What is Delta-8?
Delta-8 is a cannabis compound that has grown in popularity due to its similarity to delta-9 THC, the principal molecule in cannabis that causes euphoria, happiness, sedation, symptom relief, and other effects. The majority of cannabis strains contain high levels of THC.
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Chemical structures and names are the only commonalities between the two cannabinoids. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as delta-9 THC or just delta-9, is the scientific term for THC. Delta-8 stands for delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, which is also known as delta-8 THC. The effects of delta-8 THC are comparable to those of conventional delta-9 THC, however they are substantially less strong.
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THC comes in two different forms: delta-8 and delta-9. When individuals talk about THC, they're usually referring about delta-9 THC. (When we use "THC" without a modifier in this article, we're talking about delta-9 THC.)
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The legality of delta-8 is currently unclear. Hemp or cannabis can both be used to make it. Hemp can now be cultivated and extracted legally across the United States, thanks to the 2018 farm bill, making delta-8 legal in states where delta-9 THC is illegal—in some cases.
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Almost all delta-8 THC on the market today is made from hemp-derived CBD, making it, at least in principle, part of a federally legal supply chain.
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People in states where THC is outlawed seek cannabis related products, and delta-8 may be legal in their state, despite the fact that it is less strong than conventional THC. To accommodate this increasing demand, many hemp-based extractors are scaling up delta-8 production and transporting it across the country.
Delta-8 vs. delta-9 THC: What’s the difference?
Delta-8, like delta-9 (normal THC), attaches to the endocannabinoid system in the body, causing you to feel high. Delta-8 and delta-9 are chemically similar in that their structures both contain a double bond. The intoxicating effects that make you feel high are thought to be caused by this double bond.
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The positioning of the double bond in the two THCs differs chemically. Although both cannabinoids comprise a chain of carbon atoms, delta-8 has a double bond on the eighth carbon, while delta-9 has one on the ninth.
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Because of the placement of its double bond, Delta-8 attaches to the endocannabinoid system in a somewhat different way. This is assumed to be the reason why delta-8 is so much less potent than regular THC. However, more research into delta-8 and how it interacts with the body is required.
Will delta-8 get you high?
Delta-8 will make you high, although not as high as THC from the delta-9 family. For people who live in states where cannabis is prohibited, delta-8 could be a legal approach to get THC-like benefits without breaking the law.
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Even though THC products are legal, some users may prefer cannabis products that aren't as potent as typical THC. THC has the potential to create negative effects in some people, such as anxiety or paranoia. Delta-8 may provide a softer, more pleasant high.
Effects of delta-8
Delta-8 users experience many of the same effects as THC users, including mild pleasure, happiness, elevating feelings, and alleviation from some symptoms including pain, despite the compound's lower potency. Delta-8 can also aid in the treatment of insomnia.
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Dry mouth, red eyes, the cravings, short-term memory, psychosis, and anxiety are all possible side effects that are similar to THC. It's crucial to note that delta-8 hasn't been well researched, and further research on its effects on the mind and body is needed.
Delta-8 vs. CBD
Delta-8 is more similar to THC (delta-9) than CBD, both chemically and in terms of how it makes you feel. Delta-8 THC connects to the endocannabinoid system of the body in a similar way to delta-9 THC. CBD is non-intoxicating since it does not attach as readily to the endocannabinoid system, despite the fact that it can provide medical benefits to the user.
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Delta-8 may be right for you if you want effects similar to THC but at a lower potency. You might want to try a CBD product if you're looking for relief from particular symptoms but don't want to get high.
How to dose delta-8
Delta-8 will feel substantially milder than regular THC to most people, especially moderate or experienced users. If you're new to cannabis, delta-8 may have a strong effect on you, depending on your body chemistry.
Delta-8 may be right for you if you want effects similar to THC but at a lower potency. You might want to try a CBD product if you're looking for relief from particular symptoms but don't want to get high.
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It's worth noting that delta-8 has received virtually little research. We don't know how powerful its effects are or how they influence the body. The chemical composition of the cannabis, your body's chemistry, your tolerance level, your set and setting, and the amount you consume all influence how you feel when using cannabis.
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It's always a good idea to start with a small amount and wait for the effects to kick in before adding more. The speed with which you experience such effects is determined on the mode of consumption. If you're vaping delta-8, the effects should be noticeable in ten minutes or less; if you're eating edibles, wait at least an hour or two before taking more.