Delta-8 is a must-know cannabinoid of 2021
Delta- 8 is in the spot light. More states and countries legalizing marijuana for medical and recreational purposes. The popularity of cannabinoids has been on the rise over the last couple of years. Despite what we’ve been conditioned to think, those substances offer unprecedented benefits that have been hidden.
Hemp is becoming a prominent part of our culture. Scientists and manufacturers can now safely work on new variations to further suit customer needs. Whether it’s different chemical profiles or forms of ingestion, we’re in the golden era of cannabis. The way this story unfolds will determine what our lives will look like in the decades to come.
What is Delta-8 THC?
Delta-8, or Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol, is one of over 100 cannabinoids naturally present in hemp. Its effects are similar to Delta-9, commonly known as THC, but much less potent. In reality, however, both Delta-8 and Delta-9 are considered THC because of their chemical profiles.
Delta-8 is a perfect choice for people who want to experience effects similar to THC but would like to start with lower doses. Delta-8 usually has between half and three-quarters of the potency of Delta-9. This makes it especially useful for beginners and people who wish to ingest cannabis for medical purposes.
History of Delta-8 THC
Delta-8 seems like a rather obscure cannabinoid that’s been gaining popularity in recent years. It’s far from new, however, in academic circles. Its first partial synthesis was published in 1941 by scientists at the University of Illinois. One year later, research was conducted on its effects on the body.
Total synthesis was achieved in 1965, with a stereospecific synthesis following in 1967. What this means for customers is that Delta-8 isn’t as new as it might seem. It has been around for close to half a decade, during which its benefits and safety have been scientifically proven.
How is Delta-8 made?
Delta-8, alongside other cannabinoids, is naturally found in hemp plants. The amounts, however, are typically too small and it’s therefore obtained from Delta-9 or CBD. That’s why many manufacturers will sell their Delta-8 products as derivatives of CBD. This is all in an effort to bypass various laws forbidding the sale of THC products.
The extraction process is relatively complex and more expensive compared to other cannabinoids, especially those used in this process. This is why the price of Delta-8 products is higher. To justify the production expenses that were necessary to change the chemical profile of CBD and turn it into THC.
Benefits of Delta-8
Delta-8 has been one of the most researched cannabinoids over the last decade. There have been many studies conducted on its benefits and how they compare to other substances found in hemp.
The National Cancer Institute has been at the forefront of those research efforts. They list Delta-8 as a substance analogous THC with many of its benefits.
There are many more benefits that are starting to emerge in recent studies. These include improved brain function, though whether those results can be replicated by more independent researchers remains to be seen.
How to dose Delta-8?
Delta-8, just like other cannabinoids, is dosed in milligrams. The exact dose depends on many factors, such as your weight, gender, and overall experience with cannabis. Based on the data derived from various studies conducted on the topic, we can determine what the average doses are.
- First-time users: from 5mg to 15mg
- Regular users: from 15mg to 45 mg
- Advanced users: from 45mg
Among other factors to consider when dosing Delta-8 is the reason why you want to take it. For example, when the primary objective is to relieve pain, you’ll need much less. But if you were taking it recreationally, you might opt for a higher dose.
Is Delta-8 safe?
Because Delta-8 has a similar chemical profile to Delta-9, which is the principal component of cannabis. Its effects on the body have been carefully researched over the past decades. Several studies have shown that it doesn’t affect cognitive abilities, such as speed, or executive function in the long term. This makes it a relatively unharmful substance.
It’s important to note that because Delta-8 is relatively new for consumers, many manufacturers might rush their production process to get the products out sooner. Its therefore recommended to make sure the products have been lab tested for safety and quality.
Does Delta-8 get you high?
Even though Delta-8 isn’t as potent as Delta-9, commonly known as THC, it can still get you high. With between half and three-quarters of the potency of THC, it can cause comparable psychoactive effects when the dose is adjusted.
