What is Delta 8 THC?
Delta-8 THC is another compound of the cannabis plant which is similar to Delta-9 THC. It causes the same effects, however, milder and less potent compared to Delta-9. You can also call it Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-8-THC) or D8. It’s a minor cannabinoid that comes in minute concentrations when extracted directly from the hemp plant.
In addition, Delta-8-THC is a degraded form of Delta-9-THC when THC is stored for a long time. THC’s analog, which shares similar properties such as stimulating appetite, reducing nausea, and soothing pain.
Because of the tiny amounts of Delta-8-THC obtained from the hemp plant, some extract it scientifically. It’s easier to obtain by converting Delta-9 to Delta-8 using chemical reactions. Moreover, you can get Delta-8 using CBD oil through a process called isomerization. This process scientifically converts CBD to its isomers. It has the same chemical composition but with a different structure. Hence, possessing different physical and chemical properties.
What is Delta-8 THC?
Subscribe to the Weed-Smart Youtube Channel with a single click
What are the Effects of Delta 8?
Like any other cannabis product, the effects of Delta-8 vary for each person.
Most people report that Delta-8-THC gives a "high" with less potency. In other words, it’s a less powerful high but with similar effects to its Delta-9 cousin.
For instance,Dante Jordan from Leafly shared his experience after trying Delta-8. He used gummies with a dose of 50 mg. In addition, he described the feeling of taking D8 as "energizing." According to him, it has milder effects than THC and gets you high but with a lighter feel.
What is the Difference between Delta-8 and Delta-9?
It’s easy to assume that Delta 8 and Delta 9 are compounds with similar effects. However, though its molecules are almost the same, they possess different characteristics.
Both compounds are naturally occurring in the cannabis plant. The difference is that Delta-8 THC is found in very small concentrations. They also exhibit milder psychoactive effects and pain alleviation. It has less potent effects than Delta 9. On the other hand, Delta 9 THC causes the classic "high" feeling. It’s often used to stimulate appetite and to prevent nausea. In addition, Delta 8 is legal in some places where Delta 9 is illegal.
Medical Benefits
Delta-8 does not only give a less potent "high," however, but it also provides medical benefits.
A 2018 animal study (published on PubMed) states that D8 can help alleviate pain and inflammation, even when administered topically.
Another research is a study (by A Abramahov & R Mechoulam, 1995). This study states that Delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid with effective anti-emetic properties helpful for children with cancer.
What to Look for in Delta-8 Products?
Label and Lab Tests: Knowing the amount of Delta-8 in your product is crucial. You shouldn’t take anything with no proper label of the potency. In addition, lab tests are essential to help back up a product’s claim. Passing the lab tests and properly labeling products proves the product’s purity and quality.
Customer Reviews: Reviews are a great way to get an idea about the product’s effects. You will find products with reviews of a customer’s great experience or the other way around. You can also discover how the product affects different kinds of people, which is very helpful if you find someone similar.
Product / Shop Contact: Of course, a way to contact the shop or the manufacturer is essential in case you need to ask questions about the product.
My Recommendation
I highly recommend Diamond CBD for all Delta 8 and CBD products. The are very transparent and only offer high qualify products. They even have their lab reports posted on their website.
If you have any questions beyond this, you can always reach out to them HERE.
Legality
While some states legally allow Delta-9-THC, there are 11 states that forbid it, which are the following: Delaware, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, Rhode Island, and Utah.
Keep in mind that every state has its own rules. So if you plan to purchase Delta-8 THC, always do your research and check your state laws first.
Is Delta 8 THC Safe to Use?
Unfortunately, the safety factor of Delta-8 THC was never touched upon.
A study (by L E Hollister & H K Gillespie, 1973) compared Delta-8-THC with Delta-9-THC in both oral and intravenous administrations. Both substances produced the same effects on the subject when introduced intravenously. However, in oral administration, Delta-8 was discovered to have milder effects than Delta-9.
There are only limited human studies about Delta-8. Its side effects, safety profile, and tolerability remain unknown. The only thing that we know is its milder effects compared to Delta-9-THC. Moreover, other routes, including vaping and smoking, have no studies available to describe their impacts and safety. It’s also impossible to confirm if Delta-8 is entirely safe for human consumption.
With this in mind, it’s best to conclude that more research is required for Delta-8-THC.
Takeaway
Delta 8 is relatively new in the cannabis industry and has made its way to the market. It often poses misconceptions that it’s similar with Delta 9, but it’s not. It’s obtained in minute amounts and is less potent compared to its sister compound. Overall, I hope this article helped you learn more about Delta 8.