What Is Delta-8 THC? - Ohio Cannabis Guide

What Exactly Is Delta 8 THC?

Delta-8 THC is a plant compound that is found in cannabis"Cannabis" is a broad term that refers to a flowering plant scientifically known as Cannabis Sativa L. The term is commonly used to describe the cannabis plant and its products... More and hemp. It activates the cannabinoid receptors"Cannabinoid Receptors" are specialized receptors found in the human body, forming part of the endocannabinoid system. These receptors interact with cannabinoids, both endocannabinoids produced naturally by the body and phytocannabinoids... More and has been shown to be effective for certain conditions. Most delta-8 THC on the market comes from hemp plants due to the federal laws against delta-9 THC in many states.

Delta-9 THC and delta-8 THC are both forms of the chemical compound, tetrahydrocannabinol. They differ in their effects on users because they have different physical structures and receptor interactions. Delta-8 is milder than delta-9 due to its unique interaction with the Endocannabinoid System.

How Does Delta 8 Work?

Delta-8 THC works by interacting with our bodies’ Endocannabinoid System. More specifically, it acts by binding to our CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. Delta-8 and Delta-9 bind to the body’s endocannabinoid system although Delta-8 has a special affinity for the CB2 receptor that needs more research to determine the exact mechanism difference.

Will You Get High From Delta-8?

Yes, delta-8 is mildly intoxicating.

How intoxicating? The answer to this question is not the same for everyone. Most of the time a user will feel a change that is similar to a delta-9 high however, it has a different experience that feels much more subdued to most.

Is Delta-8 the Same As THC?

Delta-8 is a form of THC. However, due to the popularity and legality of delta-9, the abbreviation THC has already been used extensively. So, by default when someone refers to THC they typically mean delta-9. To try and not cause confusion delta-8 is commonly referred to as “D8” when discussing multiple cannabinoids"Cannabinoids" are a diverse group of chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant, Cannabis sativa. These compounds interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, influencing various physiological processes. Both endocannabinoids that... More at once.

Is Delta-8 the Same As CBD?

No, these two cannabinoids are different. Delta-8 THC is psychoactive and mildly intoxicating whereas CBD is psychoactive but not intoxicating. CBD does interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the Endocannabinoid System however, the interaction does not cause intoxication like the THC cannabinoid group.

Furthermore, recent study findings present that oral administration of CBD is a safe route without bioconversion to THC in humans. (2)

What Is the Difference Between Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC?

Chemically, delta-8 and delta-9 are similar in that they both have a double bond in their structure. Delta-8 has a double bond on the 8th carbon, while delta-9 has it on the 9th. Delta-8-THC has an affinity for CB2 receptors, but less is known about this binding mechanism.

The other main difference is there change in your viewpoint. Delta-9 is more intoxicating, but both should be treated with care.

Benefits, Safety, and Side Effects of Delta-8 THC

Delta-8 THC is relatively safe and can be used by people who are new to using cannabis or hemp products. Start small and take half the recommended dosage to see how you react. You should go slow with delta-8 THC just like any other new product.

You should also initially check to see if the product is free of harmful additives or solvents by checking to see if it was lab tested at a third-party lab.

Is There Any Side Effect When Using Delta-8?

Users report that the effects of delta-8 THC come on quickly in comparison to delta-9. It will have the side effect of intoxication that delta-9 users report as well along with dry eyes and dry mouth.

Are There Any Other Benefits of Taking Delta-8?

For people that may experience anxiousness or paranoias, users report fewer adverse effects that may be better suited for peace of mind.

Some people report feeling creative and focused when using delta-8. Ultimately what you may feel depends on the personal mindset, environment, and dosage of the experience. Remember, to enjoy the view.

Is Delta-8 Legal?

After the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp was legalized in the United States at the federal level. Hemp contains a low level of delta-8 THC, although it can be used to process into more concentrated forms. Hemp-derived delta-8 distillate has become popular as a raw material in many products from delta-8 vapes to delta-8 gummies.

