What is Delta-8 Cannabis & Does it Have THC?

You might have heard some of the press around Delta-8 Cannabis recently. It has caused quite a stir due to the fact that it exists in a bit of a legal gray area. This means that people may be able to buy and use it in states where marijuana is not legal if it has delta-9 THC in it. It’s a way for people to experience the high, and the euphoric state that cannabis can provide, but without having to take delta-9 THC, which is outlawed in many states.

What is Delta-8?

Delta-8 is a compound that is made up very similarly to THC. This means that it has pretty much the same impacts. In a lot of cannabis, THC is present in quite large amounts, but this is probably delta-9 THC. Delta-8 is found in much smaller amounts within the cannabis, and can even be found within hemp strains, the sort that can be purchased in states where cannabis has not yet been legalized.

The delta-8 isn’t potent in most strains, but people are able to derive it in larger quantities from hemp or CBD-heavy cannabis strains, and this concentrate can allow people to experience a high feeling that you wouldn’t ordinarily get from hemp.

How to Find Good, Safe Delta-8?

Delta-8 is not always as easy to find as other cannabis products. After all, it’s pretty new to the market, especially in this concentrated form. Head to your nearest cannabis shop and ask if they are able to help you to source some. Even if they don’t stock it at the moment, they might be able to point you in the direction of some suppliers who can sell you delta-8 products.

You can also check information such as lab results. Products that don’t have this level of testing should be avoided. The process of extracting delta-8 isn’t always easy, so this means you should only work with reputable companies.

Delta-8 vs. Delta-9 THC: What's the Difference?

Chemically, these are very similar. They both bind with CB1 and CB2 receptors to have an impact on the way you feel and cause that “high” feeling. Both have a double bond, which scientists think is what makes you feel high and euphoric. This isn’t in the CBD.

Delta-9’s double bond is on the 9th chain of atoms, whereas in delta-8 it is on the 8th chain. That is really the only difference.

Does Delta-8 Have THC?

Delta-8 is a type of THC. It still has the same effects. This can be confusing, because it comes from hemp and most people know that this doesn’t contain THC. Or does it? THC content of under 0.3% is allowed within hemp plants. This means that the delta-8 THC can still be derived from these plants. This is one of the reasons why there are legal loopholes around the product.

Will Delta-8 Get You High?

Yes, delta-8 will cause a similar euphoria and high feeling that delta-9 THC provides. It binds to the same receptors and has a very similar impact. Depending on what you want, this might make delta-8 more or less appealing. Some people don’t want a high from their cannabis products.

Effects of Delta-8

Some people have reported a different type of high when they consume delta-8. It doesn’t feel exactly like delta-9. Some people say that it makes them feel much more clear headed, and doesn’t come with any groggy feeling or confusion that some types of THC can cause. It may also give a much more mellow high when compared to some of the potent strains of cannabis that are high in delta-9. It’s likely that scientists will start to understand more about how this works as more studies are published

Delta-8 vs. CBD

Because they can both be derived from hemp and lower THC strains of cannabis plants, people often assume that they are similar. CBD is not the same, and doesn’t cause any high. That said, CBD effects can be similar  such as helping to regulate mood and altering peoples’ appetite.

CBD is more widely available, purely because people have known about the benefits for longer.

 

About the Author: Ian Baker handles content marketing at Happy Leaf Collective. There are 5 years that he is deeply involved in the cannabis field. He had 3 years of experience as a Budtender and thanks to his desire to achieve more, he has a career move. Currently, he works as a content manager.