This article is based on anecdotal evidence, and it’s not to serve as medical advice. The Delta 8 THC products are not to treat or prevent any health conditions or diseases.
Multiple studies have confirmed the positive effects cannabis and hemp products can have. The cannabis market has been growing rapidly, but the demand for Delta THC products is also on the rise. Many users choose Delta 8 as the ingredient because it is less psychoactive compared to Delta 9. The reason behind such popularity is that this cannabinoid can produce various health benefits with fewer psychoactive effects. In addition, we reveal everything you need to know about Delta 8 and its benefits.
What is Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 THC is a cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. It’s an isomer of Delta 9 with the only difference being the location of a double bond between two carbons. Delta 8 has neuroprotective properties but is less potent and psychoactive than Delta 9. In fact, it gives a feeling of mellow high. You can enjoy the typical benefits of THC while avoiding the anxiety and paranoia that might follow consuming Delta 9.
How Does Delta 8 Work?
The molecular structure of Delta 8 is unique and reacts to the cannabinoid receptors found in the endocannabinoid system. This system consists of cannabinoid receptors, enzymes, and neurotransmitters that work together to regulate a variety of body functions, like mood, pain control, appetite, digestion, and memory.
Delta 8 has a double bond on the eighth carbon chain which means it provides the usual THC benefits, but without the strong psychoactive effects. The cannabinoid binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are mainly located in the brain, whereas CB2 is found in the digestive and immune systems. Thanks to the unique structure, Delta 8 THC bonds more to the CB2 receptor, resulting in fewer side-effects.
The Effects of Delta 8
The typical effects in first-time Delta 8 users might come in strong. However, Delta 8 is still great for beginners who want to feel the effects of cannabis without having to worry about the side effects typically associated with Delta 9 THC.
New users are likely to feel euphoric or feel pain relief and better sleep. Conversely, first-time users might experience more intense side effects, like dry mouth, anxiety, headaches, and red eyes.
Experienced users are more tolerant of the common adverse effects of Delta 8. They usually find the effects lighter and experience a mellow high.
No matter whether you are a beginner or a more experienced user, the effects might vary depending on your body composition and tolerance to the substance.
Potential Delta 8 Benefits for Wellness
Delta 8 can have many health benefits; however, you should consult with a doctor beforehand if you’re already on medication. Also, keep in mind that all health benefits of Delta 8 are primarily anecdotal and lack scientific knowledge. Let’s find out what are the conditions Delta 8 is likely to address.
Anxiety
Like all cannabinoids, Delta 8 THC acts on the endocannabinoid system in the brain. The ECS plays a significant role in how the body responds to stressful situations, depression, and anxiety. Delta 8 binds to the CB1 receptor in the ECS known for regulating anxiety. Delta 9 initiates an anti-anxiety response in the system, blocking the anxiety effects on the body.
Better Sleep
Sleep primarily affects our performance and overall wellbeing. Sleep deprivation can negatively impact your ability to think, cause mood changes, increased blood pressure, low sex drive, and increase the risk for various health issues. Delta 8 is popular for sleep cycle management. The compound is believed to address insomnia effectively. Not only it will promote a longer sleep cycle, but also it will ensure you have an enhanced sleep quality.
Pain Relief
Delta 8 is believed to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, it can target chronic inflammation and acute pain, helping soothe and reduce inflammation and pain. Additionally, anecdotal evidence shows that Delta 8 can be efficient in treating persistent headaches and muscle pains, as well as swellings and sores.
Better Focus
The Delta 8 THC variant is an excellent alternative to Delta 9 to enhance focus and boost productivity. It’s said to act without the hazy feeling and higher stress levels after using Delta 9. Instead, Delta 8 is believed to stimulate the production of Acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter that increases memory, cognition, and brain resilience.
Prevents Nausea
This particular THC variant is believed to be effective against nausea. Therefore, it might be helpful to those who suffer from severe nausea during specific hospital treatments or morning sickness. According to anecdotal evidence, a little Delta 8 can do wonders when it comes to nausea, making your life more comfortable.
Stimulates Appetite
Managing the appetite is very important for overall wellbeing. Unfortunately, the face-paced lifestyle or certain health conditions can make you lose your appetite. Delta 8 THC might be great for those struggling to eat. It can help the body stimulate appetite and get the needed nutrition. Unfortunately, Delta 8 produces the “munchies” effect, described as a powerful surge in appetite. That said, the effect of Delta 8 is more manageable compared to that of Delta 9. As a result, you’ll feel in control and never overeat.
How Long Does It Take to Feel Delta 8 Benefits?
Some anecdotal evidence reveals that Delta 8 kicks in after three or four hours of intake. That said, others report feeling the effects as fast as one or two hours after consumption. Delta 8 effects depends on the consumer’s body weight, THC tolerance, and health.
Also, it depends on the method used to take Delta 8. For example, Delta 8 vaping is the fastest-acting method. It might take about half an hour after inhaling it to feel its effects. On the other hand, if taking Delta 8 gummies, you can expect the effects to kick in within two hours as it needs to be fully processed in the digestive system.
