Do you want to know more about Delta 8 THC? The cannabinoid is lesser known than the famous THC but could be what you are seeking. Find out more in this ultimate guide.

There are over 100 available cannabinoids in any given cannabis plant. Every one of them has some function and effects that scientists don’t even fully understand yet. There is so much going on inside a cannabis plant that it takes so long to differentiate between one thing and another and work it out entirely. One of the compounds that are found in cannabis is Delta 8 THC. Most of you have probably heard about THC before, but it’s doubtful that you’ve been fully informed about Delta 8. It is far more likely that you have listened to Delta 9, which is usually just shortened to THC.

Delta 8 THC is an exciting topic, with research being carried out on the cannabinoid more frequently with the rising numbers of positive feedback. Delta 8 THC can come in many forms, and we’re going to be talking a little more about these a little further down to ensure that everyone gets what they are seeking.

Delta 8 THC may not be as widely known as the normal THC, but that doesn’t mean it is not necessarily what you are seeking. People are often looking for the perfect blend of results that Delta 8 THC can carry without the harsher side effects that negatively impact you.

In this guide, you will find all the information that you could need surrounding Delta 8 THC, so if you do want to know more, keep reading.

 

What Is Delta 8 THC?

Delta 8 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a cannabinoid found in minimal concentrations in the cannabis plant. It is psychoactive and has several different properties. The 8 in Delta 8 represents the chemical bond placement, which is just one step over from where it is in Delta 9.

Antiemetic, orexigenic, anxiolytic, neuroprotection and analgesic properties are all found within Delta 8 THC. Cannabinoid-synthesizing enzymes do not directly produce it within the cannabis plant. It is the result of Delta 9 THC being stored for an extended period and degrading into Delta 8 THC.

There has not been much research conducted into the minor or secondary cannabinoids. Most studies that have been completed have been done on Delta 9 THC or cannabidiol (CBD). As such, there is only basic knowledge about Delta 8 THC and what it is. It is known that it is a minor cannabinoid. Commercial growers use selective breeding and molecular isolation to access more significant amounts of Delta 8 THC, seeing as it is only found naturally in tiny pieces.
 

The literal definition of Delta 8 THC is:

“An analog of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with antiemetic, anxiolytic, appetite-stimulating, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties. [Delta-8-THC] binds to the cannabinoid G-protein coupled receptor CB1, located in the central nervous system…This agent exhibits a lower psychotropic potency than [delta-9-THC], the primary form of THC found in cannabis.”

Essentially then, it is a cannabinoid that is found in cannabis plants and has the power to provide you with the high that you are looking for as it changes the fundamentals of how your body works, if only for a few hours. Instead of giving some of the side effects, such as not being able to sleep or feeling a little too buzzed, most people who use this drug wind up just chilling out.

Nobody is willing to make any claim, medicinal or otherwise, about how Delta 8 THC is being put into the products or the impacts it has at the time. There are no definitive answers as to how Delta 8 THC impacts the body or the feelings that it can incur. Specialists have made claims about lifestyle, health, and medicinal purposes, but they have yet to be proven.
 

How Will You Know If It Is Good Quality?

If quality is what you are looking for, you need to pay close attention to many things. Many products containing Delta 8 THC look the same, but that doesn’t mean that they are. You never know what is in something. It would help if you remembered that you should only ever buy from a reliable brand, meaning a company or person you have researched and generally has good reviews. Only reputable brands are going to have what you need without being worried about the source.

You also need to think about the color if you see the distillate. The color will tell you precisely how refined and potent the result is. If the distillate is dark or has some black hue, make sure that you never use it. It would be best if you also thought about the clarity. Think of it as a diamond; the more apparent it is, the better quality it is.

When it comes to clarity, you will know if something has gone wrong with the extraction or the distillation process. Flaws in the clarity mean there has been an error, which is a huge mistake. Make sure to check this out if you are around for this part of the process. If not, then you’re going to have it trust the product you buy.

It’s essential that you also know about potency. Most distillates range from 85-99% in overall power because the lower the strength, the less you will feel the effect. Always check the potency to see if everything seems fine.

How Does Delta 8 THC Work With The Endocannabinoid System And The Body?

The body has what is known as endocannabinoid receptors all over. Delta 8 THC binds to the CB1 receptors, which are found in the central nervous system. It is true it attaches to the CB2 receptors, but there is less known about this and the mechanism used to do so. This is very similar to the other THC, but there are different effects due to the slightly different molecular structure. It is the CB1 receptor that is responsible for diluting the psychotropic impacts of Delta 8 THC.

The significance of this is quite overwhelming, seeing as most CB1 receptors are in your brain, whereas CB2 receptors are more commonly found in your immune system. Based on the research that has been conducted, THC or Delta 9 tends to form stronger bonds with the CB1 receptors.

The binding could be the significant difference as to why Delta 8 THC is known to give a clearer high, coupled with the reduced anxiety that has been reported. Due to the difference, research indicates that  Delta-8 can be less than 50% as potent as Delta-9, with some having even more minor. It is also theorized, and not yet proven, that the bonding and unique molecular structure of Delta 8 THC could impact the effects on other receptors and neural pathways.
 

