Delta-8, originating from hemp, has captured considerable interest due to its possible health benefits, albeit its legality differs from state to state. Are you new to cannabis? You might be curious about several things. Does Delta-8 induce a high? Can Delta-8 be detected in a drug test? How is it produced? What distinguishes Delta-8 from Delta-9? Let’s delve deeper into understanding Delta-8.
What is Delta 8?
In the world of Cannabis Sativa plants, more than 100 cannabinoids play their part, but it’s rare to find Delta 8 THC strutting its stuff in substantial quantities. Alongside CBD and Delta 9 THC (the actors we usually associate with our friend ‘weed’), scientists have stumbled upon the fact that other cannabinoids also have some positive things to say. They whisper, they affect, they change the body in rather delightful ways. Delta 8’s performance is considered similar to Delta 9, albeit a bit more understated, often linked to feelings of tranquility and potential mental wellness perks.
The sources: Hemp and Marijuana plants
Delta 8 has two stages it can call home – the Hemp plant or the Marijuana plant. It’s a matter of state law and the legal status of marijuana that decides where Delta 8 takes its bow.
The question of Delta 8’s legality often relies on the state’s stand on medical marijuana and the THC levels dancing in the products. Many states are quite conservative with their THC limits, we’re talking numbers as low as under 1 percent, with some even putting their foot down at a low 0.3 percent. In such scenarios, hemp takes center stage as the only source that could play the role, making Delta 8 products a performance by hemp.
Regardless of its origin story and legal hoopla, it’s a commonly accepted notion that Delta 8, whether from marijuana or hemp, doesn’t change its stripes or efficacy.
Now consider this, a theory that suggests one cannabinoid can play its part better when accompanied by its fellow cannabinoids, an act known as the “entourage effect”. Many individuals show a preference for cannabis-derived products over hemp-derived ones. Why, you ask? They argue that in the grand extraction of Cannabidiol from cannabis flowers, these fellow cannabinoids are left undisturbed, fully intact. The entourage effect, my friend, truly is a play worth seeing.
How does Delta 8 interact with our body?
Cannabis works with cannabinoids that converse with our body’s endocannabinoid system – an intricate network with receptors spread across our body. This system serves as the conductor for an orchestra of critical functions, including our mood, memory, appetite, and perception of pain.
When a cannabinoid, like Delta-8 THC, enters the stage, it latches onto these cannabinoid receptors throughout our nervous system.
Now, despite their distinct characteristics, both Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC are known to have psychoactive properties. Their presence influences the operation of the endocannabinoid system, initiating a cascade of effects throughout the body. One of the reasons for Delta-8 THC’s rising popularity is the subtler, less intense effects it has compared to its more potent cousin, Delta-9.
Can Smoking Delta-8 Lead to a “High”?
Utilizing Delta-8 might induce more moderate psychoactive impacts compared to other substances. Delta-8 has the potential to bring about feelings of euphoria. While it won’t cause an overpowering “high” that impairs functionality, it still presents psychoactive effects that you won’t find with CBD. Have you experimented with delta-8 carts yet?
Users have shared potential advantages of Delta-8, such as:
- Reducing stress
- Possible relief from pain
- Enhanced hunger
- Better sleep quality
However, Delta-8 also has its downsides, which can encompass:
- Dryness in the mouth
- Eye irritation
- Difficulty with short-term memory recall
- Accelerated heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Arrhythmia (slowed heartbeat)
But obviously, there are fewer downsides than a blunt.
Unveiling the True Potential of Delta-8 Through Peer-Reviewed Research!
Let’s delve into the real capabilities of Delta-8 – backed by the power of research. To decipher Delta 8-THC’s role in managing health and medical conditions, researchers turned to the wisdom of the crowd and conjured up an online survey for Delta 8-THC users. The elements of this survey were born from prior studies focused on the medical applications of cannabis and its derived products.
