What is Delta-8 THC?

What is Delta-8 THC?

If you avidly follow the cannabis industry-related news, then you have perhaps read about Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-8 THC or simply D8 THC). 

The cannabis plant has an array of chemical compounds, scientifically referred to as phytocannabinoids, and D8 THC is one of these. 

An important point to note, though, is that cannabis plants produce trace amounts of Delta-8 THC. To get more concentrated amounts of D8, Cannabidiol (CBD) from the hemp plant gets processed further by the isomerization method. 

By definition, D8 THC is an isomer of Delta-9 THC present in the Cannabis sativa plant and produces psychoactive effects. 

Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-9 THC and also popularly referred to as THC) is the phytocannabinoid of cannabis associated with causing an intoxicating high. 

D8 THC produces psychoactive effects just like Delta-9 THC but at a lesser degree per amount of the product consumed. 

The facts about Delta-8 THC

  • D8 THC can cause a high

Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol has a plethora of similarities with Delta-9 THC, and one of those is that both can cause an intoxicating high.

However, D8 THC is mostly 50% less potent than Delta-9 THC, and this means to get the same effects of D9 THC, you have to consume twice the same amount. 

Another factor determining the kind of a high the D8 THC user feels is their D9 THC tolerance. By that, we mean that the intensity of the high won’t be the same for a veteran Delta-9 THC, as is the case with a wannabe. 

Importantly, depending on your tolerance and the amount of D8 you consume, the high can be mild or highly intoxicating. That’s why you are advised not to take part in activities such as driving while still high. 

  • Delta-8 THC legality is complicated

The hemp plant is federally legal, provided it has a maximum of 0.3% Delta-9 THC. This means hemp-derived compounds such as CBD are federally legal. 

Since Delta-8 THC naturally occurs in trace amounts, the synthetic conversion of CBD to get more quantities of D8 THC is technically illegal. 

As such, some states have banned Delta-8 THC products. These include Rhode Island, Arizona, New York, Mississippi, Kentucky, Delaware, Alaska, Colorado, Utah, Montana, Vermont, Idaho, Arkansas, and Iowa. 

Among the reasons why some of these states cite the illegality of Delta 8 is that there isn’t sufficient research into the psychoactive effects of the compound. 

It would be best to note that Delta-8 THC is currently an unregulated market, and as such, you will have to conduct due diligence before you shop for any product. 

  • There are safety concerns about Delta-8

Different research firms have talked about the health benefits of Delta-8 THC. However, they have also noted that there are still risks associated with the consumption of D8 THC. 

One of those is that most of the Delta-8 product sellers extract the compound synthetically from hemp extracts such as CBD. 

The Federal government currently hasn’t approved any method to produce D8 THC, and this is where the safety concerns begin. Nevertheless, some brands use the CO2 extraction method to obtain delta-8 from CBD, which is praised for providing a pure and relatively safe end product. 

  • Delta-8 THC is also different from Delta-9 THC 

While there are many similarities between D8 and D9 THC, there are also a couple of differences. 

Firstly, these two cannabis chemical compounds have different molecular structures. For instance, D8 THC has its double bond on the eighth chain of the molecular structure, while Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol has it on the 9th chain. 

Secondly, Delta-8 THC is half as potent as D9 is. This means one has to take nearly twice as much D8 THC for the ultimate effects of D9 THC to kick in. 

Lastly, D8 THC has been noted to have a more stable shelf life than Delta-9 THC. This means that D8 has a bright future to use for medical conditions.

  • Delta-8 THC has side effects

While some say that Delta-8 THC does them only good, some online users have reported some common side effects of D8 THC. These include dry eyes, drowsiness, and dry mouth. 

How does Delta-8 THC work?

Just like CBD, there are different ways to consume D8 THC. This could be in the form of an edible, flower, vape, or even pre-rolls. 

After you consume any form of Delta-8, it binds to the CB1 receptors of the Endocannabinoid System. This interaction brings the mild effects of Delta-8 THC. However, since its molecular structure is slightly different from D9 THC, the binding is relatively different. 

What are the benefits of D8 THC?

