Don't Be Late to the Delta 8 Party!

by Cody Burke

If you’re a weed connoisseur, you’ve likely heard the term Delta 8. Delta 8 is a federally legal psychoactive cannabinoid isolated from hemp plants.

But is it true that Delta 8 can squash the paranoia that can come along with your typical high? And what about its legality and therapeutic benefits?

Lucky for you, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about Delta 8 THC. You’ll be an expert in no time.

What’s the difference between Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC?

Delta 9 THC is the THC you typically think of when you think about getting high. It’s found naturally in cannabis plants and is the main psychoactive component that contributes to your high.

Delta 8 THC is a special isolated form of THC derived from hemp plants. It can be sold without the need for a medical card or cannabis legalization because it’s derived from hemp.

Delta 8 THC has milder effects than Delta 9 THC. On the same token, it may also has less side effects.

 This 2022 study is incredibly enlightening. It revealed that:

 

  • Delta 8 THC may provide many of the same benefits as Delta 9, but with fewer side effects
  • Relaxation, euphoria, and pain relief were the main beneficial experiences of Delta 8 THC
  • Around 80% of participants did not experience anxiety or paranoia
  • The main participant concerns were about continued legal access

As scientists conduct more studies, more will be revealed about Delta 8 and its promising benefits, especially for those who are prone to cannabis-induced paranoia.

How does Delta 8 THC work?

Delta 8 THC is an agonist of the CB1 receptor in the endocannabinoid system. In other words, it stimulates these cell membranes which impacts your neurons, therefore inducing cognitive effects (aka a high).

What’s the 2018 Farm Bill?

The 2018 Farm Bill was signed into law in December 2018. It states that hemp plants containing less than .3% THC are federally legal. Why is this significant? The cannabis industry has taken great advantage of this bill. Delta 8 THC is derived from these hemp plants, which is federally legal.

So does that mean Delta 8 is legal?

Delta 8 is federally legal, but it’s not legal on every state level.

Here are the states where Delta 8 is regulated and treated as recreational cannabis:

 

  • Connecticut
  • Michigan
  • Nevada

 

Likewise, here are states where Delta8 falls into a grey area legally:

 

  • Kentucky
  • Mississippi
  • Nebraska

 

Unfortunately, here’s a list of states where Delta 8 is completely illegal:

 

  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • Colorado
  • Delaware
  • Idaho
  • Iowa
  • Louisiana
  • Montana
  • New York
  • North Dakota
  • Rhode Island
  • Vermont
  • Utah

 

If your state didn’t show up in any of these lists, that means it’s fully legal on both the state and federal level.

Online brands will often ship to any state, with a precursor stating that they aren’t responsible for knowing if it’s legal in your state or not. This covers them legally for shipping to illegal states.

Can I get in trouble for having Delta 8 THC?

If you live somewhere where Delta 8 is illegal, you can potentially face drug charges for having Delta 8 THC.

Will it show up on a drug test?

Delta 8 THC may show up on a drug test. Drug tests can’t differentiate between different types of THC. Whether or not it shows up depends on factors such as what kind of test is being done, how often you use Delta 8, and more.

Where can you buy Delta 8?

You can buy Delta 8 online or at dispensaries. You may also be able to find Delta 8 products at gas stations or convenience stores.

What forms does Delta 8 come in?

Delta 8 comes in a lot of different forms. You can buy it as flower, gummies, tinctures, vapes, and more.

Delta 8 experiences can differ based on what form you ingest it in.

Gummies

Delta 8 gummies are pretty popular. They taste good and the effects last a while, although they’re a bit more subtle than other delivery methods.

Cartridges

Vape carts are probably the most popular and well-known Delta 8 form. Carts come in lots of different strains and strengths. The effects come on quickly and are strong, but they don’t last too long. A Delta 8 vape pen high will peak within a few minutes and relax in about an hour.

Flower

Delta 8 flower is CBD flower infused with Delta 8 concentrate. So you’re smoking full spectrum CBD along with infused Delta 8.  You’ll experience the stereotypical calming effects of CBD along with the psychoactive effects of Delta 8.

How to pick out Delta 8 THC products

Buy your Delta 8 THC from a reputable source and do your due diligence while researching products. Only buy a Delta 8 product if a third-party testing lab report is available online.

Final thoughts

There’s clearly a lot of merit to the Delta 8 THC craze. From its possible therapeutic benefits to the lack of paranoia it generates- and not to mention an enjoyable high- there’s a reason it’s on the rise.

Try it out for yourself to see how great it is. Don’t be late to the Delta 8 party!

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