What Is Delta-8-THC?
Many cannabis enthusiasts have heard of Delta-9-THC, the most popular and abundant cannabinoid of traditional cannabis, but few have heard of Delta-8. The first reaction that most people have is usually; “Is this legal?”, “Does it feel the same?”, “What is the difference between Delta-8 and Delta-9?” We are going to cover all that and more to have you properly educated on this new exciting cannabinoid. According to theNational Cancer Institute, delta-8-THC can be defined as: “An analogue of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with antiemetic, anxiolytic, appetite-stimulating, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties. [Delta-8-THC] binds to the cannabinoid G-protein coupled receptor CB1, located in the central nervous system…This agent exhibits a lower psychotropic potency than [delta-9-THC], the primary form of THC found in cannabis.” Believe it or not, there is nothing new about Delta-8 besides its recent popularization by enthusiastic brands and activists. It is just one of hundreds of cannabinoids that cannabis produces naturally. However, because it is produced in such small quantities by the plant, it has only recently been put in the spotlight because of its unique characteristics and potential benefits.
Is Delta-8-THC Legal?
The short answer is yes, on a federal level. Because hemp (which is defined as cannabis with <0.3% Delta-9-THC by mass) is legal on a federal level thanks to the Farm Bill of 2018, all of its extracts which also meet this criteria are also legal by this same law. Thanks to the Farm Bill, scientists have had much more freedom to develop advanced purification and refinement techniques that have helped isolate many more minor cannabinoids, like Delta-8, which are now commercially viable for consumer products.
Does Delta-8-THC Get You High?
Because Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC are so molecularly similar, they interact within your body in very similar ways. Form pairs with function when it comes to chemistry and how molecules bind and interact. Skipping the gruesome details, Delta-8 basically has less binding potential to the receptors in your brain, but it likes to bind to the same receptors as Delta-9, and is treated in a similar way. What this equates to in terms of feeling, is a more mellow experience, a comfortable stoney feel in the body, without as much of the racing head high associated with Delta-9-THC. Feeling is subjective to the individual, but for many, this more mild effect on the mind can lead to a more relaxing and enjoyable experience. Because the common complaints associated with high potency cannabis are that it can sometimes cause anxiety or paranoia from too much psychoactivity, Delta-8 may be the perfect alternative to individuals with those concerns. As mentioned before, feeling is subjective and should be determined by the individual after consulting with a doctor to see if the product is right for them.
How Is Delta-8 Different From Delta-9?
So aside from Delta-8 being hemp derived and legal to sell federally, there are a few other key differences worth discussing. Due to the nature of Delta-8 being far less potent in cannabis, much isolation and refinement is needed to achieve a distillate that is able to be put into products such as gummies, cartridges, or prerolls. Because a much more extensive purification practice is necessary to produce viable product, the end distillate is far more pure than most cartridges you may find in dispensaries. Remember, pure does not mean better or worse, this is just in the chemistry sense, where the only variety of molecule in the extract is Delta-8 THC. Because THC and its analogues are colorless, odorless, and liquid in their pure state, Delta-8 cartridges are typically very clear, which is a sign that they are very pure. This can be alarming to some at first because what they are used to may be a more golden or amber color from Delta-9 cartridges, but speaking only for the Bay Smokes products, this is simply because the extract used to fill the cartridges is very pure and potent.
Will Delta-8-THC Make Me Fail A Drug Test?
Most of our research points to the answer being yes. Because the molecules are so similar molecularly, the same metabolites break them down and will trigger a positive for THC on a drug test. So please, if you need to worry about THC drug tests, don’t risk using any Delta-8 products. Even some CBD products, with only trace amounts of THC, have been known to occasionally trigger positives on drug tests. Better safe than sorry!
Are There Chemicals In The Delta-8 Distillate?
The short answer is no, not in ours. The only constituents of our distillate and vapor cartridges are Delta-8-THC and cannabis derived terpenes. Our Delta-8 distillate is purified to the extreme, as this is an important factor in ensuring that the product is completely void of Delta-9, which is the regulated molecule. This is why our distillate and cartridges appear very clear. THC molecules are colorless in nature, and the reason our Delta-8 is clear, while normal Delta-9 products are yellowish-gold, is because Delta-9 distillates and extracts are often less purified and have other cannabinoids and plant matter in them which are desired for their different effects and taste which are unique to each respective method of extraction.
Sounds Great, How Can I Try Some?
Great question, and thanks for asking. Now that you’re an expert on Delta-8, it’s time to see what you think for yourself. Bay Smokes provides multiple Delta-8 Products in our e-commerce store and are able to ship anywhere in the USA. Check out our selectionhere, find the right products for you, and be a part of history as a pioneer of this newly popularized cannabinoids.
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