Move over Delta 9 THC; there’s a new phytocannabinoid on the market! Delta 8 THC (or just “D8”) may be a “minor” phytocannabinoid, but it’s a major experience with an incredible impact on many people. But what is Delta 8 THC, and how does it differ from Delta 9?
D8 is a natural compound in the cannabis plant that provides various positive benefits without major side effects. Many people turn to Delta 8 THC because it’s less intense and not overwhelming like Delta 9 THC, which is the compound in marijuana that causes a “high.” But what are D8’s benefits? Well, you’ve come to the right place. We have everything you need to know about Delta 8 THC, from its origins to its impact.
What is Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 THC is a phytocannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It’s actually a product of Delta 9 THC degradation, which means it is half as potent as D9. Still, Delta 8 THC will leave you with a euphoric feeling of happiness, relaxation, and relief.
D8 THC is a “minor” cannabinoid because there’s such a small amount present in the cannabis plant. But it has so many positive benefits to our overall wellness that manufacturers have found ways to extract Delta 8 THC and create a variety of potent D8 products, including oils, flowers, and edibles.
Is Delta 8 the Same as CBD?
The short answer is: No, D8 is not at all the same as CBD! Delta 8 THC and CBD are both phytocannabinoids. Moreover, they share some benefits — but that’s where the similarities end.
The biggest difference is that D8 encourages more powerful effects than CBD. In comparison, D8 THC provides a much stronger euphoric effect that promotes feelings of bliss and serenity.
Delta 8 Vs Delta 9: What’s the Difference?
Okay, so Delta 8 THC is not the same as CBD. But it has a similar chemical makeup (and name) as Delta 9 THC, so what’s going on there? Well, the two cannabinoids have a lot of differences!
The first difference is that there is much more Delta 9 THC (usually just called “THC”) than D8 in cannabis. All legal Delta 8 THC products come from the hemp plant instead of marijuana and include D8, which is created safely by manufacturers.
The second difference, and perhaps the most important, is that Delta 8 THC is not as potent as Delta 9 THC, which is twice as potent as D8. That means the effects are more manageable, and side effects are far less common.
What Are the Benefits of Delta 8?
So why is Delta 8 THC becoming so popular? Well, Delta 8 THC interacts with cannabinoid receptors in our body. This interaction supports our endocannabinoid system (ECS) so that it helps govern our overall wellness and health. There are a lot of benefits to using D8. Here are some of the most common!
Versatile
There are a ton of ways to use Delta 8. As the market continues to grow, so do the number of products. This means there is a D8 product out there that fits your specific needs and preferences, including oils, d8 gummy, flowers, topicals, vapes, and edibles. You can smoke Delta 8 THC or add it to your favorite smoothie.
Not as Strong as THC
While Delta 8 THC offers that satisfying euphoric feeling, it’s not as strong as D9 THC. This reduces the number of negative feelings and side effects.
Mental Well-Being
Recent research suggests that Delta 8 THC may positively benefit the brain. This study proposes that D8 may increase the production of a neurotransmitter that’s responsible for memory, cognition, and even arousal.
Reduces Negative Thoughts
D8 supports the body’s ECS by interacting with cannabinoid receptors, including the ones in your brain. This interaction might reduce negative feelings like nervousness, sadness, and stress. You should feel clear-minded and positive when you take Delta 8 THC.
Eases the Stomach
If you’re experiencing an upset stomach, you may want to try Delta 8 THC. It may reduce some side effects associated with nausea, leaving you happy and active. It’s easier to maintain your diet and exercise when you’re feeling your best!
Reduces Physical Discomfort
D8 THC can relieve physical discomfort, including aches and swelling. This can leave you feeling relaxed and comforted. Try Delta 8 after a tough workout or long day at work to feel soothed when you need it most.
What Are the Effects of Delta 8?
Delta 8 THC is not as potent as D9 THC, which means you shouldn’t feel the negative side effects associated with being high. But there are still some possible side effects to keep in mind when taking Delta 8 THC.
Mental Effects
D8 stimulates the mind, which some people can be sensitive to. In larger doses, this can make some people feel uncomfortable, leading to racing thoughts. It’s always important to start slowly, taking smaller doses when you aren’t as used to Delta 8 THC.
Dry Mouth
When taking Delta 8 THC, you can experience a temporary dry mouth. While drinking water can reduce this feeling, know that you aren’t actually dehydrated. A dry mouth is a result of how D8 THC interacts with the salivary glands.
You might also experience dry eyes when you use Delta 8 THC. Not to worry, this will only last a short while. It may temporarily leave your eyes looking red. Using some moisturizing eye drops can reduce this side effect.
Sleepiness
If you take a higher dose of D8, you may feel a bit tired. This is beneficial for those who have trouble sleeping or if you want to take a soothing nap! In higher doses, some people may experience mild fatigue. But this will only last as long as the other effects of Delta 8. If you take smaller doses, this side effect is much less likely to occur.
“Couch Lock”
Delta 8 THC is known for giving users a relaxing, blissful feeling that seeps throughout the body. In high doses, this effect might feel too strong for new users, potentially leading to “couch lock.” This term is used to describe a temporary sensation of immobility. The feeling can make some people anxious if they aren’t used to it.
Kick Your Feet Up
Since Delta 8 THC produces effects that are more powerful than the soothing and tranquil feelings of CBD, we do not recommend that you drive or operate heavy machinery after taking D8. The blissful feelings may distract from the task at hand.
