Delta 8 Ultimate Guide

Delta 8 Guide -Tetrahydrocannabinol

ˈdel-tə, 8ˈte-trə-ˌhī-drə-kə-ˈna-bə-ˌnȯl | Noun

Delta 8 Guide -THC is a minor cannabinoid occurring in the plant in minimal concentrations. 

Delta-8-THC is also a degraded form of THC and is not directly produced by cannabinoid-synthesizing enzymes within the plant.

When THC is stored for a period of time, it degrades into delta-8-THC.

Commercial growers and extractors use selective breeding and molecular isolation to access greater quantities of delta-8-THC.

“When I vape delta-8-THC, I notice that it stimulates my appetite.”

“I’ve been told that delta-8-THC gives a smooth high with no anxiety or paranoia.”

What is Delta-8-THC?

Delta 8 Guide -THC is distinct from the THC that is often mentioned in conversations about cannabis.

What we refer to as THC usually means delta-9-THC, the main form of THC found in cannabis.

Delta 8 Guide -THC  is an analog of delta-9-THC, a molecule with a similar structure but some notable differences.

While the two share many similar properties, such as reportedly stimulating appetite, reducing nausea, and soothing pain, delta-8-THC tends to exhibit a lower psychotropic potency than delta-9-THC. 

There are more than 100 cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant. While we have some foundational knowledge about the primary cannabinoids, delta-9-THC, and cannabidiol (CBD), we know less about the secondary, or minor, cannabinoids.

Delta-8-THC is a minor cannabinoid, occurring in the plant in very small concentrations.

Delta 8 Guide -THC is also known to be a degraded form of THC and is not directly produced by cannabinoid-synthesizing enzymes within the plant.

When THC is stored for a period of time, it degrades into delta-8-THC. Commercial growers and extractors use selective breeding and molecular isolation to access greater quantities of delta-8-THC.

How Does Delta-8-THC Work with the Endocannabinoid System?

Delta-8-THC binds to the CB1 receptors located in the central nervous system. Delta-8-THC additionally has an affinity for CB2 receptors, although less is known about this binding mechanism.

Delta-9 vs. Delta-8 — Similarities and Differences

From a chemical or structural perspective, delta-8-THC differs from delta-9-THC due to the location of a critical chemical bond.

Both delta-8 and delta-9-THC contain double bonds in their molecular chain.

Delta 8 Guide -THC contains that bond on the 8th carbon chain, while delta-9-THC contains the bond on the 9th carbon chain.

Although it’s a subtle difference, it has noticeable effects on how the body’s endocannabinoid receptors bind and respond to the molecule.

In addition, delta-9-THC is less stable than delta-8-THC. Delta-9 THC is easily oxidized to become cannabinol (CBN) or delta-8-THC. Delta-8-THC is stable, does not oxidize to become cannabinol, and boasts a prolonged shelf life.

Such stability is desirable in a medicinal compound. Delta-8-THC is also about half as strong as delta-9. 

Mechanism of Action 

Delta-8-THC binds to the CB1 receptor like delta-9-THC, but its affinity for the receptor is different due to its slightly altered molecular structure. The CB1 receptor is responsible for mediating most of the psychotropic effects of THC. 

This differential binding may be responsible for the reported clearer high with reduced anxiety, and greater ability to concentrate often associated with delta-8-THC.

It’s possible that its unique molecular structure also impacts the chemical’s effects on other receptors and neural pathways.

Entourage/Ensemble Effect

The entourage or ensemble effect is the principle that the THC molecule works better when taken in conjunction with the array of other cannabinoids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and compounds present in cannabis, rather than as an isolated molecule.

This enhancement can create preferable therapeutic outcomes compared to isolated THC.

While the knowledge we have about the entourage effect is based on delta-9-THC, the molecular similarity of Delta 8 Guide -THC could mean that it produces enhanced effects when ingested as whole-plant medicine rather than as an isolate.

More research is needed, however, to gain detailed insights into the ensemble effects of delta-8-THC, and whether its presence helps to mediate the effects of other cannabinoids.

Medical Potential

A range of preclinical and clinical studies are uncovering some of the unique properties and therapeutic potential of delta-8-THC.

Pain and Anti-Inflammatory Effects

A 2018 preclinical study published in “Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research” found that delta-8-THC may help to diminish pain and inflammation in corneal injury in mice.

The research found that delta-8-THC, applied topically, assisted in pain reduction, and reduced inflammation through its effects on the CB1 receptors. 

