Delta 8 THC is one of the lesser-known hemp cannabis raw extracts derived from the hemp cannabis plant. It’s similar to delta 9 THC, another naturally occurring, yet not as potent, cannabinoid extract of the hemp plant. We explain how delta 8 THC and delta 9 compounds differ, their legal status in some U.S. states, and any potential health benefits, serious health risks, or other safety concerns.
Get ready to explore everything about Delta 8 THC, from its definition to its effects!
What is Delta 8?
Delta 8 THC is a cannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant that provides users with effects similar to the better-known THC but with less intense psychotropic capabilities.
Definition
Delta 8 THC is a type of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) found in the Sativa strain of the cannabis plant. It’s sometimes called “diet weed” or “marijuana lite” due to its milder effects compared to delta-9 THC.
Delta-8 THC produces similar psychoactive and intoxicating effects as other forms of THC, ranging from paranoia to anxiety and drowsiness. These side effects are usually reported by users to be less intense than those associated with, but usually with less intensity than the delta-9 variant.
Similar to CBD derived from hemp, delta 8 THC can be used in gummies, vapes, and other products for a less intense experience. Legal forms of cannabis are used to extract delta 8, so regulations on purchasing vary by state. Some, for example, may still view delta 8 THC products as controlled substances. However, it is typically legal within the US if properly sourced according to the guidelines of the Agriculture Improvement Act.
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How it differs from other cannabinoids
Delta 8 THC is one of many phytocannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. However, it has a distinct chemical structure and different effects than other cannabinoids like delta-9. Unlike delta 9, which occurs naturally in some cannabis varieties, Delta 8 must be isolated and extracted from other compounds through a specific chemical synthesis process to create its unique psychoactive effect.
The most striking difference between delta 8 THC and its better-known cannabinoid cousin is that delta 8 THC has milder psychoactive effects compared to delta-9. While ingesting or consuming it can produce euphoric feelings similar to traditional medical marijuana products, the intensity of these effects are significantly less than those produced by delta-9 THC.
As such, many refer to it as “marijuana lite” or “diet weed” due to its reduced potency when compared with regular strains containing high concentrations of delta-9 THC. Delta 8 typically has higher levels of concentration than other cannabinoids found in cannabis and hemp plants. This makes it easier for manufacturers and development companies to extract higher volumes for use in product applications like tinctures, edibles, oils, and other forms of ingestibles.
How Does Delta 8 THC Affect the Body?
Delta 8 THC can produce intoxicating and psychoactive effects, although these are generally milder than those produced by delta 9. There may also be potential risks or side effects associated with its consumption.
Psychoactive and intoxicating effects
Delta 8 THC is a naturally occurring psychoactive compound found in the Cannabis sativa plant. It produces milder euphoric effects compared to delta 9, making it an attractive choice for cannabis consumers.
When consumed, delta 8 THC has intoxicating and psychoactive effects that produce more clear-headed and elevated feelings of awareness than its higher-concentration counterpart, delta 9.
Its unique properties make the experience of delta 8 THC enjoyable for those looking for a more subtle “high” without getting too overwhelmed by intense sensory stimulation or mental fogging effects users experience with other substances from the cannabis family.
Potential risks and side effects of delta 8 THC
Delta-8 THC can have risks and side effects, albeit these are typically reported to be milder than those associated with delta-9 THC. National poison control centers have received 661 exposure cases related to delta-8 THC since its legalization in 2018. Common adverse events linked to the use of delta-8 include nausea, vomiting, visual and perceptual distortions, difficulty maintaining balance and coordination, as well as issues such as fainting or loss of consciousness. Furthermore, anxiety has been reported as a possible adverse effect of delta-8, though it is far less common than other more serious symptoms mentioned above.
Use and Availability of Delta 8 THC
Delta 8 THC is available in a range of products, such as edibles, tinctures, and inhalants. It can be found in both forms of cannabis plants. This includes hemp pants, which are usually legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, and the marijuana plant, which is still illegal in some states.
How it is used
Delta 8 THC is widely used for a variety of purposes and can be ingested or inhaled. For those who don’t like the taste of cannabis, vaping may provide an easier route to consumption.
Each user must decide whether to swallow drops directly in their mouth or mix them into food or drinks. This last method is also called sublingual administration and is often used when delta-8 THC interacts with certain types of medications.
Edibles made with Delta-8 THC are becoming increasingly popular due to their discreet mode of delivery and convenience for both recreational users as well as people using it for symptom relief.
Where to purchase it
Delta 8 THC products are available for purchase both online and in-store. Online stores offer a convenient option for delta THC purchases. Physical stores have in-person staff to provide advice about particular delta THC assurance of the product’s quality, depending on the retailer.
To find delta 8 THC products, consumers can search both online and local stores or visit websites that specialize in organic hemp-derived products to ensure safe purchases from trusted vendors who follow federal regulations regarding the sale of delta 8THC derivatives.
Consumers should also know their state laws for buying legally compliant delta 8 THC products.
Potential Benefits of Delta 8 THC
Delta 8 THC potentially offers similar therapeutic benefits to CBD, such as anti-anxiety and pain relief, with fewer reported psychoactive effects.
Potential health benefits of delta 8 THC
- Delta-8 THC has potential health benefits, including calming nausea, boosting appetite, easing pain relief, improving mental health, and preventing vomiting during cancer treatments.
- It is thought to increase levels of choline and acetylcholine in the body, which can help with degenerative mental health conditions.
- Neuroprotective properties promote a healthier brain by protecting against further decline or damage.
- Stimulates appetite and has been found to have analgesic effects for pain relief. It may also reduce symptoms of nausea and vomiting when compared to delta-9 THC.
Conclusion
Due to its similarities with delta-9, delta 8 has some degree of psychotropic influence and may produce a euphoric high. Delta 8 can be found in trace amounts in the hemp plant or synthetically produced from CBD or Delta-9.
While potent forms of delta 8 provide more dramatic effects, most forms contain lower levels than marijuana typically does. Hemp-derived delta 8 THC shouldn’t be among any FDA-regulated products violate federal laws.
Before using delta 8 consumers need to understand their local regulations as well as the potential risks. Some states have legalized its use, while others have not explicitly stated its status. Because of this, individuals should take extra precautions when using these products.
Studies suggest that there could be many medical benefits for those who choose to use it carefully. However, further research would need to occur before it becomes widely accepted in the scientific community.
Other Forms of THC to Explore
FAQs
1. What is Delta 8?
Delta 8 is an organic cannabinoid found in hemp plants and a form of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). It has less psychoactive effects than its counterpart, delta-9 THC.
2. Is Delta 8 the same as Delta 9?
No, Delta8 and Delta9 are two different compounds with similar properties. While both are forms of THC, delta 8 has a lower psychotropic potency compared to its counterpart.
3. Does Delta 8 produce a high feeling?
No, products containing only 0.3% delta-9-THC or less will not have any intoxicating effects due to the low percentage of the compound present in these products. This means that many users can feel confident that delta 8 THC products may be free of other potentially harmful substances.
4 . Where can I buy products with Delta-8?
You can purchase products containing delta-8 from legally compliant stores, such as online dispensaries or licensed retailers that specialize in CBD/hemp-related goods and services.
