By: Olivia Walters
In the world of cannabis, Delta-8 is the new kid on the block who’s turning a lot of heads. Rumors have started to circulate about a milder version of THC you can legally purchase online.
Falling somewhere between THC and CBD, Delta-8 is the newest cannabinoid everyone wants to know about.
Those who live in states with strict marijuana laws may find that Delta-8 THC is the next best thing.
What is Delta 8?
With over 100 cannabinoids, there’s more to cannabis science than THC (aka Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol).
Delta-8 is a minor cannabinoid found in cannabis/hemp plants that retains some of the same effects of regular THC, minus the paranoia and anxiety.
The difference between the Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC has to do with their molecular structure and carbon bonding.
Regular THC, commonly known for its ability to make people “high,” features a bond on the ninth carbon chain, while Delta-8 has the same bond on the eighth carbon chain.
To an untrained ear, that information doesn’t mean much of anything, but it does explain why Delta-8 produces a more subtle “high” compared to Delta-9 THC.
Both versions bind to CB1 receptors in the central nervous system (made up of the brain and spinal cord), although the bond on the eighth carbon chain may be the reason for Delta-8’s subdued psychoactive properties.
Scientists believe that regular THC has a stronger affinity for CB1 bonding in the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which would explain why it offers a comparatively stronger “high” than Delta-8.
With that in mind, the scientific literature on Delta-8 is relatively limited since it doesn’t appear in cannabis in large quantities.
What are Delta 8 gummies?
Like regular THC gummies, Delta-8 gummies are fruity, bite-sized edibles with a fixed dose of cannabis/hemp.
The Delta-8 version, on the other hand, is believed to produce mild, clear-headed euphoria (depending on how you consume it).
One word of caution, though, because Delta-8 gummies turn into 11-hydroxy-THC once they’re metabolized in the liver (just like regular THC).
Edibles take longer to take effect than smoking joints or vaporizers, so be careful not to overdose with Delta-8 gummies, as they can be just as intense as Delta-9.
These Delta 8 gummies from Gummy Joy come in 15mg or 25mg doses. Simply cut each gummy in half or into thirds to find the dose that works for you.
Will Delta 8 get you high?
Since Delta-8 practically mirrors the molecular structure of Delta-9 THC, it produces a noticeable “high” sensation. However, Delta-8 is less potent than regular THC, according to medical researchers.
Scientists attribute the difference to Delta-8’s carbon bonding and less aggressive influence on CB1 receptors in the brain.
Effects of Delta 8
Based on early research models in animals, Delta-8 could help with:
- Nausea
- Anxiety
- Appetite stimulation
- Sleep
- Pain
Anecdotal evidence describes Delta-8 as a smoother, more clear-headed “high.” Future research will explain the effects of Delta-8 in greater detail.
For now, we have preliminary evidence from animal-based studies and a limited amount of data to say anything with certainty.
Delta 8 vs. CBD
The major difference between the two is this: Delta-8 is psychoactive and CBD (cannabidiol) is not. That means you will feel “high” from Delta-8, while CBD produces a mild buzz.
Additionally, CBD research is way ahead of Delta-8. Scientists know that CBD doesn’t bind to CB1 receptors like Delta-8 and regular THC, yet has a range of proven medicinal benefits. As of now, Delta-8 research is considered to be limited.
Where is Delta 8 available?
Online retailers ship Delta-8 products to most states, except for Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, Rhode Island, and Utah.
While it’s considered federally legal (for now), individual states ultimately set their own Delta-8 guidelines.
If you live in an approved state, you can buy Gummy Joy’s Delta-8 gummies in two different potencies.
These gummies come in mouth-watering flavors like white strawberry-banana, pineapple, blue raspberry, and pink grapefruit—just to name a few.
How to find safe Delta 8 THC
For safety reasons, only buy Delta-8 from online retailers who include a certificate of analysis (CoA) with their products.
This information guarantees potency and quality, along with details about contamination from pesticides and metals.
When in doubt, check out Gummy Joy for a better idea of what a safe Delta-8 product should look like. You’ll see a CoA linked to their product descriptions and a QR code on each product for easy reference.
To sum it up
If you’re ultra-sensitive to regular THC or unable to buy cannabis in your state, Delta-8 is a convenient alternative. It provides accessible, therapeutic relief without the overwhelming effects of THC.
Oh, and better yet, Delta-8 can be your little secret. You’ll still look like a high-functioning adult since the effects are so minimal, all the while feeling chilled out and happily high.
FAQs
Is Delta 8 federally legal?
In its hemp-derived form, Delta-8 is federally legal as long as it contains less than 0.3% regular THC.
Even if it’s sourced from hemp CBD, scientists use the term Delta-8 THC, but brands often market it as Delta-8 CBD. Rest assured, Delta-8 is legal (for now) at the federal level if it complies with the 0.3% THC rule.
Is Delta 8 good for you?
Delta-8 may provide anxiety and pain relief, along with increased food cravings and sleepiness. In this sense, Delta-8 is good for you: it could give you the munchies, help you relax, and get some decent rest.
Is Delta 8 a synthetic cannabinoid?
Yes and no. Delta-8 is a naturally occurring cannabinoid in cannabis/hemp, but because it occurs at such low concentrations, it’s converted from CBD or THC in labs. Most commercial companies use Delta-8 synthesized from (legal) hemp.
Are Delta 8 edibles strong?
They can be. Although Delta-8 is said to be around 50% less potent than THC, that’s only true for smoking Delta-8 flower/vapes.
Edibles are a separate category because they metabolize in the liver, producing intense effects comparable to regular THC gummies.
Delta 8 edibles are similar to dabbing Delta 8 — both smoking and eating edible is half the high strength of traditional D9 THC.
What is Delta 8 flower?
There is technically no Delta 8 flower since it is a minor cannabinoid. All of the hemp flower sold as Delta 8 are mixed with D8 distillate.
Olivia Walters is a writer who focuses on cannabis culture and lifestyle.