It’s one of the most exciting things about the world of cannabis–there are always awesome new products and strains to try out.
If you love the thrill of trying out new flavors, edibles, and products, we have one that should be on your radar–Delta 8 THC. This strain has been around for years but has become much more well-known lately, as users are loving the soft, smooth high it produces.
However, you might not know very much about Delta 8—is it even legal? Is it safe? How does it work?
If you want to learn more, we’re here to help. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about Delta 8 THC before trying it out for yourself.
What Is Delta 8 THC?
Curious what Delta 8 THC actually is? Good question. While the name can be confusing, the simple answer is that Delta 8 is one of hundreds of naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant.
It’s a type of THC, which stands for tetrahydrocannabinol. THC is the active compound in marijuana that provides that high, euphoric feeling when consumed.
Why is it called Delta 8? The 8 is a reference to the placement of a chemical bond within Delta 8’s molecular structure. When we consume it, Delta 8 binds to receptors in our central nervous system, which is why it can impact how we feel.
Delta 8 only occurs in very small amounts naturally, but marijuana growers are able to use genetics and selective breeding to produce more of it.
The Delta 9 compound is more popular than Delta 8, but Delta 8 is considered more mild and creates fewer side effects, so we’ve seen it become more in-demand recently.
Some people mistake Delta 8 for a type of CBD, but that’s not the case.
When you consume CBD does not produce the feeling of being high, although both THC and CBD have medicinal properties. CBD is produced using different parts of the cannabis plant and can also be consumed safely, even if you’ll be drug tested.
This link explains the differences in more detail.
Is Delta 8 THC Legal?
If you’re thinking about trying Delta 8, you probably want to know if you can buy it legally. Many people aren’t comfortable purchasing THC outside of the law, so they smartly stick to strains they can buy legally.
This is good news if you want to try Delta 8, because it can be purchased legally in many parts of the US. Under the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp and hemp products can be sold legally, in most states, as long as they contain less than .3 percent Delta-9-THC.
Technically, Delta 8 is derived from hemp, although most of it is technically synthesized, which is a grey area when it comes to whether or not it’s legal under the Farm Bill. While it’s a bit of a legal loophole, and always subject to change, it’s great news as it means you can buy Delta 8 safely.
Currently, you can buy Delta 8 in 38 states. If marijuana isn’t legal in your state, taking a road trip to a legal state can be a lot of fun and a great way to try it out.
However, the laws can change quickly, so we recommend trying Delta 8 while you can.
Where Can I Buy It?
Where is Delta 8 sold? You’re sure to find it available online, which is an easy and convenient way to order—just be sure you’re ordering from a reputable website.
Or, if you live near any cannabis retailers, pop in for a chat and pick some up. If you’re new to THC, have a conversation with the sales staff about Delta 8, as they can let you know more about your options.
Generally, retail staff have a passion for the product, so they might have tried Delta 8 themselves and can let you know more about it. With their advice, you can learn more about how much you should consume and decide which method is right for you.
How Can I Consume Delta 8 Safely?
Savvy users of THC always want to make sure the product they’re purchasing is safe. If this is something you’re thinking about, we recommend only purchasing Delta 8 from legal retailers that you know and trust.
There are dishonest businesses or sellers out there who will try to pass other strains of THC off as Delta 8, which means you don’t know what you’re actually smoking.
When it comes to safe consumption, many users are hesitant to smoke, as the smoke isn’t good for our lungs or bodies. Some users prefer vaping, with limited research showing that vaping THC is slightly better for our bodies than smoking.
If you’re looking for alternatives to smoking, you can find Delta 8 available in other forms. Try it out via edibles, tinctures, or sublinguals, which are placed under the tongue for quick absorption.
Research all the methods, then decide which one would work best for you!
Delta 8 THC vs Delta 9 THC—What Should I Know?
Experienced THC users probably know about Delta 9, but how does it compare to Delta 8? Good question—the two strains are similar, but with some key differences.
In terms of the science behind it, the difference between Delta 8 and 9 comes from the chemical bonds and their placements—Delta 8 has a double bond on the eighth carbon chain.
However, Delta 9 has a double bond on its ninth carbon chain. This seems like a small difference, but it makes a big difference in terms of potency. Delta 9, thanks to a double bond on the ninth carbon chain, makes it a much stronger, more intense high, compared to Delta 8.
If you smoked both 8 and 9, you’d notice a much more powerful high from Delta 9 and a more mild one from Delta 8.
