What is Delta 8 THC?

Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 8 THC or delta 8) is a naturally occurring cannabinoid in the hemp plant. 

Natural though it is, delta 8 is made synthetically for use in products because it only occurs in very small amounts. 

Like delta 9 THC, the naturally abundant version of THC, delta 8 is psychoactive and will get you high, but it’s just half as strong. 

What Are the Effects of Delta 8 THC?

Delta 8 THC is psychoactive, and you will feel high after you use it. The high from delta 8 is roughly ½ as strong as the high from delta 9 THC, which is the cannabinoid in weed. Most people characterize delta 8 as euphoric and relaxing. 

Delta 8’s high is spread fairly evenly across the mind and body. Contrast this with delta 9, which primarily affects the mind.

Effects of Delta 8 THC vs. Delta 9 THC: How Do They Compare?

The effects of delta 8 and delta 9 differ on three primary dimensions: strength, distribution, and side effects.

Delta 8 is just half as strong as delta 9. While it will still get you high, it’s not as powerful as the classic THC. Whereas delta 9’s effects are concentrated in the mind, delta 8 spreads them evenly across the mind and body. 

A final difference is that delta 8 is less likely than delta 9 to cause anxiety and paranoia as side effects.

What Are the Benefits of Delta 8 THC?

As of right now, there isn’t a lot of research on delta 8 THC’s therapeutic benefits. 

However, in 2022, researchers examined the potential benefits of delta 8 THC by surveying 521 delta 8 users about their experience. 

71% of users reported experiencing relaxation, 68% reported euphoria, and 55% reported pain relief after using delta 8 THC products. 

Maybe more critically, 74% of participants did not experience anxiety and 83% didn’t experience paranoia. Both of these side effects are common with delta 9; delta 8 offers a milder alternative and is less likely to cause these effects. 

Based on this survey, delta 8 THC may be beneficial in the following areas:

• Pain – Delta 8 THC may promote physical support. Compared to delta 9, delta 8’s high is more body-focused.
• Anxiety – Delta 8 is commonly used for anxiety due its euphoric, uplifting effects. And as the survey showed, it’s less likely than delta 9 to cause anxiety or paranoia. 
• Sleep – In addition to supporting a relaxed mental state, delta 8 promotes a healthy-pain-free body, further contributing to restful sleep. 
• Energy & Focus – Most people report that delta 8 gives uplifting and energizing feelings. Some people use it for creative projects because of this.

How Does Delta 8 Work in the Body?

Delta 8 THC and other cannabinoids work by interacting with your endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a receptor system responsible for maintaining mental and physical homeostasis, or balance. 

Your ECS regulates all of your vital functions, including the sleep-wake cycle, immune response, inflammatory response, and mood. 

By regulating your vital functions, the ECS works to maintain normal states of health for the mind and body. Delta 8 THC may modulate the ECS, helping it to better perform its function.

There are two main types of receptors in your ECS:

• CB1 receptors, which, when stimulated, render mental, or “head” effects
• CB2 receptors, which, when stimulated, render physical, or “body” effects

Delta 8 THC interacts with both types of receptors, enabling it to render relatively even amounts of mental and physical relaxation. 

Delta 8 THC: Safety & Side Effects

Delta 8 THC is safe to consume. However, delta 8 may potentially create the following side effects when consumed:

• Paranoia
• Vomiting
• Tremors
• Anxiety
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness
• Tachychardia (raised heart rate)

Is Delta 8 THC Legal?

Yes. According to the 2018 Farm Bill, which has been extended through 2024, delta 8 THC is federally legal as long as it is derived from the hemp plant. However, delta 8 is illegal in some states.

Types of Delta 8 THC Products

There are several delta 8 consumption methods to choose from. Here’s a bit about each:

• Edibles – Delta 8 edibles, such as gummies, candy, and brownies, offer a great-tasting way to get your daily dose. Gummies, in particular, allow for fixed-dose delivery, as each piece will contain the same amount of delta 8 THC. 
• Capsules –  Capsules provide an alternative to edibles. They’re a quick, tasteless, fixed-dose form of delta 8. 
• Vapes & Flower – Inhalable products, such as vapes or flower, offer a high-potency way to take delta 8. Inhalable delta 8 products are able to bypass the digestive system and go straight to your lungs, allowing for a more potent experience.
• Oils/Tinctures – Delta 8 oils are a highly potent delivery method. Oils are taken under the tongue and absorbed through the blood vessels in your mouth, therefore bypassing the digestive system.A delta 8 oil is a good option if you want to take a very precise dose. Using the metered dropper that comes in most products, you can measure your dose nearly down to the milligram.
• Topicals – Delta 8 topical products are applied externally to the specific areas of your body where you’re looking for relief. The delta 8 in topicals will reach endocannabinoid receptors near the surface of your skin, but it won’t reach the bloodstream, which means you won’t feel high.