Although Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol or Delta 8 THC was discovered decades ago, Delta 8 products are relatively new to the market. As such, it should not come as a surprise that many people are curious about Delta 8 products as well as the potential benefits they offer.
What Is Delta 8 THC?
The cannabis plant contains hundreds of phytochemicals, including cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes. Among the cannabinoids, Delta 9 THC and CBD are the most popular and most studied.
Delta 8 THC was discovered by the American organic chemist Roger Adams in 1941. Another organic chemist known as Raphael Mechoulam is credited for achieving a total synthesis of the cannabinoid, earning him the title "father of cannabis." Initially, Delta 8 THC was called Delta 6 THC.
Although Delta 8 THC was discovered in the 1940s, research on the different cannabinoids came to a sudden halt due to the change in their legal status. And while governments still allowed the study of Schedule I substances, permits were difficult to secure. When permits were granted, most scientists chose to focus their attention on Delta 9 THC and CBD.
With the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp was legalized. But perhaps more importantly, the study on different cannabinoids became more accessible.
But what exactly is Delta 8?
Delta 8 THC is one of the naturally occurring cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. But unlike Delta 9 THC and CBD, Delta 8 THC can only be found in small quantities. To get sufficient quantities for the manufacture of Delta 8 products, companies rely on hemp-derived CBD.
Like Delta 9, Delta 8 THC also possesses psychoactive and intoxicating effects. Aside from that, both cannabinoids share a few similarities and benefits. However, Delta 8 THC products produce milder effects compared to their Delta 9 THC counterparts.
How Delta 8 THC Is Made
Because Delta 8 products are relatively new to the market, there are plenty of questions surrounding their safety and potential serious health risks. One of the most common questions that people ask about Delta 8 THC is whether it is a natural or synthetic chemical.
To better answer that question and allay fears about the use of potentially unsafe household chemicals and other potentially harmful substances in the manufacture of Delta 8 THC products, it is helpful to have some overview of how CBD from hemp plants is used to create Delta 8.
As previously mentioned, Delta 8 THC is a naturally-occurring compound that is found in different cannabis species, including hemp and the Cannabis Sativa plant.
Delta 8 THC, like Delta 9, comes from another cannabinoid called CBGA. CBGA, in turn, comes from THCA. As Delta 9 degrades, Delta 8 is created. This is one of the reasons why the latter is similar to the former in a number of ways.
But unlike Delta 9, Delta 8 can only be found in limited quantities in cannabis plants. This is why it is difficult to use conventional extraction techniques to get Delta 8. To get sufficient amounts of Delta 8 from hemp and cannabis plants, plenty of raw materials are required, making the process costly and impractical.
There have been attempts to create Delta 8 THC from Delta 9 but these fell through because the process did not comply with federal law.
Making Delta 8 THC from CBD
The process of making Delta 8 from CBD is similar to the process used for making hemp-derived products. After raw hemp has been harvested, any of the extraction techniques are used to get CBD. Once the CBD is extracted, it needs to be refined to remove unwanted substances like wax and chlorophyll. Once refined, you'll get pure CBD extract.
The pure CBD extract needs to undergo another process known as isomerization to create Delta 8 THC. Isomerization, in simple terms, refers to the process where a substance is transformed, resulting to another substance with the same chemical composition but with a different structure and/or properties.
The process of isomerization isn't just used to create Delta 8 THC from CBD. In fact, most of the cannabinoids can be transformed into other types of cannabinoids using this process.
Before converting CBD into Delta 8, it needs to be dissolved in glacial acetic acid. This process initially converts some of the CBD into Delta 9. But after 72 hours, most the of CBD is converted into Delta 8.
Is Delta 8 synthetic?
Most of the Delta 8 THC products currently available in the United States are made through the process of isomerization. This has led some consumers to think that these products are synthetic and might contain potentially harmful chemicals.
The truth is synthetic cannabinoids, with the exception of a few, are not federally legal. Furthermore, the process of making Delta 8 products is different from the process used in making synthetic cannabinoids that do not contain naturally occurring cannabinoids.
According to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp is defined as the Cannabis sativa plant or its parts or derivatives, including seeds, isomers, extracts, salts, isomer salts, and cannabinoids with a Delta 9 THC concentration of not more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis.
Since Delta 8 THC is considered an isomer of CBD, it is considered legal under federal law.