If you are an adult aged between 21 and 24, a baby boomer, or belong to a community of color, you may be wondering how exactly Delta-8 THC will benefit you or your health. 

  • D8 THC for anxiety

If you or your loved one struggles with mental disorders such as anxiety, then you understand that it’s a disheartening situation. 

When Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol binds with the CB1 receptors of the Endocannabinoid System, the interaction brings about more enhanced anxiolytic properties, which in turn lead to the relief against anxious moments.

In fact, some online users say that they stay worry-free and profoundly relaxed after taking their Delta-8 THC dosage. 

  • Increased appetite 

Have you ever been in a position whereby the urge to eat is there but immediately after feeling the aromatic scent of food, it disappears? Your appetite is the problem. 

Scientists believe that taking some amounts of Delta-8 THC can lead to increased appetite levels. 

  • D8 THC for pain relief

All of us have definitely struggled with pain at some point. Thankfully, D8 THC shows promising results towards relieving pain, all thanks to its analgesic properties. 

Some of those who say Delta-8 THC helps to combat their pain are mostly those struggling with inflammatory and neuropathic types of pains. 

  • D8 THC supports a healthier brain

Most people praise Delta-8 for its neuroprotective properties. When neuroprotection is enhanced, the brain undoubtedly becomes healthier.

From a scientific study, it was determined that D8 THC helps the user produce more Acetylcholine. 

 Acetylcholine is one of the brain’s neurotransmitters that help enhance memory,  cognition, arousal, and neuroplasticity. 

  • Great antiemetic properties 

Nausea is a pain point to many. In a 1995 piece of research, some children undergoing chemotherapy were completely successful in alleviating their nausea. Scientists owe that to the antiemetic effects of Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol.  

Why go for D8 THC products?

There are different benefits you will accrue when you opt for Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol products. These include but are not limited to: 

  • Different products to explore

Each of us is different, and what makes me the happiest won’t necessarily mean it will do to you, too. 

Today, some of the Delta 8 products you can find include flower, vapes, pre-rolls, and edibles. 

The idea is that you will need to opt for the product that best fits your needs, experience, and convenience. 

  • Budget isn’t a problem

It sometimes happens that one is genuinely interested in a specific product, but then their budget edges them out. 

Nonetheless, committed brands such as Plantivia bring to their assortments Delta-8 THC-rich products with prices starting from as low as $9. While these are affordably priced goodies, the potency and quality are there to provide the maximum benefits. 

  • Convenience 

Most of the Delta-8 THC products, if not all, offer convenience when it comes to consumption. 

For example, you could be at a place where there is stigmatization about cannabis-based products. 

You could opt for the Kush Kolective D8 Rope Candy and enjoy the health benefits of Delta-8 THC at the convenience of wherever you are. 

  • Portability

Carrying a Delta-8 THC product shouldn’t get you cracking your mind. You can just place any of these products in your pocket or purse, get it when need be, and benefit from what it has to offer. 

How can you take Delta-8 THC?

Taking a D8 THC product is somewhat similar to taking CBD products. As we have said above, the products come in different forms, and as such, there are different consumption methods. 

  • Ingestion

D8 THC edibles such as gummies and candy ropes are among the common ingestible. These are ideal for those who loathe the natural taste of raw Delta-8. 

 

An important point to note with edibles is that the effects take longer to kick in (could take up to 2 hours) but linger for long in the body. 

Some D8 edibles you can enjoy include: 

Vaping is a great way to have the effects of Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol kick in fast. However, the same effects fade off quickly. 

Some of the D8 THC vape products you can enjoy include:

  • Smoking

Smoking Delta-8 THC is common for those who value smokables more than vaping. Just like vaping, smoking D8 THC brings near-instant effects, but they wear out faster. 

Some products you can smoke include: 

In Summary

D8 THC is one of the naturally-occurring phytocannabinoids of cannabis but in trace amounts. Most D8 THC-rich product manufacturers use the isomerization method to synthesize high amounts of Delta-8 from hemp CBD. 

There are many D8 THC products in the market right now, and as such, the consumer needs to opt for a reputable brand such as Plantivia. Do you have any questions about our wide array of products? Get in touch with us, and we will be happy to clarify for you.

Back to blog