How Is Delta-8 Made?

Delta-8 THC is naturally occurring in small amounts inside the trichome glands of the cannabis and hemp plant. The delta-8 is made through a plant process that nature has developed as part of its overall terpene and cannabinoid profileA "Cannabinoid Profile" refers to the unique composition and concentration of cannabinoids present in a cannabis strain or product. It provides a detailed breakdown of the various cannabinoids, including THC,... More. Each plant has a unique profile that can dramatically change the user experience.

Upon further processing into delta-8 distillate, these compounds will increase concentrations before being potential raw materials in various end products.

Does Delta-8 Have an Expiration Date?

Similar to most other products, it is best to use them within a year from the date of manufacturing. Each product is different and should be labeled to ensure you are using it within the correct timeframe.

Types of Delta-8 THC Products

Disposable Vapes
Vape Cartridges
Gummies
Flower
Pre-Rolls
Tinctures
Topicals

How Do You Use Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 THC can be used in several different forms including disposable vapes, vape cartridges, delta-8 flower, pre-rolls, and edibles. Topicals may exist but will not create an intoxicating effect. Studies also show that the permeability of Delta-8 is ten times less than CBD and CBN showing that topicals may not be as useful. (1)

Edibles and vapes are ideal for the on-the-go sesh with an ability to be more discreet. When in a more social setting, delta-8 flower and pre-rolls can be used.

Where Do I Buy Delta-8 Products?

The most common place to buy delta-8 products is gas stations, convenience stores, and other independent stores located within legal states. Products can also be purchased online if you are over 21 and live in a state that allows delta-8 products to be legally shipped there.

Can I Get Delta-8 in the Mail?

Delta-8 products can be ordered online and shipped to your house in the United States for some states. In 2018, the Farm Bill created a federally legal hemp stature however, it still left states with the choice for their respective populations. In time, a strange legal area has arisen where certain states have either decided to create and enact laws either in favor or against delta-8 THC while other states have chosen a lack of position.

How Much Delta-8 THC Should You Take?

Start small, take half the recommended dosage to see how you react. To reiterate, you should make sure you go slow with delta-8. Once you are more confident in how you react then increasing your dose would be a better way.

Should I Be Concerned About Getting Too Much THC While Consuming Delta-8?

If you are not a current user of THC products then you may want to be concerned about taking too much. It is important to not operate machinery or undertake any tasks that may result in injury. It is important to start slow and gradually increase the dosage based on your own experiences.

If you are a current user of THC products, you probably understand the proper dosage of delta-9 that you desire. This can be used as a good rule of thumb but does not equate equally. It is best to always start slowly and would recommend starting with half of your typical D9 dosage then increasing gradually until you find your proper view.

Why Is There Such a Growing Demand for Delta-8?

A rapid interest in delta-8 THC products is because of the positive user effects being reported combined with the ease of purchase due to the legality of the product.

Compared to cannabis in many states, which may still be illegal, this allows a legal alternative to cannabinoids from hemp-derived means.

What Is All of the D8 Hype About?

The hype for delta-8 is mainly due to the legal access to a product that many users report positive experiences from. As more users are seeking cannabinoids for numerous reasons including enjoyment and wellbeing, D8 may be useful for those in more restrictive areas.

Whenever there is hype, make sure to watch out for companies that front. Always ask for lab reports and read the product label.

Resources:

1. Stinchcomb AL, Valiveti S, Hammell DC, Ramsey DR. Human skin permeation of Delta8-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol and cannabinol. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2004;56(3):291-297. doi:10.1211/0022357022791

2. Crippa JAS, Zuardi AW, Hallak JEC, et al. Oral Cannabidiol Does Not Convert to Δ8-THC or Δ9-THC in Humans: A Pharmacokinetic Study in Healthy Subjects. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2020;5(1):89-98. doi:10.1089/can.2019.0024