Less potency, however, means that it’s easier to take smaller doses that won’t get you high. This is especially important for people who want to take Delta-8 for medical purposes and aren’t interested in its psychoactive effects, which might be difficult to avoid with Delta-9, unless you dose it very carefully, which can get difficult with some products.
Legal status of Delta-8
Delta-8 is derived from CBD. Many manufacturers will specify this on their labels to emphasize its legal status, even though it’s technically THC. This, in effect, creates a legal loophole that can be used to sell Delta-8 products as CBD.
There are bills pending in states such as Oklahoma and Alabama to close this loophole and ban Delta-8. Although Delta-8 is a federally legal substance, some states have explicitly banned its use, despite it coming from natural hemp.
States that have banned Delta-8 include:
Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Kentucky, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, New York, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and Washington.
Outside of those 15 states, Delta-8 remains legal for possession, sale, transportation, and consumption in the remaining 35 US states.
Steve’s Goods is shipping Delta-8 to all 50 states. However, if Delta-8 is not legal in your state we don’t recommend consuming it in public.
Is Delta-8 CBD?
Delta-8 is synthesized from CBD. Many manufacturers decide to disguise it as a CBD product to comply with the law in places where the sale of THC remains illegal. Its chemical profile is, however, closer to THC, and so are its effects. Because of that, even though Delta-8 is technically derived from CBD, it’s really THC.
CBD vs. THC
There are two key components in cannabis – THC and CBD. The first one, also known by its fancier scientific name of tetrahydrocannabinol, is what usually comes to mind when discussing cannabis. The substance is known its mental and physical effects, which include euphoria, altered states of mind, relaxation, and an increased appetite.
CBD, on the other hand, is used primarily for medical purposes and it doesn’t have any mind-altering effects. It’s been proven to alleviate mood support, and pain, and help with cognition, and is therefore legal in more regions around the world, with only 9 US states that forbid any use of marijuana-based CBD, including medical. Those are: Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Texas
Delta-8 vs. Delta-9
The main difference between Delta-8 and Delta-9 is the potency. Delta-9 is stronger than Delta-8, making it a better choice for people looking for higher doses. Delta-8 is recommended for people who are just experimenting with THC or use it for medical purposes where lower doses are recommended.
Still, Delta-8 might cause similar effects to Delta-9 if we just account for the difference in potency. Delta-8 offers around 50%-75% of the potency of Delta-9 so it’s possible to use them interchangeably
Delta-8 carts
Cart, or short for cartridge, is a container filled with liquid that is then attached to a vape pen. It’s a more affordable and environment-friendly solution than a disposable vape pen. Most Delta-8 carts use 510 threading which is common among most vape pens, meaning that those cartridges are very versatile.
Delta-8 carts are also easy to use and can be thrown away once used, with no need to refill them manually as with liquid, which often causes a mess, sticky hands, and much more. It’s one of the easiest ways to take Delta-8, or just any cannabinoid, whether it’s THC or CBD.
Delta-8 concentrate wax
Delta-8 dabs are manufactured in the form of sticky, hard, and waxy texture of golden color. It’s one of the purest forms of THC, and therefore designed for psychoactive-friendly consumers who are looking for higher doses to take their experience to the next level. Delta-8 concentrate is used with dab rigs that can be legally purchased in every state in designated stores.
The process is relatively easy. You just scoop out some Delta-8 wax out of the container, put it in your bong’s chamber, and you’re ready to go. The trip might begin like what you’re used to but after a couple of inhalations you’ll quickly see how dabbing a dab is like nothing else you’ve had before.
Can I order Delta-8 through mail?
The legal status of Delta-8 can get tricky at times. That’s because some states where cannabis is legal have explicitly banned Delta-8. It’s therefore always a good idea to make sure whether your state has legalized possession and transportation.
Currently, Delta-8 is banned or restricted in 15 US states. Those are: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Kentucky, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, New York, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and Washington.
Steve’s Goods ships to all 50 states but it is up to you to do your own research to make sure it is legal in your state.