Delta 8 THC Products

Delta 8 THC is now sold in a variety of products. Because scientists have been able to find a way to extract or convert Delta 8 THC, they have created quite a few options for those interested. One of the most common products you can purchase is a tincture, a convenient and straightforward way for anyone who wants to use cannabis without smoking it or anything else. With a mixture, you put it under your tongue, and it will start to work pretty soon after.

Another option that you have is a Delta-8 THC Softgel. Softgels are in capsule form and precisely measured for convenience and exact dosing routines. Many prefer softgels for their ease of use and similar ingestion as typical capsules with all the benefits associated with Delta-8 THC. Discreet, highly transportable, and mess-free, Softgels have become an increasingly popular form of using Delta-8 THC. Softgels are preferred amongst beginners but have a place for experienced Delta-8 users as well. As the measured amounts allow for complete control of dosage, beginners can ease into Delta-8 milligrams at a time and experienced users can control their increase in dose amounts, treating each Softgel as a stepping stone.

You can choose from vape cartridges; Cartridges allow users to enjoy a mess-free experience with little to no accessories. They are also more suitable for those users who still prefer a smoking experience without the heavy carcinogens and toxins that usually come with smoking standard joints.

You can also choose from a multitude of edibles in various flavors. Chewy candies, that range from fruit-flavored worm shapes, tangerine, watermelon, and peach. You can have great fun with bear-shaped chewy candies, like the ones you used to keep in your pockets when you were a kid. Cosmic rings for when you’re truly feeling the bite of a sweet tooth or you can opt for Delta-8 Bombs, pop one of those in your mouth for a taste of the rainbow. Whatever the preference, there’s an edible for every customer.

Shatter is another option for those on the adventurous side. Much like the Delta-9 form of Shatter, it can be used in the same way. Sprinkle a bit of this on your favorite rolled smokable and feel the effects as the Delta-8 is absorbed quickly into your bloodstream. Our Delta-8 Shatter is extremely well concentrated for easy distribution to experienced veterans, with beautiful amber coloring and a natural flavor.

What Effects Does Delta 8 THC Have?

More research is needed to confirm for sure what happens when different cannabinoids are used. Due to being psychoactive, it impacts the way that the brain works, causing various changes throughout your body. This could be anything from thoughts and feelings to your behavior and awareness. Before you get too worried about how this sounds, some of the other common psychoactive substances on the market now include caffeine and alcohol. Some of the commonly reported effects of using Delta 8 THC are euphoria, the feeling of being relaxed, sleepiness, enhancement of colors, and increased body awareness. Of course, not everyone will experience all of the effects that we have listed, and some may experience something entirely different.

Most people who used Delta 8 THC reported that they had the same effects when using Delta 9 THC.

According to hearsay, people who have used Delta 8 THC have reported that it stimulated their appetite, reduced nausea, and helped them feel calmer, of course, this can’t be proven and is only anecdotal. It has been said to have fewer psychotropic effects than some of the other cannabinoids, such as Delta 9 THC. Delta 9 THC has had reports of much harsher effects. Delta 8 THC is not known for causing milder effects, making it more suited to those who want a smooth sensation. Something to take the edge off without the worry of Delta-9 THC effects.

However, this doesn’t mean that there isn’t a potential to see negative impacts when using Delta 8 THC. While it is not common to experience adverse side effects when using Delta-8 THC, the potential is still there, which means you need to be aware of some risks. Delta 8 THC may cause dryness of the mouth and throat, altered visual imagery, difficulty thinking, speaking, remembering, reading, time distortion, weakness, musical tension, reduced motor coordination, and paresthesia. The same as with the positive effects, there is no way to be sure if someone will react to Delta 8 THC until they have taken it.

More and more people are reporting positive effects and experiences with Delta 8 THC, which has made the market boom. Due to the overwhelmingly positive feedback received, the amount of products has jumped, with a whole range of them.
 

How Is Delta 8 THC Manufactured?

Manufacturing Delta 8 THC isn’t easy. There usually isn’t enough growing in any given cannabis plant, which means that removing enough to produce a potent product that will provide a noticeable effect to the user is extremely difficult. However, it is possible if you are dedicated to manufacturing it. You may have to go through several different processes to find the one that works best. Still, it is possible, despite plants only containing less than 1% Delta-8 THC naturally. There are several methods to manufacturing Delta-8 THC and the following is only some of them.

To manufacture Delta 8 THC, you are going to need a hemp flower. You need to break it down and run it through the fractional distillation process. Once this is done, use a thin film distillation and utilize variations in temperature and pressure so that you can isolate the Delta 8 THC. This is known as thin-film distillation and is only employed by some companies on the market. Essentially, this process converts Delta 9 THC into Delta 8 THC in a short amount of time.

This is not the only way that you can go about extracting the Delta 8 THC, though. Commercial processors use a range of different methods, from selective breeding to distillation and even molecular isolation.

