Though Delta 8 THC has been around for a while, its popularity in the hemp industry has only come about more recently. Since it’s become more mainstream so quickly, many people still have many questions about its existence, whether it has any adverse effects, and more. That’s why we’ve decided to help clear things up by reviewing some Delta 8 studies & facts and answering some of your most-searched questions.
We know that scientific studies aren’t always the easiest to understand. At Exhale, we think that the key knowledge they hold should still be accessible to all. By separating fact from fiction, we’re going to break down all you need to know about Delta 8 so that you can become an expert too. Let’s get started together!
What is Delta 8?
Delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol (commonly referred to as Delta 8 THC or D8) is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. While other cannabinoids like CBD or Delta 9 THC are much more abundant in cannabis, Delta 8 THC makes up less than 1% of each plant.
Before we continue, though, we must make a clear distinction — both hemp and the marijuana plant are cannabis plants. The main difference is that hemp contains 0.3% or less Delta 9 THC, while marijuana contains over 0.3% Delta 9 THC. All legal Delta 8 THC products come from hemp, not marijuana, just like all legal CBD and Delta 9 products.
But what else does Delta 8 have in common with Delta 9 and CBD?
Delta 8 VS Delta 9
You might be familiar with the more popular Delta 9 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) cannabinoid, famous for its intense euphoria and elevating effects. Delta 8 and 9 are isomers of each other and have the same chemical structure. The only difference is that the double bond they both carry is in different locations, leading to the difference in their effects.
When it interacts with our body’s cannabinoid receptors, Delta 9 THC has much stronger effects than Delta 8 THC. While some people may enjoy the more potent effects of D9, it can sometimes be a little too much for some people to handle. D8 products provide a much more mellow and easier-to-handle euphoric experience that some people find is a perfect balance. It might even help boost your creativity or focus without making you feel sleepy or dizzy!
Delta 8 VS CBD
Cannabidiol (CBD) is the main cannabinoid found in hemp. On its own, it isn’t commonly known to provide any intoxicating effects, even when derived from marijuana plants (where it’s found in smaller amounts than in hemp). CBD is also found in larger quantities in hemp, unlike Delta 8 THC.
Similar to Delta 8, CBD offers many soothing benefits that can help boost one’s overall wellbeing. Since it’s non-intoxicating in regular doses, CBD can also be consumed by pets and even children! Many people enjoy CBD over D8 and D9 because it’s much more passive and can be consumed anywhere at any time of day without too much worry.
Delta 8 Legalities
Delta 8 THC products are federally legal as long as they follow the 2018 Farm Bill. The Farm Bill states that cannabis products are fully legal as long as they are derived from hemp. This means that your Delta 8 products must come from hemp and contain 0.3% or less Delta 9 THC to remain legal.
It’s important to note that rules and regulations still vary by state. While Delta 8 is legal federally, some states will have certain restrictions regarding its sale and possession. We highly suggest researching your home state’s rules before purchasing or traveling with any D8 products.
Extraction Methods
Since there’s so little of it in hemp, Delta 8 THC is much harder to obtain than other cannabinoids. Fortunately, scientists have found ways to naturally extract CBD to be cleanly converted into D8 THC.
Reputable companies extract CBD using the CO2 method. This method uses a supercritical process to leave behind the purest, cleanest CBD extract possible and doesn’t leave behind any heavy metals or other gross by-products. Then, through isomerization, pressure and heat are used to convert CBD into Delta 8 THC. By doing this, we can keep our Delta 8 clean and produce the high-quality products that you know and love.
Is Delta 8 Safe For All Ages?
Though there aren’t currently many age restrictions on Delta 8, we generally don’t recommend allowing children to consume Delta 8 THC products. Since children’s bodies are still developing, consuming D8 products could have long-term effects on growth if they consume too much or if recommended dosage levels are passed.
Why Is Delta 8 Used?
People love Delta 8 for many different reasons. One of the biggest reasons is that it’s known to not be as strong as Delta 9 THC and has more mild side effects as a result. Its mellow, uplifting sensations are great for decompressing after a long week. If you already love D9 but want to take it down a notch, D8 is the perfect cannabinoid for you!
D8 also has tons of benefits that you can experience on your way to feeling complete bliss.
Delta 8 Benefits
Since Delta 8 is often derived from CBD, it also provides many of CBD’s same benefits. These benefits can include the ability to:
- Help soothe upset stomachs
- Alleviate general physical discomfort or achiness
- Boost appetite and help regulate digestion
- Enhance and uplift mood
- Improve overall quality of sleep
- Ease nervousness or worried thoughts
Along with these benefits, D8 will also provide you with a mellow, blissfully euphoric experience that’ll help you sit back, unwind, and clear your mind. D8 is a great in-between of CBD and Delta 9 that you can enjoy without overwhelming side effects.
