It’s not marijuana, but it’s much more than CBD. Currently legal on the federal level, this newly popular compound is the latest trend on the cannabis scene. It has the potency to ease symptoms of malaise and create strong feelings of euphoria. I’ll take “What is Delta 8?” for $200, Alex!
Okay, so we might not have a great handle on the rules of Jeopardy!, but what we do have a pretty good mastery of is Delta 8! If you want to better understand this cannabinoid, we share what we know in this article, so keep on reading to see what all the hype is about!
Table of Contents
What Is Delta 8?
Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta 8 or D8) is a naturally occurring compound called a cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. It delivers the same benefits that marijuana would in a much milder way, without loss of motor function or severe drowsiness. You shouldn’t feel strong paranoid feelings when consuming D8 products. Many people use Delta 8 THC because it is less overwhelming than Delta 9 (D9) THC—which is the cannabinoid in marijuana that causes that infamous “high.”
D8 is only found in small levels in the trichomes of cannabis plants, so most commercially available Delta 8 products have been created by converting CBD into Delta 8 using a process called isomerization.
How Does Delta 8 Work In The Body?
Every mammal has a system of receptors that bind with the cannabinoids produced in their bodies (yes, our bodies make cannabinoids!) called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system exists as a neurotransmitter or “broadcaster” to the rest of the systems in our bodies. The ECS signals the rest of the body to perform certain immune, nervous, digestive, reproductive processes, and more! This affects our overall body functions and health.
When endocannabinoids (the cannabinoids made in our bodies) or external cannabinoids from edibles, vape pens, and so forth enter our systems, they bind with receptors found in the body’s ECS. Some only bind with receptors that affect the central nervous system (your brain and spinal cord). Others only bind with the receptors in the peripheral nervous system (nerves throughout the rest of the body) that influence specific related actions.
In other words, some cannabinoids affect things related to mood, cognitive function, and pain perception, while others affect things related to digestive functions and immune response.
Delta 8 cannabinoids bind with the receptors less effectively than Delta 9 cannabinoids, causing similar but milder cognitive reactions that can cultivate a more enjoyable and uplifting experience.
Does Delta 8 Get You High?
Delta 8 THC does not get you high in the same way that Delta 9 THC can. The euphoric feelings produced by D8 are a lot milder than those procured when smoking marijuana with Delta 9 THC, but can still stimulate the senses and help you relax. D8 can also decrease the chances of experiencing less favorable effects that more often occur with D9 products.
Is Delta 8 The Same As CBD?
No, they’re not the same! D8 THC and CBD are cannabinoids, but CBD is more abundant in the hemp plant than D8. You can say CBD, Delta 9, and Delta 8 are cousins in a way, but with far different properties.
D8 is the perfect balance between regular Delta 9 and CBD. You can try delta 8 carts. While D8 doesn’t have the same intoxicating side effects as marijuana, it has a slightly more euphoric experience when compared to CBD.
Delta 8 Vs. Delta 9: What’s The Difference?
D8 is an isomer of D9, meaning they have similar chemical structures but different molecular construction via a double bond between their carbon atoms. This changes how well Delta 8 and 9 binds to ECS receptors and their influence on the body. Both D8 and D9 cause similar effects like stimulating appetite, reducing stomach upset, and soothing discomfort; however, Delta 8 has far less harsh effects on your mental functions than Delta 9.
Delta 9 is not federally legal because of its intoxicating qualities, which may cause more intense mental fog or nervousness than Delta 8. However, Delta 8 is completely legal federally! Delta 8 induces a clearer mental state than Delta 9 but has all the same holistic benefits.
What Are The Benefits Of Delta 8?
While Delta 8 is similar to Delta 9 and CBD, it poses several advantages the others don’t have. Here are the biggest pluses to taking Delta 8 THC!
Versatility
There are many ways to consume Delta 8. As the cannabis industry grows, so do the number of products. D8 can be inhaled, ingested, topically applied, or sublingually taken to meet any number of consumer needs. So whether you want to eat a delicious edible or smoke a hybrid flower strain, your preferences are catered to.
Fewer Negative Side Effects
Because of its lower potency, D8 is perfect for those who do not want to experience the pronounced “high” from Delta 9. Users of D8 report having fewer negative thoughts and bothersome physical symptoms like nervousness and foggy memory.
Positive Impact on the Body
Delta 8 produces feelings of relaxation, euphoria, and comforting effects on the body. It can increase the effects that regular CBD has while easing you into a state of calm clarity. In comparison to Delta 9, Delta 8 generally provides a much easier experience that allows for coherent thoughts and functionality.
Increase In The Entourage Effect
According to the entourage effect, the effects of CBD are more beneficial when all cannabinoids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and other parts of the hemp plants work in conjunction with one another in the body. A team of compounds is stronger than isolated CBD, so the more compounds present, the better.
Delta 8 THC is a cannabinoid that can mediate the effects of stronger cannabinoids that generate negative side effects while enhancing the outcomes of CBD present in all cannabis products.
What Are The Effects Of Delta 8?
Experiences from using Delta 8 vary from person to person because everybody is different, though most results reported are positive. It might take you longer to feel the effects of Delta 8 as it works more slowly than Delta 9, but this helps gradually shift you into a mellower state. D8 THC produces few adverse effects and many positive results, including but not limited to:
- Sleepiness
- Relaxation
- Uplifting feelings
- Mild euphoria
- Discomfort relief
- Reduction of stomach upset
- Sharp-mindedness
- Feelings of comfort
- Improved appetite
- Mental relief
Other Side Effects
While there are many great benefits to Delta 8, indulging in too high a dose or for those not used to taking D8, there may be some temporary but unfavorable side effects. These can include:
- Dry, red eyes
- Dry mouth
- Grogginess
- Confusion
- Incoordination
- “Couch Lock” (strong physical sedation)
How Much Delta 8 Should I Take?
