An Easy Guide To Understanding What Is Delta-8 THC

Cannabinoids and cannabis products have come a long way, especially in recent years. The study and research into these products have become quite advanced and for good reason.

Cannabis products have shown to be a great way to unwind and have many mental and physical health benefits. Depending on where you live, you can stroll into a store and pick up some cannabis gummies, juice, or even chocolate!

If you’ve heard a lot more talk of delta-8 THC recently, you’re not wrong. There’s a lot of buzz around this new cannabinoid and for good reason. There are lots of reasons to try out cannabis products, including delta-8. If you’re curious to learn more about this hot new product, you’ve come to the right place! Follow this easy guide to catch up on everything you need to know about delta-8 THC.

DELTA 8
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What is delta-8 THC?

For starters, delta-8 THC is a new minor cannabinoid 1that has gained a lot of popularity recently. It’s often referred to as a “lighter” and more easily acquirable version of the classic THC compound.

Cannabis, or hemp, the plant produces many natural compounds, the most important of which are CBD and THC. CBD products can have medicinal benefits and are easier to come by in states that allow marijuana products.

THC are compounds that produce the characteristic “high” that cannabis users enjoy. There are 4 main types of THC derived from the hemp plant, including delta-9, delta-8, THCA, and THCV. If derived from the plant, they’re illegal, depending on the state.

What makes delta-8 special is that it can be synthesized from CBD, making it legal to attain through a loophole! The delta-8 type THC has similar effects to the other THC types, but is less potent, making it an attractive option in today’s market.

HEMP
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Where can you get delta-8?

Because of the lesser legal restriction on delta-8,2 you can source it more commonly and openly than other cannabis products. Unlike the other THC types, you’re more likely to find delta-8. Its production and distribution are legalized through CBD production.

If you’re looking for where to buy Delta-8 in Florida, you can find it in many vape shops, dispensaries, and convenience stores in states that allow them. If you’re looking for a THC-similar effect, be sure to look up your local dispensaries to see if they’re stocked up on delta-8.

Types of delta-8 products?

Although it’s still new on the market, delta-8 products 3come in many shapes and sizes. Most notably, they come in edible, vapour, and distillate forms, as well as in the form of tinctures and creams. Ingesting delta-8 is more potent than inhaling it, so your choice of product depends on how strong of an effect you want. 

The most common edible delta-8 products are like most available CBD products. Gummies, lollies, baked goods, and chocolate to name a few. Because of its bitter taste, it’s often consumed alongside something sweet.

Delta-8 is available in vape form for those looking to experience a quicker but shorter high. Delta-8 distillates are the purest form available, and you can use and infuse them how you wish. Whether you prefer to ingest, inhale, or spread it on your skin, there are plenty of ways to try out delta-8.

What does it do?

As previously mentioned, delta-8 is a psychoactive and psychedelic substance. This means that it gives the user a “high” effect that can be felt as a happy, euphoric feeling. Since it’s a relatively new compound on the market, research shows that it now has intoxication effects after ingestion or inhalation. Delta-8 gives users a clearer high without getting paranoid or anxious.

Apart from this, delta-8 also has other effects common with cannabis products. It reduces anxiety, helps the user sleep, and provides pain relief. Possible side effects include those similar to the side effects of THC.

These include dry or cottonmouth, “munchies”, and short-term memory issues. It’s good to keep in mind that because of its lower potency, the effects of delta-8 will be similar to but less than regular THC types. 

Delta-8 vs. CBD

Since delta-8 THC is synthesized from CBD in hemp, the average user might be expecting the same effect from both. This is not the case, as the two have different chemical structures and affect the body differently. Delta-8 has a similar structure to delta-9 THC and has a more similar effect to it than CBD. Delta-8 binds to the endocannabinoid system the same way that delta-9 does.

CBD does not bind to the endocannabinoid system as readily as THC, which is why it doesn’t have the same intoxicating effect. Where CBD is used for medical or recreational use, THC is not.

If you’re looking to experience a milder euphoric high, turn to delta-8 products. If you’re looking for stronger relief from sleep issues, pain, and anxiety, turn to CBD products. 

Delta 8 gummies
Photo by Elsa Olofsson on Unsplash

Why use delta-8?

It’s clear that delta-8 THC products provide users with another option, but should people use it in place of other cannabis products? Delta-8 is a safe and soft way to ease into cannabis products if you’re a beginner. Because of its lower potency, it’s great for beginners looking to try out the effects of cannabis, without going in too deep. 

Delta-8 also provides a happy medium between the effects of THC and CBD for those looking to try both. Like with all new substances, you need to ease yourself into it to get accustomed to the feel. Delta-8 is shown to be the perfect stepping stone into the world of cannabis products. 

So there you have it! With this simple guide under your belt, you’re all caught up on all things delta-8! Delta-8 is a newer, synthetic version of THC4 that is easier to get and lighter to use. You can get this cannabinoid in any place that sells cannabis products in your area, but remember to check! Delta-8 comes in a wide variety of products to fit your needs and wants. 

The main thing to keep in mind with delta-8 is that it’s considered the “marijuana lite”. It gives a clearer but less potent high, without the anxiety or paranoia.

It’s shown to have a similar effect to CBD in some cases and it is great for beginners who are new to cannabis products. Whether you’re in need of some relaxation or are looking for inspiration, look for delta-8 THC in your dispensaries today!

  1. Walsh, Kenneth B., Amanda E. McKinney, and Andrea E. Holmes. “Minor cannabinoids: biosynthesis, molecular pharmacology and potential therapeutic uses.” Frontiers in Pharmacology 12 (2021): 777804. ↩︎
  2. Leas, Eric C., et al. “Public interest in∆ 8-Tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-THC) increased in US states that restricted∆ 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC) use.” International Journal of Drug Policy 101 (2022): 103557. ↩︎
  3. Kaczor, Eric E., et al. “Commercial Delta-8 THC Products: an Analysis of Content and Labeling.” Journal of Medical Toxicology 20.1 (2024): 31-38. ↩︎
  4. Bloemendal, Victor RLJ, Jan CM van Hest, and Floris PJT Rutjes. “Synthetic pathways to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): an overview.” Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry 18.17 (2020): 3203-3215. ↩︎

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Icy Health Editorial Team

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