THE NEW CANNABINOID THAT'S TAKING THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY BY STORM: WHAT IS DELTA 8 THC?

Although its psychoactive properties are alike, delta 8 is said to have about 60 percent of the potency of delta 9. But what it lacks in potency, it makes up for with its lack of negative psychoactive side effects such as paranoia or anxiety, leaving consumers the freedom to enjoy a potential therapeutic experience without any mental stress. 

 Even with all the great benefits that may come with delta 8, some states have begun banning the new cannabinoid for fear of improper production practices and lack of research. In addition, delta 8’s recent entry into the market has created some concern about safety due to its lack of regulation. From its legality to its benefits to letting you know how to identify which products are safe, we'll give you a deep dive into the world of delta 8.  

Delta 8 THC vs Delta 9 THC: What Is Delta 8, and How Is It Different? 

Delta 8 THC is a naturally-occurring psychoactive cannabinoid, found in hemp, that shares an almost identical molecular makeup with its more well-known psychoactive sibling, delta 9 THC. Although both are isomers of THC, one has a double bond on its eight-carbon chain; the other has the same double bond, but on its ninth carbon chain. This is why they’ve been named delta 8 and delta 9. 

Now, if both are isomers of THC, shouldn't they provide the same experience? Not exactly. 

Even though both are similar compounds and provide psychoactive properties, that single change in the location of the double bonds does create a difference in users’ overall experience. The difference is that delta 9 affects users both mentally and physically, while delta 8’s effects are just physical. This difference is believed to be why consumers feel that delta 8 is less potent.

With that being said, delta 9 has several potential negative side effects, such as paranoia, anxiety, and addiction, while, in contrast, delta 8 seems to have few to none of these effects. This makes delta 8, potentially, a great functional substitute for regular marijuana usage. This could be especially advantageous for consumers who rely on medical marijuana for its medicinal purposes but who don't want to deal with negative mental side effects that may come along with it.  

Let's Talk About Legality: Is Delta 8 THC Legal?

To better understand the legal gray area that delta 8 currently resides in, it'll help to know the difference between marijuana and hemp. Both are considered to be part of the cannabis plant but are differentiated according to their intoxication properties. Cannabis plants with less than 0.3% THC are considered hemp, while cannabis plants with more than 0.3% THC are considered marijuana. 

The Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, commonly known as the 2018 Farm Bill, is a federal act passed by Congress that legalized the use of hemp in the United States. The act defines hemp as: “All derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta 9 THC concentration of not more than 0.3 percent.” This phrasing makes hemp a legal agricultural product in America—and because delta 8 is commonly sourced from hemp and contains less than 0.3% delta 9 THC, it is also considered federally legal. 

Because of this, in early 2019, companies began selling delta 8 with no real regulation or legal restrictions. However, this is constantly changing. As of July 2021, 12 states had passed laws specifically banning delta 8. Other states where marijuana is legal, such as New York, Illinois, Oregon, and California, are starting to pass regulations stating that THC in any form, whether delta 8 or delta 9, can be sold if tested and verified through certified labs. In the long run, this could create a safer delta 8 market for consumers, putting safety protocols and quality assurances in place. 

As of June 2021, the following states have banned delta 8: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, New York, Rhode Island, and Utah. 

The Effects of Delta 8: What Are the Benefits?

With reviews of delta 8 just beginning to emerge, most of what is known about its effects is anecdotal or comes from personal user experiences. The effects and benefits of delta 8 may include:

• Appetite stimulation
• Anxiety management
• Sleep aid
• Body relaxation
• Nausea reduction
• A calm and relaxed state of mind
• Pain relief
• Feelings of euphoria
• Mood boost

The effects of delta 8 THC may vary from person to person, but the average experience can be described as combining the best parts of CBD and delta 9 THC. It's said to be euphoric, mood-boosting, pleasantly relaxing yet leaving the user feeling clear-headed, and not overwhelmingly intoxicating. With proper dosages, users have said that they felt far more functional and active on delta 8 versus delta 9. 

With delta 8, you may enjoy an abundance of these benefits without the worry of getting “too high” or going over the edge. Since delta 8 isn't exactly the same compound as delta 9 and is less potent, it has the advantage of having few to no negative psychoactive side effects. [1] [2] Delta 8 may create opportunities to improve the quality of life for people suffering from illness, from those who are battling depression to regular partygoers fighting off a bad hangover. 

Delta 8 vs. CBD

 CBD (cannabidiol) is the second-most prevalent cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp, after delta 9 THC. However, unlike delta 8 and delta 9, CBD doesn't contain any psychoactive ingredients. So, even though it may deliver the therapeutic benefits of the cannabis plant, such as pain relief, anxiety management, appetite stimulation, and help falling asleep, it isn't inebriating. This is because delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC both strongly bind to the body's endocannabinoid system, but CBD’s bond is weaker. These bonds are the reason why you might feel a “high” when consuming cannabis products. 

The CBD bond is a major deciding factor in why you would choose one cannabis product over another. In spite of CBD's rich properties, it isn't psychoactive, but delta 8 is[3] [4] . Feeling uplifted or experiencing a head change is what many people seek, enjoying the euphoric feeling that delta 8 may offer. 

