The cannabis community is full of all sorts of confusing terminologies. Sometimes, this can make it difficult to keep up with! Recently, the industry has started exploding with Delta-8 THC products, getting people everywhere excited about these new products. But, what is delta-8 THC, anyway? What does it do, and why do people enjoy it so much?
Today, we’re taking a deep dive into the world of delta-8, what it is, and how you can try some for yourself. This way, you never have to see one of these products and ask, “What is D8?” again. Let’s get started.
Delta 8 Definition
First thing’s first, it’s important for us to define what delta 8 THC is. Delta 8 THC is yet another cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant family. The cannabinoid is only present naturally in very small amounts, but, now, manufacturers have discovered ways of isolating the cannabinoid or growing delta-8-rich flower.
It’s important not to get delta-8 THC mixed up with delta-9 THC (though we know they sound nearly identical). Both compounds are technically THC derivatives; however, the two illustrate different properties. Delta-9 THC is the most abundant, well-known form of the cannabinoid, and it's the cannabinoid people are talking about when they mention just “THC” in general. Delta-9 THC is extremely psychoactive and demonstrates mild therapeutic effects alongside, as well.
Delta-8 THC, on the other hand, is not nearly as psychoactive as delta-9. This has to do with the double-bond structure found on the chemical compound itself. While delta-9 has the double-bond on the ninth atom, as you may have guessed, delta-8 has it on the eighth atom. For whatever reason, this slight difference in position makes D9 a lot more susceptible to psychoactivity in the human brain than delta-8 does. But, this is why it’s so crucial not to get them mixed up: you don’t want to accidentally purchase some delta-9 thinking it's D8 and get super stoned! So, make sure you clearly understand the difference between the two compounds and purchase the products that you actually want.
Like D9, delta-8 is an incredibly versatile cannabinoid. We’ll talk more about the specific products later, but you can find D8 products in practically any form you’d like. No matter what you want to try — edibles, tinctures, vapes, flower — you’ll find delta-8 THC products to consume in so many different ways.
What is Delta 8 CBD?
Okay, now we know what D8 THC is, but what is delta 8 CBD? If you’ve seen this term, don’t panic! There’s nothing different between delta-8 THC and CBD — it’s the same product! Some people will choose to label the product as such, but delta-8 is still a THC derivative. This will not change! It doesn’t come from cannabidiol at all.
That leads us to the next question, then: what is the difference between delta-8 THC and CBD?
Delta-8 THC and CBD are quite juxtaposing cannabinoids. As we mentioned earlier, D8 does have psychoactive properties that lead to mild intoxication. This couldn’t be further from the truth with CBD. Cannabidiol doesn’t have the abilities to bind to the CB receptors in the brain the way that delta-8 does; thus, it cannot cause those feelings of intoxication.
CBD is also very strongly therapeutic. We’ll talk more about it next, but we’re still in the process of learning about delta-8’s characteristics. While it looks incredibly beneficial, it appears as though CBD’s properties are still more all-encompassing. However, this may change as we learn more about the cannabinoid.
So, once again, if you’re wondering, “What is delta 8 CBD?” It’s just D8. In general, we’d recommend avoiding using this term because it can be confusing and does present delta-8 THC in an inaccurate light.
D8 Cannabis Plants Properties and Effects
We’ve hinted at it enough; now, let’s talk all about delta-8 cannabis plant properties and effects.
Like we talked about earlier, delta 8 THC is mildly psychoactive. It is not nearly as strong as delta-9 THC, so it won’t have you feeling incredibly high. In fact, this is why so many people turn to delta-8 in the first place! For some, D9 can present too strong of an experience that can induce anxiety or discomfort. This doesn’t tend to be the case with delta-8 THC, though. Most people report that the only mild psychoactive effects create the perfect gentle euphoria and feelings of weightlessness. Of course, this is different for every person, though.
Alongside being slightly psychoactive, delta-8 THC appears to have extremely strong therapeutic effects. So, while it doesn’t have the ability to get you super stoned, it may have the characteristics you need to help support your health and wellness tenfold.
The cannabis community is still learning about the specific benefits of delta-8 THC. Every day, we’re seeing more and more potential around the cannabinoid, especially in terms of things like chronic pain, anxiety, and nausea. As we continue to learn more, we’ll stay keeping our readers updated about D8 benefits or serious health risks.
Is Delta 8 THC Legal?
All of this brings us to our next question: is delta 8 THC legal? As much as we wish we could give you a straightforward answer here, we can’t.
At the federal level, yes, technically delta-8 THC is legal. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp plant production, processing, and sales; along with that came the legalization of hemp-derived CBD and other cannabinoids. So, by technicality, as long as delta-8 THC comes from hemp — and doesn’t contain more than 0.3% delta-9 THC — then it follows the guidelines of the 2018 Farm Bill.
