Cannabis is arguably one of the most versatile medicinal herbs. The changing fortunes in the marijuana industry are mainly attributable to the growing body of studies citing the plant for its numerous therapeutic properties. Extracts from the plant may help treat pain, anxiety, inflammatory diseases, and sleep disorders. Marijuana has also demonstrated tremendous potential for managing nausea, seizures, erectile dysfunction, and blood circulation issues, not to mention its recreational benefits.
Another interesting fact about cannabis is that the plant contains hundreds of therapeutically beneficial compounds called cannabinoids. This post looks at an emerging marijuana compound known as delta-8 THC. The areas the post shall tackle include how to extract delta-8 THC, the compound’s health benefits, and reasons to consider buying delta 8 THC products online.
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What Is Delta-8 THC?
We’ve already pointed out that the cannabis plant contains hundreds of medically useful substances known as cannabinoids. Examples include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), cannabichromene (CBC), etc.
Tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol are the most popular cannabinoids in marijuana. THC and CBD are also the most prominent substances occurring naturally in the plant. They can account for up to 40% of the total extracts in some cannabis species.
Like all cannabinoids, THC and CBD provide numerous health benefits. But these substances differ fundamentally in how they impact the user’s mind.
Tetrahydrocannabinol is both psychotropic and intoxicating. It’s the primary substance in weed that produces mind-altering effects. Cannabidiol, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive. CBD is mainly available in hemp products formulated for medicinal as opposed to recreational purposes.
Besides its psychedelic properties, another interesting fact about tetrahydrocannabinol is that it’s available in numerous isomers. Isomers are two or more substances with identical chemical formulas but different structural appearances.
The most common tetrahydrocannabinol isomer is called delta-9. Other lesser-known THC isomers include delta-8 THC and delta-10 THC.
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Are Delta 8 THC Products Legal?
The legality of delta-8 products depends primarily on the specific cannabis cultivar where the compound comes from.
Note that cannabis produces several variants, including marijuana and hemp. Although “marijuana” is prominently used as an alternative term for “cannabis,” the word may also imply cannabis cultivars are significantly high in THC. Hemp variants tend to be considerably high in CBD and low in THC.
Interestingly, however, delta 9 THC is the most common tetrahydrocannabinol obtained from marijuana cultivars. Delta-8 mainly comes from hemp.
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the federal and state consumption, possession, and trade of all hemp-derived cannabis goods. The only rider is that these products should contain a maximum delta-9 THC potency of 0.3%.
The fact that delta-8 is a derivative of hemp implies that the law views delta-8 products more favorably than their delta-9 counterparts.
Another reason regulators exhibit higher leniency towards delta-8 because the substance only produces mild psychoactive effects.
However, it’s worth noting that cannabis laws vary worldwide. These laws are constantly changing too. So, it’s best to check the marijuana laws in your specific jurisdiction to establish whether you can legally access delta-8 products or not.
Delta 8 THC vs. Delta 9 THC
Despite coming from the same cannabinoid, delta-8 and delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol have numerous fundamental differences. These isomers differ significantly in their molecular structure, origin, extraction methods, effects on the body, popularity, and legality.
Molecular Structure
The logic behind the names’ delta-8,’ ‘delta-9,’ and even’ delta-10 THC’ have a lot to do with the position of the double carbon atom bond in the structures of these isomers.
All three compounds have the chemical formula C₂₁H₃₀O₂. However, the double carbon atom in delta-8 THC appears in the 8th chain while delta-9 THC has its double carbon atom in the 9th chain.
Origin
Both delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC come from cannabis plants. But these isomers may differ in their specific parent strains.
Delta-8 is generally more prominent in Gorilla Glue, OG Kush, Sour Diesel, Northern Lights, and Hawaiian Haze strains. The isomer is also fairly abundant in Cookies, Sour Space Candy, Skittles, Lifter, and Skywalker OG.
Delta-9 is significantly high in Blue Dream, Super Silver Haze, White Widow, Maui Wowie, and Pineapple Express strains. Other common marijuana strains rich in delta-9 include OG Kush, Northern Lights, Durban Poison, Tangie, Girl Scout Cookies, and NYC Sour Diesel.
Extraction Methods
Another difference between delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC is how these compounds are extracted.
Delta-8 THC mainly extracts from CBD and other cannabinoids. In contrast, delta-9 can be obtained directly from many cannabinoids found in cannabis plants.
Delta-9 is generally naturally obtained, while the former is lab tested and synthesized.
