The cannabis buzz is growing. In popularity, that is.
Ask a few people about their favorite cannabis products and you’ll hear terms such as marijuana, THC, CBD, and even Delta 8. Most people are familiar with the first few compounds but what is this new Delta 8 cannabis supporters are starting to talk about?
Delta 8 is the perfect combination of CBD and THC, offering a range of therapeutic benefits. Delta 8 products are similar to most cannabis and hemp products. You can find edibles, vapes, tinctures, oils, and more.
Is there a best way to enjoy your favorite Delta 8 THC? The answer ultimately depends on your preferences and needs. Here’s everything you need to know about Delta 8 products and how they can help you!
What Is Delta 8 THC?
The cannabis plant contains hundreds of cannabinoids and compounds. THC, also known as Delta 9 THC, is the most popular and unique compound offering a slew of therapeutic benefits and a euphoric feeling.
What many don’t know, is there’s a second Delta THC similar to THC. Delta 8 THC is psychoactive, meaning it’s a cannabinoid offering many of the same therapeutic benefits as Delta 9 THC along with a few other perks. Delta 8 also shares similar benefits as CBD, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant.
The only challenge with Delta 8 is it’s highly elusive. Cannabis plants, both marijuana, and hemp only produce very small amounts of Delta 8. To feel the benefits of Delta 8 without Delta 9 or CBD, producers must extract it and create Delta 8 products.
Delta 8 works similar to Delta 9 THC by interacting with your body’s endocannabinoid system. This system has cannabinoid receptors throughout your brain and your body. Typically, the receptors will interact and bind with the body’s naturally occurring cannabinoids.
When you consume CBD, Delta 8, or Delta 9 THC, the cannabinoids and THC from these products will bind and activate the receptors. THC can over-activate these receptors causing you to feel a psychoactive high and the therapeutic benefits throughout your body.
CBD activates these receptors at a much lower level. Delta 8 THC is a cross between the two compounds.
The Differences Between Delta 8 and THC
“Delta,” in both Delta 8 and Delta 9, refers to a double bond that exists in the molecular structure. These Delta compounds have additional electrons compared to other cannabinoids and will interact and bond to the body differently.
The difference between Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC is the location of this double bond. Delta 8 has a double bond on the eighth carbon chain while Delta 9 has the bond on the ninth.
This tiny distinction makes a huge difference in how the two compounds interact and affect your body.
Delta 9 THC offers a profound euphoric high. This feeling can be intense and while it offers many benefits some people may feel adverse effects. Instead of feeling calm and happy, the high may cause you to feel paranoid, anxious, or worried.
Delta 8 has psychoactive properties but the effects are far more subdued. Many individuals describe the euphoric feeling from Delta 8 as a happy sensation that still allows them to think clearly. Granted, this feeling can become more pronounced depending on how much Delta 8 THC you consume.
Delta 9 THC primarily interacts with only the CB1 receptors while Delta 8 can interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors.
The Differences Between Delta 8 and CBD
The most noticeable difference between CBD and Delta 8 THC is the psychoactive effects. CBD doesn’t offer any euphoric feelings or high, allowing people to think clearly.
CBD doesn’t interact with the CB1 or CB2 receptors in the body. Instead, it can act as an antagonist at these cannabinoid receptors to weaken the effects the Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC.
Do you enjoy CBD but find it doesn’t offer as strong of an effect as you hoped? CBD tends to work behind the scenes, offering benefits to your body in a way you may not notice. Some people believe the lack of cognitive feedback means that CBD isn’t as effective.
Delta 8 could be a better alternative for those seeking a stronger effect. The slight psychoactive effects give the user some cognitive feedback. Both compounds work well but the effects of Delta 8 are usually slightly stronger.
Both CBD and Delta 8 THC, however, offer similar benefits, including reduced anxiety and therapeutic benefits. The intoxicating effects of Delta 8 THC, however minor, prevent CBD and Delta 8 from ever being a truly similar product.
The Best Delta 8 Products
Like CBD and Delta 9 THC, you can find Delta 8 THC in similar products. After extraction, producers will synthesize Delta 8 into tinctures, oils, vape cartridges, edibles, and more. There’s almost a limitless number of ways you can enjoy Delta 8!
Here are a few of the most popular Delta 8 products on the market today.
Vape Products
Smoking and inhalation are two of the fastest and most effective ways to enjoy your cannabis products. The process of breathing relates to relaxation and mindfulness, two experiences often provided by cannabis products.
Many vape juice producers create the purest products by only using natural plant-derived ingredients. This ensures you enjoy the safest Delta 8 product with minimal side effects from unnecessary ingredients.
You should note that not all producers use the highest-quality ingredients or manufacturing processes. Always check your vape cartridge labels for brand transparency and the products’ lab tests and analyses.
Vape cartridges containing Delta 8 THC come in a variety of sizes to fit your favorite vape pen. Different flavors and strains are available to offer you the perfect benefit.
Disposable pens are another popular option for those who want to try Delta 8 for the first time. Unlike cartridges that fit into your existing reusable pen, disposable pens are single-use vapes. These ready-to-go pens are perfect for those who are on-the-go and want a quick and effective way to experience their Delta 8 THC.