A particular survey unveiled that the patterns of Delta 8-THC use danced a tango with the rhythms of Delta 9-THC cannabis use and products – sometimes mirroring them, at times taking a different path. The favored methods of consumption were found to be:
Edibles, savored by 64%, and vaping concentrates, chosen by 48%. In the majority of cases, Delta 8-THC was the chosen ally to battle an array of health and medical conditions.
This survey revealed a significant switching of allegiances among participants, as they compared Delta 8-THC with Delta 9-THC. Interestingly, 78 percent of participants reported that their primary care provider was oblivious to their Delta 8-THC use, and 70 percent didn’t hold the belief that medical cannabis could be a part of their treatment strategy.
For most of these individuals, the vast world of the Internet or their personal experiences served as the guiding light to uncover effective dosages of Delta 8-THC.
Public health stands on the pillar of harm reduction. Despite the legal landscape turning a shade more restrictive for Delta 8-THC compared to Delta 9-THC, it may hold the potential to be equally potent for cannabis-related uses and bear fewer undesired or adverse effects. However, policy and practice should walk hand-in-hand with empirical evidence. Therefore, systematic validation through extensive research will be the stepping stone for Delta 8-THC and other cannabinoids. This pursuit of knowledge could benefit from the partnership among academic researchers, government entities, and the industry.
How Does the Buzz from Delta-8 Stack Up Against Delta-9?
One of the primary distinctions between Delta-8 and Delta-9 is the intensity. Delta-8 is roughly 60% as potent as its Delta-9 counterpart. This has earned Delta-8 nicknames such as the “lighter version of marijuana” or “weed on a diet”. Furthermore, it is less powerful in inducing side effects, like paranoia and drowsiness.
Cannabis Enthusiasts Sometimes Favor Delta-8 Over Delta-9
The most extensive study on Delta-8 to date took into account the real-life experiences of Delta-8 users. This research was presented in two papers: one in the peer-reviewed journal, Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, and the other in the open-access Journal of Cannabis Research.
The sentiment that resonated among many survey participants can be summed up by one user’s remark: “Delta-8 THC delivers all the positives of Delta-9, while being less harmful”.
What’s the Legal Status of Delta-8?
Following the enactment of the 2018 Farm Bill by President Trump, all cannabinoids derived from hemp, including Delta-8, were removed from the list of controlled substances. While some states have imposed their own regulations on Delta-8, it is no longer under federal control.
At present, Delta-8 enjoys legality in 30 states, including:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee, Texas
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
and not forgetting Washington, D.C.
States like Connecticut and Michigan treat Delta-8 with the same regulations they apply to recreational cannabis.
The legal status of Delta-8 is somewhat nebulous in four states:
- Arizona
- California
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
Unfortunately, Delta-8 THC is currently illegal in 14 states, and these include:
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Montana
- New York
- Nevada
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Utah
- Washington.
Now, where can you get your hands on Delta-8?
Well, Delta-8 can be found in gummies, candies, vaping pens, oils, tinctures, edibles, joints, and beverages, and you can purchase these from gas stations, convenience stores, cannabis and vape shops, as well as online. Be sure to read the label carefully when buying Delta-8 products because they can easily be mistaken for CBD products. Furthermore, bear in mind that there’s no strict quality control for these products. If you’re looking for a dependable product, we highly recommend our Delta-8 carts.
Can Delta-8 THC Lead to a Positive Drug Test Result?
Indeed, most drug tests tend to screen for Delta-9 THC, yet Delta-8 can potentially show up as THC in tests as well. Factors such as the specific type of product used and the duration of use can influence how one’s body responds to cannabinoids. Presently, standard commercial urine drug tests do not differentiate between various cannabinoids. Thus, it’s recommended to refrain from using Delta-8 products if you anticipate having to take a drug test in the near future.
In summary
Preliminary evidence indicates that Delta-8 THC might be an appealing choice for individuals seeking a less intense psychoactive experience than that provided by regular THC. However, there is a need for additional research to fully evaluate any potential harmful effects of Delta-8 THC. Given that the regulation of Delta-8 THC is currently minimal, determining the exact contents of Delta-8 THC products may prove challenging.