Another preclinical study on rats also reported that Delta 8 Guide -THC delivers pain relief, but that tolerance to the cannabinoid developed rapidly. 

Anxiety

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, delta-8-THC displays anxiety-reducing qualities similar to delta-9-THC.

While there is currently little clinical literature investigating its anti-anxiety potential, anecdotal reports claim that the consumption of delta-8-THC results in a very calm, focused high, without the anxiety that can sometimes accompany delta-9-THC.

Anti-Nauseant Effects

The nausea fighting potential of delta-8-THC was reported in a 1995 study published in  “Life Sciences.”

The study followed eight pediatric cancer patients over two years and found that no vomiting occurred when patients ingested delta-8-THC before and for 24 hours after cancer treatment.

The study reported very few side effects. 

Appetite Stimulant

Delta-8-THC may also help to stimulate the appetite.

Research conducted on mice and published in a 2004 edition of “Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior” found that a low dose of delta-8-THC administered to mice over 50 days resulted in a 22% increase in food intake compared with controls.

The research also reported that delta-8-THC increased food intake significantly more than delta-9-THC, which is a reputed appetite stimulant. 

Side Effects and Warnings

As a minor cannabinoid, there’s still a great deal that is unknown about delta-8-THC, which necessitates a cautious approach toward using it. Presently, the cannabinoid is generally available in concentrate forms, because most cannabis flower contains less than 1% delta-8-THC. 

To acquire a substantial quantity of this cannabinoid, a significant amount of extraction and refinement must take place.

While some delta-8-THC concentrates are isolates, other products may combine delta-8-THC with CBD and/or delta-9-THC for a more full-spectrum effect.

If you’re thinking about consuming delta-8-THC, it’s vital to be aware that a great deal of the current knowledge we have about the cannabinoid is based on animal studies. 

Research on animals has indicated that delta-8-THC (along with delta-9-THC) resulted in increased blood pressure by temporarily constricting the blood vessels. The rise in blood pressure was then followed by a drop in blood pressure and a slower heart rate.

That being said, the effects observed in animals can be very different from  the effects observed in humans, as evidenced in a 2018 systematic review published in “Pharmaceuticals.”

For example, while delta-8-THC significantly slowed heart rate in animals, it conversely increased heart rate in humans. 

The authors of the review concluded that there is limited data about the effects of delta-8-THC, and further studies need to be conducted in human populations to understand how it induces changes in blood flow.

Detecting Delta-8-THC in Cannabis Products

Although delta-8-THC is a minor cannabinoid in most cannabis cultivars, some concentrates contain a higher percentage of delta-8-THC. In order to check the percentage of delta-8-THC in relation to delta-9-THC, read the certificate of analysis linked to the product. 

TRYING DELTA-8 GUMMIES FOR THE FIRST TIME

If you’re unfamiliar with delta-8 THC, it’s a legal cannabinoid extracted from hemp. Even though it causes a high, like the THC in the name might suggest, it doesn’t have the same intensity that delta-9 THC does.

The delta-9 THC is the THC that’s most abundant in marijuana strains, and in high percentages appears to cause negative symptoms in some individuals. 

Knowing this, I didn’t expect the delta-8 gummies that Collin, Ounce of Hope’s proud owner, sent to me to do much for me. I have a relatively high tolerance for cannabis products, so wasn’t expecting anything life-changing.

That’s why trying Delta 8 Guide THC through these gummies was such a pleasant surprise.

I felt a calm, rolling “stoned” feeling while still able to keep track of my bearings.

I didn’t feel out of control, or couch-locked, or even “high” in the way dank weed can make you feel.

Instead, I still felt fully conscious and in control, but also relaxed and calm; almost euphoric. 

The high is familiar and welcoming. It doesn’t control you, but it does make you feel stimulated — like you could go do something very productive and feel accomplished! 

For the stoners that like to toke up before they go do virtually any task (you know the ones — you may even be that stoner), delta-8 THC will certainly be your friend.

Take less time smoking up and more time going and doing with a delta-8 THC high to keep you company.

While the gummies are now my go-to option, there are also dark chocolate bars, brownie bites, and even tinctures to just get it over and one with the fastest.

WHAT DO DELTA-8 THC GUMMIES TASTE LIKE?

Here’s the part I was most impressed by — these delta-8 gummies are delicious! I was taken aback at the sweet flavor of the easily chewy gummy, expecting some sort of cannabis or hemp aftertaste.

The bite of earthy flavor from bud in an edible is hard to mask, so I had no expectations that these little sweet treats would be as tasty as they are.

