What Is Delta 8 THC?

31st Oct 2022

What Is Delta 8 THC?

Delta-8, a popular cannabis compound, is similar to delta-9 THC. This compound causes euphoria and happiness as well as sedation and symptom relief.

They share many similarities, both in their chemical structures and names. Traditional THC's scientific name is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or delta-9 THC, or just delta-9. Delta-8 is short for delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, or delta-8 THC. THC from Delta-8 can have effects similar to regular Delta-9 THC, but they are less potent.

Both delta-8 and delta-9 THC are molecular variations of THC. Common users refer to delta-9 THC simply as THC.

Delta-8 can be extracted either from hemp or cannabis. The 2018 Farm Bill allows hemp to be legally grown across the United States and can be used for extractions anywhere in the country. This makes delta-8 legal even though delta-9 THC may sometimes be illegal.

Nearly all of the delta-8 THC currently on the market is made from hemp-derived CBD. This makes it, at minimum, part of a federally licensed chain of origin.

Delta-8 is legal in the states because it's less potent than regular THC. To meet this demand, many hemp-based extractors are increasing delta-8 production and shipping it across the US.

Delta-8 vs. Delta-9 THC: What is the difference?

Delta 8 & 9 both bind to the body’s endocannabinoid systems, which can make you feel high. Delta-8 and delta-9 have similar chemical structures in that they both contain a double bond. This double bond is believed to give rise to the intoxicating effects that can make you feel high.

Chemically, both the THCs have a double bond. Both cannabinoids contain a chain of carbon atoms. However, delta-8 has double bonds on the eighth carbon while delta-9 has them on the ninth.

Delta-8 is able to bind to the endocannabinoid systems in a slightly different way due to its double bond. This double bond is believed to make delta-8 less potent than regular cannabis.

Will Delta-8 Get You High?

Delta-8 can get you high but typically not as much as delta-9 THC. Depending on factors such as metabolism and dosage, each cannabinoid will affect each individual in a different way. Delta-8 is legal for those who live in states that prohibit cannabis use.

In recreational states, even though they are legally allowed to purchase full THC products, some consumers might prefer cannabis products with less THC. Delta-8 offers a milder, smoother high, with less brain fog.

A consumer who has tried delta-8 THC described it as lighter and more energetic than traditional delta-9 THC. He wrote that delta-8 does indeed get you high, but it was lighter than what he is used to from smoking joints, using dabs, and eating edibles.

What Is The Average Length of a High With Delta-8?

The delta-8 high lasts as long as regular THC. The length of the high depends on how much delta-8 you smoke, vape, or consume. If you ingest the cannabinoid through an edible, it can last for several hours.

Delta-8 Has Many Benefits

Consuming delta-8 can provide some of the same benefits as delta-9 THC because it is very similar to delta-9 THC. Delta-8 may be helpful in the following conditions:

  • Pain relief
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Nausea

Delta-8 Effects

When consuming delta-8, many individuals report feeling euphoria and happiness. They also have high reports of feeling relief from pain. Delta-8 is even known to help with sleep and appetite problems.

Side effects of THC may include dry mouth, red eyes, and getting munchies.

Delta-8 vs. CBD

Delta-8 shares more similarities with THC (delta-9 THC) than CBD in terms of its chemical structure. However, delta-8 THC binds more closely to the body's endocrine system than delta-9 THC. CBD finds it more difficult to bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid systems, so it's not as immersive as a Delta-8 or 9 experience. Regardless, CBD has many medicinal benefits.

Delta-8 is a good option if you want effects that are similar to THC, but with less potency. A CBD product may be a good option if you want relief from some symptoms but don't want the high.

How Is Delta-8 Made

Delta-8 can be found in small amounts in hemp and cannabis plants. Hemp is legal in all 50 states and readily available.

Typically, CBD is extracted from hemp, then refined into an isolate. Then, CBD isolate is synthesized to make delta-8. Delta-8 is therefore more difficult to produce than CBD and requires more processing, but the high demand for it makes up for this difference.

How To Find Safe, Good Delta-8

Delta-8 is a relatively new ingredient on the market. It may prove difficult to find products that contain delta-8. To learn more about how delta-8 is sourced and created, visit DRIP Cannabinoids website when you are looking for delta-8 products.

High-quality, tested products are required by law to have a QR code on the packaging. This allows you to access test results from the producer's site. Avoid products that haven't been tested or don't show positive results.