What is Delta 8 THC? And, Is It Legal?
There's another cannabinoid hitting the market that has heads turning. Delta 8 THC, formally known as delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, is a legal phytocannabinoid under the 2018 Farm Bill, provided it's derived from industrial hemp. Thanks to advanced cultivation, extraction, and processing techniques, you have access to a whole new experience.
An Overview of Delta 8 THC
You've heard of delta 9 THC. It's the main ingredient in cannabis and highly intoxicating. Delta 8 is related to but not as potent as the well-known THC. The difference with the intoxication levels is in the placement of the double carbon bond. Delta 8 has the double bond on the eighth carbon, and delta 9 contains the double bond on the ninth carbon. Both of these cannabinoids attach to CB1 receptors, primarily in the brain, nervous system, liver, lungs, and kidneys.
According to users, the lower bonding cannabinoid produces less anxiety, more clarity, and less sedation than delta 9 THC. Additionally, Delta 8 is more shelf-stable, which means it stays potent longer than delta 9 THC. Overall, it's a win-win situation for brands and buyers.
Is Delta 8 Legal?
Yes, the less-intoxicating delta 8 THC is legal on the Federal level according to the 2018 Farm Bill. This Bill legalizes all hemp-derived cannabinoids, extracts, and derivatives with no qualifications. Furthermore, hemp-derived products must contain less than 0.3% THC, which delta-8 does. Any delta 8 product derived from cannabis is not legal, however.
It's important to note, there are 11 states which have banned delta 8, and these states have the right to do so. As of the writing of this article, this list includes Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, Rhode Island, and Utah. Before purchasing delta-8, Mind Body Hemp recommends you check with your state to ensure you abide by your local laws.
"The term `hemp' means the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis."
While a law can be introduced to amend the legal definition of hemp, the door for brands to produce extracts from all the plant's naturally occurring chemicals is open. Along with delta 8, consumers should watch for new compounds hitting the market. For example, delta 10 is starting to take off. Studies and consumer reports list the latest cannabinoid as stronger than delta 8 but still not as intoxicating as delta 9.
Is Delta 8 an Extract or Lab-Created?
Here's the confusing part. There are only trace amounts of delta 8 in the Cannabis sativa L plant. Delta 8 is considered a minor cannabinoid, unlike CBD and delta 9, both of which are major cannabinoids. There are two ways to produce this minor cannabinoid. Companies can remove the less than 1% found in the hemp plant's trichomes with advanced extraction equipment. This component contains all 545 known compounds, including delta 8, delta 9, and CBD.
The small amount makes it twice as costly to extract delta 8 than CBG, which is also an expensive cannabinoid because plants only contain a small amount. Although CBG prices are coming down with new hemp strains containing between 5% and 15%.
Another way to manufacture delta 8 THC is to convert CBD. This process includes extraction, isolation, conversion, and other refining processes. In the end, this process rearranges the non-intoxicating compound's structure. THC and CBD share the same chemical code. The only difference is how it's arranged. By changing the order, CBD converts to delta 8 THC. This process lowers the price, making it more affordable for all consumers.
Delta 8 vs. CBD
Understandably, you're comparing the two compounds. For years you've heard that THC is overly intoxicating, leaving users lethargic, anxious, and even experiencing paranoia. At the same time, some people who've tried CBD feel it's too mild and doesn't offer enough euphoria. The consumer doesn't have to weigh the outcomes of each cannabinoid. They're able to get the desired result with a mildly intoxicating phytocannabinoid, delta 8.
Benefits of Delta 8 THC
Like CBD, this lightly intoxicating THC provides wellness benefits. Research confirms the plant compound can improve your mood, help you relax, relieve stress, and reduce muscle tension and soreness. Best of all, it completes these tasks without providing you with a total couch locking experience. However, everyone's experience is different.
Relax Your Body and Mind
Many consumers in legal cannabis states use the plant to calm their body and brain. A significant number of customers find marijuana and delta 9 THC overwhelming. Instead of pampering them from head to toe, it can leave people anxious and panicky.
Delta 8 offers a way to unwind at the end of the day without the overly intoxicating experience. You get the giggles, clarity, and relief, which is what many individuals need. This THC-lite is an excellent medium between the various hemp phytochemicals.
Improve Your Mood
One advantage everyone knows about delta 9 THC is its ability to boost your mood and make you laugh. The lite THC offers the same benefits without overwhelming anxiety or paranoia. Studies verify users' experiences that the cannabinoid is ideal for putting smiles on peoples' faces. Use the mildly intoxicating compound by yourself, or enjoy the giggles and uplifting experience with friends.
Stay Awake
Some delta 8 users indicate their experiences with this cannabinoid leave them focused and with increased energy levels. Others have suggested using delta 9 is great for sleep. When they use a delta 8 gummy or tincture, they are able to sleep better and don't feel hungover the following day. The difference between the outcomes is likely due to several factors, including how much delta 8 each individual is taking, how their bodies metabolize it, age, and weight.
Relieve Muscle Tension
Delta 9 THC relieves muscle tension. Research shows delta 8 can provide the same relief without anxiety or paranoia. Choose the lightly intoxicating compound to relax at the end of the day, improve your mood, and soothe aching muscles and joints after a challenging workout. For immediate relief, try vaping delta 8. It works in just a few minutes and usually lasts up to a few hours. Using a gummy provides more extended comfort but can take up to 2 hours to reach its full effect.
How to Use Delta 8 Products?
Like CBD items, delta 8 THC comes in a wide range of products, including vape cartridges, tinctures, drinks, and edibles like brownies and cookies. Companies are even infusing chocolate with a delta 8 distillate. Over the past year, Mind Body Hemp has sampled several delta 8 infused products and offers products they feel are best suited for users. For example, MBH offers a scrumptious 3Chi delta 8 chocolate chip cookie containing 50mg.
These products all work precisely like CBD. Choose the vape cartridge for a fast response. Users will experience the full effect of delta 8 THC in a minute or two. Vaping is short-lived. It peaks in about 30 minutes and is over in 60 minutes.
The tincture works in about 40 minutes and lasts much longer. Don't take too much of the oil. It has a four- to six-hour duration.
Edibles are fun, and like the tinctures, they last a few hours. These must go through digestion, so they take longer to work. You should experience delta 8 THC about 30 to 90 minutes after ingesting the candies or cookie. Only take a single dose. Too much can make you uncomfortable.
Side Effects & Warnings
Although it doesn't have the same intensity as delta 9 THC, the compound is mildly intoxicating. Users may experience an uplifting euphoria with delta 8. Never drive or operate machinery after using this cannabinoid. Anyone pregnant and breastfeeding women shouldn't use these products. And, as always, a consultant with a doctor before taking this or any cannabinoid.
You don't need to compare delta 8 vs. CBD. Add the THC-lite phytocannabinoid to your daily relaxation options. CBD is excellent for nighttime use, including to help you get a better night's rest naturally. Delta 8 THC is a great additional option or alternative for CBD users. For the latest delta 8 and CBD products, check out the Mind Body Hemp premium collection.