What is Delta-8 and How Can it Help Me
Delta-8 is a cannabis compound that has taken the hemp and marijuana communities by storm in the last few years because of its similarity to delta-9 THC, what we all know and identify a s cannabis, pot, build, weed etc. The difference is that Delta-8 THC is 100% hemp derived, making it 100% legal in most of the US. Delta 8 is what is know as an isomer of delta 9, meaning that is has the same chemical makeup only the delta 8 molecules are configured in a different way.
The similarities between the two cannabinoids lie in their chemical structures and their names. THC as we know is Delta-9 THC, or simply Delta-9. Delta-8, more technically Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (as opposed to Delta-9-tetra…..), Delta-8 THC. Delta-8 THC can produce and experience similar to traditional Delta-9 with a little less punch and not as much of a "head-high". Both are chemically different in the placement of the double bond. Both cannabinoids have a chain of carbon atoms, but Delta-8 has the double bond on the eighth carbon, whereas Delta-9 has it’s double bond on the ninth carbon. Who knew?
Delta-8 binds to the endo-cannabinoid system in a slightly different fashion because of the location of its double bond. This is what is thought to make Delta-8 less potent than traditional THC. The unfortunate truth is that because both hemp and cannabis have been outlawed for so long, much more research needs to be done on Delta-8 ( as well as Delta-9 ..etc..) so we can all learn specifically how they interact with the human body.
I went to a CBD store recently to ask and learn about Delta-8. The gentleman behind the counter explained to me that Delta-8 and Delta-10 are like the little brother versions of traditional Delta-9 THC. Both milder in their approach with Delta-8 being more of a relaxing body experience, or "Indica" if you will. He then went on to describe Delta-10 as the "Sativa" of the two which is milder and offers a bit more of a mildly uplifting, heady experience as opposed to a body one experienced with D8. I got it now! It’s always nice when someone’s verbalization can help your visualization!
Currently, the legality of delta-8 is broadly interpreted. States are taking all types of different stances on the production and sale of D8 products, because of the high to be honest. Delta-8 is most always made from CBD isolate that, with the addition of specific chemical acids and time, converts from isolate to D8 in a matter of days. The The 2018 Farm Bill opened the door for anyone to legally grow, process and sell hemp throughout the United States, making delta-8 legal in states where delta-9 THC is illegal—sometimes.
Although Delta-8 CAN BE naturally extracted from either cannabis or hemp, it doesn’t produce enough of it in nature to actually isolate and extract it form the plant. Without the isolate conversion process there is no way extract enough D8 to service the market that we know of today. Again, almost all delta-8 THC on the market today is manufactured from hemp-derived CBD. By law that makes hemp and all parts, forms and derivatives part of a federally legal chain of origin.
In states, many Bible Belt states for example, traditional Delta-9 THC is still not legal on a recreational or medical level. Many of these consumers are no doubt cannabis consumers and need symptom relief just like anyone else. Others may be looking for alternatives to pharmaceutical medications and would like the opportunity to use, or at least try, a cannabis product. For those living in states where traditional cannabis is illegal, Delta-8 may be the only legal way to experience true THC-like effects. This has opened up a huge market for Delta-8 companies because it may be legal in their home state and you can now ship CBD all over the US. The good ones are truly helping people, not just in it for the money. There is a range of truly quality products out there: tinctures, capsules, flower, distillate drippers, vape cartridges, gummies & a host of other edibles. We’ve even seen luxury cigars infused with Delta-8!
So let’s address the elephant in the room. Delta-8, even that derived from hemp, WILL get you high. It may not get you as high as traditional Delta-9 THC but for a lot of people that’s perfectly ok. Some consumers prefer cannabis products that aren’t as potent or sedating. Delta-9 THC can cause negative effects for some, bringing on anxiety or paranoia. Delta-8 is known to produce a gentler or mellow type of high.
People don’t just want to get high, not all of them anyways, some just want relief of certain lingering symptoms so that they can feel and perform like themselves again. Some of the primary conditions or ailments consumers are using D8 for include temporary relief of aches and pains, anxiety, insomnia, depression, nausea and other abdominal related issues
Delta-8 effects are the same a traditional THC, such as mild euphoria, happiness, uplifting feelings, and temporary symptoms relief of aches & pains, just with less of a punch than Delta-9 THC.
Side effects may also be similar to those of Delta-9 THC, including dry mouth, red eyes, getting the munchies, short-term memory, paranoia, or anxiety.
For most people 20-25mg of Delta 8 is a proper dose, whereas a safe manageable dose of Delta-9 is roughly 10-12 mg. That is often the dose in most edibles( gummies or capsules) and roughly 2 -4 puffs of a vape cartridge. This should last for a couple of hours but -take into consideration that we are all physically and chemically different beings form one another so what works for your friend or partner may not exactly work for you.
As a general rule, especially if cannabinoids are new to you, start slow and build up if need. Vaping offers a faster onset so you should know how you’re feeling pretty quickly, 5-10 minutes. However with edibles please take your time and allow the ingestion period to pass (approx 45 min to 1hour, maybe upto 2 hours with some people) and see where you are before consuming more. Keep and eye on the people that you are with, just in case.
Last elephant..Is delta-8 legal?
According to the site CBD Thinker, there are 11 states where Delta-8 is currently believed to be illegal according to state law.
Delta-8 is currently legal in 31 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and in Washington D.C.
In two other states, delta-8 is regulated the same way as recreational cannabis: Connecticut and Michigan.
Meanwhile, delta-8’s legality is unclear in 3 states: Arizona, California, and Mississippi.
- https://cbdthinker.com/is-delta-8-thc-legal/
Finally, Delta-8 THC is illegal in 14 states: Alaska, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Montana, New York, Nevada, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Utah, and Washington.
Always check your state laws, or any state that you may be traveling to or thru, to fully understand what your hemp rights and privileges are.
The federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has, in a proposed rule, indirectly classified delta-8 THC as a Schedule I controlled substance, which would make it federally illegal. This rule is not yet final.
We welcome your stories!! Let us know if you have tried Delta-8 THC, particularly if you are a regular consumer we would love to hear your feedback &/or opinions! It helps us help others. Please feel free to send us your comments, your reviews or just talk about your experience!