Delta-8 THC is having a bit of a moment thanks to solving two problems for fans of cannabis.
The first is legality. Since the federal government is still punting the ball on the legalization of cannabis with THC, patients have sought out other legal options. Secondly, Delta-8 THC isn’t as strong as traditional THC. So for those of you who love marijuana but have a tough time properly dosing it, well, consider Delta-8 to the rescue. Of course, that’s just the basics.
Before you start ordering online, make sure you understand what you’re getting into. From where it’s legal, to how it works, and if it gets you high, there’s a lot to learn. Here is everything you need to know about Delta-8 THC.
What exactly is Delta-8 THC?
Delta-8 THC is a minor cannabinoid that is found in both hemp and cannabis plants. When consumed, this compound can get you high, improve your mood, provide muscle relief, sedate you, and more. However, it is much milder than the traditional Delta-9 THC (the main psychoactive cannabinoid in weed).
When most people talk about THC, they’re actually talking about Delta-9 THC, which is found in cannabis plants. In fact, when we say THC in this article, we’re using that as shorthand for Delta-9 THC. While THC and Delta-8 THC are similar, there are important differences.
The biggest difference is its strength and how you consume it. Delta-8 THC is to Delta-9 THC what a cup of tea is to a cup of espresso. When consuming Delta-8 THC, your experience will be dramatically milder than you’d normally expect with a THC product.
This is good news for people who have been burned by nuclear strength edibles. You may also be surprised to find out that you can’t smoke Delta-8 (more on how you can consume it later).
Eating, vaping, or using Delta-8 THC as a topical has a lower risk of getting too high than when compared to the use of Delta-9 THC-based products. This is weed for people who aren’t looking to lose an afternoon or see God, but just want to relax.
How does it compare to CBD?
While THC and Delta-8 are chemically similar, CBD and Delta-8 have much less in common compositionally. And effects-wise, they’re radically different. Delta-8 THC is psychoactive, meaning it can get you zooted.
On the other hand, CBD offers more calming effects, helping decrease anxiety and insomnia. However, when combined with Delta-8 THC, CBD can enhance the effects of your Delta-8 experience.
Wait, is Delta-8 THC legal?
At the moment Delta-8 THC is mostly legal. Of course the important words there are “at the moment” and “mostly.”
Here’s why it’s legal right now, most places: Delta-8 is found in both cannabis and hemp plants. Most of the Delta-8 on the market is cultivated from hemp. Following the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, it became legal to grow, use, and sell hemp-based products in much of the USA. That being said, much isn’t the same as all. That’s why you can buy a CBD joint in Chattanooga, TN, but you’d go to jail for the same joint in Iowa City, Iowa.
These laws also impact Delta-8. This cannabinoid is legal in most places that CBD is legal. So, it is certainly more legal than traditional weed products. But, here’s where it starts to get complicated. States have started to attack Delta-8, making exceptions to the Farm Bill. Delta-8 is already banned in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Kentucky, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, Rhode Island, and Utah. Unbelievably, it’s also banned in the weed wonderland of Colorado.
More states are on the way, with North Dakota, Alabama, and Oregon (where like Colorado, THC is legally available) looking to ban it next. Then you have states that are expanding access. Rather than ban Delta-8, Florida, for example, has simply regulated the substance. Every state is different, and it’s worth double-checking your local legislation before purchasing any Delta-8 products.
Can I have it delivered to my house?
Provided it is legal in your state to buy Delta-8 THC products, you can have them shipped to your home. If you are buying from a reputable supplier they will let you know where they can ship to you or not.
That said, some stores allow you to check for yourself. Our favorite spot for quick reference is over at the LiftedMade store.
Does Delta-8 THC get you high? What’s the proper dose?
Part of the joy of Delta-8 is figuring out your own dose without fear of accidentally going too far. Delta-8 is highly stackable, meaning you can slowly build to your proper dose without experiencing any unwanted side effects.
To better understand Delta-8 THC, we spoke to Dr. Lynn Parodneck. Dr. Parodneck is a medical marijuana doctor working with cancer, HIV, ALS, Parkinson’s, MS, IBD, and chronic pain patients in Westchester, NY. For Dr. Parodneck’s patients, the stackability allows for more control in their lives.
“Often my patients like Delta-8 for the afternoon,” Parodneck explained over the phone. “It gives them a little lift, but they can still do their day. The whole thing with micro-dosing and stacking is to get consistent medication throughout the day so you don’t slump down. And Delta-8 is absolutely stackable.”
Measuring your dose will depend on how you’re taking the medicine. Edibles will have a suggested serving size. Start with that, and wait an hour. Then, if you decide you need to up your dose, you can take a little more.
Vaping is where it’s easiest to go too far. Take one or two hits, but then put it down and step away. Particularly if you’re used to weed vapes, the high of Delta-8 may take a minute longer than normal to recognise. It’s all about pace. Ask yourself if you enjoy a milder experience before immediately jumping head first into some more.
And then there are topicals, which, in my opinion, are the easiest to dose since you don’t have to worry so much about intense psychoactive effects. Just use them as prescribed, and if you go a little far, don’t worry. The worst that can happen with too many bath bombs is being too chill.
Source: Daily Dot
Image: Unsplashed