How Long Will the Delta 8 Benefits Last?
There isn’t a single answer to this question. Each user experiences Delta 8 differently. It mainly depends on the individual’s body weight, THC tolerance, and overall health and age. According to users, the effects generally last shorter than those of Delta THC. That said, if the concentration is higher, the effects will last longer. Additionally, the product’s purity, quality, and dosage you take also contribute to the longevity of Delta 8 effects.
Is Delta 8 Safe?
Despite the lack of scientific evidence, anecdotal evidence shows that using Delta 8 can effectively calm nausea, ease pains, boost appetite, improve the sleep cycle, and manage anxiety symptoms. Of course, you should be aware that there are some adverse effects associated with using Delta 8. Some of the most common side effects reported by users include confusion, drowsiness, and numbness. Some Delt 8 users have reported slow heart rate, whereas others have experienced fast heart rate. Additionally, some users have experienced low blood pressure after using Delta 8. If you notice any of these reactions, make sure to consult your doctor.
Delta 8 THC Legal Status
Delta 8 legality currently lies in a gray area. The majority of Delta 8 products are extracted from legal hemp. Technically, Delta 8 is as legal as the 2018 Farm Bill made every cannabis product that contains less than 0.3% of Delta 9 THC legal for production and use. However, there hasn’t been a federal law explicitly passed on Delta 8. That’s why a few states, including Arizona, Alaska, Arkansas, Iowa, Delaware, Colorado, Kentucky, Idaho, Montana, New York, Vermont, Mississippi, Rhode Island, and Uta, have forbidden the production and use of Delta 8 THC.
The main concern regarding Delta 8 is that it’s unregulated and there is no guarantee of safety, integrity, or purity. Make sure to check the legal state of Delta 8 in your state before making purchases. Also, it might be wise to avoid taking any Delta 8 products if you have a regular drug test scheduled.
Where Can You Get Delta 8?
You can buy Delta 8 products in convenience stores, vape shops, gas stations, and online. It’s essential to choose a reputable vendor, so shopping online might be the best option. You can easily find independent lab results and read user reviews to establish the brand’s reputation and the safety of the products. JustDelta is a trustworthy brand that is transparent about the manufacturing process, and you can easily access lab results for each product on the website.
Can Delta-8 Make You High?
While delta-8 continues to grow in popularity, there are still some individuals who are confused about the effects of delta-8, and many are asking, “can delta-8 make you high?”
Delta-8 does in fact create a euphoric high, although it’s notably more mellow than the delta-9 you might know from cannabis. And when it comes to the way in which delta-8 and delta-9 make you high, the metabolic processes are virtually identical, with one exception: delta-8 has a lower affinity for binding with receptors in the brain, making it less psychoactive compared to delta-9. In fact, many users have reported feelings of relaxation and sleepiness, combined with a mild body high.
With the initial effects, some users recount the first wave of euphoria to feel more intense than marijuana, but it eventually dissolves into a state of mellow euphoria.
On the flip side, some users even report that delta-8 leaves them feeling more energized, especially those with experience enjoying cannabis and THC products.
How Delta-8 is Made
While delta-8 is found naturally-occurring in cannabis, its concentrations in hemp are naturally quite low.
But as you’ve probably heard, delta-8 is legal because it’s a product of hemp, which is federally legal.
What does this mean then?
Simply put, delta-8 comes from hemp through a process known as conversion, in which a cannabinoid is converted into another, under the guidance of a trained specialist in a lab setting.
This process is possible because all cannabinoids start out as the same compound, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). Often referred to as “the mother cannabinoid,” CBGA in hemp will start to evolve as the plant matures, resulting in a wide variety of different cannabinoids–over 100, in fact.
And while these changes occur naturally in response to factors such as the environment, stress, etc., it’s possible to control this conversion in a lab setting.
The conversion process for converting CBD to delta-8, specifically known as isomerization, begins with dissolving CBD into a nonpolar organic solvent before incorporating an acid. Mixtures can be made with different combinations of solvents and acids, and each one will yield different results.
The mixture is then stirred and maintained at 100 degrees Celsius for around eight hours, before the solution is separated, washed and neutralized.
Finally, the product batch undergoes critical testing, typically through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Will Delta-8 Help Me Sleep?
After considering some of the benefits one might enjoy with delta-8, you might be wondering if delta-8 can help you get a good night’s sleep.
And in this guide, we wanted to discuss this question in depth.
Currently, the research on delta-8 and its benefits for sleep is quite limited, but there’s nothing ruling it out, either.
On top of that, cannabis is a plant that humans have been using for thousands of years in folk medicine, often indicated for pain, inflammation, and even nausea.
Can delta 8 help with sleep? We don’t have a ton of research on the topic, but what we do know might point to yes. Delta 8 THC could very well help with sleep.
Cannabis was introduced to the West in the mid-19th century, having made a significant name for itself, shaping a culture for decades onward.
