What is Delta 8 THC?
Hemp and Marijuana are comprised of more than 100 different cannabinoids all with their own benefits. We’re most familiar with Delta 9 THC. This is the compound that is found most predominantly in marijuana and creates a psychoactive high. Delta 8 THC is the little brother to this compound as it comes from Delta 9 THC as it degrades over time through a chemical process the plant goes through naturally as it ages. Because of this process Delta 8 actually has a longer shelf life than Delta 9 THC. Delta 8 only appears in very negligible amounts only about 1% of the total compounds so farmers and manufacturers require large volumes of hemp flower and take it through a chemical extraction process in order to condense the Delta 8 to be put into tinctures, edibles, and smokables as there isn’t a single flower strain with a high enough concentration to be smoked on its own without any processing.
Will Delta 8 THC Create a High?
Delta 8 THC is unique as it binds to both the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system but since it predominantly binds to CB1 that lies mostly in the central nervous system it will reduce anxiety and “fogginess” thus creating a smooth, clear-headed, motivated, and focused high compared to the more intense high or “stoned” feeling of Delta 9 THC.
Since Delta 8 creates a less intoxicating high researchers and farmers are working together to discover the best ways to grow and extract Delta 8 THC and begin usage for medical purposes! There have been a few studies done on cancer and HIV patients going through treatment and using Delta 8 to ease the side effects of treatments to help the body through the healing process. Some research shows that Delta 8 also helps the body produce neurotransmitters that are responsible for memory, cognition, arousal, and neuroplasticity. It boasts additional benefits such as:
- Muscle relaxation
- Pain relief
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-nausea
- Stress management
- Appetite stimulant
- Anxiety management
- Inhibits tumor growth
Is Delta 8 Legal?
Yes, for now. Under the 2018 Farm Bill if Delta 8 derived from hemp instead of the cannabis sativa plant it is still perfectly legal in many states. Some states have banned Delta 8 THC regardless of origin. The Farm Bill requires that products have 0.3% Delta 9 THC or less but Delta 8 THC is currently not specified and is permitted in higher amounts but revisions to the law have been made and will continue to be made which puts Delta 8 under scrutiny for the time being and is in a bit of a gray zone.
What Kind of Products can I Buy?
Delta 8 THC is already being produced in a variety of different products to match anyone’s lifestyle. Products range from edibles and tinctures to concentrates and vape cartridges. Check for 3rd party lab results to ensure the quality of the products you’re purchasing. The future is bright and new for Delta 8 THC with a lot left to learn. Give some products a try and see if it's a good fit for your daily regimen.
