A few years ago, CBD seemed to have hit the market overnight before taking off. Since then, CBD has continued to make major sales, and a growing number of individuals have continued to discover its benefits.
However, the cannabis market is ever-evolving and filled with new discoveries. At this point in time, delta-8 THC is the next hot commodity.
And while it’s just beginning to catch attention, let’s see why it’s only going to grow in popularity.
What is Delta-8?
So what exactly is delta-8?
If you’re familiar with the THC that’s associated with marijuana—delta 9 THC—you’re not too far from delta-8.
Delta-8 THC is a close relative of delta 9. In fact, molecules appear almost identical.
Delta-8 and delta 9 are part of a group of plant-based molecules known as phytocannabinoids, and they’re commonly found in cannabis plants, specifically marijuana and industrial hemp.
These days, we tend to associate industrial hemp with cannabidiol (CBD), but hemp actually contains hundreds of different phytocannabinoids, including delta-8 THC.
However, plants don’t tend to be very high in delta-8 THC, so this molecule is often made in a lab. This process involves dissolving CBD in a nonpolar solvent before combining it with a specific combination of acids.
This process is known as isomerization, and it’s been in development for decades. As a result, delta-8 THC can be made available through legal loopholes, making it considerably more accessible than delta 9 THC.
Does Delta-8 Make Me High?
For the past few years, CBD has been widely regarded as an alternative to THC that won’t get you high.
In the case of delta-8, however, you can expect something very similar to delta-9. Like its relative, delta-8 THC produces a psychoactive effect, and this is responsible for making the user feel intoxicated or “high.”
However, delta-8’s effects are generally less intense than delta-9. This makes delta-8 quite popular among cannabis users, especially those who seek a milder high.
Benefits of Delta-8
Similar to CBD, individuals choose to purchase delta 8 for a number of reasons, particularly anxiety and pain relief.
Aside from that, it’s also enjoyed by those who appreciate the high associated with THC, but find delta-9 to be too intense.
And while delta-8’s effects are about half as potent as delta-9, it may still possess properties that may help one’s daily wellbeing.
Though more research is needed for delta-8 overall, it’s been theorized to have the following benefits:
Appetite
THC is widely associated with giving one “the munchies,” and this is just as true in the case of delta-8. Delta-8 is known to help stimulate the appetite, which can be especially useful for those undergoing a treatment or taking a medication that can discourage appetite, such as chemotherapy.
According to one study from The National Library of Medicine, children with cancer ages 3-13 were given delta-8 two hours before receiving chemotherapy. The study concluded that among the 8 subjects, nausea and vomiting was completely prevented.
Pain Relief
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, delta-8 may work as an analgesic by soothing the body’s inflammatory response, which causes pain.
Like CBD, delta-8 is theorized to interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates pain, stress, appetite, and sleep.
Through this system, delta-8 interacts with the CB1 receptors in order to reduce inflammation, potentially leading to pain relief in the body.
Stress & Anxiety Relief
Aside from inflammation, the CB1 receptors are also believed to manage our bodies’ fear and stress responses.
And because delta-8 binds to these receptors, it is believed that it may possess anxiolytic effects, creating relief from stress and anxiety.
Brain Function
Delta-8 is also believed to possess neuroprotective properties by increasing acetylcholine levels in the nervous system.
Acetylcholine is an extremely important neurotransmitter in humans and animals, because it plays a major role in cognition, neuroplasticity, memory.
Is Delta-8 Legal?
Perhaps one of the biggest questions about this fascinating compound: is delta-8 THC legal?
As previously mentioned, delta-8 has access to legal loopholes, so it is legal, but through a gray area.
Since delta-8 can be made from hemp, it falls under hemp’s legal status. And industrial hemp and its products are federally legal: according to the 2018 Farm Bill, “All derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent.”
This means that hemp and anything you make from it is legal, as long as it has less than 0.3% delta-9 THC.
That being said, there are 11 states in which delta-8 is considered illegal:
-Alaska
-Arizona
-Arkansas
-Colorado
-Delaware
-Idaho
-Iowa
-Mississippi
-Montana
-Rhode Island
-Utah
Side Effects of Delta-8
Side effects may be similar to those of THC, including dry mouth, red eyes, and getting the munchies. It’s important to note that delta-8 hasn’t been studied extensively and more research is needed on the effects it has on the mind and body.
One of the similarities between delta-8 and delta-9 THC is its side effects, which include:
-red, glazed-over eyes
-increased appetite (“munchies”)
-paranoia
-anxiety
While these are the most common side effects, it’s important to note that no two people are going to react to delta-8 the same way.
As for the safety of delta 8, there has not yet been enough evidence that delta 8 can cause any dangerous effects or risk of overdose. However, keep in mind that the studies of delta-8 are still extremely limited.
What Should I Expect From Delta-8 Gummies?
Delta-8 is known for creating a high that’s stimulating but mild and mellow at the same time.
Meanwhile, delta-8 gummies are among the best ways to enjoy delta-8, partly because of the heightened sense of focus users tend to experience compared to delta-9. If you’ve tried to steer clear of gummies in the past because you’ve found yourself crashing hard and napping by 3 pm, delta-8 gummies will completely transform your opinion on edibles.
Of course, the delta-8 gummy experience can significantly vary between consumers. While the overall experience may still be quite intoxicating for some, the effects of delta-8 aren’t always cut-and-dry, and they won’t be the same for everyone.