How Much Delta 8 Should You Take?

As with most substances that have intoxicating properties, like alcohol and marijuana, dosages are highly individualized and may not be tied to any specific physical feature like age, sex, or weight. Regardless of size, you should always start with a lower dose and work your way up. This could take a few tries over the course of a couple of days, especially with products like edibles or capsules that have a delayed onset before they begin to take effect. 

Again, it's important to note that little research has been done on delta 8, and it's always crucial to remember that THC (whether it's delta 8 or delta 9) affects everybody differently. For example, experienced consumers may feel like delta 8 is a less intense variety of THC. But for more inexperienced consumers or those who may have a lower tolerance, it may feel like a more robust version of CBD. In addition, your consumption method will determine how quickly the effects take place. For example, if you're inhaling delta 8, it should take effect within minutes; if you are consuming gummies or edibles, you should wait at least two hours before eating more.

Is Delta 8 Safe? Here's What to Look For

“No one has ever died from smoking too much weed,” is a common saying in the cannabis world, and according to WebMD, “A fatal marijuana overdose is unlikely.” Although these statements are considered accurate, it’s also true that even though you may not die from actual marijuana use itself, you can certainly die as a result of reckless behavior that you engage in while you're “high” on marijuana. Hopefully, this type of behavior is less prevalent with delta 8 because it is reported to be less potent and more manageable than delta 9.

In addition to possible user recklessness, the leading concern critics and industry professionals have is the lack of regulations about delta 8, because it is so new. Professionals mostly know what happens when people ingest edibles, and it's typically the safest form of consumption. Still, with methods like vaping, there are many unresolved variables that can make it hard to differentiate between what is safe and what is not. 

As delta 8 is new to the market and highly unregulated, many new companies selling it have popped up. Unfortunately, many of them are skipping the testing and verification processes to make a quick buck. Luckily, there are still a handful of trusted delta-8 companies out there that adhere to all quality and safety protocols. These assurances can make the difference between a quality brand and a brand that is only in it to make a quick turnaround. 

To Assure Safety, Here's What to Look for When Buying Delta 8:

• Up-to-date third-party full panel lab testing listed on the company’s website
• Proper labeling requirements (labels that list age requirements, ingredients, etc.)
• Safe packaging (packaging that is child-resistant, tamper-evident, etc.)
• Brand credibility
• Company policies and services

 Third-party lab tests are necessary because they will give you a complete breakdown of what is in the product—and, more importantly, what you're putting into your body. Like most things created in a lab, safety can best be evaluated through procedures performed correctly by a trained chemist. The safety is comparable to the process of ordering food from a restaurant and expecting the chef to handle your meal with care. With proper extraction and care of delta 8, a third-party full panel lab test will show a safety pass on residual solvents and pesticides that can be harmful to the body. Trusted companies should have these lab results posted on their websites, usually on the product page—along with QR codes on their products that will take you to the test results on the producer's page.  

The Bottom Line

Think of delta 8 as what the result would be if CBD and delta 9 decided to have a baby, and you were left with the best of both worlds. The beauty of it is that neither product will replace the other because each has its specific uses and purposes. Although delta 8 is still very new and the only research we can go off of is that of the user’s experience—the general consensus is that users are having a positive experience with delta 8. With concerns about safety and regulations, it's vital to remain diligent and do your research when purchasing from companies. With proper care and production, delta 8 may eventually be a substitute for delta 9. It’s an excellent alternative for consumers who prefer a functional product that isn't as strong or for medicinal users who don't want to deal with negative psychoactive side effects. 

This article is sponsored by Delta Munchies, which is an industry leader in delta 8. Not only does it care about user experience and safety, but it is also bringing light to cannabis culture in a fun and immersive way.

“Delta Munchies is one of a number of award-winning brands that have been cultivating cannabis for over 15 years. With the industry's increase in popularity, legality, and technology, these brands have been able to pivot into concentrates and luckily fell into the extraordinary world of delta 8. Based in Los Angeles, CA, our free-thinking vision has long been to merge the rebellious, uplifted, and free-spirited vitality of the cannabis culture into a fun, accessible, and friendly approach for all audiences. Delta Munchies was created to see this vision come to fruition, with zero compromises in quality, integrity, and creativity.

As a brand, Delta Munchies seeks to educate and inform consumers about the quality and safety protocols that are being met along with proper practices that sometimes aren't apparent in the industry. Our delta 8 is made here at home and is derived from 100% American hemp. By using third-party full panel DEA-certified lab tests, we ensure that our audience enjoys the cleanest and most potent delta 8 on the market. We do this modestly and respectfully but with a firm belief that quality and safety are the most critical responsibilities for a healthy brand. Putting these values into play pushes us to achieve our best. We invite you to join us to experience the wonderful world of delta 8 and see all the benefits it can bring to you.” –Delta Munchies, About Us 

If you want to learn more and stay up to date on everything connected with delta 8, head over to the Delta Munchies website! It is setting a higher industry standard with its safety protocols, quality control, and exceptional products that include delta 8 vape pens, delta 8 gummies, and delta 8 flower.