WHAT IS DELTA 8 THC?
Delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol is also referred to as Δ8THC. This occurs in cannabis plants. It is said to be the younger brother of 𝝙9 THC, which is more famous. THC is the prime psychoactive component of cannabis.
HOW IS IT FORMED?
This is formed in the plant as delta 9 THC is oxidized. A part of it converts to an isomer and has a similar molecular structure. This is known as delta 8 THC. In short, it is referred to as Δ8THC.
The component Δ8THC is also found in the CBD hemp flower. However, it is available in quite low concentration. This can be converted or extracted with the help of different cannabinoids. It can be prepared in a concentrated form and used in a variety of ways.
USING DELTA 8 THC
Delta 8 THC is created in distillate form, as it is available in quite low amounts in the cannabis plants. A thick and translucent liquid is available after distillation and looks very similar to a CBD distillate. It involves a process that includes several steps in which the plant undergoes various levels of refinement. These include the process of extraction, then winterization, and finally decarboxylation.
This product or the distillate is available in syringes or cartridges. A weed pen can be used for vaporizing it. The user can mix it with the flower to enhance the Δ8THC potency level. As the distillate is edible (technically), one can consume it even orally. However, there is no research on what happens when delta-8 metabolizes in the body. Its effects are not known.
USES OF DELTA 8 THC CONCENTRATES:
- Mixing with flower
- Dabbing
- Vaping
- Edibles
- Sublingual use
It is known that Delta 8 THC can have built-in protection against abuse. Users who have this in excess can develop tolerance to mental ‘high’ quite fast.
Delta 8 THC is a significant cannabinoid because it can be used as a functional substitute for Delta 9 THC.
THE IMPORTANCE OF DELTA 8 THC
Delta 8 THC is quite important due to many reasons. One of the main reasons is because of its unique ability to work as a functional substitute for Delta 9 THC.
Delta 9 THC has several side effects and some of these are quite severe. This is one of the main reasons for the reluctance of its usage in some sections, and an increasing search for its substitute.
Some such negative side effects of Delta 9 THC include:
- Laziness
- Sleep issues
- Addiction
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
But, Delta 8 THC does not seem to have any of these side effects and has fewer side effects, when compared to Delta 9 THC. This is certainly quite significant and beneficial for those who have benefitted from the medicinal use of Delta 9THC but are struggling with its side effects.
That is not all – Delta 8 THC might have protection against abuse. If any user consumes D8 THC in excess amounts, there is a possibility of building a tolerance to a mental ‘high’. This tolerance is built quite fast. Thus, those who wish to have D8 THC regularly and as recreation have to consume it quite responsibly. Thus, those who need THC medicinally can now eliminate the ‘high’ feeling.
A lot of research is yet to be conducted on Delta-8 THC. However, whatever has come up till now, it is quite promising. In the present times, there are several patents for methods involved in the production of Δ8THC concentrates. Now, this might be a clear indication, that we will hear a lot more about this cannabinoid in the next few years. The potential benefits of Delta-8 THC explain its importance in the current scenario.
Side effects have always been a matter of concern, but in the case of Delta-8 THC, researchers have mentioned that the side effects are quite insignificant. This is especially when we compare it to several other pharmaceutical alternatives that are easily available.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DELTA 8 THC?
The initial research on Delta-8 THC appears to be quite promising, though a lot can be known about this cannabinoid in the next few years! With improved technology and better plant genetics, it is possible to isolate Delta 8 THC. A lot more uses and benefits are expected to be revealed with time.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT WHEN INGESTING DELTA 8 THC?
It is now quite easy to find Delta-8 THC products. It is easy to get any high delta-8 THC strain as this cannabinoid is found in quite low quantities naturally.
In several Western states where the cannabis industry is quite well developed, products that have Delta-8 THC extracts are now readily available. The products are simple to use without the need for any additional tool. These are generally in the form of extracts and can be used with a vaporizer or through various sublingual options that can be simply absorbed right under the tongue.
The experiences usually differ from one person to another. Its effects are generally different from what is actually expected. Many people try to abstain using it as they believe it might affect concentration levels. However, the majority of users mentioned that this doesn’t happen and concentration levels are not compromised in any way.
After ingesting Delta-8 THC, its effects are quite diminished and described as low key. The user does not lose any kind of focus or control. You can expect to work and even concentrate well while feeling its calming effect.
IS DELTA 8 THC LEGAL IN MY STATE?
Yes, it is legal, but it has to be naturally extracted. All CBD conversions are illegal according to DEA’s Interim Final Rule.
For many, Delta-8 THC is scary – thanks to everything we are trained to think about it over the years. Whenever people see THC, they assume it is illegal as THC is generally associated with marijuana. But, Delta-8 THC is legal in the majority of the States in the USA. It is federally legal as per the 2018 Farm Bill.
As per the 2018 Farm Bill, all derivatives, cannabinoids in hemp, and isomers are legal, if the final product contains <0.3% Delta 9 THC. It is to be noted here that Delta 8 THC is an isomer of CBD. This is a derivative of CBD and hemp. It is a cannabinoid that is present in hemp. It is contained in extracts but <0.3% Delta 9 THC.
THE LEGISLATION
The Farm Bill became law in 2018. As per this legislation, all derivatives of hemp that include analogs and cannabinoids are legal in the USA, but they should not have more than .3% THC or Delta-9 THC. With the passing of the law, many wellness brands started selling CBD products and different hemp derivatives in compliance with the law.
Users should know that their Delta-8 THC wellness product is legal as long as the ingredient is derived from hemp. Besides, the product will not have more than .3% Delta 9 THC.
Though Delta-8 THC is federally legal, there are a few states which have additional restrictions. These states include Rhode Island, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Iowa, Utah, Alaska, Idaho, and Montana.
Delta-8 THC has several health & wellness benefits. It assists the brain in regulating neuronal messages. It helps in reducing memoryless. Besides, it is an appetite stimulant and offers relief from pain. It is a great mood stabilizer and helps in conditions of depressions and anxiety. It does not cause any type of disorienting effect that happens with cannabinoids. Users of Delta-8 do not get high, but they enjoy a calming effect.