However, cannabis isn’t our focus–rather, one of its 100+ cannabinoids, delta-8 THC.
When examining the research surrounding many of the cannabinoids found in cannabis, there’s some data suggesting benefits for better sleep. For instance, CBD has shown evidence of boosting sleep quality by easing the mind and body. Meanwhile, studies such as this one have shown that cannabigerol (CBG) can help with sleep, as well.
And like these cannabinoids, delta-8 THC interacts with the body through the endocannabinoid system, so it’s possible that it, too, can help ease the body into a state of rest.
Still, it’s important to remember that more research is needed before any claims can be made about delta-8 for sleep; and like every cannabinoid, delta-8 works differently for everyone.
Will Delta-8 Make Me Fail a Drug Test?
If you plan on taking any kind of delta-8 product, it’s important to understand that it can, in fact, make users fail a drug test.
While delta-8 is less potent than delta-9, the two cannabinoids are nonetheless very similar: both create an intoxicating effect, and traces can show on a drug test kit.
What’s more, most drug tests check for THC, and not any of its analogs. This is because both delta-8 and delta-9 are processed by the body into the same metabolite, THC-COOH. The top limit in blood for THC-COOH is 50 ng/ml, but the cut-off mark for delta-8 and its metabolites is much lower, at 30 ng/ml.
As a result, it’s quite easy to fail an IA drug test on delta-8.Luckily, though, you can speak to your employer about repeating the test with the gas chromatography method, which only detects delta-9 THC.
Delta-8 Products for Sale
Curious to try delta-8? Here are some of the most popular products right now.
Delta-8 Gummies
CBD gummies continue to reign as some of the most popular products on the market; it’s no surprise, then, that we’re seeing the same sort of popularity with delta-8 gummies.
Delta-8 gummies offer a lot of appeal–for starters, they create a pleasant, mellow body high that’s not too different from delta-9, albeit on a more less potent scale.
But more specifically, delta-8 gummies offer a tasty little treat that’s easy to carry around, and even easier to enjoy. At JustDelta, we have delta-8 gummies that are tasty, straightforward and fuss-free. Check out our out-of-this-world flavors like Watermelon Supernova, Exotic Peach, and Sour Bursts.
With that being said, make sure not to take too many, even if it might be tempting!
Delta-8 Vapes
If you want your delta-8 to kick in ASAP, without sacrificing discretion and privacy, vaping makes an especially attractive choice.
While vapes might seem a bit intimidating at first, they’re actually quite straightforward, even for new users! Really, the biggest challenge is finding the right vape for your needs and preference.
Selecting your vape can be quite overwhelming, especially with all of the modded options, and while more advanced users might be interested in seeking out the best rig or battery, this guide is for people who want their delta-8 vapes plain and simple.
Our delta-8 vapes are available in two classic styles: cartridges, which attach to any standard 510 thread battery, and disposables, which are perfect for those who want to try delta-8 vapes without the commitment. Whichever you choose, keep an eye out for our potent, delicious profiles: Strawberry Cough, Zkittlez, Pineapple Express, Solar Flare Lemonade, Space Walker, and Bubble Gum Galaxy.
Delta-8 Shots
Delta-8 shots take all of the benefits of a potent delta 8 product with a tasty treat. They’re not just fruity and refreshing, they’re also fast acting, and offer discretion. Shake well and enjoy it as a quick sip, or add it to your favorite sparkly water or soda to make a delta 8 mocktail. No matter how you indulge in it, you can expect the high to hit you quickly, but gently. Perfect for winding down in the evening, or for enjoying a sunday afternoon activity.
Delta 8 shots can create the rush of euphoria and sense of intoxication known as a “high.” And while its relative, delta 9 THC, has a reputation for creating that spacey, drowsy, groggy high that leaves you sinking into the sofa, delta 8 is significantly more mild in its effects.
With delta 8 shots, most consumers recount feeling a sense of tranquility and relaxation, but still have a sense of clarity and focus.
When shopping for delta 8 shots (or really any delta 8 products), it’s important to, above all, check the company’s reputation. This can be done with a simple search online: of course, it’s helpful to check the store’s own reviews, but also be sure to browse reviews on the brand from external sites, like Reddit, Yelp, and cannabis forums.
It’s also encouraged that you check the ingredients in a delta 8 shot–of course, this is crucial if you have any kind of dietary restrictions or allergies, but it’s also recommended to check for any other terpenes and cannabinoids that might be in the shots.
As a cannabinoid that’s found naturally occurring in cannabis plants, delta 8 shots are safe to consume when used responsibly. On top of that, delta 8 shots are only about 70% as potent as delta 9 THC, making it a great alternative for those who seek a relaxed kind of body high.
All things considered, it’s worth noting that dosage plays a huge role in your delta 8’s safety, so make sure that you’re dosing responsibly–in the case of delta 8 shots, we recommend 25mg every 8 hours.
At JustDelta, you can find delta-8 shots in the flavor Fruit Punch Space Waves.
