Delta-8 THC is a compound derived from the hemp plant. It has neuroprotective and analgesic properties but less potent than Delta-9 THC. The action of THC on cannabinoid receptors in the brain and its ability to influence perception and coordination has been the subject of investigation for more research.
Many people who use Delta-8 THC account for its mild psychoactive and medicinal outcomes. The FDA hasn’t sanctioned the approval of Delta 8 THC for use as a drug. This is against the backdrop of the federal definition of hemp. Many states however are in the process of legalizing the use of hemp for medicinal purposes.
To find out more about Delta-8 THC, its uses, and potential side effects from using it, keep reading.
What Exactly is Delta-8 THC?
Delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid compound similar to Delta-9 in terms of chemical structure, their double bond, and the fact that this double bonded structure is responsible for producing its characteristic high. This double bond is nothing other than its carbon atoms. The double bond is found on the eighth carbon atom.
The action of the double bond on the cannabinoid system is quite unique for the Delta-8 THC than in other THC compounds. Delta-8 THC comes with mild and smooth effects as opposed to other TCH products. This means that some of the side effects derived from the use of THC such as dry mouth and anxiety may be experienced albeit mildly.
The slightly different molecular structure of Delta-8 makes it bind differently to CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system than Delta-9 THC. Many assumptions are made of their effects largely because studies are purely anecdotal and there are ongoing studies to determine how their reaction is different from Delta-9 THC.
Effects of Delta-8
Delta-8, just like Delta 9 THC may produce psychoactive effects. Studies show that the effects produced by Delta-8 THC are clearer and crisp when compared to Delta-9 THC. Some users have experienced slightly different reactions from its use and there is a general consensus by many that the effects are slightly milder.
Most of its users may experience the reduction of pain and other noticeable effects like heightened focus, decreased nausea, and relaxation by its use. Some studies have discovered that it potentially has analgesic and anxiolytic qualities. Additionally, it may stimulate appetite in a given measure and may also portray antiemetic properties.
Delta-8 lends itself to other uses by CBD users who may want to access other cannabinoids not present in CBD. Many users who find Delta-9 as too intense may, for instance, switch to the use of Delta-8 CBD and derive almost similar effects by the latter, but in a reduced measure. Its potency is far lesser than that of Delta-9 THC.
Will Delta-8 Get You High?
Delta-8 will get an individual high but to a lesser degree than other CBD products. Since Delta-8 is less potent than other regular CBD products, the intensity of the high is far insignificant compared to other potent hemp products. Users may still experience a buzz but without the paranoia-inducing effects characteristic of cannabis products.
Users who aren’t keen to use THC compounds with higher intensities may use Delta-8 for a slightly lower mellow experience. This shouldn’t be mistaken to mean that the compound may not produce a high. It still binds to cannabinoid receptors just like other THC compounds.
The use of Delta-8 is largely unregulated and more studies are needed to determine its efficacy and the fact that it may have therapeutic effects like any other THC and CBD product available in the market.
What Are the Side Effects?
Like any other THC product, the excessive use of Delta-8 may have its fair share of side effects. These effects may vary from individual to individual and much of what is known relies on personal experiences and anecdotal studies.
Side effects are not only limited to abuse of Delta-8. Factors like an individual’s predisposition against certain compounds, the health of an individual, and whether or not they are currently under medication may produce side effects even when the Delta-8 THC is used in its prescribed amount.
With that said, the following side effects may be expected from the use of Delta-8 THC:
- Dryness of Mouth.
- Users may not pass drug tests
- Feeling mellow and giggly most of the time
- A mind high
- Dry eyes
- Grogginess
- Anxiety
- Unpredictability
Users of Delta-8 THC however may avoid the above potential side effects by adhering to the correct dosage of a slightly lower dose than what they ordinarily use. Much is still unclear about the effects of Delta-8 THC due to the fact that it’s a relatively new entrant. Delta-8 edibles and capsules are found to have far fewer effects than other forms.
Various Forms of Ingesting Delta 8
Delta-8 like any other THC product may be ingested in many different ways. This includes gummies, softgel capsules, tinctures, cartridges, and vapes. Delta-8 THC distillate may also be added to any baking recipe for the production of brownies and cookies. They may also be introduced in smoothies.
Delta-8 infused hemp flowers are made by spraying CBD flowers with Delta-8 THC distillates. These flowers may potentially alleviate pain. Delta-8 tinctures are oil drops that are essentially consumed orally. Delta-8 gummies are absorbed through the digestive tract and assimilated into the liver through the bloodstream.