Delta 8 Effects
Though Delta 8 is well-tolerated by most people, mild side effects can occur. Sometimes this might be due to overconsumption of D8 or if you’re unfamiliar with its effects. These effects are usually short-lived in nature and may include:
- Dry mouth
- Red eyes
- Sleepiness or fatigue
- Mild diarrhea
- Upset stomach
- Dizziness
If you experience symptoms like redness, itching, a runny nose, or hives after consuming Delta 8 THC, you may be allergic to hemp or marijuana. These are not normal symptoms — contact your doctor or another licensed healthcare professional for advice or medical treatment if you believe you may be experiencing an allergic reaction.
Treatment and Research
Though it hasn’t been approved for use by the FDA, various studies are currently being conducted to determine how Delta 8 can alleviate various ailments. Early studies show that people often favor D8 when compared with D9 and other pharmaceutical products.
The only complaint noted in the study had to do with concerns about accessing Delta 8 easily. Fortunately, until its approval for medical use, you can purchase it even without a prescription.
Delta 8 Consumption Methods
There are many different Delta 8 consumption methods — the most common being to smoke it, vape it, ingest it, or apply it sublingually. You can consume each kind of product differently, so what’s best for you depends on your personal preference. Let’s check out some of Exhale’s most popular D8 products and how to consume them!
Gummies
How to consume: You can eat these! Pop one into your mouth to enjoy.
Just because you’re grown-up doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy fruit snacks! Exhale’s vibrant fruit-flavored gummies are vegan and have no artificial colors or flavorings because we care about what you put into your body as much as you do.
Oil Tincture
How to consume: Apply a few drops sublingually (underneath your tongue), or add to your favorite food or drinks.
Manufacturers make Delta 8 oil tinctures with D8 and a carrier oil. At Exhale, we use all-natural hemp oil and full-spectrum D8 cannabinoids. Our tincture also comes with a convenient dropper tool to make dosing easy and consistent every time.
Smokables
How to consume: This one’s in the name… You can smoke these!
Smokables include D8 flower, dab wax, pre-rolls, or cigarettes. While flower and dab wax do require some prep to enjoy, pre-rolls and cigarettes are useful when you don’t have much time to spare.
Capsules
How to consume: Swallow a capsule with your favorite beverage, or break open and add to food or drinks.
Delta 8 soft gel capsules are pre-dosed, easy to ingest, portable, and super discreet. Add them to your daily routine, or try popping one open to enjoy with any snack or meal of the day!
Vape Products
How to consume: Inhale directly in small puffs to enjoy.
Whether you prefer to use your own vape pen or like consuming disposable carts, vaping is easy, quick, and a great alternative for those trying to transition away from tobacco-smoking habits with vaping. Exhale has 10 different flavor experiences for you to float into.
Where To Purchase Delta 8?
Since Delta 8 is fairly new, your best bet to find the most variety of products is shopping online! You might be able to find it at your local boutique dispensaries, convenience stores, or other smoke shops, but chances are that you’ll have very little selection to choose from. It can also be hard for you to tell where your D8 was sourced from at shops like these and if it’s high-quality or not.
Shopping online is a much easier, worry-free alternative. Online retailers like Exhale specialize in cannabis products and can provide Certificates of Analysis (COAs) to consumers. They also usually carry a wide variety of high-quality Delta 8 products to explore so that you can compare price points, ingredients, and more. Better yet, once you find the right product for you, you won’t even have to leave the comfort of your own home to purchase it.
Why Buy From Exhale?
There’s a reason Exhale is currently the #1 Delta 8 brand on the market! Here, we only use all-natural methods to create our Delta 8 and use the best ingredients to craft every one of our products. Our products are organic and American-made, starting from the best, freshest Colorado hemp.
We’re also proud to offer a large selection of products — we even carry CBD and HHC products, too. We work hard to give you the best of the best hemp products of all kinds so that you can consume without worry at Exhale Wellness.
Final Thoughts – Delta 8 Studies & Facts
From what we know to be true about Delta 8 and other cannabinoids, high-quality D8 products can be beneficial for lots of different reasons. Whether you consume them to feel warm and fuzzy, for a boost in overall wellness, or in hopes of finding Cloud-9, there’s a product out there for every person and their needs. To learn more about Delta 8 and what it can do for you, visit our Blog on the Learn More section of our site.
Ready to shop? Head over to our site at Exhale Wellness to cover all your D8 needs today!