The truth is, it’s hard to eat just one at a time because the flavor is so powerfully scrumptious. At 20mg per gummy, though, one gummy is plenty for most people.

Especially if you’re new to cannabis products or you’ve never tried delta-8 before, one gummy per serving is perfect.

The aftertaste is still sweet with the slightest hint of tartness, bringing out the other natural flavors the gummies are made with. 

WHAT I FELT IMMEDIATELY AFTER TAKING A DELTA-8 GUMMY

Generally speaking, edibles are known for how long they take to kick in.

Depending on the extract, some edibles require the cannabinoids inside them to pass through the liver before they can be metabolized.

This helps explain why it can feel like it takes hours sometimes before an edible actually kicks in.

It can kick in for individuals at different times depending on a variety of factors. Personally, edibles don’t typically hit me very fast.

Sometimes, edibles with marijuana extracts may not even have an effect for me — at least, not a noticeable one.

For these delta-8 gummies, I was impressed by how quickly something could be felt.

I was even patient to ensure I wasn’t just feeling some placebo.

I wanted to make sure what I felt was genuine and authentic, so I paid special attention to everything that was happening to me.

Within the first 15 minutes, I felt like the gummy might already start taking effect. It wasn’t instant, but I felt a slow, gradual relaxation wash over me.

30 MINUTES AFTER A DELTA-8 THC GUMMY

As the minutes passed, it intensified slowly, gradually, into a soothing high. I was able to tackle all my tasks for the day, still, and felt more productive as I went. In fact, I felt more able to focus as time progressed.

2 HOURS AFTER A DELTA-8 GUMMY

The clear high Delta 8 Guide THC gummies give me was apparent at this point.

What was truly interesting to note is the lack of rapid heart rate. When smoking, my heart may beat a little faster sometimes.

If I’m drinking coffee with my bud, I may start to perspire slightly, and that combination can even stimulate minor anxiety.

With these gummies, I felt none of that. 

4 HOURS AFTER A DELTA-8 THC GUMMY

Even 4 hours into the Delta 8 Guide experience, the chill high could still be felt. Given that edibles don’t usually last that long for me, I was impressed all around with this cannabis product.

Extracted from powerful hemp plants, it’s a 100% legal way to enjoy THC, even in states where marijuana isn’t yet legal.

What is the difference between CBD and THC?

The difference in CBD (Cannabidiol) and THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is that CBD doesn’t carry the psychoactive effects that THC does.

CBD can be used for numerous health reasons but it will never give the consumer the psychoactive effects that Delta 8 and Delta 9 would provide.

THC carries most, if not all benefits of CBD, but also introduces the “high” euphoric feeling which can be hugely beneficial for many users.

What does “Hemp Derived THC” mean?

“Hemp Derived THC” means that the THC is entirely produced from Hemp. Under the 2018 Farm Bill, which clarifies that “Hemp” is any cannabis plant containing less than 0.3% Delta 9-THC, Hemp is federally legal for all purposes under federal law.

Marijuana or any cannabis plant containing more than 0.3% Delta 9-THC is not used in ours any other “Hemp Derived THC” product.

Do we ship products to consumers in the USA?

Yes, we do! We ship our products to 38 out of the 50 United States. 

Is Delta 8 legal in my state?

Alabama, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

Which states do we not ship Delta 8-THC products to?

Unfortunately, due to twelve states not having favorable Hemp or CBD laws, we cannot currently ship to Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, Utah.

We apologize for any inconvenience and hope you will reach out to your state lawmakers to demand change!

How old do you have to be to purchase Delta 8-THC?

While there are no federal regulations setting the minimum age required to purchase Delta 8-THC, there are several state regulations mandating that consumers must be 21 years or older to purchase.

For this reason, you must be 21 years or older to purchase any of our products both online and in store.

What is the difference in Delta 8-THC and Delta 9-THC?

The main difference in Delta 8-THC and Delta 9-THC is federal and state legality. Delta 8-THC is fully federally legal and legal 38 states, while Delta 9-THC is federally illegal and illegal in most states.

Both Delta 8-THC and Delta 9-THC produce euphoric psychoactive effects on users and carry a wide variety of medical and recreational benefits.

What makes Delta 8-THC the superior form of THC?

Delta 8-THC is superior to the traditional and illegal Delta 9-THC because it carries basically every benefit and effect of Delta 9-THC but is fully federally legal and legal in 38 states in the United States.

How is Delta 8-THC legal to produce and sell in the USA?