The Legality of Delta-8
Delta-8 is legal in some states in the US. About 11 states in the US including Arkansas, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Mississippi, Iowa, Idaho, Montana, Rhode Island, and Utah have banned its use in their Jurisdictions. The 2018 Farm Bill; however, legalized all hemp-derived extracts, derivatives, and cannabinoids.
The 2018 Farm Bill interestingly legalized hemp products with no qualifications. This potentially means that Delta-8 THC products are legal when the ingredients in the products are derived purely from hemp and do not contain more than 0.3% Delta 9 THC.
The understanding of the legal position of Delta-8 may be properly understood and analyzed under federal law. Delta-8 THC is classified as a controlled substance that is illegal and remains so unless the laws of a particular jurisdiction state otherwise.
Bioactivity of Delta-8 THC
There is little research done on the biological activity of Delta-8 THC and the full extent of its interaction with body tissues. This constituent of cannabis may potentially be used to study amotivational syndrome affecting human beings. Delta-8 THC is a psychoactive agent and almost equally mimics Delta-9 and its action on CB1 and 2 receptors.
Will Delta-8 THC Show Up On a Drug Test?
Most drug tests do not look for Delta-8 THC in the system. However, if an individual uses a Delta 8 THC product that has a THC concentration level of more than 0.3% and uses the same regularly, it may show up in a drug test.
Individuals may well be aware of the fact that Delta-8 THC may potentially show up in a drug test and there are ways of mitigating this in advance. This includes chugging lots of water to eliminate the presence of THC in the system, consuming some B-12 Vitamins, and consuming diuretics like coffee.
What’s the Difference Between Delta-8, CBD, and Marijuana?
The main difference between Delta-8 and marijuana is that Delta-8 is commonly sourced from hemp. Nearly all Delta-8 THC products are obtained from CBD that is from hemp which is federally legal. It should be understood however that both hemp and marijuana belong to the same class or species.
What makes the two distinct is that marijuana is a cannabis plant that has more than 0.3% THC level. Hemp on the other hand is a cannabis plant that has less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC.
Delta-8 Beginner Dose
Due to the rapidly growing interest surrounding Delta-8 THC, many beginners inquire about the acceptable dosage for its consumptions. The two primary factors that inform Delta-8 dosage are the milligram strength and the actual dosage amount. Beginners who may have a low tolerance may use between 5mg-15mg peruse.
Intermediate users may dose between 15mg and 45mg peruse while advanced users who have a high tolerance may use between 45mg to 150mg or more. The fact that the efficacy of Delta-8 THC may be slightly lower than that of Delta 9 THC by around 50 – 65% doesn’t mean that using it in excess will not make an individual high.
Can Delta-8 Be Classified as a Synthetic Cannabinoid?
Many studies have been done on Delta-8 THC and the conclusions from the studies are remarkable. Delta-8 THC occurs naturally and can also be converted in a laboratory and extracted commercially using molecular isolation and selective breeding. Delta-8 can be synthetically derived by altering CBD.
The process of synthetically altering CBD is cheap and very cost-effective but may not be legal and its use remains risky. There is more to be understood about how it operates in the body. The main challenge that faces the majority of retailers and sellers of THC products is identifying whether or not the products they sell are synthetic or not.
Can I Buy Delta-8 Online?
Yes. Delta-8 may be purchased online from many credible vendors (Click Here for recommended vendor). Individuals who intend to purchase Delta-8 products may expect a minimum age requirement of at least 18 years. Some vendors indicate that individuals below the age of 21 may not be able to purchase products from their site.
Delta-8 THC and the FDA
The 2018 Farm Bill defined the approach that assesses the legality of THC as a product that is viable for human use. Delta-8 doesn’t have the full approval of the FDA for the treatment of any condition or disease. This may be partly attributed to the fact that the interaction of Delta-8 THC is relatively unknown.
Due to the push by many states to legalize the use of CBD products, research will increase and hopefully a push for more rigorous testing for quality products by the FDA and other bodies interested in the same.
How to Find a Reputable Delta-8 Vendor
One of the best ways to find a reputable Delta-8 vendor is first to identify those whose products are third-party lab-tested. The importance of testing cannot be overlooked. Vendors who publish lab results showing the terpene profiles of their products guarantee their products meet the required thresholds as far as legal THC is concerned.
Reputable distributors more often than not offer a money-back guarantee on the sale of their products. Additionally, they stock quality products that have been organically grown and extracted using methods that do not compromise the integrity of the end product.
Individuals who may find it a bit laborious to obtain information on credible distributors may rely on wholesalers who stock a variety of products. Most of these wholesalers thoroughly research and vet their suppliers appropriately using set criteria before listing their products on their websites.
