds as strong. Delta-8 was not well known until recently because cannabis plants contain only 0.1 percent Delta-8, which is not enough to extract profitably.
Is Delta 8 Legal?
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized products made from industrial hemp as long as the amount of Delta-9 THC in the product remained below 0.3 percent. This bill allowed for a significant increase in cannabidiol (CBD) production, which is found in high levels of hemp and can be profitably extracted.
In 2020, when an over-abundance of CBD drove prices down, the sector began looking for new ways to make the extra CBD profitable. In the 1960s, scientists discovered simple chemistry utilizing solvents like toluene to transform CBD into Delta-8 THC.
Since the Farm Bill made no mention of Delta-8 THC, it remained legal at the federal level, and only 14 states have prohibited its sale as of now.
As a result, it has been the most rapidly developing sector in the hemp-derived market this last year, according to data analytics firm Hemp Benchmarks. It is so popular that it can be found in convenience stores and gas stations.
States Where Delta 8 Is Legal
At the moment, 39 states have legalized the use of delta-8. However, 11 states consider delta-8 to be illegal according to the state law. These states cite reasons like the lack of mandatory testing standards and safety concerns. Some experts feel that the chemical conversion process in the extraction of delta-8 can generate residual solvents that are not naturally present in the plant. They stated that these chemicals could cause potential harm if the solution is not properly cleaned.
Related read: CBD Legal Status Across the US
Commonly, producers are free to ship to different states except these:
- Arizona
- Idaho
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Iowa
- Montana
- Rhode Island
- Mississippi
- Utah
- New York (This state explicitly outlawed delta-8)
- Colorado
So, apart from these states, you can receive delta-8 in the mail in all other states. However, producers determine whether to ship to a state because of the hazy legality of this chemical substance. This is why you need to always check a producer’s website to be sure of the states they ship to before placing an order. With Laws ever-changing, it’s always important to double-check your local laws and regulations before any purchases.
Benefits of Delta 8 THC
Delta-8 isn’t a cannabinoid that’s new to the cannabis industry. However, it is now receiving fresh attention, which it hasn’t received previously. This is because Delta 8 THC was made legal due to hemp legislation. Here are some of the benefits using Delta 8 Thc for health and medical conditions, but it is not all the benefits.
Pain Relief
Cannabinoids (THC and CBD) have anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing effects. Cannabidiol, for example, has been shown in studies to help with the management of chronic pain that is difficult to control and severe discomfort caused by cancer therapies like chemotherapy.
Digestive Benefits
In certain individuals, Delta-8-THC may enhance hunger while reducing nausea and vomiting. However, there is more evidence for Delta-9-THC to aid with digestive difficulties.
Relaxation
Delta-8-THC is widely used to relieve minor anxiety and panic attacks. The cannabinoid is a safe, natural alternative to prescription anxiety medications, but you should first talk with your primary care provider because they may want you to integrate medical cannabis also.
Will Delta 8 THC Get You High?
Delta 9 users report anxiety or paranoia as a side effect occasionally. Delta 8 THC makes this go away entirely. This gives you a clearheaded experience instead of making you sleepy. The high promotes calmness but not laziness.
The most significant change users notice is that Delta 9 high can make a person feel out of control, whereas Delta 8 gives the sense that they are still in command. No matter how strong the delta 8 is, it does not induce feelings of loss of control.
Some individuals are afraid of experiencing marijuana’s adverse effects, which is why they avoid using it. Delta 8 takes away this fear entirely.
Related: Will CBD Make You High?
Many individuals who use Delta 8 THC find that it doesn’t make them sleepy, as some other Delta 9 THC vapes can. Instead, it increased their energy level and attention while not causing their heart to race or produce any anxiety symptoms.
How Does It Compare to Delta 9 THC?
The psychoactive experience you get with delta-8 is much subtler, and this makes it a great option for everyone who’s new to using hemp. You can start your cannabis journey with this form of THC.
Another key difference between delta-8 and delta-9 is in their chemical structure. Delta-9 has a double bond on the ninth carbon, while delta-8 possesses double bonds on the eight carbon atom.
Delta-8 is produced in tiny amounts in hemp plants, unlike delta-9 that appears in large quantities. That’s why delta-8 products are created in the laboratory that supports the extraction of the compound through a chemical conversion method called isomerization.
You can also read — What Is Industrial Hemp? (Does It Contain CBD?)
What is the Feeling When Taking Delta 8 THC?
The most fundamental question you might be asking yourself is probably self-evident: what exactly does Delta 8 THC accomplish? What’s the distinction between this THC and the one that’s still federally prohibited?
It’s crucial to remember that everyone is different before getting started. Because the effects of Delta 8 can vary from one person to the next, be cautious if you’re a first-time user.
A first-time user is someone who has never used cannabis before in general. If you’ve used Delta-9 THC previously or any other marijuana product, you’re probably aware of what to anticipate. It may appear harsh if you have nothing to compare it to.
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Users of Delta 8 find the high to be mellow and relaxing. They feel content and calm, able to take on tasks and go about their day normally.
Delta-8 THC has appetite-stimulating effects, known as the “munchies.” It makes you feel good and puts you in a good mood. In addition, it appears to help with certain types of pain and seems to help relieve symptoms for many people. While it doesn’t work for everyone, some individuals are surprised by how it benefits them.
In conclusion, when you’re experiencing the effects of Delta 8 THC, you can anticipate the following:
- It makes you feel like you’re weightless
- It stimulates energy levels, allowing you to concentrate.