Since all of our products contain only Delta 8 Guide -THC made from 100% Hemp extract, we are able to fully legally manufacture, distribute and sell to consumers in the United States.

Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, ratified and signed into law in December 2018, Cannabis containing less than 0.3% Delta 9-THC is legally classified as Hemp and thus is legal for all intents and purposes under federal law.

Let’s also not forget, THC itself isn’t federally illegal, only specifically Delta 9-THC is.

Is Delta-8 Psychoactive?

There is a lot of talk about delta-8-THC in the health and wellness industry.

Most people know that it is related to delta-9-THC, the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. But like delta-9, does delta-8 make you high?

Increased interest in natural plant-based solutions has resulted in many consumers becoming aware of the various cannabinoids, especially after the legalization of industrial hemp in the United States.

The 2018 Farm Bill paved the way for more research into the compounds in cannabis and their benefits.

As a result, we are now aware of the therapeutic potential and medical benefits of some cannabinoids.

First, it was CBD – the first legal cannabinoid to blow up in the health and wellness space. But we are now seeing other cannabinoids, including CBN, CBG, and delta-8-THC, coming up in the market.

In this article, we take a more in-depth look at ∆-8-THC effects to answer all the questions that you might have on the cannabinoid. So, does delta-8 make you high?

Does Delta-8 Make You High?

There are several ways to look at it. Short answer, Yes. Delta 8 Guide will make you high. Not many producers advertise that the cannabinoid, like its precursor- delta-9-THC, is psychoactive.

However, the cannabinoid is only as half as potent as the infamous delta-9-THC. So, its high is not characterized by intense intoxication and overbearing effects such as confusion and anxiety.

To understand how ∆-8-THC makes you feel, we first have to look at what it is.

Delta-8-THC Effects – Does It Make You High?

As stated before, ∆-8-THC is psychoactive and will make you “high.”

For years, people were only familiar with delta-9-THC as the only psychoactive cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. 

This is because delta-8-THC is only found in very low concentrations, not much was known about it until the hemp was legalized in 2018.

Unlike CBD, which rose to popularity because of its lack of psychoactive effects, delta-8-THC is the opposite. It is mainly used for its therapeutic benefits, but it also causes a slight high in some consumers.

Its high has been described by some as “very clear-headed” and does not affect concentration or induce anxiety or fogginess. Instead, it is said to heighten the user’s visual and other senses enabling them to concentrate better.

Users also describe ∆-8-THC’s effects as less impairing than those caused by ∆-9-THC. Some have also reported the high as “energizing and motivating.”

However, like all cannabinoids, ∆-8-THC affects people differently. Some have reported ∆-8-THC effects as sedating when taken in higher doses.

Research studies also seem to confirm that delta-8 is not as potent as delta-9-THC. In this study, delta-8-THC was estimated to be half as potent as delta-9-THC.

Studies have also found its side effects to be manageable. This 1995 study found that delta-8 prevented vomiting and nausea in children under cancer treatment with negligible side effects.

Other ∆-8-THC effects backed by studies include improving appetite and reducing pain and inflammation.  The cannabinoid could also work when applied to the skin. People also report using delta-8 to enhance mood, stimulate appetite, and get high.

How Delta-9-THC Works In The Body

Delta-8 acts in the same way as delta-9 and CBD when consumed. It interacts with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), which is the complex system responsible for maintaining homeostasis in the body.

That includes regulating the immune function, appetite, pain and inflammation response, memory, etc.

Like ∆-9, ∆-8 binds to CB1 receptors to cause its effects. But because of the slight difference in chemical structure, it has less affinity for CB1 receptors, probably why it is less potent.

How To Use Δ8-THC?

Delta-8-THC occurs in very low amounts in cannabis and hemp.

Therefore, it has to be extracted and processed into concentrates for you to enjoy its benefits. These concentrates are available from the most reputable producers in the form of vape cartridges and tinctures.

The delivery methods for delta-8-THC are similar to those used to take CBD; you can vape it, or use it sublingually.

Edibles designed to be swallowed are not the best to deliver Δ8-THC because it is converted to delta-11-THC during the digestion process.

When it comes to Δ8-THC dosage, the same CBD dosage rules apply.

The best way is to start small and increase gradually until you attain all the benefits you are looking for.

Delta-8-THC is psychoactive, and it’s not known whether it is possible to overdose.

Benefits Of Delta-8

The research on the effects and benefits of delta-8-THC is still in its infancy, and more research studies are still required to prove its benefits, how it works in the body and its potential side effects.

