What is Delta 8 THC: Effects, Benefits, Uses, & Legality

Curious about how to experience THC in states where recreational cannabis is still prohibited? Delta-8 THC offers a potential solution. Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp and CBD, it's now possible to synthesize various cannabinoids similar to traditional THC, including Delta-8. This compound exists in a legal gray area and has become a popular alternative for those who can't access cannabis through local dispensaries.

In this article, we're exploring the origins, effects, uses, benefits, and potential risks of Delta-8 THC.

What You'll Learn

In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about Delta-8 THC, including:

• What Delta-8 THC is
• How Delta-8 THC is created
• The effects of Delta-8 THC
• Common uses of Delta-8 THC
• The potential benefits of Delta-8 THC
• Health risk associated with Delta-8 THC
• Where to find Delta-8 THC products

What is Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC)?

Delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid that is synthetically derived from CBD, using legal hemp as the base ingredient. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp (cannabis with less than 0.3% THC) for industrial use, allowing it to be used in a variety of products, from ropes and durable fabrics to skin-nourishing hemp seed oil.

While Delta-9 THC is the psychoactive most commonly associated with cannabis and is heavily regulated under both federal and state laws, Delta-8 THC is a similar compound, known as an isomer. It can be synthesized by altering CBD extracted from legal hemp plants.

This process makes it possible to produce a legal form of THC from hemp, providing an alternative for those in states where traditional cannabis is not yet legal. In other words, Delta-8 THC offers a way for people in non-legal states to experience THC-like effects legally.

Note: While Delta-8 THC does naturally occur in trace amounts in cannabis plants, the Delta-8 THC available on the market is synthetically produced.

What are the Effects of Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC)?

Delta-8 THC is chemically similar toDelta-9 THC, the most common form of THC found in cannabis. Like Delta-9, Delta-8 is psychoactive and produced a "high" by binding to CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system. These receptors are in the brain and nervous system, which is why THC can lead to feelings of euphoria, altered perception, and sometimes mild disorientation.

However, Delta-8 THC tends to produce a milder effect compared to Delta-9 THC. Many users report experiencing a more subtle, clear-headed high with less intense psychoactive effects. As a result, Delta-8 is often favored by those seeking a gentler experience with fewer side effects like anxiety or paranoia, which can sometimes accompany Delta-9 THC use.

What is Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC) Used For?

Delta-8 THC is primarily used for recreational purposes, offering a cannabis experience when traditional Delta-9 THC isn't accessible. It's particularly popular in states where cannabis remains illegal, providing an alternative for users who want to experience the effects of THC without needing to travel to a state with legal recreational dispensaries.

Because Delta-8 THC is synthesized from CBD, it is often sold in smoke shops, vape shops, and other retail outlets in non-legal states, alongside legal CBD products. Though it functions similarly to THC, it is technically classified as a CBD product due to its origins.

You can find Delta-8 THC in a variety of forms, including:

• Oils
• Gummies
• Vape cartridges
• Tinctures
• "Infused" hemp flowers
• "Infused" hemp pre-rolls

What are the Benefits of Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC)?

The benefits of Delta-8 THC are primarily recreational, though some users also report therapeutic effects. While research into its medicinal properties is still limited, some studies suggest that Delta-8 THC may offer benefits similar to those of Delta-9 THC, but in a milder form. Unlike naturally extracted cannabinoids, Delta-8 is a synthesized isomer, and most medical cannabis tends to Ficus on naturally occurring compounds.

• Mild Euphoric High - Delta-8 THC provides a lighter, mild euphoric high. It's ideal for those looking for a cannabis-like experience without the intensity of traditional THC.
• Relaxation - Many users find Delta-8 THC to be calming, helping to reduce stress and promote a sense of relaxation.
• Anxiety and Depression Relief - Like Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 THC may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, offering mood enhancement and emotional balance.
• Sleep Aid - Some use Delta-8 THC to improve sleep quality, helping them fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and experience fewer disturbances during the night.
• Pain Relief - As a cannabinoid, Delta-8 THC may help reduce inflammation and provide mild pain relief, making it a potential option for those seeking natural pain management.
• Fewer Side Effects - Because Delta-8 THC is less potent than traditional THC, many users report experiencing fewer or milder side effects, such as anxiety or paranoia, which are sometimes associated with higher doses of Delta-9 THC.

Are There Health Risks to Consider with Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC)?

1. Drug Interactions and Liver Health -- Like all cannabinoids, Delta-8 THC is processed by the liver. As a result, it can interact with certain medications, either enhancing or suppressing their effects. If you're taking medications metabolized by the liver, check for potential THC interactions. Excessive use of Delta-8 THC, or any substance processed by the liver, could potentially contribute to liver strain or damage over time.
2. Unregulated Delta-8 THC Products -- Since Delta-8 THC is less regulated than other cannabinoids, there is a higher risk of encountering products made with unsafe or subpar production methods. Unregulated producers may use questionable manufacturing practices that introduce harmful contaminants, preservatives, or additives into the final product. To reduce this risk, always purchase Delta-8 THC from trusted, reputable brands or licensed stores with transparent lab testing and quality control practices.

Is Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC) Legal?

Delta-8 THC exists in a legal gray area. While it is technically legal under federal law due to the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp-derived products, it is chemically similar to Delta-9 THC and may be subject to regulation in some states. Delta-8 is often sold in places where Delta-9 THC is not legally available, but its legal status varies by state.

Despite its legal status, Delta-8 THC acts similarly to Delta-9 THC in the body. It can trigger a positive result on drug tests, as it is metabolized the same way, leaving behind similar metabolites in the liver. This makes it difficult to distinguish between traditional THC without lab testing.

Because of these similarities and potentially legal ambiguities, it's advisable to proceed cautiously and be aware of your local laws before purchasing or using Delta-8 THC products.

What Cannabis Strains Contain Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC)?

Delta-8 THC naturally occurs in trace amounts in many cannabis strains, but it is never the primary cannabinoid. As a result, you won't find specific "Delta-8 strains." However, you can find flower and pre-rolls *infused* with Delta-8 THC, where the cannabinoid is added in the form of synthetic oil or crystals to enhance the effects.

Where Can You Find Delta-8 THC?

If you are curious about trying Delta-8 THC, it can typically be found in smoke and vape shops, especially in states where cannabis is not fully legalized, but CBD products are sold. Some legal dispensaries may offer Delta-8 THC as a novelty or a "lighter" alternative to Delta-9 THC, but it's not as common in states where Delta-9 THC is readily available.

For a wide variety of high-quality, naturally derived Delta-9 THC, be sure to check out your nearest Zen Leaf dispensary.