This has been the question being posed especially by people in states where marijuana is not legal? Can Delta 8 be a viable alternative for those using marijuana for medicinal as well as recreational purposes? That is exactly what we are going to try and answer for you right here!
Delta 8 or THC 8 is taking the CBD industry by storm mainly because of the similar effects that it has shown to have to THC 9 or marijuana. There are definitely some differences between the two but the similarities are much greater than the differences.
What Is Delta 8 ?
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Delta 8 (Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol) or THC 8 is very similar to the better-known Delta 9 or THC9. They have an almost identical structure with one slight difference which is that they differ as to where they are double bonded in their chemical structure.
The other difference is that D8 is not readily found in large quantities in nature where the THC in marijuana is. It is therefore made by degrading THC9 or by altering hemp derived CBD to become Delta 8 which is currently the legal way to create this cannabinoid in enough quantity to turn it into Distillate which can then be made into a variety of Delta 8 products.
In general, you can expect almost identical benefits from using it instead of marijuana. the differences are quite subtle, but both offer the same reported health benefits like stimulating appetite, preventing nausea and producing a euphoric effect where the D9 is the lesser but more clear headed of the two.
How Does Delta 8 compare to Marijuana?
The biggest difference between these two is the potency as well as that your tolerance for THC 8 builds up faster. The good news is that if you lay off Delta 8 for about two weeks your tolerance should be as good as gone again so while it builds up fast it also drops off just as quickly.
- The high is remarkably similar to that of marijuana but the anxiety inducing aspect is much reduced.
- It’s about half as potent so you will need higher amounts of Delta 8 compared to Delta 9.
- It has been reported by some users that it improves appetite much more than THC9.
- One nice thing is that it has a longer shelf life then Delta 9 THC.
- You develop a tolerance to THC 8 fairly quickly. However, the tolerance also drops rather quickly if you stop using it for about 2 weeks.
Where to Buy Delta 8 Products?
Blatant plug you can buy Delta 8 products in our online CBD shop! We carry a large variety of CBD and D8 products from reputable manufacturers as well as our own Delta 8 carts and Delta 8 Gummies.
As with all cannabis products they are not all created equal so it’s always best to check COA’s to make sure you are dealing with a quality product. That and checking out reviews of course.
Delta 8 Cartridges
Delta 8 cartridges are great fast way to get the effects of THC 8 where edibles like a gummy are better for longer lasting results, but they take a while to kick in.
Who Are D8 Cartridges Perfect For?
- Pretty much anyone that likes smoking or vaping.
- Anyone looking for the effects to kick in within minutes. For example someone that is using D8 for anxiety or nausea.
- People that are looking to use D8 for recreational use.
There is a small drawback to smoking Delta 8 which is that it tends to be a bit harsher than marijuana when it comes to that. It’s better to take smaller puffs until you get used to it. Regular marijuana users will also notice that it takes about double the hits to get the same effects that marijuana gives you.
Delta 8 Gummies / Edibles
Currently, the most popular edibles are Delta 8 gummies which come in a variety of flavors as well as dosages. Depending on your tolerance and weight you will want to either go with a high dosage gummy or a low dosage one. Currently, low dosage gummies run in the 10mg range where a high dosage gummy is 40, 50, or even a 100mg dosage. As with anything always talk to your doctor before trying anything new and approach taking things cautiously.
Who Are Delta 8 Gummies Perfect For?
- Anyone that prefers an edible to smoking.
- Anyone looking for long term effect versus almost immediate effects that do not last as long.
- Anyone looking to use a precise dose. With smoking you will not be able to get an exact dose where with an edible you know exactly the dose you are taking.
As with any edible the big drawback is that it can take 45min to 90min for you to start feeling the effects. The upside is that once working effects can last 4 to 6 hrs.
Delta 8 Flower
So Delta 8 flower really does not exist in nature rather it is made by spraying CBD or CBG flower with Delta 8 Distillate and then letting it cure. While D8 is present in hemp as well as marijuana plants there are currently no known strains that would be truly considered a cannabis strain that is high in THC 8, so the only way is to use hemp flower and spray it, let it cure and boom you have Delta 8 Flower.
Smoking Delta 8 flower has become a popular way to consume THC 8 for anyone that likes using a pipe or rolling a blunt. It is perfect for your old school users of marijuana that already have all their favorite smoking accessories.
Potency & Dosing
Delta 8 is not as powerful as Delta 9 THC, it takes roughly about twice the dose to get the same effects. A standard dose for marijuana users used to THC9 is 5 to 20 mg. Some people use much more but generally most users fall into some range of the above dosages. The standard dose for using Delta 8 THC is 10 to 40mg. However psychoactive effects can be felt at doses as small as 5mg if you are sensitive to THC.
Dosing will depend on your tolerance as well as your weight, what type of D8 product you are using and how strong you want the effects to be.
If you are new to taking these types of products micro dosing is always the best idea until you can establish what your tolerance levels are.
Is Delta 8 THC Legal?
Right now, Delta 8 sort of lives in a grey area. It is legal according to the 2018 Farm Act when it is hemp derived. However, it is illegal when derived from marijuana THC9 plants. Aat this point the answer is a bit tricky. It is legal but must be hemp derived is the jist of it as it stands. However, there are states that have their own laws that make it illegal. It is always best to check you state and local laws before buying any Delta 8 product. States that currently deem THC 8 illegal are Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, Rhode Island, and Utah.
Does Delta 8 Have Medicinal Properties?
While Delta 8 THC is fairly new it has had a few research studies conducted on its medicinal properties in the last few years. It is also being looked at as an alternative to THC9 by some.
Currently there are several studies being conducted on Delta 8 and its medicinal uses. One is focused on its use in pain and inflammation particularly in people with eye injuries https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29450258/.
Another older study back in the 90’s was conducted on its properties in preventing nausea https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/002432059500194B?via%3Dihub.
Another study is looking at D8 as an appetite stimulant. This was done using mice and studying their feeding patterns https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15099912/
While much more research needs to be done to understand the medicinal benefits of Delta 8 THC studies look promising.
Delta 8 THC has been reported to help with the following:
- Anxiety
- Pain & Inflammation
- Stimulation of Appetite
- Nausea
How Legal Delta 8 THC is Made
Legal Delta 8 is derived from hemp. There are several different ways to make THC8 from CBD one is to use CBD isolate or distillate and convert it into D8 using a process.
What makes it legal is that the product must be hemp derived and cannot be made by degrading Delta 9 to turn it into Delta 8.
Legal Disclaimer: The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.
AGRICULTURE IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2018 – SUBTITLE G—HEMP PRODUCTION.
SEC. 297A. DEFINITIONS.
(1) HEMP.—The term ‘hemp’ means the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis.
SEC. 12619. CONFORMING CHANGES TO CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 102(16) of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802(16)) is amended—
(1) by striking ‘‘(16) The’’ and inserting ‘‘(16)(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), the’’; and
(2) by striking ‘‘Such term does not include the’’ and inserting the following:
‘‘(B) The term ‘marihuana’ does not include—
‘‘(i) hemp, as defined in section 297A of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946; or
‘‘(ii) the’’. (b) TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL.—Schedule I, as set forth in section 202(c) of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 812(c)), is amended in subsection
(c)(17) by inserting after ‘‘Tetrahydrocannabinols’’ the following: ‘‘, except for tetrahydrocannabinols in hemp (as defined under section 297A of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946)’’.
