Delta 8 THC is a cannabinoid commonly found in the cannabis plant. It is sort of like a combination of CBD and the main compound in marijuana, Delta 9 THC. Delta 8 is extremely effective at helping users experience a full body relaxation and feeling of euphoria — all without the negative effects of Delta 9. Those include confusion, paranoia, clouded head, and anxiety.
Delta 8 vs Delta 9
Since Delta 9 is known to give people a sense of euphoria, what is Delta 8? Well, Delta 8 is kind of the same thing but less potent and with less negative side effects. Many people who take Delta 9 products report a cloudy head, anxiety, and paranoia to name a few effects. Delta 8 creates the same euphoria that Delta 9 does, but at half strength and with nearly no side effects. This makes Delta 8 a preferred product for consumers who want a small high to relax while not experiencing some of the less desirable side effects Delta 9 creates.
The biggest difference between Delta 8 and Delta 9 is the double carbon bond on the chemical structural level. Delta 8 has a double carbon bond is present on the 8th carbon chain. Meanwhile, Delta 9’s double carbon bond is on the 9th carbon chain. This slight difference in structure affects the potency and effectiveness of the chemical make-up. It’s how Delta 8 is less potent and allows users to function without any negative effects.
Experienced Benefits
Many consumers who have taken Delta 8 THC have experienced different effects, many reporting positive feedback and continued use. Some individuals use Delta 8 as an antidepressant or an anti-anxiety supplement as Delta 8 has relaxing properties to it. Many times, individuals have reported that their whole body relaxes and racing thoughts become background noise in their head.
Others report that using Delta 8 THC products helps them focus more without getting distracted. This has been incredibly helpful during the Covid-19 Pandemic the world is still consumed by. Having a way to calm thoughts and focus on tasks can ease any anxiety someone may be feeling. It also helps someone continue to work and move forward.
Product Types
Delta 8 THC products also have other cannabinoids added to them to help consumers in different ways. One way is through edibles. These products contain a concentration of Delta 8 and are taken orally. Edibles offer slightly varied effects and strength, plus activation time. Edibles can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half for consumers to feel the effects. However, when they do begin to feel the effects, consumers have reported feeling light weight and relaxed.
Another product is tinctures. Its Delta 8 in a liquid form squirted under the tongue and held for a minute before swallowing. This form has a quick activation time, around 5 to 10 minutes, but only lasts about an hour or two. This product is helpful for those who need quick relief or for someone like me, who has insomnia, relax enough to sleep.
Distillates are another liquid form of Delta 8. But this form can be safely added to food and consumed. The activation time is varied like edibles, but consumers report distillates to be quicker. Similar to tinctures, the feeling of relaxation and euphoria is only active for a couple of hours. However, Delta 8 can be added to food slowly for an extended period of effect.
Finally, Delta 8 THC comes in a vape form for those who have previously smoked nicotine or marijuana itself. Vaping, like smoking, will bring the consumer up on a natural high. The high last for a short period of time before bringing the consumer back down.
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Legality of Delta 8
Legal concerns have been a major factor in people purchasing and trying Delta 8 products. Many states across the country, as well as the DEA, consider Delta 9 to be a controlled substance. It should not be readily available for consumers to try and experience. To define a product as legal, it must contain less than 0.3 percent of Delta 9.
Delta 8 is slightly different in chemical composition compared to Delta 9. Therefore, any product that uses Delta 8 will contain less than 0.3 percent of Delta 9 THC. This makes it a federally legal product. However, just because Delta 8 is federally legal does not mean that it is legal in every state. Some states still have restrictions on Delta 8. So consumers should look up their individual states laws and regulations before purchasing any Delta 8 THC products.
What kind of products have you tried or thought about trying? Let us know in the comments below. And, as always, check back for more cannabis and hemp laws and news.