No chart can tell you exactly what your dose is. The amount you should take varies from person to person because of how different tolerances can be. Delta 8 THC has stronger effects than CBD but is about half as strong as Delta 9. When calculating a dose, factor in your body weight, tolerance for D8, and your end goal for using it to determine what might work best for you. The product you are taking also changes the dose amount.
If you want to know which are the strongest delta 8 cartridges, click on it.
Dosing Levels
Generally, it would be best if you started with your tolerance level. If you have a low tolerance to Delta 8 or it’s your first time trying it, starting with a half dose is recommended. So, if a product says 33mg is a standard dose, try 16mg or lower and increase if you feel this isn’t enough. A few standard dosage rules are:
- Low Tolerance: 5 – 15 mg
- Medium Tolerance: 15 – 45 mg
- High Tolerance: 45 – 150 mg
This might mean making some adjustments to the product. For instance, taking half a gummy or smoking half a joint. Adjusting your dosage is fine! Remember that consulting a physician is always recommended when trying new products like Delta 8 THC.
How Can I Take Delta 8?
The versatility of Delta 8 has inspired many different products for you to choose from. Depending on your needs and tolerance, some may be preferable over others.
- Ingested: Edibles, candies, oils, tablets, soft gels were taken orally and digested.
- Sublingual: Tinctures and oils that are dropped under the tongue.
- Inhaled: Smoking or vaping D8 flower and extracts.
- Topical: Creams, salves, and oils rubbed onto the skin.
To make D8 flower, for instance, a Delta 8 THC extract or distillate is sprayed on hemp flower to make a Delta 8 flower. D8 is also used in place of CBD in recipes to make similar products like creams, salves, edibles, or tinctures for other products.
Metabolization Differences
When it comes to the various products available with Delta 8, the form you choose changes how it will affect you. Edibles take much longer to work because they must go through the digestive process before being absorbed into the bloodstream, but D8’s effects will last longer because of this. Inhalation works instantly because your lungs have a direct line to the bloodstream, but the effects are much more fleeting.
Topicals are localized to the areas in which they are applied and never cross over into the bloodstream. This form of D8 may not cause the same effects as when inhaled or ingested but greatly aids in muscle relaxation and soreness.
Depending on your purpose for using D8, you will need to choose the right product form. Consider when you want the effects to work, how long you want them to last, and what method you are more comfortable with when consuming D8.
How Is Delta 8 Made?
Put on your chemistry hats, Bill Nye fans. We’re about to get a little technical!
Delta 8 and Delta 9 are both chemically similar substances. What makes them different is the location of a specific double bond between carbon atoms in their molecules. One simple difference completely changes how these molecules bind to the receptors in our bodies’ ECS.
Because Delta 8 THC occurs in small numbers in the hemp plant, it is near impossible to extract it from raw plant matter alone. Labs have adopted a method to turn buy CBD gummies online into Delta 8 THC to produce a more abundant amount.
Is Delta 8 Federally Legal?
Yes, Delta 8 is currently completely federally legal! The federal government implemented the 2018 Farm Bill that granted stability to the United States’ farmers, ranchers, and forest managers by sustaining farm support programs, aiding in disaster relief, and enhancing other programs that promoted the wellbeing of the agricultural industry. For more information you can read here, where is delta 8 available- all legal states.
Along with this, hemp was removed from the category of marijuana, declassifying it as a controlled substance. As a result, Delta 8 must be derived from hemp in order to stay legal!
Marijuana Vs. Hemp
Currently, all hemp-derived products must contain 0.3% Delta 9 THC or less. Anything over this amount is on the Controlled Substances list and is classified as marijuana. Because Delta 8 is an extract of the hemp plant and has 0.3% Delta 9 THC in its composition, it is considered a hemp product.
Can Delta 8 Be Delivered By Mail?
Can Delta 8 Be Delivered By Mail?You can find many D8 products for sale online. In most cases, it can be delivered right to your door. For those that live in states that currently have restrictions on Delta 8 THC, mail delivery may be off-limits. Retailers may specify that they cannot ship to certain areas based on these local laws.
Why Choose Hollyweed For Delta 8 Products?
Hollyweed is THE place to go for D8! Our products have been perfected to bring our consumers only the highest quality D8 products. We care about your experience and safety, so all of our products are vegan, organic, and use Delta 8 THC from locally grown hemp.
We provide third-party lab results that test for potency, so you know exactly what you’re consuming. But don’t just take our word for it; check out our customer reviews to see how much our customers love our products.
What’s An Alternative To Delta 8 THC?
For those that want to experience more therapeutic effects, CBD is a perfect alternative to Delta 8. CBD is a federally legal substance that won’t give you any “buzz” and can be a sustaining part of your daily routine.
CBD is an amazing compound that reacts with the ECS system to help the body reach homeostasis. When our bodies reach homeostasis, a natural balance is achieved that helps our organs function at optimum levels to live healthily and comfortably.
Final Thoughts – What Is Delta 8
Delta 8 is one of many cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. It can cause feelings of relaxation or euphoria depending on the dose you take, your tolerance level, and how it interacts with your ECS. Like all other cannabinoids (including those produced by your body), D8 bonds with receptors in the ECS to create various positive effects like reducing discomfort or stress.
D8 is procured by technicians in a lab through isomerization, and its products are federally legal and available for mail delivery from retailers. However, this may change depending on where you live. For high-quality CBD and D8 THC, browse Hollyweed’s selection of convenient organic products for the best experience on the market.