You may also have difficulties at work for this same reason. Always choose to use Delta 8 THC when you can kick back, relax, and let the happiness wash over you.
How Much Delta 8 Should I Take?
Like CBD and D9 THC, the amount of Delta 8 THC you take is determined by your personal preference, experience, and overall wellness. Things that may affect your dosage include:
- Age
- Weight
- Ailments
- Metabolism
- How much you’ve eaten
- Your activity level
- Tolerance
- The desired outcome you’re looking for
Still, there are a few general dosage rules you can follow if you’re unsure where to start. First, it’s important to understand how much D8 THC is in certain products. For example, gummies commonly have about 25 mg each. However, it can be tougher to understand tinctures since they often come in different strengths and volumes.
With tinctures, the strength is measured in milligrams per milliliter. Let’s consider a container with 1200mg of D8 THC in 30 mL of oil. In this case, 1 mL (considered a regular dose for this potency) contains 40 mg of Delta 8 THC. While this is an average dose for people used to strong potencies, it could be too much for new users.
If you have a low tolerance for D8 THC, we consider you start with 5 to 15 mg per serving. People with a medium tolerance or who want light effects should take about 15 to 45 mg per serving. D8 users with a high tolerance would want 45 to 150 mg per serving, or even more.
The best way to determine the right amount for you is to start small. Take a light dose to see how it affects you. Do you get the benefits you need? Can you tolerate the possible side effects? You can always take more once you’re more experienced and comfortable.
How is Delta 8 Made?
While Delta 8 THC is naturally occurring, it’s extremely hard to isolate and extract by itself because there are so little concentrations in each hemp plant. Delta 8 THC appears in such low quantities that it’s often seen as unprofitable and very inefficient to extract from the raw plant matter.
Instead, since D8 is so close to CBD in chemical structure, we use a process called isomerization to convert CBD into D8. Isomerization is a completely safe process that can use both solvent and solvent-less methods to create a distillate that you can use to create other D8 products. Although Delta 8 THC can be converted from Delta 9 THC, only D8 derived from hemp is legal. Plus, it’s much harder to keep the Delta 9 under the legal limit of 0.3% that most manufacturers use the hemp plant instead.
Is Delta 8 Federally Legal?
Yes, Delta 8 THC is federally legal! In fact, since Delta 8 is usually sourced from hemp instead of marijuana, it’s often sold in states where marijuana is illegal.
Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, all hemp-derived products are federally legal. This includes Delta 8 THC, which is made from hemp plants! Though D8 is federally legal, individual states still have the right to outlaw it.
All of this has left D8 THC’s legality a bit hazy. So always check with your state to see if purchasing and consuming D8 is legal. Very few states in the United States specifically address Delta 8 THC. There are only 11 states Exhale Wellness does not ship to.
Can Delta 8 Be Delivered By Mail?
A lot of Delta 8 THC products can be found online. But can they be shipped to you? Well, that depends on the state you’re in.
As we’ve mentioned, Delta 8 THC is currently illegal in certain states. Producers and retailers may choose not to ship to those states because of the questionable legality. Always be sure to check the retailer’s website to see if they specify their shipping policies. We at Exhale ship D8 THC to all 50 states except for:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Rhode Island
- Utah
Why Choose Exhale Wellness for Delta 8 Products?
Exhale Wellness is THE place to go for D8 products! We have been around since the beginning, perfecting our D8 THC products and finding unique ways for customers to experience D8’s benefits. We care about your experience and safety, so all of our products are vegan, organic, and use Delta 8 THC from locally grown hemp.
Beneficial Ingredients
We specifically choose ingredients that further benefit you and enhance the D8 THC experience. All of these ingredients are vegan, organic, non-GMO, and free of contaminants and artificial flavors. For example, our D8 tinctures contain hempseed oil, which not only makes it easier to digest D8 THC but has an abundance of health benefits of its own.
D8 From Locally Grown Hemp
All of our D8 THC is from plants grown and manufactured within the United States. That’s because the states have regulations that have customer safety in mind, ensuring the Delta 8 THC is free of contaminants and potent. While imported hemp and D8 may be cheaper, it isn’t always regulated and can be less potent, full of artificial pesticides, or even harmful.
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
All of Exhale’s D8 THC products come with a Certificate of Analysis (COA). This means that a third-party company tested the batch for potency and the cannabinoid profile. Always look for products that come with a COA!
Customer Reviews
We proudly share customer reviews because we not only trust our products but love our customers. We care about your experience with D8 and feel it’s important to share it with other consumers who want a better idea of how it will impact them. This is a great way to see that a product is trustworthy and impactful.
Customer Service
Exhale has a dedicated customer service team that is always there to answer your questions about D8 THC! You’re bound to find the right product for you, whether it’s chatting online or giving us a call.
Final Thoughts – What is Delta 8?
Delta 8 THC is a phytocannabinoid found in the cannabis plant that produces a euphoric feeling unlike any other. It’s milder than THC but still gives users a satisfying sense of bliss that comes with various wellness benefits.
Because of Delta 8 THC’s growing popularity, the market has exploded! You’ll find D8 flower, vapes, edibles, oil, and topicals. And if you’re looking for the best place to get those products, they’re all here at Exhale Wellness! We only use vegan, organic ingredients and D8 THC from locally grown cannabis plants. We also love hearing about our customers’ experiences, so let us know about your experience!
