What is Delta-8-THC?
If you read the Rolling Stone feature in 2021, you probably came across the term Delta-8-THC. Cannabis contains over a hundred compounds that offer amazing mental, physical, and even skincare benefits. Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is among these compounds, but Delta-8 is little known compared to Delta-9-THC.
Rolling Stone described it as the ‘less-potent cousin’ of Delta-9-THC. Commonly known as THC, it is the cannabis compound that triggers those famed psychoactive effects. Delta-8-THC is an analogue of Delta-9-THC and causes many of the same effects but with several significant differences.
Before you decide to try Delta-8 edibles or vape, here is everything you need to know about the obscure compound and its impressive effects.
What is Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol?
Psychotropic effects occur when Delta-8-THC binds to CB1, a central nervous system G-protein receptor. Delta-9 works the same way, but its effects on behavior, mood, and perception are far more pronounced. The reasons for this lie in a critical chemical bond location within each compound.
Delta-8-THC has double bonds on the 8th carbon chain, while the Delta-9-THC bond is on the 9th carbon chain. The minor difference in each THC molecule affects the reaction with your body’s endocannabinoid receptors.
Aside from the CB1 receptor, Delta-8-THC also binds to CB2 receptors in the gastrointestinal and immune systems. Delta-8-THC binds to both receptors, which is why it is so effective against nausea, anxiety, and pain relief. Studies also indicate that the cannabinoid is a potent central nervous system protector and appetite-stimulant.
Which is the Best: Delta-8 vs. Delta-9?
Delta-8 and Delta-9-THC are cannabis-derived compounds. Each has an almost identical molecular structure, apart from the carbon chain bond location. Some manufacturers even create Delta-8 by refining Delta-9-THC extracted from the cannabis flower.
The refining process involves methods like CO2 extraction, which isolates the Delta-8-THC compound from traditional Delta-9. The process also eliminates unwanted residual solvents, impurities, and other undesired cannabinoids, leaving you with purer Delta-8-THC at your disposal.
Delta-8 and Delta-9-THC are both suitable for medical and recreational use. However, Delta-9 is a less stable form of THC. The reduced stability is why consumers are more likely to experience side-effects after using Delta-9-THC, like paranoia or anxiety.
If you want to experience the psychoactive effects or health benefits of marijuana for the first time, Delta-8 poses fewer risks. The reduced potency also facilitates a smoother high that does not impede your senses as much.
The Difference Between CBD and Delta-8 THC
Cannabidiol (CBD) is another primary cannabinoid found in cannabis. Unlike Delta-9-THC, CBD does not trigger hallucinogenic effects, but it can help with inflammation and pain reduction by stimulating CB2 receptors.
Compared to a CBD isolate, using a Delta-8 product offers more value. It interacts with both CB1 and CB2 receptors, delivering the best of both worlds. For enhanced results, try a Delta-8-THC distillate that contains some cannabidiol. Such products offer full-spectrum benefits, including the Entourage Effect.
The sought-after Entourage Effect occurs when every cannabinoid, terpene, and other compounds in the hemp or marijuana plant work together. The natural combination delivers enhanced health benefits, which will not be as potent with Delta-8 products that lack other cannabis compounds.
Where is Delta-8 Available?
The average hemp plant contains the Delta-8-THC cannabinoid in small amounts (less than 1%). The cannabis flower has a higher concentration of the compound than any other part of the plant.
Some companies create Delta-8-THC by extracting THC from the marijuana plant and storing it for some time. In storage, the extract’s properties degrade into a form of Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol.
Delta-8 production is also possible through selective breeding, growing marijuana that contains a higher concentration of the cannabinoid. You can buy Delta-8 as an isolate or a broad-spectrum product (that contains Delta-9-THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids).
How Long Does Delta-8 Stay in Your System?
Many cannabis consumers find the high from Delta-9-THC overwhelming, especially first-timers. Switching to Delta-8-THC products offers a milder experience, allowing recreational users and medical patients to enjoy its effects without becoming too stoned.
The specific effect of Delta-8-THC on your body will depend primarily on the variation of the product. You can choose a tincture, edible, or vape. Users of Delta-8 carts (or vape cartridges) typically begin experiencing its effects within six minutes. The effects peak around 30 minutes after vaping, but may take up to two hours, depending on the user.
These effects can even last for up to five hours after consuming Delta-8-THC. However, this does not apply for an edible or tincture cannabinoid. People use a tincture sublingually (placing it under the tongue or against the inner cheek). The method sends the product into your bloodstream faster than ingesting Delta-8 in edibles.
The average person will feel the high of a Delta-8 tincture within 15 to 45 minutes, peaking in about 90 minutes. Tinctures are highly concentrated, and you will feel the product’s effect all at once when it hits.
Delta-8 gummies and other edibles have to pass through your digestive system before entering the bloodstream, which slows down the onset effect. It might be 30 to 90 minutes before you feel anything after ingesting Delta-8-THC, and the effect can last for up to five hours. The peak high may not occur until an hour or two has passed.