However, within the past year, states have started taking their own stances on delta-8 THC, banning or strictly regulating the product. Now, over 15 states have some sort of ban or regulation on D8, making it a bit more difficult to get your hands on than it was about a year ago.
D8 and Controlled Substances
As we learn more about the cannabinoid and have a better understanding of its properties, there’s a good chance that more states will come around to the idea of legalizing D8 and accepting its properties. Right now, the slight psychoactivity paired with the lack of scientific evidence simply makes too many states worried.
If you’re looking to purchase delta-8 THC, you’ll have to check with regulations in your state, first. You always want to make sure you’re on the right side of the federal law! And, with being able to purchase D8 online, it can be easy to accidentally ship your products to a state where they’ll be confiscated. Don’t waste your hard-earned money and see what kind of laws your area has in place regarding delta 8 THC.
Can You Buy D8 At Convenience Stores?
Speaking of purchasing delta-8 THC, can you buy D8 at convenience stores? What about dispensaries and health and wellness shops?
If you live in a state where delta-8 THC Is legal, there’s a chance you’ll come across the products in your local convenience store. However, it’s much more likely to see the products at your local dispensary. Dispensaries are going to be the ones with the best D8 products, and they’ll also be of the highest quality. Take your time and ask your budtender about the products they have, their potencies, and the extracts they use. This way, you know whether or not you’re getting the right product for you. People at convenience stores likely don’t have that kind of knowledge.
Again, you can also always turn to online stores like DiscoverCBD, too. Online retailers are a great way to purchase your D8 products, and you don’t even have to leave your house. You simply place an order on the website and your delta-8 will arrive safe and sound at your doorstep just a few days — maybe even a few hours — later. With any online shop, make sure you check a products’ third-party lab-test results before purchasing. These test results will demonstrate the exact cannabinoid levels in the products, as well as if there’s any presence of harmful additives. Any site that doesn’t offer you their third-party lab-test results is a site you should stay away from. After all, there shouldn’t be anything to hide!
Delta 8 Hemp Plant Products to Choose From
There are so many different delta-8 hemp plant products for you to choose from if you’re interested. Here, we’ll break down the different products to help you decide what’s best for your overall wellness.
One of the most popular product options has got to be delta-8 THC flower. This is simply dried flower that growers have harvested to have high amounts of D8. You can smoke the flower just as you would regular marijuana or hemp: put it on a bong, pipe, pre-roll, or whatever you have on hand. Delta-8 flower is great for those who enjoy the act of smoking but find that traditional cannabis is a bit too potent or anxiety-inducing. If you have any sort of lung condition, you should avoid smoking D8 altogether.
Another popular D8 form is vapes. Delta-8 THC vapes are super easy to use, portable, and often taste great. These vapes won’t be as harsh (or as smelly) as regular delta-8 flower, so you can bring them with you practically everywhere you go. Again, if you have any problems with the lungs, we would definitely strongly urge you to avoid these types of products. But, if this isn’t an issue and you enjoy smoking, then vaping is a great option.
Maybe you want to avoid smoking completely. That’s fine! In that case, you may choose to turn to products like delta-8 THC tinctures. Tinctures contain a concentrated form of delta 8 extract that you just place directly under your tongue. After about 30 seconds, you swallow the oil and then the effects kick in just a few minutes later. This method is also very easy and quite discreet, so you can bring your D8 tincture with you on the go if you’d like. Just keep in mind that tinctures do have a bit of a strong flavor. (Thankfully, some come with nice natural flavors to help disguise the plant flavor.)
If you want the best-tasting delta-8 THC product around, then you’ve got to try delta-8 edibles. D8 edibles come in so many different treats, appealing to all kinds of taste buds and cravings. You’ll come across delta-8 gummies, cookies, brownies, and so much more. With these products, the effects will take a lot longer to kick in — typically around an hour or more. So, you have to make sure you’re patient and not try to consume more edibles than your body can handle. Be patient and make sure the first dose hits you completely before attempting to consume another dose. This is the best way to stay safe and sound with delta-8.
What is Delta 8? Find Out With DiscoverCBD!
So, what is delta 8 THC? Find out for yourself with DiscoverCBD! We offer a huge selection of delta-8 products that you’ll absolutely love — and at prices that your bank account will appreciate, too. We keep our online selection stocked 24/7; this way, you never have to worry about not finding the product of your dreams.
At DiscoverCBD, if you place an order before 1 pm on Monday - Friday (not a holiday), then we will ship your product out to you same-day. That’s right: you barely even have to wait to get your hands on your brand-new delta-8. Again, just make sure to check with state laws in your area about delta-8 before making any purchases.
If you’ve been wanting to try delta-8 THC but don’t know where to turn or how to purchase, then DiscoverCBD has your back. We’re here to walk you through the entire buying process, making it as easy as can be. Once you place an order, we’ll be the ones to handle the rest. All you have to do is wait for your package to arrive! We look forward to helping you find the best delta-8 THC product for you. (Or CBD product, we sell those, too.)