A 2004 patent was filed to convert common cannabinoid CBD into Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC. This method is now known as isomerization and is one of the main ways companies extract Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC.
 

What Is The Relationship Between Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC?

Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC are highly similar, barring a few electrons in different places. Due to this, they have a pretty close relationship. They are both found in the cannabis plant and are psychoactive cannabinoids. Delta 8 THC is an isomer of Delta 9 THC but is less potent. The relationship between the two is quite simple: they are very similar with a couple of striking differences. While Delta 9 THC is the primary drug in cannabis that gets people high, Delta 8 THC can also cause this effect but is less known than its famous cousin.

Delta 9 THC is what people are referring to when they say THC. Many people don’t know that there is more than one type of THC. Qualitatively, Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC’s psychological and physiological impacts have are similar, but there are a couple of slight differences, which are their distinctive features.
 

Delta 8 THC, Why You Should Try It

The unique properties of Delta 8 THC allow it to be helpful in several situations. For example, if you know that you need to take the edge off a little bit, but you also know that you will need to stay fully coherent and alert, then Delta 8 THC could be the solution for you. Often, with Delta 9, the effect can be more akin to a high, and there is no way you would be able to function appropriately in a polite society. It’s also true to say that some Delta 9 has become overwhelmingly potent and one could find themselves in a social predicament if exposed to those versions. Instead of providing joy and a sense of relief, Delta 9 can add to stress and anxiety, but Delta 8 may be a solution to gaining the euphoria found in THC without the drawbacks.

There is no recommended dose, as its effects may differ from person and body type, but it is recommended that you experiment, erring on the side of caution. Of course, if you are already experienced with THC and would like to try the Delta-8 version, you may already have an idea of how much you can take. If you’re new to the entire world of THC, then it’d be best to try small doses at a time and if you don’t feel immediate effects, wait until your next time to try a higher dose.
 

How Is Delta 8 THC Different From Delta 9 THC?

Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC are very similar atomically, being only electrons apart, but a few rearranged electrons can mean the difference between Spicolli from Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Makiiavelli from ancient history. That being said, Delta 8 would appear to have a smoother experience than its almost twin. When Delta 8 is being used, there is less risk of anxiety and paranoia than when other cannabinoids are being consumed. As such, it makes it a more appealing option to those who want something smooth and uncomplicated.

Another key difference is that users typically develop a tolerance to Delta 8 far quicker than any other cannabinoid such as Delta 9. This means that the more often you use Delta 8, the less you feel any adverse effects. You will then be able to smoke higher doses with a better understanding of how it will affect you.

If you are looking for something that will give you the effects of cannabis on a therapeutic level and no further, Delta 8 should be considered. Delta 9 THC is more associated with a sedative kind of impact than Delta 8 THC, which is known to give more clear-headed and energized feelings.

While the differences between the two are subtle due to the structure, they are still there, and if you look carefully, you will find them. You should be aware that Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC’s difference is that Delta 8 is legal in most States, but Delta 9 isn’t. Due to the concentration in Hemp and cannabis, which is less than 1 percent, it is hard to classify it as a dangerous drug. Arguably, it was legalized back in December 2018 with the Farmer Bill, but it wasn’t until September 2019 that the first online retailer sold Delta 8 THC products to consumers. Today, they are traded on the market, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t still debate about their use.

You will also notice a difference in the cost between the two. Delta 9 THC tends to be cheaper because it is the most popular cannabinoid and is used more often than not. If you want something that has Delta 8 THC in it, you’re going to have to be looking for it specifically, and due to its manufacturing process, it is considered more expensive by the weight.

The most significant difference is that it provides similar effects to Delta 9 THC, without some of the negative impacts people don’t want. Delta 8 THC can produce the same kind of impact as Delta 9 THC; think of it as a watered-down version.
 

Where To Be Careful With Delta 8 THC

The only thing that you need to be aware of when it comes to being careful is that you could fail a drug test if you have had any drugs and get randomly tested. The drug test does not differentiate between THC types, so even though Delta 8 is technically legal, it’s not going to be seen that way with a chemical drug test. Check all the rules and regulations surrounding this to be specific, and make sure that you are checking for the area you live in and with your employer.

We can’t give a definitive answer to the question because rules and regulations differ between regions and employers. Laws are varied and complex, so we recommend checking the legal standing before you move forward with Delta-8 THC consumption. We are in no way qualified to be giving out legal advice, so that’s all we can say about being careful on the matter.

Ideally, it would help if you constantly stay as vigilant regarding substances that could impair your mind. We’re not saying this will happen, but if it does, you do not want to be caught in a situation of compromise, unable to make important decisions, or defend your actions.

We hope you have found this guide helpful and now know everything you need about Delta 8 THC. If you are looking for something that will give you the therapeutic impacts of cannabis without undesirable side effects, it is worth giving it a shot. Of course, we must point out that there are no guaranteed effects of using any cannabis, so this is something you should keep in mind. Understanding Delta 8 THC should give you an idea about whether it is something that you will want to try to fit Delta-8 in your lifestyle.