However, early research studies suggest that it may have the following benefits:

1. Combat Nausea & Vomiting

In its definition of Δ8THC, the National Cancer Institute states that it’s a THC analog with antiemetic properties, among other benefits.

One of the earliest studies on the cannabinoid noted that it eliminated vomiting in children under treatment for cancer.

2. Appetite-Stimulating

Like delta-9-THC, using Δ8-THC will give you the munchies.

A 2004 study observed that Δ8-THC increased food consumption more than delta-9-THC did in mice. Meaning Δ8-THC may be more effective than delta-9-THC as an appetite stimulant.

3. Pain Relief

A 2018 study testing both Δ8-THC and CBD’s effectiveness in reducing corneal pain and inflammation concluded that both cannabinoids were effective in reducing ocular pain and inflammation in mice.

This shows cannabinoid’s potential in managing pain and inflammation.

Verdict – Does ∆-8-THC Get You High?

Delta-8-THC is psychoactive, so yes, it will get you high. But not in the way you think.

If anecdotal reports are anything to go by, ∆-8-THC high is only as half as potent as delta-9’s.

It is more clear-headed, energizing, motivating, and will not affect your concentration. Although it’s way less psychoactive than delta-9, the high effects are still noticeable.

Remember that cannabinoids affect people differently, so use ∆-8 with care. Do not operate heavy machinery or drive after consuming delta-8-THC.

DOSE

Beginner (no tolerance):

• 10-15mg
  • Half of a gummy
    
  • Felt slightly more relaxed, not sure if it was a placebo
    
  • I noticed some increased amount of “novel” thoughts
    
  • I didn’t really feel stoned
    
  • No increased interest in video games, music, or videos
    
• 25mg
  • Full gummy
    
  • Eyes start to feel heavy, feel like I’m squinting all the time.
    
  • Limbs start to feel heavy, definitely stoned.
    
  • “Tunnel vision” on my computer screen, the screen seems to pop out of monitor surrounding.
    
  • Get lost in entertainment; the music sounds more interesting, zone into video games.
    
  • Easy to laugh and to get into laughing fits
    
  • Zone out of conversations pretty easily.
    
  • Anxiety/paranoia for a newbie, felt like I was being watched through my window (this only happened for the first 2-3 times, never get this anymore)
    
• 50mg
  • 2 gummies may have had increased tolerance at this point
    
  • 25mg effects carry over, amplified to some degree
    
  • With a greater feeling of time distortion, video games can feel like slow motion at points.
    
  • Pretty hard to stay in a chair, have to lay down after a while
    
  • Put me to bed pretty easily, “couch lock” is noticeable.
    
  • I feel like I’m floating up while lying down, some spinning, but not nauseous
    
  • Insatiable munchies.
• 
  

Yes, delta–8 is legal

We’ve talked a lot about the 2018 Farm Bill on Direct CBD Online. The same bill that made hemp products and CBD federally legal also applies to delta–8.

There are several ways to look at it. Short answer, Yes. Delta 8 Guide will make you high. Not many producers advertise that the cannabinoid, like its precursor- delta-9-THC, is psychoactive. However, the cannabinoid is only as half as potent as the infamous delta-9-THC. So, its high is not characterized by intense intoxication and overbearing effects such as confusion and anxiety.

Delta 8-THC or Delta 8-Tetrahydrocannabinol is a new, cutting edge cannabinoid (derived from Hemp) that carries psychoactive effects and euphoric feelings associated with the typical properties associated with cannabis use. Additionally, Delta 8-THC is known for its anti-nausea, anti-anxiety, appetite-stimulating, and stress-reducing properties.

Unfortunately, due to twelve states not having favorable Hemp or CBD laws, we cannot currently ship to Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, Utah. We apologize for any inconvenience and hope you will reach out to your state lawmakers to demand change!

While there are no federal regulations setting the minimum age required to purchase Delta 8-THC, there are several state regulations mandating that consumers must be 21 years or older to purchase. For this reason, you must be 21 years or older to purchase any of our products both online and in-store.

Conclusion

The National Cancer Institute says this about Delta-8:

“delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol is an analog of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with antiemetic, anxiolytic, appetite-stimulating, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties.

Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-THC) binds to the cannabinoid G-protein coupled receptor CB1, located in the central nervous system; CB1 receptor activation inhibits adenyl cyclase, increases mitogen-activated protein kinase activities, modulates several potassium channel conductances and inhibits N- and P/Q-type Ca2+ channels.

This agent exhibits a lower psychotropic potency than delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC), the primary form of THC found in cannabis.”