Factors such as your weight, gender, and the potency of the product will also determine how you experience Delta-8-THC.
Are you worried about failing a Delta-8-THC drug test?
Like Delta-9-THC, Delta-8 will show up in a blood or saliva THC test if you provide a sample within two days of using the product.
A urine test will detect THC in your results if you take the test within 48 days of your last dose. First-time users may pass a urine test after eight days of using the product.
Knowing the testing method beforehand is a useful guide for how long you need to wait before taking a test after using these products.
Where to Buy Delta-8-THC?
Delta-8-THC is available for purchase at various online stores and mainstream suppliers. You can now find it in disposable cartridges for your vaping pleasure or as a delicious edible.
Both edibles and vapes come in various flavors, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one that suits your unique palate. However, like every cannabis product, the quality and potency of Delta-8-THC depends heavily on the manufacturer and method.
If you want to ensure you receive a high-quality product with reliable effects, here are a few tips:
Know Your Options
Multiple sellers are now available as the product takes off, so you will need to investigate each option to identify which company sells the best product at the most competitive price.
The seller with the lowest price isn’t always the best choice, especially since most supplier manage these low prices by cutting corners.
If you buy a low-quality product, it may not actually be Delta-8-THC. It may even contain impurities or other compounds that worsen the side-effects. Rather stick with our reliable product range.
Check for Quality
Checking the color of Delta-8-THC is an easy way to determine whether it is a quality product. High-quality Delta-8 distillate typically has a yellow, rose, or champagne color. Anything darker may mean the product is past its expiry date or contains unwanted properties.
It also helps if the company has a certification or license from a recognized body in the cannabis and CBD industry. Buying an independently tested and verified Delta-8 product reduces your risk of consuming anything harmful.
Know What You Want
Do you want a Delta-8 isolate without other cannabinoids? Or do you want a full-spectrum product that can trigger the Entourage Effect? A clear idea of what you would like to achieve by using Delta-8 will help you pick a product that contains the cannabinoid combination you need.
Investigate Your Seller
Reading reviews from consumers provides useful insights into the quality of a product. The reviews should be from real people, so stay with independent review platforms. The comments will also give you an idea about the potency of a seller’s Delta-8-THC.
Is Delta-8 Legal?
The Hemp Farming Act of December 2018 legalized the farming and use of hemp across the United States. According to the law, hemp is a variant of the cannabis plant that contains minimal THC (under 0.3%).
Since the THC content is low, using products derived from this plant are not enough for intoxication. The other cannabinoids in the product, such as CBD, CBN, CBG, and CBC, deliver the other positive effects of incorporating cannabis into your lifestyle.
Marijuana is a variant of cannabis that contains high levels of THC and every other cannabinoid. According to federal law, using Delta-8-THC is legal in the United States if it comes from a hemp plant or contains less than 0.3% THC.
Buy from a Legal Seller
Every state in the US has its own laws regarding the sale of CBD, THC, and any other product derived from cannabis. Only buy from a company authorized to sell in your state, or you might face charges for purchasing an illegal substance.
Some states have passed even friendlier cannabis laws, including California, Washington, and Colorado. State laws in these areas allow people to use products derived from any cannabis plant, regardless of the THC content.
States like Kansas, Kentucky, and Mississippi do not allow the use of Delta-9-THC and other products that contain more than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol. Delta-8-THC is legal in such states as long as it satisfies the strict regulatory requirements regarding THC levels.
In places like Nebraska and Idaho, people can use only CBD isolate products (that contain no other cannabinoids). Delta-8-THC remains illegal in this state, regardless of its THC content or whether it comes from marijuana or hemp plants.
Avoid facing a legal matter by verifying your state’s cannabis laws before buying Delta-8-THC or other products that contain cannabinoids.
While buycbdoilonline.com carries top quality CBD, CBN, CBG and every possible minor cannabinoid you can think of, we are currently not carrying Delta-8 products at this time.
We suggest you peruse the selection of legal, top-quality Delta-8-THC and other cannabis-derived products on our sister site delta8pro.com.
Visit Delta 8 Pro for Delta-8-THC
Delta-8 is safe to use as long as you are of legal age and not pregnant. For consumers who want to try Delta-8-THC as an analgesic or for cerebral stimulation, you will need to consult your doctor beforehand—some medications interact with Delta-8-THC and cause unwanted side-effects.
Don’t forget to verify whether it is legal to use it before buying any Delta-8-THC in your location. Even traveling from one location with cannabis-friendly laws to a state with zero tolerance for cannabinoids will beget legal troubles.
It is essential to purchase your Delta-8-THC from a reputable seller like us. Only a slight difference in molecular structure distinguishes Delta-8 from Delta-9-THC. Some companies blur the line by packaging and selling Delta-9-THC as Delta-8 or an impure product that can lead to more than you can handle.
Enjoy yourself and stay safe by ordering all your Delta-8-THC tinctures, edibles, carts, and more from delta8pro.com. Contact us today for inquiries regarding our current stock of Delta-8-THC at hello@delta8pro.com.