Effects on the Body
Both delta-8 and delta-9 THC can get you high. These compounds can produce a wide range of psychedelic effects, including euphoria and intoxication.
However, delta-9 THC delivers more potent effects than delta-8. That’s one of the reasons federal law is more stringent on delta-9 than other THC by products.
The fact that delta-9 has stronger psychoactive properties also means the compound can deliver more severe adverse effects. Common side effects of delta-9 include hallucinations, impaired motor coordination, and anxiety. At worst, delta-8 may only induce sleepiness and drowsiness.
Popularity
Delta-9 is the most popular tetrahydrocannabinol isomer. It also happens to be the most abundant THC isomer.
Delta-8 THC is relatively new and far less abundant than delta-9. That explains why the compound’s popularity still pales compared to delta-9.
However, delta-8 THC products like delta 8 disposables have gained considerable traction recently, especially at the convenience stores. That’s due to the compound’s milder euphoric effects on the body.
Legality
Hemp-derived products containing more than 0.3% of delta-9 are federally illegal in the United States and in many countries that have legalized medical marijuana.
Delta-8 THC is federally legal and enjoys legality in most states, mainly because the compound comes from hemp as opposed to marijuana. Plus, its effects are mellower.
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What Are All The Benefits Of Delta 8 THC Products?
Delta-8 THC, and by extension tetrahydrocannabinol, may be more famous for its psychoactive properties. However, this compound also boasts numerous health effects.
The following are some of the therapeutic advantages of delta-8 THC products:
Can Improve Sleep
Various trials found that THC administered orally could help insomniacs fall asleep much faster. Delta-8 THC is stimulating at low doses but sedating at relatively high doses. Therefore, light to moderate dosage of delta-8 THC products may cure insomnia by shortening sleep latency.
However, delta-8 THC products aren’t just limited against insomnia. The compound might also mitigate the symptoms of other sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and grogginess.
In one study, researchers found that THC could help regulate breathing during sleep, reducing sleep interruptions resulting from irregular breathing patterns, especially among people with sleep apnea.
May Relieve Pain
A majority of cannabis plants’ compounds provide immense pain-relieving benefits, and delta-8 THC is no exception.
As an analgesic compound, delta-8 mainly treats pain by blocking the transmission of pain signals from the affected areas to the brain.
The compound may also combat pain by boosting the signaling of anandamide, an endogenous cannabinoid widely noted for its analgesic properties.
May Regulate Mood
Mood swings are a normal part of our everyday experiences. However, chronic mood swings can cause emotional instability in addition to affecting your social relationships and workplace productivity.
Fortunately, dosing on quality delta-8 THC products like delta 8 vape pens can go a long way in stabilizing your moods.
These products regulate the mood by inducing the secretion of neurotransmitters like serotonin that play a role in mental health.
Can Calm Nausea
Nausea is the leading cause of vomiting. While most instances of acute nausea are nothing to worry about, chronic nausea triggered by underlying medical conditions can prove unbearable.
This is another area where you could benefit immensely by integrating delta-8 THC into your daily food routine.
Delta-8 THC exerts its antiemetic properties via its positive interactions with the endocannabinoid system, a cell-modulatory system that controls the feelings of nausea, among other roles. Tetrahydrocannabinol is such a potent antiemetic cannabinoid that the FDA has since approved a THC-based drug called Nabilone (Cesamet) for treating nausea among cancer patients on chemotherapy. Its vital to note that FDA hasn’t approved other cannabidiol or hemp products.
Deliver Smoother Psychoactive Experience
This is arguably the biggest recreational benefit of delta-8 THC.
As we pointed out, delta-8 THC delivers a less intense ‘high’ than delta-9, making any delta-8 THC product, particularly disposable vape pens, an excellent recommendation for new vape cartridges users.
However, ensure a lower dose of delta-8 THC products to feel relaxed and avoid dry mouth.
Might Boost Appetite
Tetrahydrocannabinol is famous for its ability to induce munchies. Since delta-8 THC is essentially a THC isomer, it goes that the compound may also boost your appetite.
Studies have established positive interactions between THC and endocannabinoid receptors in the hypothalamus that trigger the release of ghrelin, the primary hunger-stimulating hormone.
Delta-8’s hunger-inducing properties can also benefit people suffering from low appetite in disease like cancer and HIV/AIDS.
Might Offer Neuroprotection Benefits
One of the commonly-held myths is that the compounds in hemp plants destroys cells and neurons in the body. However, numerous studies and clinical trials have since debunked this myth.
