What is Delta-8 THC? You Need To Know This…

Delta-8 THC is one of many cannabinoids found in marijuana plants, though normally in very small amounts. While most people know about the psychoactive effects of d8, ∆-8 THC has become quite popular in recent years.

What is the difference between Delta 8 and Delta-9?

The difference between Delta-8 THC vs Delta 9 is subtle. They both contain the same number of carbon atoms. The former contains a double bond at the eighth carbon while the latter has the bond at the ninth.

Because of this, Delta-8 doesn’t produce the same “high” associated with marijuana. Instead, it creates a mellow buzz that lasts longer than regular marijuana. When you are comparing delta 8 THC vs regular THC, this is the main differentiating feature between the two.

Will Delta-8 get you high?

Unlike delta-9 THC, which produces psychoactive effects like hallucinations and euphoria, delta-8 doesn’t produce such intense sensations. But according to Leafly’s Dante Jordan, it does still get people high. In fact, he says, it’s actually easier to consume delta-8 because it’s less potent and leaves users feeling calmer and more relaxed.

Jordan tested out delta-8 THC while attending the Cannabis Innovation Summit in Los Angeles in November 2018. He took a puff of a joint containing both types of THC and compared the effects afterwards. “I felt a little buzzed, but nothing too crazy,” he told Leafly. “The high wasn’t as intense as I expected.”

He continued, “After about 15 minutes, my head started to feel pretty good. My body felt light and relaxed, almost like I had just taken a nap. I didn’t feel anxious or paranoid.”

While delta-8 THC isn’t quite as powerful as the most popular cannabinoid delta 9 THC, it could prove to be a viable alternative for those looking to avoid the side effects associated with typical forms of cannabis consumption.

How long does a Delta-8 high last?

As far as duration goes, a typical dose of delta-8 lasts anywhere from 20 minutes to three hours, says Leafly product manager Brandon Wirtz. You can easily tell if you’re getting a good dose when you start to feel the effects of the high, he adds. If you’ve never tried delta-8 before, it might seem strange to think that something could make you feel better, but it really works well for improving feelings of worry and stress.

Benefits of Delta-8

Delta-8 does appear to have some of delta 9 THC’s health benefits, though it may not produce those same results exactly. Though D8 might work slightly differently, there is the possibility that it can still provide consumers with pain relief, concern reduction, and insomnia relief.

Effects of Delta-8

There are many reports and anecdotal stories online about people’s experiences with d8. The most common stories about the effects we have seen have been feelings of euphoria, happiness, uplifted energy, and feeling relief from daily pains.

Some side effects of delta 8 that we have seen reported have been red eyes, hunger cravings (munchies), gaps in short term memory, anxiety, and paranoia.

The FDA states that they have seen an uptick in adverse events that have been reported to them. They also warn of contaminated delta 8 extracts, as not all manufacturers hold themselves to the highest standards. Especially since the d8 market is largely unregulated.

They have also noticed cartoon-ish advertising that could be construed as being directed towards children. We believe that claim to be dubious, as the neon and other bright colors used in the marketing is indicative of the fun that companies are wanting their potential clients to perceive. Kind of like those beer commercials where after taking a first sip, a cool mountain breeze begins to blow and cheerleaders come out of the woodwork.

However, if you feel you are having a bad time and feel you may be feeling serious side effects, we do recommend you contact health professionals at your local emergency room. And to not operate machinery such as, but not limited to, vehicles and construction equipment while consuming delta 8.

How does Delta 8 work?

Delta-8 – like the ‘regular’ THC, delta 9 – binds to receptors found in our endocannabinoid system, which causes a user to feel high. Chemically, delta-8 and delta-9 are closely related in that they both have a double bond in their structures. Both cannabinoids contain a chain of carbon atoms. However,  ∆-8 has this double bond located at the eighth carbon, compared to delta-9 which has it located at the ninth carbon.

This double bond as it binds to receptors throughout our body is what is believed to produce the intoxicating effects that make one have the euphoric ‘high’ feeling. Delta-8 binds to the endocannabinoid system in a slightly different fashion because of the location of its double bond. This is what is thought to make delta-8 much less potent than regular THC. However, more research needs to be done on delta-8 and how it interacts with the body.

Is Delta-8 Legal?

Delta-8 is one of the fastest-growing niche markets of cannabis out there. And while many people are familiar with high-THC edibles products like pot brownies and oil extracts, Delta-8 is a little different. This cannabinoid is derived almost entirely from cannabidiol, or CBD, a compound found in marijuana plants that offers medicinal benefits without getting you stoned.

Technically speaking, the DEA feels that Delta-8 falls under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, meaning they believe it is illegal to manufacture, sell, distribute, dispense, import or export. However, Delta-8 is still being produced and sold in the United States. In fact, some companies are even marketing Delta-8 as “legal.”

That’s why we’re here today. We want to know whether Delta-8 is really legal. So, what do you think? Is Delta-8 legal? What is delta 8 THC? Let us know in the comments below!

What is Delta 8 Flower?

Delta 8 flower is the flower from the hemp plant that has been enhanced with delta 8 THC distillate.

What is Delta 8 Gummies?

Delta 8 gummies are a tasty treat that has been infused, or sprayed, with delta 8 distillate. Often times additional cannabinoids are present, like CBD, HHC, THCP, THCO, CBN, among many others.

Chemical Formula

The chemical formula of delta 8 THC is C21H30O2. It has a molecular weight of 314.47.

What Are The Best Delta 8 THC Products?