Whether you use Delta-8 gummies to bolster your productivity or wind up an evening and enhance your sleep is up to you—our guide to delta-8 gummies.
How Long Do Delta-8 Gummies Take to Kick in?
When it comes to the effects of delta-8 THC gummies, you can usually expect a wait of at least an hour.
Typically, delta-8 is similar to any other cannabinoid product, so it’s important to ensure that you’re dosing properly and to wait a few hours before taking more.
Will Delta-8 Gummies Show Up on a Drug Test?
Yes, delta-8 gummies will most likely show up on a drug test.
It’s important to remember that delta-8 and delta-9 share similarities in how they’re built. And while delta-8 is less potent, it’s similarly processed by the body.
On top of that, standard drug tests aren’t sophisticated enough to distinguish between delta-8 and delta-9 THC.
Drug tests can also detect traces of other cannabinoids, whether it’s CBG, CBN, or CBC, but delta-8 THC and its metabolites have a lower cut-off mark (30 ng/ml). Consequently, the IA test will be easy to fail, but you can still ask your employer to redo the gas chromatography method since this test only detects delta-9 metabolites.
What Do Delta-8 Gummies Feel Like?
The ideal delta-8 gummy dosage for a typical consumer will vary. Still, customers tend to start with one gummy, which is usually enough to give even seasoned cannabis users a clear-headed high.
If you’re seeking a more intense and drawn-out high, it’s not unusual to take a few more gummies throughout your high. Still, it ultimately depends on how your body reacts to cannabinoids and your experience with cannabis.
The high created by delta-8 gummies usually last around five to eight hours, though this can vary between consumers. When taking delta-8 gummies, most users report feeling relaxed, clear-headed, euphoric, sleepy, and hungry, among other feelings.
With both a body and a head high that’s mellow and mild, some users still recommend starting with smaller doses, like a half or quarter gummy, especially if you’re new to delta-8.
Are Delta-8 Gummies Better Than Delta-8 Oil?
Oil and gummies are some of the best ways to absorb delta-8, but which is better?
With their appealing aesthetic and candy-like taste, delta-8 gummies have, without a doubt, captured the attention of consumers everywhere.
The time it takes for you to feel the effects of delta-8 will also be determined by the product you consume.
Compared to other delta-8 products, delta-8 gummies have the lowest rate, ranging from 10% to 20%, because they travel through the digestive tract before they’re absorbed into the bloodstream.
And because delta-8 oils are administered under the tongue, there’s a noticeably higher rate of bioavailability–around 13-20%.
When a few drops are placed on the capillaries under the tongue, these tiny blood vessels expand and speed up absorption, shortening the process to as fast as 20 mins.
What to Look for in Delta-8 Gummies
If you’re new to shopping for delta-8 gummies, you may be wondering what to look for in a great product. Here are some things to consider when finding a brand that works for you.
First, check the ingredients since commercially-purchased delta-8 gummies will usually list delta-8 THC or plant-derived Terpenes on the label.
It’s also important to check the brand and reviews. Choose a brand that is established and has a great organic following. And always be sure to read through the product reviews. Delta 8 is a relatively new and emerging market. So choose a brand that you love and trust.
Also, pay attention to the THC content per gummy, which can be anywhere from 20-25 mg each, and make sure that the brand practices third-party testing with readily accessible lab reports.
Benefits of Delta-8 Gummies
With the extra perks of a pleasant high, delta-8 gummies offer a lot of appeals, and some of the potential benefits resemble CBD interestingly, though delta-8 maybe even be more effective than CBD, though many more studies will be needed to support this.
For instance, it may be said that people take delta-8 because they want to relax and alleviate their stress.
And while research is relatively new, delta-8 may be pretty effective for this due to its relationship with the endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system is a unique system of CB1 and CB2 receptors, and they work to manage functions like mood, sleep, and stress.
Because cannabinoids are so complex, we still don’t understand how delta-8 helps with stress. Still, it may have to do with an influence on the CB1 receptors, causing them to release serotonin to counteract the stress response in the body.
Not to mention that compared to delta-9, delta-8 is much less likely to cause side effects like stress and paranoia since delta-8 is only about half as potent.
Delta 8 vs. CBD
So what sets delta-8 apart from CBD?
In actuality, delta-8 is found in hemp, albeit in very low concentration. As a result, most delta-8 you see on the market is actually just CBD that’s been converted.
But while delta-8 and CBD might share some similarities on an atomic level, their effects can differ dramatically.
The most pronounced distinction is that CBD is not psychoactive, meaning it won’t get users high.
Finally, if you’re seeking to improve your health and energy levels, sleep must be prioritized since it can contribute to better concentration, more energy, faster metabolism, and lower inflammation.
Delta 8 vs. Delta 9
psychoactive compound found in marijuana. Delta-9 is what’s responsible for the high you might experience from smoking cannabis.
That being said, delta-8 is notable milder than delta-9, which has shown evidence of causing paranoia, increased anxiety, and thoughts of panic in some individuals.
With delta-8, many individuals report feeling more productive and at ease after taking Delta 8. Delta 8 is also much more subtle than Delta 9, so it helps you ease into the experience a little more easily compared to delta-9.
Are Delta-8 Gummies Safe?
As a cannabinoid that is naturally extracted from hemp, Delta-8 gummies are both safe and, in most states, federally legal. And with its slightly lower potency compared to delta-9, delta-8 is a great alternative for consumers who seek a mellower kind of high.
