People seem to be finding new uses for cannabis every day. It provides everything from medicine and construction materials to herbal remedies, and many people use it to relax. Imagine coming home after a grueling workday, collapsing on your couch, and experiencing complete pleasure wash over you. For many people, however, achieving this level of bliss is quite difficult. This is because stress does not always end when you come home from work. That said, you do not have to let work-related stress follow you home.
Some THC and CBD products and accessories can help you achieve feelings of peace and relaxation after a long day of work. What comes to mind when most people hear THC is Delta-9 THC. For decades, it has been the focus of cannabis prohibition.
This is why the cannabis industry is switching focus to Delta-8 THC. Many people report experiencing gently psychoactive effects from this naturally occurring cannabinoid, in addition to therapeutic properties. Delta-8 is reported to do so without the overpowering mental high or a fuzzy morning after. Unlike its close cousin, Delta-8 is readily available for purchase in areas where people can legally use hemp products.
The cannabis industry is expanding at a dizzying pace, with new cannabinoids, strains, and accessories popping up all the time. The latest craze is Delta-8, which is one of the best-selling products in the cannabis industry. In reality, it is not a recent discovery. Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, considered by many to be the father of cannabis, first discovered Delta-8 in 1965.
The full potential of Delta-8, however, has been hiding since then. A huge interest in Delta-8 products has popped up since people started learning about the effects of this cannabis compound. An entire market suddenly emerged, with a high demand for Delta-8 vapes, edibles, tinctures, and more.
Background Information About Delta-8
Before you introduce a new substance or compound into your body, you need to know where it comes from and how it will affect your body. Delta-8 is one of many cannabinoid compounds derived from cannabis. The cannabis plant contains more than 100 cannabinoids, and researchers continue to discover more.
The Delta-8 and Delta-9 molecules look almost identical, but the body processes them in different ways, which we’ll get into below.
Where Does Delta-8 Come From?
Delta-8 is a cannabinoid that usually occurs in tiny amounts. It often comes from hemp rather than marijuana. Cannabinoids are naturally occurring cannabis compounds. Some of the more common cannabinoids include:
- Delta-8 THC
- Delta-9 THC
- CBD
- CBC
- CBN
- CBG
The Difference Between Hemp and Marijuana
Many people assume that marijuana and hemp are distinct species of plants, but in reality, they are two different names for the cannabis plant. That said, the law differentiates between the two based on their THC content.
Essentially, hemp refers to cannabis with a THC content of 0.3 percent or less by dry weight. Marijuana, on the other hand, is cannabis with THC content above 0.3 percent by dry weight. Also referred to as weed, marijuana is cannabis that can give you a high.
What Delta-8 Does
To understand how Delta-8 works, you first need to learn about the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a group of receptors that aid in regulating certain processes throughout the body, including the immune and nervous systems. Both invertebrates and vertebrate animals have this system, which means that it is not unique to humans.
Your ECS has two main types of cannabinoid receptors, i.e., CB1 and CB2. These receptors break down cannabinoids to produce their effects, which include:
- Increased clarity and focus
- Relaxation
- Uplifted feelings
Scientific research on the effects of Delta-8 is still ongoing. Early results, however, are quite promising. They suggest a wide range of benefits to users, stemming from its interaction with the body’s ECS, especially as it differs from that of Delta-9.
Delta-8 and Delta-9 both have a double bond in their structures. However, the two differ when it comes to the placement of these bonds, and this variance affects how they bond to the ECS. Researchers believe that this is the factor responsible for the significantly less potency of Delta-8 compared to Delta-9.
Why You Should Consider Switching to Delta-8
Do you use cannabis products? If you have yet to try Delta-8 THC, you may be missing out on the experience of natural relief without intense head highs. Whether you are looking for a vaping or bong experience, capsules, or gummies, Delta-8 offers high-quality ingredients guaranteed to calm your body and mind, according to many users.
Delta-8 THC recently exploded onto the national and global stage. Legal weed sites are marketing it as the better version of THC or “weed light.” Usually sold as an edible or vape product, its high, according to many users, feels like a milder version of traditional marijuana.
According to several studies, Delta-9 is about twice as potent as Delta-8. This is why the latter may be less likely to trigger paranoia and anxiety. Paranoia and anxiety are some of the reasons why some people avoid marijuana, so Delta-8 could be the solution.
Proponents of Delta-8 suggest that this strain offers several potential benefits, such as:
- Reduction of stress and anxiety
- Prevention of nausea and vomiting
- Improved quality of sleep
- Appetite boost
- Reduction of pain and inflammation
- Supportive aid for cancer treatment
- Mood-enhancing properties
Of course, additional research is necessary to determine whether it offers these health benefits. In addition, researchers suggest that the psychoactive effects of Delta-8 are weaker compared to those of Delta-9. Furthermore, they seem to focus more on the body than the mind.
