As you may have already heard, there is a newcomer to “cannabis culture” that may replace the old guard of die-hard cannabis users. This new alternative to the traditional Delta-9 THC joint or edible has some distinct advantages that appeal to the daily toker as well as the newly canna-curious. This isn’t just CBD either, which, despite its surging popularity as a legitimate health supplement, still isn’t going to provide the “buzz” that recreational marijuana users crave. Nope, this new cannabis compound, while biologically-related to both CBD and THC, is in a class by itself. Imagine, similar health benefits and relaxation associated with CBD oils, AND getting the mood-enhancing joy associated with marijuana, but without the paranoia or legal issues. Sound good? Then it is time to take a closer look at the legal hemp cannabinoid poised to become the greatest boon to marijuana usage since state legalization. It’s time to experience Delta-8.
First, a little cannabinoid science and history. What we all associate with “weed” is actually the molecule Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol. This is the active “high-molecule” in the weed plant, and the reason for the cannabis plant’s popularity going back to biblical times. Delta-9 THC and its cousin CBD are both examples of natural cannabinoids found in the marijuana or hemp plant. There are many other “minor” cannabinoids besides these two all-stars that are also found in the plant though, among them CBG, CBN, and of course, Delta-8. Each of these minor cannabinoids interact with your body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS) a little differently. Some relax you, some make you sleepy, some are euphoria-inducing, and some work synergistically with all the others to provide numerous benefits. Delta-8 works like a “middle ground” between the relaxing effects of CBD, and the joy-inducing vibe of Delta-9 THC. Scientifically speaking, Delta-8 has a “lower affinity for CB1 receptors in the body than its cousin Delta-9”. What that means in the real world is, Delta-8 has a calmer, more approachable effect than marijuana, leaving its users in a pleasant “buzzy” state while still able to focus or carry out most regular tasks. Think of it like the gentler younger brother of weed, or as its converts have taken to describing it: Diet Weed. “Diet weed” isn’t a negative description either, when compared against Delta-8’s more famous cannabis relative. Even the most casual cannabis user has or knows someone with a horror story about marijuana usage. Paranoia, missed duties, unable to concentrate or even function, embarrassing mishaps with friends or family from being “too high”, law enforcement problems, or simply having a bad trip from THC usage. Despite its increased social acceptance and prevalence, there is an undisputed dark side to traditional cannabis usage for many. This is why the lighter, more approachable effect of Delta-8 may be better for everyone but the most hard-core stoners among us. An ability to stay focused, a lack of paranoia, and that smooth, blissful feeling are what are really winning this diet-weed option more fans every day. Perhaps best of all for those who would like to partake in the heightening effects of cannabis, Delta-8 THC is legal on a federal level under the federal Farm Bill. The world of cannabis has changed greatly in the past 4 years, and the science along with it. Scientists have known about the presence of Delta-8 in the hemp plant since the 1970’s. It occurs in such tiny quantities that it was mostly ignored as too much work to extract in usable amounts compared to THC or CBD. As the science of cannabis extraction got better, it became possible to concentrate the Delta-8 that occurs naturally while converting the more prevalent full-spectrum cannabidiol oil into its Delta-8 form. Once this process was perfected, more Delta-8 could be produced from each hemp plant in viable amounts. Now, there are at least a dozen U.S. companies extracting their own Delta-8 and putting it into edible and vapeable forms.
Advantages of Delta-8 THC
Marijuana has long been stigmatized and even criminally punished in the United States. From getting or keeping a job, to qualifying for student loans, the legal effects of a criminal charge related to past cannabis use can be damaging, even as more and more states move to legalize the plant. Even if you are fortunate enough to live in a state that has decriminalized cannabis for adults, there is still the stigma of lighting up a joint in public, or that tell-tale smell that marks someone who has recently partaken. Switching to edible forms of cannabis solves some of the problem, which is why THC edibles have surged in popularity in states where they are illegal. Purchases of traditional THC edibles are still limited to licensed cannabis stores, with few product options to choose from. Delta-8 edibles on the other hand can be easily and discretely purchased online, for shipment directly to your door. Companies like Vybba, 3 Chi, and Exhale Wellness will all ship to adult customers in most states, at prices that are far more attractive than buying cannabis in state-run dispensaries.
What Delta-8 Feels Like
Delta-8 THC offers a smooth and relaxing high with almost no side effects. The most common side effects are minor, and mostly consist of a dry mouth and perhaps some sleepiness. You cannot overdose on Delta-8, and there are no known toxicity levels from taking too much. There is no “crash” from Delta-8 wearing off, and most users report feeling rested and alert the next day, even after consuming a lot of Delta-8 (20+ milligrams). Delta-8 offers a reasonable level of enjoyable effects, while not taking the user to the same extremes as Delta-9 THC. Positive effects from use may include warmth, soothing euphoria, enhanced appetite, heightened senses, and a feeling of being “refreshed”. Many users report feeling increased creativity and energy while doing work-related tasks, to the point where it is referred to as their “Work Weed”. Even for those who prefer to keep their recreational hemp usage to their off-work hours only, being able to concentrate and not being “couch-locked” are added bonuses to the typical Delta-8 experience. Edible D8 products like gummies, capsules, dissolving strips, and gum provide more discrete dosing, especially compared to the odor and spectacle of vaping or smoking cannabis. Delta-8 edible products provide a much more enjoyable and convenient method of cannabis usage, either from the comfort of your couch, on the go, or in social situations. Pair that with the pleasant effects and lack of downside, it may be time for you to get on the Delta-8 train and see what all the fuss is about.
Legality
Delta-8 THC is considered federally legal for recreational use throughout the United States, whereas marijuana continues to battle legal risks for both medicinal and recreational use at the federal and state level. Any natural hemp-derived cannabidiol product is currently allowed under the 2018 Farm Bill as long as it contains 0.3% THC or less. While some states have adopted their own laws for hemp manufacturing and consumption, most states have taken a hands-off approach on Delta-8, leaving it completely legal for adults to order, possess, and use. All delta-8 products that are derived from hemp and contain 0.3% THC or less are in compliance with federal rules.
Lab Tested
Because of the long-standing legal ban on cannabis in general, there are no current testing or safety standards set by law for Delta-8. Because of this, users should be extra cautious in selecting Delta-8 products for usage, since there is no tell-tale way to judge quality from the outside. High-quality vendors will provide public lab tests, conducted by independent laboratories, on their websites for customers to view before they purchase. You should avoid any seller that does not readily supply lab results from a third-party.The process by which Delta-8 is extracted from a mother tincture of full-spectrum CBD oil can leave behind solvents. If the hemp was grown in fields that used chemical pesticides, it can remain present in Delta-8 distilled from those plants grown there. Both of these are the types of chemicals you don’t want in something you swallow, so be sure to look for public lab tests for these possible contaminants.
Conclusion
For those looking for some of the same effects that marijuana is sought for, Delta-8 provides a “tamer” approach. While any intoxicant or recreational substance comes with some degree of risk, the comparative risk of Delta-8 compared to even state-legal marijuana is pretty low. Buying from a trusted, established source is critical, and never take more than a small amount of Delta-8 until you know how it affects you, and you should still never operate heavy machinery even when using “diet-weed”. Whether Delta-8 becomes a newfound friend, a replacement for the harmful lung effects of smoking joints, or just a “special occasion” kind of pick-me-up for the occasional users, adults from all walks of life stand to benefit from trying Delta-8 for themselves.
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