Both can be fantastic, but it really depends on your preferences.
Another noticeable difference between the two comes from the side effects. Because Delta 8 is a mild, smoother high, it tends not to produce the side effects sometimes associated with smoking, like anxiety and paranoia.
However, Delta 9 can sometimes produce these side effects. This makes Delta 8 a popular option for those using THC for medical use or those who prefer a gentler experience.
For some, Delta 8 might be too mild—in that case, you might prefer the more dramatic high of Delta 9.
Why Should I Try Delta 8 THC?
Are you thinking about the benefits of Delta 8 THC? Each THC strain tends to be known for different benefits to users, and Delta 8 is no exception.
Delta 8 offers a few big advantages compared to other strains—here are some to think about.
Great for New Users
One of the most popular reasons to try Delta 8 is that it’s relaxing. Whether you want to smoke it or consume it in other ways, Delta 8 is relaxing in a way that new cannabis users are sure to love.
Because the high it produces is smooth and easy, allowing you to stay focused, it’s a great introduction to smoking. Often, users have their first experience with a potent strain, leaving them feeling paranoid and uneasy—this puts them off wanting to try it again.
For a gentle, mild way to introduce THC to your system, Delta 8 is a much better choice than some of the more potent alternatives. Some users refer to it as ‘weed light’, as it’s a great way to try out THC as a newbie.
Insomnia
Some users of Delta 8 find that it can help with insomnia, especially if consumed in the evenings. With busy, hectic lives, it’s easy to find yourself staying up late and night, worrying about your career or other life stresses.
You might want to help yourself relax and calm down before bed by trying Delta 8, as this can sometimes make it easier to drift off to sleep.
Fewer Side Effects
Have you ever planned an afternoon of THC relaxation, just to get hit by a horrible case of paranoia? It can quickly ruin your high, and your day, making you just want to curl up in bed and hide from the world.
It happens to even experienced smokers, but it’s not a nice feeling. One reason more and more people are turning to Delta 8 is that it doesn’t usually result in negative side effects.
You can enjoy your high, without worrying that something bad’s going to happen.
Plus, you should feel fine the next day after using Delta 8, without the hazy or groggy feeling that sometimes happens the day after using THC.
However, it’s important to remember that everyone reacts differently to THC. Some people might find Delta 8 to be very strong, while others might find it barely noticeable.
You might feel relaxed, happy, and calm, or you might feel a much more psychoactive high. If you’re not sure how you’ll react, it’s a good idea to be around friends you trust the first time you try it.
May Help Reduce Stress
Many users find that Delta 8 use is helpful in managing stress. Because it results in an enjoyable, relaxed high, it can help make you feel calmer, with your stresses floating away.
When you’re enjoying Delta 8, you’ll still feel in control of your surroundings as well, which is great for those who want to function and still get things done while smoking.
Pain and Inflammation Management
Delta 8 is becoming popular with chronic disease patients, since it can help reduce pain and inflammation without unwanted side effects. THC has been found to be effective in reducing pain, so you might want to try Delta 8 if you can use some relief.
Many people with diseases such as AIDS, cancer, and arthritis find marijuana to be useful as a pain relief drug.
If you want to enjoy topical pain relief, for joints and sore muscles, CBD ointments can also work well for some patients.
Before using Delta 8 for medicinal benefits, always talk to your doctor first and make sure it’s safe to do so. You want to make sure that THC won’t interfere with any of the medications you’re currently taking.
Nausea
Do you suffer from nausea, as a result of a health condition? If so, you might find that Delta 8 can help.
It’s been proven to be effective in reducing nausea experienced by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
While it won’t always work for everyone, you might find the Delta 8 can help settle your stomach if you’re undergoing chemotherapy or suffering from vomiting and upset stomachs.
Again, always talk to your doctor first to see if Delta 8 is right for you.
Are You Ready to Try Delta 8 THC?
Do you feel like a Delta 8 THC expert now? Hopefully, after reading through the above, you now have a better understanding of how Delta 8 works, what it’s all about, and what users should know before trying it out.
If it sounds like just what you’re looking for, head to a local retailer or place an order online to try it out. We think you’ll be impressed by its smooth, relaxing high, perfect for unwinding after a big day.
However, if you don’t love it, don’t worry! With so many THC strains out there, you’re sure to find one that you love.
Try it out today and see what all the hype is about!
Did you find this article helpful? If so, please keep reading to find more informative content.