This cannabinoid can be psychoactive for some people; however, it is significantly less so than Delta-9. It can also stimulate appetite and euphoria even for experienced marijuana users, albeit less intensely. The advantage here is that its potential negative effects should be less harmful to consumers.
For those curious to try cannabis for the first time, Delta-8 can act as a bridge to acclimate such individuals to other cannabinoids. This is also true for experienced users who sometimes find Delta-9 to be too potent to enjoy.
Is Delta-8 Legal?
The properties offered by Delta-8 are unique. One of the reasons why certain states have legalized it is because it does not include psychoactive effects, such as feeling high, as is common with Delta-9 or marijuana.
In states where cannabis is still illegal, retailers of marijuana market it as a legal option. Currently, 18 states prohibit or ban Delta-8. It is under review in four more states. A new level of scrutiny comes with its rising popularity.
The problem when it comes to understanding the laws regarding this type of cannabinoid is that there is no actual mention of it anywhere. In contrast, the DEA and other regulatory agencies specifically name Delta-9 as an illegal substance. The Farm Bill passed in 2018 removed all products derived from hemp from the list of restricted substances in Schedule I, but the bill does not mention Delta-8 anywhere. Furthermore, it does not feature in the list of restricted substances. Consequently, this seems to suggest that it is, by default, legal.
The US Federal Register published a report in 2020 meant to add clarity to laws on cannabinoids. Unfortunately, according to many people, it only made things less clear.
Is Delta-8 Safe?
The popularity of Delta-8 products continues to explode, especially in states that are yet to legalize the adult use of marijuana. The legal status of this cannabinoid continues to confound many people. Before considering its legality, however, you need to determine whether it is safe for consumption.
When it comes to products sold outside state-regulated and licensed cannabis industries, there is nothing to prevent unscrupulous individuals from producing and selling potentially harmful products. This is a consistent and pressing concern for regulators, physicians, licensed retailers, users, and other players in the industry.
According to a report released by the US Cannabis Council, the explosion in unregulated Delta-8 THC is a quickly mounting crisis. These sales pose a significant threat to regulated and licensed retailers and manufacturers. Part of this is because makers of Delta-8 do not have to abide by the stringent and costly safety and quality control requirements imposed upon regulated and licensed cannabis businesses.
Manufacturers of Delta-8 love it because they can produce it from CBD oils, thereby earning high returns. Retailers love it because it seems to skirt the strict guidelines that apply to Delta-9.
Due to the recency of Delta-8’s introduction into modern life, more research is necessary to learn more about its safety, especially in applications such as edibles, vape pens, and other devices people use to inhale cannabis.
The only way to confirm any cannabis compound’s safety is through randomized controlled and clinical trials. There have been more than 200 peer-reviewed papers on this cannabinoid published since the ’70s. The purpose of most of the early studies was to look for medical applications, however, and there are very few human studies on the tolerability, safety, and side effects of the THC-8 molecule. Therefore, it is difficult to confirm whether Delta-8 is entirely safe for consumption. However, evidence suggests it is less potent than the more notorious Delta-9 cannabinoid.
Why You Need to Be Careful
There is a lot to consider before you purchase any Delta-8 product. For example, you may get a stronger high than expected. You may also purchase a product that, contrary to its label, contains no Delta-8 THC or one with potentially harmful contaminants. The risks you assume when you purchase an unlicensed cannabis product can range from potency fraud to sickness or even death.
How to Take Delta-8
This cannabis product comes in various forms. How you choose to consume it will depend on what makes you most comfortable. Most Delta-8 products come in the form of edibles, such as gummies. You simply need to take the recommended dose and then wait for about two hours before deciding whether to take more. This method of consumption usually takes a while to kick in; therefore, you need to be patient.
Inhaling this cannabinoid through a glass pipe, bong, or any other type of vaping device tends to produce the fastest results. Given the recent arguments surrounding vaping, however, this method of consumption might not be the best option for you. No matter how you choose to consume it, the most important thing you need to do is to start slow and proceed cautiously.
The Bottom Line
Whether it is vaping juices, joints, gummies, or oils, Delta-8 products are flying off the shelves at an incredible rate. In the last year, sales of this cannabinoid more than doubled, especially in places that have legalized cannabis for adult use. Sales of cannabis accessories have also experienced a huge increase.
Regardless of your opinion about Delta-8 THC, it is important to do your research before purchasing any cannabinoid product.
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