Delta 8 THC vs Delta 9 THC
How does Delta 8 THC compare to Delta 9 THC? Here are some key similarities and differences between the two cannabinoids.
Method of extraction
Between the two, cannabis plants contain more Delta 9 than Delta 8. This makes the extraction of Delta 9 cheaper and simpler. The extraction of Delta 8 THC requires more work because hemp and cannabis plants contain a small amount of this cannabinoid.
Effects
Of the two, Delta 9 is more potent. According to some estimates, Delta 9 is two times more potent than Delta 8.
Because of Delta 9's potency, the cannabinoid is more likely to cause adverse side effects, including anxiety, impaired motor skills, and paranoia.
The effects of Delta 8 are considerably milder. Many users report feeling high and calm. The high that you get from Delta 8 does not impair you physically or mentally. Instead, you feel more relaxed.
In terms of the onset of effects, Delta 9 is more fast-acting. The effects of Delta 8 THC set in slower, allowing you to ease into a high gradually.
Availability
Between the two, Delta 8 THC products are available in most online and brick-and-mortar dispensaries. Because Delta 8 is federally legal, its products can be shipped across most states in America.
Delta 9 products are available in states where they are legal. However, reputable online merchants won't ship them to states where they are prohibited.
Types of Delta 8 THC Products
With plenty of emerging cannabis-derived products, it can be disorienting, especially for the uninitiated. To help you choose the best Delta 8 THC product that suits your needs, here is a brief overview of some of the most common products you'll see both online and offline.
Delta 8 gummies
Among the different types of Delta 8 THC products, Delta 8 gummies are probably the most accessible. Aside from their delicious flavors, they offer a few unique advantages.
For starters, you can use them as soon as you buy them. There is no need to invest in other equipment or make a preparation out of them. Aside from that, dosing is fairly straightforward.
According to most users, Delta 8 THC gummies can give you a milder head high. Gummies can be used to help improve sleep, combat symptoms of nausea, and reduce anxiety.
Delta 8 THC tinctures
Delta 8 tinctures are commonly sold in 1000 mg bottles. Some come with flavors while others may contain other ingredients that enhance the effects of Delta 8 THC.
Delta 8 THC flower
Delta 8 THC flowers aren't like conventional cannabis buds that are grown naturally. Instead, this Delta 8 THC product is made by adding Delta 8 oil to traditional hemp flowers that a cannabis plant produces. This allows you to enjoy cannabis buds in a different way.
You can buy Delta 8 flowers either pre-rolled or raw. Pre-rolled joints are available in multiple strains. Take note that the effects will vary.
Delta 8 vape cartridges
Some users prefer to vape Delta 8 cartridges. To vape a Delta 8 vape cart, you will need to invest in a specialized vape pen.
Most of these vape carts come in an array of flavors, enhancing your vaping experience. Although Delta 8 THC vape cartridges come in different volumes, 800 mg is the most common.
Users report that Delta 8 vape carts give them a head high along with the benefits of creativity and focus boost.
Delta 8 THC wax
This Delta 8 THC product is suitable for users who have experience dabbing. Take note that Delta 8 waxes have a high concentration. As such, read the product label carefully before trying this product.
Which Delta 8 product should you try first?
If you haven't tried Delta 8 THC products before, it is better to start with gummies and vape cartridges first. These Delta 8 products are more widely available compared to the others.
Aside from that, there are plenty of consumers who have tried them, making it easier for you to research them, read product reviews, and find reputable manufacturers.
Before buying any Delta 8 THC product, there are a few things that you ought to look for. For starters, look for Delta 8 THC products that show proof that they have been tested by an impartial and objective third-party lab.
Next, check the brand's reputation. One good place to start is the product review section. You can leverage the experience of past buyers to help you make an informed choice. When reading reviews, take into account the customer service experience of previous customers.
How to Dose Delta 8 THC Products
Learning the correct dosage for the Delta 8 product you are planning to use is probably one of the most important things that you need to learn. With the right dosage, you can experience the effects of a Delta 8 product while minimizing the chances of getting adverse side effects. If the dose is too low, you might not get the effects you are seeking. On the other hand, if the dose is too high, you might feel overwhelmed by the psychoactive and intoxicating effects.
One common thing about the different cannabis-derived products is that dosage is highly subjective. To help you decide the appropriate dosage for you, here are a few things to bear in mind.
