What Is Delta-8 THC: Learn More About The Latest Cannabis Craze

Delta-8 THC is the latest craze in the cannabis world. This cannabinoid is made from hemp and is said to give you a milder high than THC. It’s easily available and considered legal in many states.

FDA has warned general consumers about Delta 8’s adverse effects and euphoric properties. The agency has not fully evaluated any product containing Delta 8 Tetrahydrocannabinol.

You can purchase and consume delta-8 infused products in States where even THC or recreational use of marijuana is illegal. But is it safe to use? Let us take a closer look at delta-8 THC.

What Is Delta 8 THC?

Delta-8-THC, also known as, Delta-8, is another cannabis plant compound that binds with our endocannabinoid receptors and can produce effects like euphoria, sedation, happiness, and relief from some ailments.

When we talk about THC, we actually refer to ∆9. Both compounds have the same number of molecules present in them; their molecular structures are different from one another. It is an isomer of delta-9-THC.

According to the feedback provided by the participants of a study conducted jointly by the University of Buffalo and University of Michigan, here is how they (users) defined it: “Delta 8 THC is Delta 9’s nicer younger sibling.”

Through a loophole in the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill, cannabis-derived delta-8-THC products are now lawfully available throughout the United States, even in States with strict medical marijuana laws.

Delta-8-THC became increasingly popular throughout 2020. Now you can find Delta-8 products in a variety of forms, from supermarket shelves to tiny dispensaries. Some brands offer their Delta 8 products online, and you can purchase them from the comfort of your own home.

How It Is Made

If you are more or less aware of the legislation surrounding the cannabis industry, you already know that the 2018 farm bill legalized hemp cultivation. It also gave legality to products made from hemp. Like THC aka delta 9, delta 8 is also present in the hemp plant. However, the amount is small.

Unlike delta 9 THC, the regulations around delta 8 are still unclear. It gave the manufacturers a loophole to produce products that contain a high amount of delta 8 THC in them. The legal threshold of delta 9 THC in a hemp-derived product is 0.3%. But there is no such limit for delta 8.

You can legally purchase delta 8 THC (no matter how big or little the amount is) products up until this date. As there is very little delta 8 present in hemp plants, it requires more processing steps to extract the compound. Therefore, the price of delta 8 infused products is much higher than that of a regular full-spectrum CBD product. But demand for delta 8 infused products is much higher, and it justifies the complex processes (and cost) involved in manufacturing.

How Does Delta-8 Work

Delta 8 works as a substance that has the potential to initiate a physiological response when it binds with the CB1 receptor. CB1 is a member of the Endocannabinoid System and is one of the Cannabinoid Receptors found in various sections of our brain.

Delta 8 THC has properties similar to those of Delta 9. Despite having some common characteristics, delta-8 seems to be less psychoactive.

Although some effects of this phytocannabinoid compound exhibit effects that are somewhat similar to other controlled substances; There are many, who believe the effects are quite mild enough compared to the effects of other marijuana products.

After all, anecdotal users’ reviews also suggest that Delta 8 is not quite addictive. On the other hand, Delta 8 THC’s ability to bind with the CB1 receptor inherits the risks of the substance being addictive. In other words, it can also be psychoactive to the extent of some other common marijuana products.

Effects Of ∆8-THC

The effects of Delta 8 are somewhat similar to Delta 9. However, the effects are milder than that of Delta-9 THC. These include but are not limited to the followings:

• Altered visual sensation
• Light euphoria
• Uplifting feelings
• Calmness
• Symptoms reliefs: pain relief, help with insomnia, etc.
• Increased body awareness
• Reduced motor condition
• Change in auditory perception
• Racing thoughts
• Increased heart rate
• Difficulty with thinking and remembering
• Time distortion

Related: How Long Does Delta 8 Stay In Your System?

Potential Benefits

Although delta-8 holds the risk of being an addictive substance, there is no wonder why it gained such massive popularity in recent times. It has the capability to deliver the same benefits that people use to get from regular marijuana use. Like the way THC in regular marijuana promotes relaxation, pain relief, and euphoria, delta-8 can offer the same benefits with a milder efficacy. To avoid the potential high associated with the use of delta-8, you can use a product that has low potency. Potential benefits of delta-8 include:

• Increased food cravings
• Feeling of euphoria
• Relief from pain
• Anxiety relief
• Reduced insomnia
• Help with nausea

Moreover, there is not adequate research that took place surrounding delta 8. So, we cannot say for sure whereas the benefits of using delta 8 can outweigh the potential risk of using the substance.

Side Effects & Concerns

The amount of ∆8-THC naturally present in the hemp plant is insignificant. Manufacturers cannot extract ∆8-THC directly from hemp. For instance, It requires further synthesis steps that oftentimes result in a higher proportion of the compound along with some other contaminants. As of today, there is little we know about these other contaminants and cannabinoids that remain as a by-product alongside ∆8. A number of users reported negative effects with the consumption of delta-8 edibles. These include:

• Hallucinations
• Losing consciousness
• Vomiting
• Increased or decreased heart rate
• Confusion and anxiety
• Dry mouth

If you experience any of the above symptoms after using Delta-8 products, call your doctor right away. If the condition is severe, dial 911. Or seek medical help near you. You can find ∆8-THC products in many forms – vape juice, gummies, tinctures, etc. Although some manufacturers say that their product contains pure delta 8, the statement is not necessarily true in most cases. We recommend full-spectrum CBD products instead of using ∆8-THC products. A full-spectrum product includes all the beneficial cannabinoids along with 0.3% ∆9-THC, which is compliant and legal to use all across the USA.

FDA Warning For Consumers

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned general consumers regarding the use of typical delta-8 products. The key points to note are:

1. None of the products available in the market is either evaluated or approved by FDA.
2. The agency received negative feedback both from the consumer level as well as other law enforcement agencies regarding the use of such products.
3. The compound does have euphoric effects that can lead to adverse outcomes and dependency.
4. Delta 8 products come with other contaminants in many cases and can be harmful to some of its users.
5. Adolescent teenagers can get hooked up with edible forms of the compound, as it is available in many edible forms: such as gummies, chocolates, brownies, etc.

Comparison Between Delta-8 Vs. Delta-9 Vs. CBD

∆9 and ∆8 both are forms of THC with variations in their chemical structure. To clarify, when we use the term THC, we actually refer to delta-9 THC. As ∆9-THC is adequately present in marijuana. It is the compound responsible for creating the high associated with pot use. ∆8-THC can cause similar effects. Its unclear legal status and similarities in effects with ∆9 – gave the substance overnight popularity. Delta-8 is frequently nicknamed “marijuana-lite” and “diet weed” by many.

Takeaway

To sum up, here’s what we came to know; Both delta-8 and delta-9 have got a number of similarities in their effects, side-effects, benefits, and other properties.

Most importantly, note that commercial urine tests cannot distinguish between these two cannabinoids. Delta-8 may show up positive for THC in drug tests. Therefore, if you’re planning on undergoing a drug test; It is recommended that you avoid Delta-8 products altogether.

However, if you want to try products containing cannabinoids anyway; We recommend you use a Full-spectrum CBD product instead. Above all, you want to avoid the associated risks of using ∆8 and enjoy the benefits that other naturally occurring plant-based cannabinoids can offer.

We at MEDOSI online store offer a wide range of Full-Spectrum CBD products that you can check and buy from the comfort of your home. If you are curious about learning the pros and cons of some other popular cannabinoids you can check our blog. Likewise, we always try our best to serve you with accurate information that is actionable and easy to understand.