What is Delta-8 THC and why is it suddenly so popular? Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, aka Delta-8 THC, is a psychoactive substance found in the Cannabis sativa plant. Delta-8 THC is just one of the 100 plus cannabinoids produced naturally by the cannabis plant but is not found in significant amounts in the cannabis plant. As a result, concentrated amounts of delta-8 THC are typically manufactured from hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD).
Have you tried Delta-8 yet? What were your thoughts? If you haven’t tried it yet, do you want to give it a try?
Delta-8 vs. delta-9
Delta-8 THC is a cannabis compound that has become popular because of it’s similarity to delta-9 THC. THC’s scientific name is delta-9-tetrahydrocannibinol, or delta-9 THC, or just delta-9. This is the main compound in cannabis that gives you that “high” feeling. Delta-8 THC is short for delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol or delta-8.
The similarities between the two cannabinoids are in their chemical structures and their names. Delta-8 THC can cause similar effects to delta-9 THC, but they will not be as potent. “Delta-8, like delta-9 (regular THC), binds to the body’s endocannabinoid system, which causes you to feel high. Chemically, delta-8 and delta-9 are similar in that they both have a double bond in their structures. This double bond is thought to produce the intoxicating effects that make you feel high. The two THCs are chemically different in the placement of the double bond.
Both cannabinoids have a chain of carbon atoms, but delta-8 has the double bond on the eighth carbon, whereas delta-9 has it on the ninth. Delta-8 binds to the endocannabinoid system in a slightly different fashion because of the location of it’s double bond. This is what is thought to make delta-8 much less potent than regular THC. However, more research needs to be done on delta-8 and how it interacts with the body” (Leafly).
Many consumers ask, “Will delta-8 still get me high?” and the answer is yes. Delta-8 has the same effects of delta-9 THC just less potent causing mild euphoria, happiness and relief from some pain symptoms. Delta-8 still has side effects similar to THC such as dry mouth, red eyes, increased hunger, anxiety or paranoia. As of now, there is not much research on delta-8 to determine the effects on body and mind.
Is Delta-8 legal?
Delta-8 THC has been very grey area recently. With the 2018 Farm Bill in place, hemp can legally be grown and used in the United States. Delta-8 can be extracted from either hemp or cannabis.
Back in May 2022, Delta-8 products became Federally legal appealing court rules. ” A panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit wrote in an opinion published {Thursday } that products containing delta-8 THC are generally legal because federal law defines hemp as “any part of” the cannabis plant, including “all derivatives, extracts, [and] cannabinoids,” that contains less than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC by weight. The law, the court said in the 3-0 ruling, “is silent with regard to delta-8 THC. The Ninth Circuit panel, for its part, noted that although delta-8 THC has “psychoactive and intoxicating effects,” it falls within federal law’s definition of hemp and is therefore legal ” ( Marijuana Moment).
be smart out there
With delta-8 being a newer market it could be a little more challenging to find quality products. Make sure to shop from a reputable source you trust. If you are shopping around, check the QR code or batch number located on the box that allows you to look up the results on the producers website. Always stay away from products that are not tested or have questionable test results, as these products could contain harmful ingredients.
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