Delta 8 is a cannabinoid that is naturally found in cannabis. It can be extracted from both hemp and marijuana plants, and unlike other cannabinoids, Delta 8 has unique properties that make it beneficial for a variety of purposes. What makes this cannabinoid most popular is that it’s a form of THC, meaning it carries similar psychoactive effects, and it’s also legal to use, sell, and distribute in most states. In this blog post, we’ll take a comprehensive look at Delta 8, its benefits, and how it can be used.
Since the legality of this cannabinoid is a concern for many, we’ll also share why it’s legal and where you can purchase Delta 8 products to try for yourself. Continue reading, we have plenty of information to share about the hemp industry’s most popular psychoactive cannabinoid.
What is Delta 8?
Delta 8 is a natural cannabis compound often derived from hemp. It is defined as “an analogue of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), with potential antiemetic, anxiolytic, appetite-stimulating, analgesic, and neuroprotective activities.” It is a form of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), similar to Delta 9, the highly concentrated compound dominant in marijuana. Delta 8 can be consumed in a variety of different ways and will get you high, causing euphoric, energetic, and sedative-like effects, including relief from some symptoms.
Though Delta 8 and Delta 9 are similar, they have two different chemical structures and both produce different levels of psychoactivity. Delta 8 is much less potent than Delta 9, so you’ll still gain those same effects, except that they won’t be nearly as strong. Despite it being similar to Delta 9, Delta 8 remains legal on a federal level, thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, which made hemp legal. Most Delta 8 is manufactured from CBD, which is hemp-derived, giving it its legal status.
Though many cannabinoids have emerged onto the market, it is Delta 8 that has taken a good portion of the spotlight. It was one of the first psychoactive forms of THC to make its way to the legal side of the market on a federal level. It is also the first legal psychoactive cannabinoid to dethrone Cannabidiol (CBD)—a cannabinoid that initially brought hemp’s claim to fame. CBD has since taken a downward spiral in terms of popularity.
Today, Delta 8 continues on an upward trajectory, becoming the face of the psychoactive side of the hemp market. Delta 8 has become the most popular choice for users.
The Potential Benefits of Delta 8
The most unique part about Delta 8 is that it provides many of the benefits of Delta 9. Alongside the euphoria, it has become a great option for people who are most interested in the medicinal benefits without the potent “high” you receive from marijuana.
Some of the potential benefits of Delta 8 include:
- Euphoria
- Relaxation
- Neuroprotective Properties
- Stimulate Appetite
- Antiemetic Effects
- Analgesic Properties
- Anxiolytic Effects
Additionally, Delta 8 has anxiolytic effects, which means you are likely to have fewer anxiety symptoms, when compared to other cannabinoids, such as Delta 9.
While there is a range of studies showing that Delta 8 is capable of reliving various symptoms, more research needs to be conducted to fully understand all of the potential benefits of Delta 8.
How To Use Delta 8
Being more familiar with this special cannabinoid means that you’re ready to use it. When you are ready to use Delta 8, you have many options to choose from. There are a large number of Delta 8 products on the market, and the most popular methods to use them include:
- Smoking: Believe it or not but there is such a thing as Delta 8 flower. Since most Delta 8 comes from CBD, in order for manufacturers to create Delta 8 flower, they must coat hemp flower with a ‘mist’ of Delta 8.
- Vaping: Easily the most popular method of using Delta 8 is through a disposable vape or vape cartridge. The cannabinoid is infused with terpenes to provide controllable effects and the most amazing flavors.
- Edibles: When you are looking for long-lasting effects and a sweet treat that is sure to satisfy your taste buds, edibles are what you’ll want. They include gummies, brownies, crispy treats, and more, and they’re infused with Delta 8.
- Tinctures: While it isn’t always the first choice, tinctures are an excellent way to enjoy Delta 8. It’s basically a bottle of liquid that features an infusion of Delta 8. Oftentimes, the tinctures will include a delicious flavor. When using tinctures, you’ll place a drop under the tongue, allow 30 seconds or so for it to absorb into your bloodstream, and swallow.
- Capsules: Capsules are definitely gaining more popularity because they’re more discreet, have no taste, and must be digested. Most products that have to go through the digestive process provide prolonged effects.
The Legality of Delta 8
Delta 8 is federally legal in the United States. The legality of Delta 8 was questionable some time ago, however, we recently shared a news article telling that the U.S. court ruled Delta-8 legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. While it is federally legal, some states have chosen to ban Delta 8. It will be easier to share the states that have explicitly banned it, which are the following:
- Alaska – Even though recreational cannabis is legal, Delta 8 has been banned.
- Arizona – Cannot be used, possess, sell, purchase, distribute, produced, or manufactured.
- Colorado – Anytime cannabinoids are converted from hemp using a chemical process, it is illegal.
- Delaware – They’ve banned any product or compound that contains THC.
- Idaho – All forms of THC are illegal.
- Minnesota – A bill passed that made products with 0.3% of any type of THC illegal. Edibles can contain no more than 5mg of THC.
- Montana – All THC is illegal.
- Nevada – The state added Delta 8 to its list of banned compounds.
- New York – The state banned hemp products made through isomerization.
- North Dakota – They’ve included Delta 8 into their list of isomers banned.
- Oregon – The state banned all artificially derived cannabinoids.
- Rhode Island – The state has banned all forms of THC.
- Utah – The state has banned all isomers of THC.
- Vermont – State confirmed that producers cannot manufacture Delta 8.
- Washington – Marijuana license holders cannot make or sell Delta 8.
Where To Buy Delta 8 Products
There are a few online stores that we recommend where you can buy Delta 8 products. Sure, a quick search on google will bring up plenty of stores but as you know, there are good apples and bad apples in every market. We’ve chosen to recommend a few of the good ones that we’ve found to stock only premium quality products that are the most effective. Feel free to take a look at some of the vendors below.
Superstrain
D8 Superstore
Delta Extrax
Conclusion
Overall, Delta 8 is a potent cannabinoid with many potential benefits and a solid layer of effects that you can depend on. It is easily the most popular cannabinoid derived from hemp, and some people even argue that it has overtaken CBD when it comes to sales and popularity. If you’re new to psychoactive cannabinoids derived from hemp and it’s legal in your state, we definitely recommend starting with Delta 8 and experiencing its more ‘tolerable’ effects.
