Remember when CBD first hit the market a few years ago? It was, and still is, one of the most popular cannabinoids in the market. Products infused with this popular cannabinoid could be found in grocery stores, health-centric shops, and especially online. CBD dominated the market as a way to enjoy the benefits of the hemp plant without the fear of getting high. For a while, CBD dominated the industry as its non-psychoactive effects offered the user peace of mind along with a plethora of benefits that enriched both the mind and the body.
Yet as modern science progressed, another cannabinoid was discovered within the hemp plant that became known as the middle ground between CBD and the villainized marijuana. This unique cannabinoid is the crux of our article today: Delta-8 THC. If you’re not familiar with this cannabinoid, you will be soon! We’ll go over exactly what this cannabinoid is, why it differs from both CBD and marijuana, what to expect from the effects, and much more. Let’s begin!
What Is Delta-8 THC?
If you live in a state where cannabis and hemp products are legal, chances are you’ve heard the term “Delta-8 THC” in passing but may not understand what it is. Simply put, Delta-8 THC is one of the many psychoactive compounds found in the hemp plant. Delta-8 THC is extremely similar to Delta-9 THC, which is the powerful psychoactive component in marijuana. Yet the chemical structure of both these cannabinoids is slightly different. Delta-9 THC has double bonds on the 9th carbon chain, whereas Delta-8 THC has double bonds on the 8th carbon chain (hence the name!).
How Is Delta-8 THC Different from Marijuana?
While marijuana has a bit of a sordid reputation as being a gateway drug and can be wildly overwhelming for first-time users, Delta-8 THC offers a more subdued alternative. Delta-8 THC reacts naturally with your body’s endocannabinoid system to deliver a smooth and relaxing high while allowing the user to remain clear-headed and in control. The high from Delta-8 THC builds to a certain point and stays there to prevent the user from feeling paranoid, anxious, or overwhelmed.
How is Delta-8 THC Made?
Delta-8 THC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in the hemp plant, but in very small quantities. In order for the cannabinoid to be viable, it must be harvested and extracted using scientific extraction methods in order to create an isolate. This isolate is carefully infused into a wide variety of products that allow it to be enjoyed in almost anything: gummies, baked goods, beverages, tinctures, softgels, vape cartridges, CBD flower, and so much more.
Is Delta-8 THC Legal?
The answer to this question is a bit of a tricky one. The short answer is yes, Delta-8 THC is legal…on a federal level. The passing of the 2018 Farm Bill permits Delta-8 THC to exist as long as it is derived from federally legal hemp and contains 0.3% THC or less. Yet many states have implemented their own legislature on whether or not this psychoactive cannabinoid may be purchased or consumed. The problem lies within the extraction process.. Since Delta-8 THC must be extracted in order to be viable, 13 states view it as a controlled substance and have subsequently banned it for sale, consumption, or even possession. Yet the other 37 states have fully embraced Delta-8 THC and allow for the sale and consumption of it as long as the THC content remains in accordance with the 2018 Farm Bill. Be sure to check your state’s legislature before attempting to purchase or consume any Delta-8 THC products.
What Are The Effects of A Delta-8 THC High?
The effects of a Delta-8 THC high are very similar to the high from Delta-9 THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana. The intensity of the high depends on how much Delta-8 THC is in the product and how much the user consumes. Lastly, the longevity and start time of the high depends on whether the Delta-8 THC is smoked (via an inhalable) or eaten (via an edible). You can expect to feel a warm euphoria, rich relaxation, increased appetite, heightened sense of taste and touch, sleep aid, and possibly even relief from aching joints and muscles.
That being said, there are some potentially negative side effects that you may experience. Many of the same side effects of marijuana are present with the high from Delta-8 THC: dry mouth, reddened eyes, increased heart rate, delayed reaction time, and loss of balance/coordination. Taking too much Delta-8 THC can also result in extreme drowsiness and increased uneasiness. You should always follow the recommended dosage amount suggested by the manufacturer.
What Types of Delta-8 THC Products Exist?
The sheer volume of Delta-8 THC products on the market is staggering. Tasty treats like baked goods and gummies can be infused with Delta-8 THC and are often the simplest form for new users. If you prefer unflavored products, you can check out softgels and tinctures. For all the smokers and vapers, Delta-8 THC is available in pre-rolls, vape cartridges, disposables, and raw flowers. This last category (dubbed “inhalables”) often requires external hardware like vape pens (called batteries), rolling papers or emptied cigarette tubes, and grinders. Here at Erth Hemp, we offer vapes, tinctures, gummies, and sofgels in a variety of flavors and strengths.
How Quickly Do The Effects Begin?
Delta-8 THC products can have extremely varied reaction times. Some gummies can take effect as fast as a mere 30 minutes, while other gummies can take up to 90 minutes to kick in. Edibles like gummies, softgels, baked goods, and tinctures typically take about an hour to start, while inhalables can kick in as quickly as five minutes. The high from an edible can last for several hours, while the high from an inhalable usually lasts for about an hour. Regardless of which product you choose, you should always confirm that the products have been tested by independent third-party labs and are from trusted brands with verified reviews. Never attempt to operate machinery or vehicles while under the influence of a Delta-8 THC high, as the effects may cause disorientation and slowed reaction time.
Conclusion
By now you should have a much clearer understanding of what Delta-8 THC, how it’s made, what the effects of the high will be, the legality of this cannabinoid, and other basic information about Delta-8 THC. There is still much to be learned about this fascinating cannabinoid, which is why you should always do your own personal research. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to other experienced users or contact the manufacturer directly.
If you think that Delta-8 THC is something you might be interested in, there are tons of in-depth reviews and YouTube channels purely devoted to suggesting some of the better products in the industry as well as which ones to avoid. We’ll be talking a lot more about the various cannabinoids of the hemp plant in future articles, so be sure to check back soon for in-depth answers to all your cannabinoid questions!
