What is Delta 8 THC exactly and how does it differ from Delta-9 THC? Delta 8 THC is a ‘minor’ phytocannabinoid that is found in the cannabis plant.
What is Delta 8?
Delta 8 is a natural compound in the cannabis plant that provides various positive benefits without major side effects. Many people turn to Delta 8 THC because it’s less intense and not overwhelming like Delta 9 THC, which is the compound in marijuana that causes a ‘high’. But what are Delta 8’s benefits? Well, you’ve come to the right place. We have everything you need to know about Delta 8 THC, from its origins to its impact.
What is Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 THC is a phytocannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It’s actually a product of Delta 9 THC degradation, which means it is half as potent as Delta 9 THC. Still, Delta 8 THC will leave you with a euphoric feeling of happiness, relaxation, and relief.
Delta 8 THC is a ‘minor’ cannabinoid because there’s such a small amount present in the cannabis plant. But it has so many positive benefits to our overall wellness that manufacturers have found ways to extract Delta 8 THC and create a variety of potent Delta 8 products, including oils and vapes.
Is Delta 8 the same as CBD?
The short answer is: No, Delta 8 is not at all the same as CBD! Delta 8 THC and CBD are both phytocannabinoids. Moreover, they share some benefits — but that’s where the similarities end.
The biggest difference is that Delta 8 encourages more powerful effects than CBD. In comparison, Delta 8 THC provides a much stronger euphoric effect that promotes feelings of bliss and serenity.
Delta 8 vs Delta 9: What's the difference?
Okay, so Delta 8 THC is not the same as CBD. But it has a similar chemical makeup (and name) as Delta 9 THC, so what’s going on there? Well, the two cannabinoids have a lot of differences!
The first difference is that there is much more Delta 9 THC (usually just called ‘THC’) than Delta 8 in cannabis.
The second difference, and perhaps the most important, is that Delta 8 THC is not as potent as Delta 9 THC, which is twice as potent as Delta 8. That means the effects are more manageable, and side effects are far less common.
What are the benefits of Delta 8?
What are the effects of Delta 8?
Delta 8 THC is not as potent as Delta 9 THC, which means you shouldn’t feel the negative side effects associated with being high. But there are still some possible side effects to keep in mind when taking Delta 8 THC.
Mental Effects
Delta 8 stimulates the mind, which some people can be sensitive to. In larger doses, this can make some people feel uncomfortable, leading to racing thoughts. It’s always important to start slowly, taking smaller doses when you aren’t as used to Delta 8 THC.
Dry Mouth
When taking Delta 8 THC, you can experience a temporary dry mouth. While drinking water can reduce this feeling, know that you aren’t actually dehydrated. A dry mouth is a result of how Delta 8 THC interacts with the salivary glands.
You might also experience dry eyes when you use Delta 8 THC. Not to worry, this will only last a short while. It may temporarily leave your eyes looking red. Using some moisturizing eye drops can reduce this side effect.
Sleepiness
If you take a higher dose of Delta 8, you may feel a bit tired. This is beneficial for those who have trouble sleeping or if you want to take a soothing nap! In higher doses, some people may experience mild fatigue. But this will only last as long as the other effects of Delta 8. If you take smaller doses, this side effect is much less likely to occur.
‘Couch Lock’
Delta 8 THC is known for giving users a relaxing, blissful feeling that seeps throughout the body. In high doses, this effect might feel too strong for new users, potentially leading to “couch lock.” This term is used to describe a temporary sensation of immobility. The feeling can make some people anxious if they aren’t used to it.
Kick Your Feet Up
Since Delta 8 THC produces effects that are more powerful than the soothing and tranquil feelings of CBD, we do not recommend that you drive or operate heavy machinery after taking Delta 8. The blissful feelings may distract from the task at hand.
You may also have difficulties at work for this same reason. Always choose to use Delta 8 THC when you can kick back, relax, and let the happiness wash over you.
How much Delta 8 should I take?
Like CBD and Delta 9 THC, the amount of Delta 8 THC you take is determined by your personal preference, experience, and overall wellness. Things that may affect your dosage include:
- Age
- Weight
- Ailments
- Metabolism
- How much you’ve eaten
- Your activity level
- Tolerance
- The desired outcome you’re looking for
The best way to determine the right amount for you is to start small. Take a light dose to see how it affects you. Do you get the benefits you need? Can you tolerate the possible side effects? You can always take more once you’re more experienced and comfortable.
How is Delta 8 made?
While Delta 8 THC is naturally occurring, it’s extremely hard to isolate and extract by itself because there are so little concentrations in each hemp plant. Delta 8 THC appears in such low quantities that it’s often seen as unprofitable and very inefficient to extract from the raw plant matter.
Instead, since Delta 8 is so close to CBD in chemical structure, we use a process called isomerization to convert CBD into Delta 8. Isomerization is a completely safe process that can use both solvent and solvent-less methods to create a distillate that you can use to create other Delta 8 products. Delta 8 THC can also be converted from Delta 9 THC.
Final thoughts
Delta 8 THC is a phytocannabinoid found in the cannabis plant that produces a euphoric feeling unlike any other. It’s milder than THC but still gives users a satisfying sense of bliss that comes with various wellness benefits.