On the contrary, certain compounds like delta-8 THC possess neuroprotection properties. Studies show that people with THC in their systems can be up to 80% less likely to succumb to traumatic head injuries than those without.
Delta-8 THC is also a powerful antioxidant. The compound may inhibit neurodegeneration occasioned by the adverse effects of free radicals in the body.
Can You Test Positive for THC After Using Delta 8 THC Products?
Delta-9 can make you fail a drug test. Based on the close relationship between the two isomers, it’s intuitive to imagine that delta-8 THC may also deliver a positive result.
However, the situation isn’t as cut and dried as it may sound. It’s one thing to pass a drug test but an entirely different matter to have traces of the tested substance pop up in your system.
Most drug-focused tests evaluate delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol. And as already stated, hemp-derived products containing a maximum THC strength of 0.3% on a dry weight basis are federally legal. These conditions apply on the concentration of delta-9, not the other THC isomers. In other words, you’ll fail a drug test if your blood samples contain more than 0.3% potency of delta-9 THC.
But this doesn’t mean THC will not show up in your system after consuming delta-8 THC products. The tested samples will still contain traces of THC, as delta-8 THC is inherently a THC compound. And depending on the dosages consumed, you may test positive for relatively high THC levels.
However, whether action will be preferred against you will depend on the concentration of delta-9 in the tested samples.
Note that a sample cannabis extract might contain hundreds of cannabinoids and terpenes, including MCT oil. Some delta 8 THC products are 100% pure, such as delta-8 THC isolates, while other contain added compounds, such as full-spectrum products.
You’ll might test negative for delta-9 after consuming delta-8 THC isolates. On the contrary, you might test positive for delta-9 if you consume full-spectrum delta-8 THC products.
If you are taking any prescription medications to treat a serious medical condition, seek your doctor’s advice to incorporate an evaluated dose.
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How Do You Use Delta 8 THC?
Delta-8 THC products are available in multiple formulations. Your choice of a suitable product depends on how you intend to administer it.
The following are some of the popular ways to use delta-8 THC:
Sublingual Use
Delta-8 products intended for sublingual use typically come in oral tinctures. The tinctures usually contain delta-8 and high-proof alcohol like Everclear.
To consume these products, you drip a few drops beneath your tongue, hold the drops for a few seconds, and then swallow.
This delivery method is famous for its fast onset time. The delta-8 in the tinctures enter your bloodstream straight away through the sublingual salivary glands located underneath your tongue.
Gummies
Gummies are among the most popular edible forms of delta-8 THC, mainly due to their ease of administration. Dosing on delta-8 gummies is as easy as popping and chewing the gummy bears.
Delta-8 gummies also offer maximum discretion, making them particularly suitable for stealth consumption. Note that delta-8 gummies look and may taste the same as standard gummies. The only difference is that these products contain delta-8 as the main bioactive compound.
Another benefit of delta-8 gummies is their long-lasting benefits. The effects can last in your system for days, way longer than other delivery methods, such as disposable vape pens and smoking, where delta-8’s therapeutic and recreational effects may wear off in a few hours.
Mixing with Flower
Before the emergence of modern cannabis-based products like delta 8 disposables, users mainly consumed marijuana via smoking. Smoking remains a popular way to administer weed extracts.
But while you can smoke most parts of the cannabis plant, experts recommend going for the flower. That’s because marijuana flowers have the highest concentration of trichomes.
Trichomes are the waxy coatings that cover the surface of cannabis plants, where much of the cannabinoid and terpene synthesis takes place.
Vaping
Vaping is a new and stylish way to consume delta-8 and other cannabis compounds. The concept was initially popularized as a potential smoking cessation aid after it emerged that smoking herbal extracts were more harmful than helpful. Over time, however, vaping has transitioned into a modern-day craze.
Besides offering numerous therapeutic benefits, versatility is another factor that pulls people from smoking marijuana flowers to vaping cannabis-infused compounds. Delta-8 vape products come in all forms and sizes, including delta-8 wax pens, delta 8 THC disposable pens, and delta-8 dry herb vaporizers, to mention but a few.
Vaping also has a relatively fast onset time. That’s because the delta-8 compounds in the disposable pens enter your bloodstream directly via the mucous membranes in your lungs. Moreover, disposable pens come in pre-charged battery and are available in numerous flavors, allowing a convenient vape experience.
However, while vaping delta-8 THC using a disposable pen may be considerably safer than smoking hemp products, the habit still carries inherent respiratory risks. Examples include throat irritation and lung damage. Therefore, it’s prudent to exercise moderation while using a delta 8 disposable pen.