- It makes users feel calm and chilled yet still clearheaded.
- Promotes appetite so helps the urge to eat
- Relaxing and calming and no panic attacks
This is a typical collection of people’s experiences so that you may feel more or less than this.
5 Possible Side Effects of Delta 8 THC
At the moment, there isn’t a lot of information on this topic since delta-8 is new to the market, and so there is no proven research right now.
These are the Delta 8 THC side effects that have been reported by people who utilize delta 8. Delta 8 vape cartridge effects, Delta 8 THC gummies, Delta 8 capsules, and other Delta 8 THC items are included in this category.
Dry eyes: A potential adverse effect of Delta 8, which is also short-term and insignificant, concerns the eyes. The eyes can appear red due to this, and in uncommon circumstances, it might be painful due to a lack of moisture. In most cases, moisturizing eye drops will resolve this problem.
Difficulty driving a vehicle: If you ingest too much Delta 8 THC, you might be unable to drive. This is why you should never operate a car when high on THC. It’s conceivable that driving while intoxicated by Delta 8 can be fatal. As with alcohol and moderate doses of Delta 9 THC, the obligations when taking Delta 8 are not significantly different.
Failing a drug test: Delta-8 THC can lead to a failed drug test due to its ability to excite the same metabolite that breaks down Delta-9 THC in marijuana, which is what urine tests are looking for. Even though Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC are distinct, just like other cannabinoids, it will cause a drug test. All forms of THC are being searched for in drug tests.
Unpredictability: Delta 8 THC can “sneak up on you,” which can surprise those unprepared. This is why, before taking it, you should make sure you don’t have any pressing engagements. Furthermore, this implies that your waiting time should be adjusted accordingly if you use it in a particular manner.
Difficulty performing tasks at work: Delta 8 THC poses a potential problem to your ability to do your job when used during or before work hours. This is because its short-term effects on both cognitive function, physical coordination, and physical performance are very distracting. As a result, this chemical should be used in low-risk situations away from the workplace.
Delta 8 THC: How Much Should You Take?
Because there is no such thing as a “standard” amount of Delta 8 THC, it’s challenging to determine what dosage works for you.
Finding the proper dosage for you might take some trial and error, but hopefully, you can reduce the error component by taking a variety of personal attributes into account.
The variables that affect Delta 8 THC dosage include your weight, weight, metabolism, THC tolerance, and the desired level of effects.
If you’re searching for a lightly energizing experience with an uplifting mood, smaller dosages will work well. Still, if you want more body-focused and heavier effects, you may need to increase the dosage.
However, it’s preferable if you never take a large dose for the first time; taking without understanding your tolerance may result in numerous adverse effects, including dizziness, coordination difficulties, poor judgment, and drowsiness.
Delta 8 THC products have dosage instructions on the label, with most brands dividing them into weight categories.
If you discover that your body requires more Delta 8 THC to achieve the same effect, cease using it for a few days and then restart when your body’s tolerance returns to the previous level. It’s better than increasing the dose of Delta 8 THC.
How to Reduce the Potential Delta 8 THC Side Effects
If you’re concerned about the Delta 8 THC side effects, the best way to avoid them is to not take too much of it at once. Side effects that have previously been mentioned are more likely to occur if you take more than the suggested dosage amount.
One problem reported is that many people underestimate Delta 8 THC’s strength since it accounts for 50-70% of the high you get from Delta 9 THC. As a result, they believe it will not be powerful or have an impact on them. As a result, they consume far more than the suggested Delta 8 THC dosage.
It is recommended to use a less powerful delivery method. Delta-8 THC can have the most potent effects when vaped, smoked, or even dabbed, so if you’re looking for a product that’s not overly potent, consider selecting something milder like a capsule or an edible.
Does Delta 8 Stay in your System Longer Than Delta 9?
Delta 8 THC has a longer onset time but a more significant duration of effect than Delta 9 THC. Delta 8’s effects last longer than those of Delta 9.
In a nutshell, the high may take up to 2.5 hours to take effect and last up to 10 hours.
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Delta 8 THC Edibles and Tinctures: Tinctures are absorbed under the tongue, where Delta 8 THC travels through tiny capillaries in the mouth and avoids first-pass metabolism in the liver. The effects take longer to appear than other cannabis tinctures, starting about 30 minutes after taking it and lasting up to 5 hours, with peak effects occurring 1-2 hours later.
- Delta 8 THC Vape: Vaping has the shortest onset times, taking only 6 minutes to take effect. The speed of Delta 8 THC’s action via inhalation is determined on a person-by-person basis and the substance used. The peak effects should be seen within 30 minutes to 2.5 hours after consumption, with duration ranging from4 to 5 hours.
The length and time of the effect of Delta 8 THC vary depending on the way you use it and your tolerance levels. These are the most crucial aspects when determining the type of high provided by your Delta 8 THC product.
Your previous cannabis and Delta 9 THC experience will also influence the Delta 8 THC journey. For example, if you have a high tolerance to THC due to frequent marijuana use, you may need a larger dose to detect them.
Conclusion
Delta-8 THC, like delta-9 THC, is a chemical component of cannabis. It has been reported that Delta-8 THC produces less intense effects than Delta-9 THC while at the same time displaying fewer side effects.
Furthermore, because Delta-8 THC is inadequately regulated, there’s cause to be concerned that the components of products containing Delta-8 THC may be challenging to verify and so public health could be at risk.
If better regulatory standards for Delta-8 THC production are not in place, you may be more comfortable purchasing Delta-9 THC and CBD items.