Delta 8 is the cannabinoid that has been taking the THC market by storm in recent years. With debates raging far and wide over the benefits, the effects, and even the legality of this controversial cannabinoid, you’d be forgiven for being a little puzzled over exactly what Delta 8 is, and why everyone’s talking about it.
Delta-8 is still a relatively new compound among those who consume THC for recreational purposes, so understandably there’s more than a little confusion surrounding the substance and its effects.
Let’s dive into the how, the what and the why, and break down everything you need to know about Delta-8 THC.
What is Delta 8?
Delta 8 is a cannabinoid that is often found naturally in the cannabis plant. One of at least 113 known cannabinoids identified by scientists to date, Delta-8 shares a very close resemblance to its counterpart, Delta-9.
Having rapidly grown in popularity recently, reports have shown that far more people are now using Delta-8 than other cannabinoids such as JWH-018 or JWH-073, with some of these reports suggesting that Delta-8 may be far less toxic than other such substances.
While Delta-8 is very close to Delta-9 in terms of its chemical structure, the subtle differences between the two substances result in the effects of Delta-8 being less potent. Many people see this reduced potency as a huge benefit, which has largely contributed to the wider popularity of Delta-8. Even though it is less potent, Delta-8 will still get you “high”.
The effects are reduced due to the compounds ability to bind to your CB1 receptor’s cannabinoid G-protein. This effectively reduces the overall potency, meaning while you may feel a little “high”, you will not feel extremely intoxicated after consuming Delta-8 products.
Is Delta 8 legal?
Delta 8 comes from federally legal hemp that is protected by the 2018 Farm Bill Act. According to the bill, hemp with less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC content is considered legal. Therefore, Delta 8 THC products are in fact legal.
Is Delta 8 a natural cannabinoid?
While Delta 8 is often found to be naturally occurring in many hemp plants, the substance is sometimes synthesized by manipulating Delta-9 THC. This process takes the THC and adds hydrogen atoms to its molecular structure at different locations to create something entirely new.
In fact, the only difference between the chemical compounds of D9 and D8 are actually the number of these hydrogen atoms they contain. Specifically, Delta-9 has five, while Delta-8 has six.
What are the effects of Delta 8?
Delta-8 is considered to be mildly psychoactive and intoxicating, meaning while its potency is less than that of Delta-9 THC, it will indeed get you “high”. Users have reported that D8 has also been found to be incredibly effective in the treatment of anxiety and depression as well as other mental ailments.
In a recent study, scientists have even reported that Delta-8 has been shown to be extremely useful for combatting and even shrinking cancer cells. The compound also reduces nausea, stimulates the appetite, and helps to defend the central nervous system.
The similarities it shares with Delta-9 THC mean that Delta-8 may also produce some similar side effects, but with far milder symptoms. These may include red eyes, dry mouth, increased heart rate and slowed reaction times.
How long does it take to feel the effects of Delta 8?
The activation time of Delta-8 can vary greatly depending on how you choose to ingest it. The effects will also vary based on the individual, with factors such as body chemistry and metabolism playing a huge part.
Similar to other cannabinoid substances, the effects of smoking Delta-8 will be felt much faster than ingesting it orally. The reason for this is that when inhaled, the smoke passes directly through the lungs into the bloodstream. With this method, the effects are felt almost instantaneously.
When the substance is ingested orally however, it must first pass through the digestive system, which can take some time. The compound must first be broken down in the stomach before it can be sent into circulation via the bloodstream. Due to these extra steps, the process will take a fair bit longer. Exactly how long will vary based on the individual, and hence is difficult to estimate with any level of accuracy.
How long do the effects of Delta 8 last?
Delta-8 THC tends to have a relatively short duration of effect, meaning that it will wear off reasonably quickly compared to some other cannabinoids. The average individual can expect the effects to dissipate after between 2 to 3 hours.
Should you try Delta 8?
Delta-8 THC is a great alternative for those looking for the effects of Delta-9 THC, but in a milder form. For those curious about the effects of cannabinoids in general, Delta-8 is a legal option that provides similar effects in a much more manageable way.
Buy Delta 8
At D8Gas, we are on a mission to find the very best products the Delta 8 market has to offer. We are committed to finding the highest quality brands, so that you can be sure your Delta 8 products are coming from a source you can trust.
Our delta 8 collection is curated by our in-house experts and is regularly updated with the finest products on the market today. We strive to create an exceptional customer shopping experience by providing access to a huge variety of products and supporting you every step of the way in finding the perfect Delta 8 solution for you.
Everything you see on our store has been thoroughly researched and tested to ensure it meets our lofty standards for quality and health, and to support these claims, we’ve provided detailed lab reports for every single product that are absolutely packed full of information.
So why not head over to D8Gas today and try Delta-8 for yourself?