Why It’s Best To Order Delta 8 THC Online?
The unfettered growth of the cannabis industry has triggered an increase in the number of products sold. Unlike before, when cannabis retail outlets were few and far between, they are now widely located. You only need to conduct some due diligence to uncover the most reputable cannabis dealer in your jurisdiction.
However, one frequently asked question by most aspiring delta 8 users and retailers is – should I buy products online or from a brick-and-mortar store? While each option has pros and cons, experts generally recommend purchasing delta-8 products, such as disposable vape pens, from e-commerce websites.
The following are the top reasons why it’s best to order delta-8 from the internet.
Accessibility and Variety
The internet is like a global village where a subtle cannabis-related search command can pull up thousands of potential traders near you.
For comparison’s sake, it may take you a whole month to comb your local city for THC dealers.
Discretion
Cannabis may enjoy higher legal approval than before. However, the herb remains a subject of myths and stereotypes worldwide.
Even medical marijuana users cannot shop for cannabis goods publicly without drawing undue attention to themselves. The best way to escape the public’s prying eyes is to order all your delta-8 products and accessories from the internet.
Price Competitiveness
Dollar-for-dollar delta-8 products are relatively cheaper online than in brick-and-mortar stores.
That’s mainly due to online vendors’ numerous offers and discounts, including cashback on credit card payments, consumer loyalty programs, etc.
Delta 8 THC Dosage
The most common question consumers often ask is “What is the ideal Delta 8 THC dosage?” However, it’s vital to remember that everyone reacts differently to this compound, so there isn’t an ideal dosage.
How Much Dosage Should a Beginner Consume?
Considering delta 8 THC is mildly intoxicating, beginners must start with a lower dose, ranging from 5-15mg. Ideally, you should start slow and slowly build up delta 8 THC tolerance.
Advanced users familiar with Delta 8 THC effects can incorporate anywhere between 20 and 150mg dosage amount.
What Happens If You Take Too High of a Dose?
While delta 8 THC takes some time to kick in, going overboard with the dosage can result in dry mouth, dizziness and confusion. However, these effects are not as strong compared to delta 9.
In rare cases, users can also experience anxiety and paranoia, so remember to start low.
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How Is Delta-8 THC Obtained from Cannabis Plants?
The manufacture of delta-8 products from hemp is a relatively intricate process. The process typically begins with extracting cannabidiol from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), the parent cannabinoid.
Producers can use a wide range of chemical reagents to isolate cannabigerolic acid from raw hemp extracts and further obtain CBD from CBGA. Common reagents used include carbon dioxide (CO2) and petroleum-based solvents like butane and ethanol. However, experts recommend extracting CBD using CO2 gas as the primary reagent. That’s because compounds obtained using CO2 typically contain fewer impurities, making them more potent. Besides, carbon dioxide is safer to use as it is inflammable. Not to mention, CO2 is relatively more abundant and affordable than petroleum-based reagents.
After extracting CBGA from hemp extracts, the next step involves isolating CBD from CBGA and subsequently obtaining delta-8 THC from CBD.
First, manufacturers create a CBD isolate, which involves thorough purification to eliminate other cannabinoids and terpenes, resulting in a substance of at least 98% CBD. Terpenes are chemicals in marijuana noted for their aromatic properties.
Next, makers dissolve the 98% CBD isolate using a non-polar solvent, adding an acidic reagent to the solution to trigger a chemical reaction. The solution is continually stirred for at least three hours as the reaction occurs.
After three hours, manufacturers use distilled water and sodium bicarbonate wash to filter the solution. This helps eliminate impurities like acid residues.
The solution (which is now delta-8 THC) goes through rigorous testing using methods like high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Lastly, the delta-8 THC obtained is sold or processed into formulations like delta 8 THC vape cartridges, vape pens, edibles, topicals, etc.
Conclusion
Delta-8 THC may be relatively new compared to its more popular delta-9 counterpart. But the compound has already garnered immense popularity for its incredible therapeutic benefits and less intense psychedelic effects.
It’s recommended to source the product from established vendors to make the most of delta-8 THC. You can vouch for a retailer’s reputation by checking the duration they’ve been plying their trade and their overall customer reviews. The longer the duration and higher the number of positive reviews, the more trustworthy the retailer is.
Most importantly, as with any THC product, it’s essential to consume delta-8 THC in moderation, especially if you’re new to this compound or marijuana as a whole. A compound overdose could trigger several adverse effects, ranging from psychosis to bloodshot eyes. So, begin low and work your way in small increments until you hit your sweet spot.
