As hemp reform continues to evolve, so has knowledge surrounding it. The condition of hemp in 2020 has resulted in tons of consumers becoming familiar with various cannabinoids and chemicals that grow within it. They know about THC, CBD, maybe even some of the rare ones like CBC, CBG and THCV. Some may even know the proper name of THC, the compound that allows us to feel the effects of delta-9 THC. However, very few know that delta-9 is not the only known type of THC, and it’s also not the only type with the desired effects.
Just like smoking hemp flower, edibles might provide stimulation, however it’s not exactly the same, right? Edibles usually show more heavy, body effects, and more intense cerebral stimulation. What’s the reason for the difference? The reason is that you’re not consuming quite the same exact compound.
Eating edibles produces a completely different form of THC than smoked hemp flower, known as 11hydroxy-THC, this happens due to decarboxylation. But the list of THC variations doesn’t just stop there! A new cannabinoid has been emerging in the hemp world with its own unique and interesting effects; it’s known as delta-8 THC. We’ve researched a few articles, and the products themselves to bring you an informational blog about Delta-8, check it out!
What is Delta-8 THC?
The language and science of cannabinoids is fairly new to the CBD and hemp market. As a result, the terms relating to these compounds are still evolving every month. Cannabinoids have been reduced to general initialisms to make them easier to discuss. This made cannabidiol become CBD, and tetrahydrocannabinol become THC. While convenient, this shortening also comes with an issue of over-simplification. As mentioned, most consumers do not know that different arrangements of THC actually exist, and this is due to that simplification of the word.
The “8” in delta-8 stands for the placement of a chemical bond, one step over from where it sits in delta-9. Its structurally similar, allowing it to have close to the same effects. However, there are slight yet key differences.
Delta-8 can be smoked in cartridges similar to standard cartridges bought for Delta-9 or CBD. You can also put Delta-8 into gummies to make edibles or use the extract on hemp buds to provide high amounts of CBD & Delta-8 THC
Hemp plants grow very small amounts of delta-8 THC, making it far more rare than delta-9. However, it can be derived from any type of hemp plant using special breeding, extraction, and processing methods.
According to a Pew Research Center 2019 study, two-thirds of Americans favor general legalization of cannabinoids. With only 12 legal states, while many more are accompanying them over time, it’s clear that many people are curious about the benefits of cannabinoids, yet have little to no access to a wider range of products.
The Effects of Delta-8 THC
Alright, so a different THC cannabinoid really exists, does it actually matter? While delta-8 and delta-9 THC may share similarities, they have some noted differences.
Delta-8 offers much more mild effects than delta-9, but more intense effects than CBD.
Delta-8 can be still be intense for some consumers, just less so than delta-9. Many of the effects and benefits of delta-9, though toned down a few steps, are still present in Delta-8. It still contains euphoric qualities, and helps with relaxation. It may energize or relax the consumer depending on the larger terpene and cannabinoid profile of the hemp it derived from, similar to delta-9. And yes, it induces some of the typical heady experiences people tend to look for in delta-9.
The main difference is that while delta-8 can do all of these things, it does them at a less intense level. Even for experienced hemp users with a high tolerance, there is a noticeable effect, albeit a lesser one. However, the trade-off here is that the potential negative side effects of hemp are also reduced. Delta-8 seems to possibly give off less anxiety, or just a sense of taking too much Delta-9.
We here at GLAKratom like to describe delta-8 THC as “sort of a middle ground between CBD hemp, and Delta-9 THC.” That seems to be as perfect a description as we’ve encountered with our customers and through our experiences.
Reasons to Try Delta-8 THC
Delta-8’s unique properties lend themselves to a variety of uses and situations. For the hemp-curious, it can act as a bridge to acclimating to other cannabinoids. Especially in today’s market, many young hemp consumers find delta-9 can sometimes be too intense to enjoy. This is especially true in the case of edibles or dabs, but depending on the customer can be for vapes and flower as well.
Delta-8 might be ideal for when a cannabinoid lift is desired, but the full potency of delta-9 is too much for the occasion.
While many people use hemp to help with social anxiety, delta-9 effects tend to be too effective/strong or hard to focus under certain circumstances. When clarity is higher on the priority list, a regular consumer might reach for delta-8 above delta-9.
Also, as mentioned, delta-8 is available to consumers who might not otherwise be able to try delta-9 THC. While some states may have individual restrictions, Delta-8 cannabinoids are completely hemp-derived and thus fall under the legislation of the 2018 Farm Bill. In accordance with the bill’s guidelines, delta-8 preparations contain less than .3% delta-9 THC.
Legality of Hemp-Derived THC Compounds
The differences in name and how it is sourced may feel very minimal, but they change how delta-8 is handled legally. In the United States, the hemp derivation and lack of delta-9 THC ideally put delta-8 preparations into the same class as CBD products.
Currently, there is some debate underway about proposed guidelines that would alter the definition of permitted hemp preparations if the precursor ingredients have higher THC levels than allowable. Currently, this matter does not appear to affect delta-8 preparations.
Unlike delta-9 THC, delta-8 itself currently has no federal scheduling. However, it is possible to fail a drug test from the use of delta-8, as those tests do not test for specific types of THC, but rather THC metabolites. THC metabolites are the result of the body processing any form of THC. We recommend to not purchase or consume Delta-8 THC products if you’re going to be getting drug tested.
Delta 8 Guides
How Did Delta 8 THC Become Legal? – The Medical Benefits of Delta-8 THC – How Long Does A Delta 8 High Last?
How Does Delta 8 THC Compare to Delta 9 and CBD? – Indica Vs Sativa, What’s The Difference?