Edibles
Not a fan of smoking your cannabis products? Edibles are a safe and flavorful way to enjoy Delta 8 THC. There’s no risk of harming your lungs, or any part of your body, for that matter. Edibles are also easier to dose as each serving clearly states the amount of Delta 8 THC it consists of.
Gummies are some of the most popular edibles in the cannabis industry and are available in a range of flavors. You can also find Delta 8 in chocolates and other flavorful candies.
The one drawback with edibles is they take an hour or more before they take effect. If you find the effects aren’t strong enough, you can take more but again, you’ll have to wait a while before they take effect.
Distillate
Delta 8 distillate is the most potent and purest Delta 8 product available. Distillate is a translucent oil that doesn’t contain any undesirable waxes or compounds from the plant. The benefit of distillate is it’s incredibly versatile.
Some pre-rolls or “joints” add Delta 8 or CBD distillate to the flower. We’ll discuss this more later.
What can you do with distillate? The THC compounds in the distillate are readily active. You can use Delta 8 distillate for vaping, cooking, or dabbing.
Tinctures
Tinctures are a fast and effective way to quickly enjoy the effects of Delta 8 THC. Tinctures are highly concentrated herbal extracts processed by soaking the leaves or flowers of the plant in alcohol. The alcohol extracts the active compounds and concentrates them in a liquid form.
Delta 8 tinctures also contain healthy oils and other omega fats that naturally occur in the plant. Most individuals consume tinctures orally, under the tongue, or in food. Some tinctures may have added terpenes to enhance or change the flavor for an enjoyable experience.
Pre-Rolls and Flower
Do you prefer to smoke your Delta 8 THC? Delta 8 flower and pre-rolls are the perfect solution.
The Delta 8 flower is a strain of cannabis flower high in Delta 8 THC. This is a great option for anyone who enjoys their flower in a DIY roll, a pipe, or like to mix their flower with another strain. Delta 8 flower is low in other forms of THC offering only a slight high.
Pre-rolls are ready-made rolls or “joints” containing the Delta 8 flower. Like the flower, the pre-rolls only use flowers with 0.3% THC or less. They’re legal in any state or country where THC is legal.
Some pre-rolls may feature a stronger strain of Delta 9 THC cannabis and add a Delta 8 distillate.
How To Use Delta 8
The trick to enjoying Delta 8 is knowing how to administer the right dose for your needs. You should always start with the lowest dose.
For those who are new to using Delta 8, you should start with a tincture, edible, or vape. These products are easier to dose compared to Delta 8 distillate, flower, and pre-rolls. The former options are also less potent which will better help you find the right dose without experiencing any negative side effects.
Beginners should start with a dose of around 5 mg to 15 mg per use. If you’re taking a gummy containing 30 mg of Delta 8, cut it in half and eat it. Wait a few hours and note how it affects you.
If you feel this dose isn’t enough, wait 24 hours and take a whole gummy.
Those with more experience consuming cannabis products or Delta 8 may need a higher dose. Intermediate users should opt for a dose between 15 mg and 45 mg. Advanced users can enjoy a higher dose ranging from 45 mg to over 150 mg, depending on their needs.
What Are the Side Effects?
Fortunately, you can’t overdose from Delta 9 or Delta 8 THC. If you consume too much in one dose, you can experience some unpleasant effects.
The side effects of over-dosing on Delta 8 THC are similar to Delta 9. These effects include:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Inability to think clearly
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
- Temporary lapses in memory
- Increased thirst
These effects are not life-threatening and will pass in a few hours as your body processes the Delta 8 THC. By taking the right dose, you can completely avoid these unwanted effects.
What Are The Benefits of Delta 8?
What exactly are the benefits of Delta 8 THC? The research on Delta 8 THC is still in the early stages, but the current findings are showing promising results.
The most notable benefit of Delta 8 THC is it offers a less potent euphoric high. You can enjoy the same benefits of Delta 9 THC while maintaining a clear mind.
- Anti-tumor Properties: the National Cancer Institute reported that Delta 8 THC is one of the cannabinoids responsible for inhibiting the growth of tumors
- Reduce symptoms of nausea
- Boost your appetite in those with weight disorders
- Pain and inflammation treatment
- Neuroprotective properties similar to CBD
- A calming and relaxing effect
- Reduce anxiety
- Improve your mood
The benefits of Delta 8 THC can improve the quality of life for many people, including those going through cancer treatment. Combining Delta 8 with CBD can create an entourage effect that enhances these benefits. You can click here to learn more ways to make the most of your Delta 8 experience.
The Laws Regarding Delta 8 THC
Before you head to your favorite online cannabis shop, do you know if Delta 8 THC is legal where you live? Delta 9 THC is illegal at the federal level. This includes all forms of THC due to its psychoactive properties.
States, however, can create their own laws on the legality of buying, producing, and using THC. If THC is legal for both recreational and medicinal use in your state, then you can enjoy Delta 8 THC with or without a medical card.
Try Delta 8 Products Today!
The range of available Delta 8 products gives people more ways to enjoy their Delta 8 THC. Whether you prefer the immediate benefits of vaping or prefer the flavorful wait of an edible, there are Delta 8 products perfect for you!
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