What is Delta 8?

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Have you heard about delta 8 THC? This new cannabis compound is creating quite the buzz. Let's explore what exactly delta 8 is all about.

What is Delta 8?

What is This Delta 8 THC?

Delta 8 THC is a minor cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. What does minor cannabinoid mean?

Cannabinoids are natural compounds in cannabis that interact with our body's endocannabinoid system. The two main cannabinoids are the well-known THC and CBD. THC is what makes you feel "high".

There are also many minor cannabinoids in smaller amounts. Delta 8 THC is one of those. It can make you feel relaxed, uplifted, and mildly intoxicated.

Where Does Delta 8 Come From?

Most delta 8 products are made from CBD derived from hemp. Through a chemical process called isomerization, CBD is converted into delta 8 THC.

Hemp-derived delta 8 exists in a legal gray area but is available in many places. Some states have banned it though, considering it synthetic.

What Are the Effects of Delta 8 THC?

The effects of delta 8 are often described as:

  • Mildly euphoric
  • Clear-headed feeling
  • Relaxed
  • Uplifted
  • Decreased anxiety
  • Pain relief

The high feels less intense compared to traditional THC. It tends to provide a more functional, therapeutic buzz.

Many people find delta 8 perfect for social situations. It takes the edge off and makes you more talkative and engaged.

Delta 8 exists in a legal gray area. Technically, it can be legal if derived from hemp and contains less than 0.3% delta 9 THC.

But some states see all synthetic cannabinoids as illegal. So legality varies. Make sure to check your local laws before trying it.

When purchased from a reputable company with proper lab testing, delta 8 should be legal under federal law. But things may change as more regulations develop around this substance.

How to Use Delta 8 Products

Delta 8 is available in various forms:

  • Edibles - candy, baked goods, beverages
  • Vapes - cartridges and disposable vape pens
  • Tinctures/oils - taken under the tongue
  • Flower - smokable buds to roll joints
  • Concentrates - waxes, crumbles,isolates

Edibles and vapes are the most popular methods. Start low with ingestible products like gummies or capsules. Only take a small dose until you understand the effects.

Combining Delta 8 with CBD

You can combine delta 8 with CBD for maximum therapeutic effects. CBD is non-intoxicating and balances out any anxiety from THC.

Some products already mix delta 8 with CBD isolate or broad spectrum CBD distillate. This allows precise dosing for the desired feeling.

Adding some CBD may help if delta 8 makes you overly paranoid or anxious. It can mellow out the psychoactive effects.

The Takeaway – A Casual Cannabinoid

Delta 8 THC provides a mild euphoric high that many describe as uplifting and therapeutic. It exists in a legal gray area but avoids the full intensity of traditional THC.

If you want cannabis effects without intense anxiety or paranoia, delta 8 may be perfect for you. It offers light intoxication alongside bodily relaxation and mental clarity.

Just start slow with low doses until you understand how this unique compound affects your body and mind. Delta 8 continues rising in popularity thanks to its casual and functional buzz.

Frequently Asked Questions About Delta 8 THC

Let's go over some common questions people have about this trendy new cannabinoid.

What Do Delta 8 Gummies Feel Like?

Delta 8 gummies create a relaxing yet functional high. You may feel a bit spaced out, uplifted, silly, and free of stress. Start with just one gummy until you understand the effects. Only redose after 2+ hours if needed.

How Long Does Delta 8 Last?

If smoking delta 8 flower or vaping oil, the high lasts 1-3 hours. With edibles, expect the effects to peak at 2-4 hours and taper off over 4-8 hours. Always wait sufficient time before taking more.

Is Delta 8 Safe? Are There Side Effects?

When buying from a reputable company, delta 8 appears reasonably safe. But some people do report side effects like:

  • Anxiety or paranoia
  • Increased heart rate
  • Dry mouth
  • Red eyes
  • Hunger
  • Drowsiness

Start with a low dose to assess tolerance. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how delta 8 affects you.

Can You Fail a Drug Test for Delta 8?

Yes, most standard drug tests cannot distinguish delta 8 THC from delta 9 THC. So you may fail for THC and the test will come up positive. Avoid delta 8 if you get routinely screened for cannabis.

Is Delta 8 Addictive?

Delta 8 does not appear very addictive or habit forming according to current research. But studies are still limited.

With any substance that causes intoxication, there is always a risk of psychological dependence in some users. This risk seems minor but should not ignored.

Can You Fly With Delta 8 Products?

While hemp-derived delta 8 is federally legal, it exists in a gray area. TSA agents may mistake if for marijuana.

To avoid problems, don't fly with any delta 8 products. Or mail them to your destination beforehand. Consuming delta 8 right before flights is also not recommended.

Delta 8 legality varies between states. Some have banned delta 8 products entirely. Others permit them if following federal hemp laws. Check your local cannabis laws to understand if and how these products can be purchased or possessed where you live.

What's Better - Delta 8 or Delta 9?

Delta 9 THC is what people think of with traditional cannabis. Delta 8 provides lighter, more functional effects by comparison. Both offer therapeutic benefits depending on your needs and tolerance. Delta 8 works better for some people due to less anxiety or paranoia.

Can I Give My Pet Delta 8 Products?

No, do not give any THC products to your pets or animals. Delta 8 has not been studied in animals and can cause very serious harm depending on factors like weight and metabolism. Stick to pet-specific CBD products if you want cannabis remedies for creature companions.

Summary

Delta 8 THC is a minor cannabinoid found in small quantities within the cannabis plant alongside the major compounds THC and CBD. Through extraction and isolation or synthetic conversion of CBD, concentrated delta 8 products have emerged in oils, edibles, vapes and more.

Delta 8 causes mild psychoactive effects described as uplifting, relaxing, reducing anxiety and pain, and promoting focus. It produces a lighter high than traditional THC, allowing therapeutic benefits without intense intoxication.

The delta 8 high sets in over 1-3 hours when vaped or smoked and 2-4 hours with edibles, lasting 4-8 hours in total. Federal law permits delta 8 if derived from hemp and containing under 0.3% delta 9 THC. But numerous states are banning or restricting delta 8 products.

When purchased from reputable brands with proper lab testing, delta 8 appears reasonably safe. But some users report side effects like anxiety, dry mouth, hunger, and drowsiness. You can still fail drug tests for THC when taking delta 8.

Overall delta 8 allows a casual, functional buzz alongside bodily relaxation and enhanced mood. It works well for social gatherings or creative endeavors where clear-headedness is desired alongside cannabis effects. Try starting with low doses to assess your personal tolerance.

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