Cannabis and hemp plants are brimming with cannabinoids, which are chemicals that naturally occur in the bud of the plant. You might already be familiar with CBD and THC, which are the most prevalent cannabinoids in hemp. Each cannabinoid affects the body differently.
Cannabinoids can be responsible for making us feel relaxed or intoxicated. They also seem to have various health benefits, according to research.
A cannabinoid that is fast gaining traction is Delta-8 THC. But what’s the difference between regular THC and Delta-8 THC? And why do people use Delta-8 THC products?
Delta-8 THC vs regular THC
What we usually refer to as THC is actually Delta-9 THC. Delta-8 THC is very similar to Delta-9, except it’s less potent and less intoxicating. Some people also report that they don’t experience side effects (like munchies or dry mouth) as intensely when they use Delta-8 products. However, this hasn’t been studied effectively.
Delta-8 THC forms after delta-9 THC has been exposed to oxygen for a long period of time. This can happen if you don’t store cannabis correctly. However, this can also lead to mold and fungus forming.
When it comes to making Delta-8 THC, the Delta-9 THC is aged in a sterile setting.
Is Delta-8 THC legal?
The laws around Delta-8 THC are one of the primary reasons why it’s so popular.
Currently, most US laws specifically restrict cannabis with high levels of delta-9 THC. Few laws even mention delta-8 THC.
For example, hemp is legal on a federal level in the United States. The law states that, for a plant to be considered hemp, it needs to contain 0.3% delta-9 THC or less. However, delta-8 THC content is less restricted.
This is changing, though. While delta-8 THC remains legal on a federal level, some states have restricted its use. We recommend checking the law in your state.
Because of this, delta-8 THC is seen as a way to reap the effects of THC without running into legal issues.
Be aware that it can, however, show up on drug tests.
Why do people like Delta-8 THC?
Many people use delta-8 THC products for the same reason they use cannabis products. This can include:
Relaxation
Recreation
Social use
You might have seen the claim that delta-8 THC has health benefits. Unfortunately, the alleged benefits can’t be verified as the compound hasn’t been studied extensively enough.
Does Delta-8 THC have side effects?
Yes, it can have side effects. If you tend to experience side effects when using regular cannabis, you’re likely to feel them when you use delta-8 THC. However, some people report that the side effects are milder.
The most common side effects of THC include:
Dry mouth (cottonmouth)
A spike in appetite (the munchies)
Dry, red eyes
Lethargy and sleepiness
Nausea
If cannabis tends to give you intense side effects - including more worrying side effects like severe anxiety or paranoia - you might want to skip delta-8 THC products.
Using delta-8 THC for the first time? We recommend starting small and gradually increasing your dosage if desired. Remember to consume it responsibly