Delta 8 THC dosage vs CBD dosage
Because most Delta 8 THC products are technically derived from CBD, it is natural to think that the two have the same dosage guidelines.
However, it is important to bear in mind that CBD is non-psychoactive while Delta 8 THC is not. As such, you cannot use the same dosage for the two cannabinoids. The mechanism and effects of CBD are different from those of Delta 8.
It is also worth noting that if you are sensitive to Delta 9, you should start with a lower dose first.
Delta 8 potency
In determining your dosage, there are two important factors to consider: product strength and Delta 8 THC per milligram or volume. Take note that strength and volume vary from one Delta 8 product to another. As such, make it a habit to read the product label when using a Delta 8 THC product for the first time.
Start by determining the actual Delta 8 found in a single serving. Typically, you will see the serving recommendation on the product label to help consumers estimate the dosage appropriate for them.
The strength of liquid Delta 8 THC products like vape carts and tinctures is usually expressed as milligrams per milliliter. For example, a 30 ml bottle of Delta 8 tincture with 1200 mg of the cannabinoid will have around 40 mg of Delta 8 per one ml. Products like gummies, on the other hand, come premeasured, allowing you to skip the part where you compute the appropriate dosage.
Dosage chart for Delta 8 THC Products
A low dosage of Delta 8 THC hovers between five to 15 mg per serving while a medium dose is somewhere around 15 to 45 mg per serving. A high dosage is somewhere between 45 to 150 mg per serving.
Although Delta 8 is less potent than Delta 9, you should start with a low dose, especially if you are using Delta 8 THC product for the first time. Even at low doses, Delta 8 THC can be quite potent for some new users.
Factors that affect dosage
There are a few factors that you need to consider before choosing a dose for a Delta 8 THC product.
For example, if you have a higher body mass, you will need a higher dose compared to someone with a lower body mass.
The method of ingestion also matters. For example, edibles take a little longer to be absorbed by your body. Vaping, on the other hand, allows Delta 8 THC to kick in faster because you do not need to digest the cannabinoid.
Personal tolerance can also affect how fast the effects of Delta 8 THC kick in. Some people do not need a high dose of the cannabinoid to feel its effects while those that have a high tolerance for Delta 9 will also have a high tolerance for Delta 8 THC.
Dosage recommendations for Delta 8 products
Delta 8 vapes
Delta 8 vapes are broadly classified into three types: disposables, vape cartridges, and e-liquids. But despite this, dosage remains the same across these product types.
A typical dose of Delta 8 THC vape is between one to three puffs or around one to five milligrams. That is perfect for new users. But take note, a puff is influenced by different factors, including the amount of vapor that you draw.
Delta 8 gummies
A single Delta 8 gummy is equivalent to a 10 to 40-gram dosage. If you are a beginner, it is best to start with just 10 milligrams and wait for about two hours to feel the effects. Take note that the effects of Delta 8 edibles like gummies take a little longer to set in.
Delta 8 tinctures
Tinctures are consumed sublingually where the blood vessels under your tongue absorb the Delta 8. The common dose for tinctures ranges between 20 and 40 milligrams. Usually, a single dropper equivalent to one milliliter is considered a single serving.
Delta 8 hemp flower
Delta 8 flowers are trickier to dose because the cannabinoid might not be evenly distributed. If you are starting out, take one to three puffs first. Afterward, wait for about 20 minutes, especially if you are using this product for the first time.
Delta 8 capsules
Delta 8 capsules are easier to dose because each capsule has a precise dose and is considered a single serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for Delta 8 to kick in?
That depends largely on the ingestion method. When vaped, the effects of Delta 8 can kick in between 10 and 20 minutes. Tinctures kick in at around one hour while edibles like gummies can take as much as two hours or more.
Is Delta 8 synthetic?
Delta 8 is not synthetic. The cannabinoid is found in hemp and cannabis plants, although in limited quantities. The Delta 8 used in commercial products is derived from CBD.
Does Delta 8 show up on drug tests?
There are no conclusive studies that indicate that Delta 8 shows up on drug tests. However, experts believe that high doses of the cannabinoid can lead to a positive drug test result.
Can Delta 8 get you high?
Like Delta 9, Delta 8 is a psychoactive cannabinoid and can get you high. However, the high you get from Delta 8 is milder.
Is Delta 8 legal?
Most states in America permit the sale of Delta 8 products. This is because the Delta 8 used in these products came from CBD extracted from legal hemp and cannabis plants.
