Delta 8 THC: Are Gummies, Carts, and Buds Safe?

With over 100 cannabinoids found within the cannabis sativa plant, consumers enjoy an increasing range of cannabis products. Indeed, entire industries have emerged from combinations or even a single cannabinoid. Those not looking for the heady, psychoactive effects of Delta 9 THC, have lifted CBD to its widespread celebration in the past five years.

Delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol, a lesser-known cannabinoid, has emerged within the cannabis industry. Also known as Delta 8 THC, this element holds similar effects as Delta 9 THC and has given rise to a curiosity and a demand for its availability.

This consumer curiosity surrounding Delta 8 has been met with state restrictions and debates at the federal level. As it is not expressly listed within the 2018 Farm Bill, its legality falls within a legislative gray area.

Natural availability further complicates this discourse around Delta 8. Large quantities are not often found in a single plant. Increased customer demand has brought laboratories to synthetically manufacture it. As this production of Delta 8 is outside of the scope of any regulating agencies, the safety and long-term effects are highly unknown.

These legal and logistical gray areas have certainly polarized views about Delta 8. The president and chief scientific officer for the leading laboratory in the CBD hemp industry, ProVerde Laboratories, Christopher Hudalla, shared the dangers that they see when testing Delta 8:

While Hudalla focuses on the science behind synthetic and organic derivatives of cannabis, many customers focus purely on the effects of Delta 8. It can be confusing to sort out the information. We’ve organized a simple guide about this cannabinoid so that you can discover more and see if it is right for you.

Delta 8 THC Summary

• Chemist Roger Adams published his discovery of Delta 8 by adding hydrogen molecules to THC in 1944
• Delta 8 has a reputation for its soothing and relaxing effects. 
• Average THC of 15-25%. 
• ≤ 1 percent CBD content.

What is Delta 8 THC?

Delta 8 is a cannabinoid found within the cannabis sativa plant. There exists over 140 cannabinoids within the plant at varying amounts. While every plant is slightly different, Delta 8 generally occurs in very small amounts.

For those that have experience with marijuana, the effects are reportedly very similar in their euphoric and relaxing sensations. The similarity is due to how closely the cannabinoid in marijuana, Delta 9 THC, resembles Delta 8. Both are cannabinoids are processed within the body’s endocannabinoid system, which causes one to feel high. Further, the structures at a molecular level are similar in that they both have a double bond in their structures. The major chemical difference between these two cannabinoids lies in where this double bond links with its carbon atoms. While this may seems insignificant, it does seem to make the euphoric effects of Delta 8 slightly less potent than Delta 9.

Delta 8 Edibles, Carts, Pens, and Flower

While not all dispensaries carry Delta 8 products, a quick search online will reveal stores offering a variety of options.

Some of the most popular choices for edibles come in the form of Delta 8 gummies, and candies. Sublingually, Delta 8 is also available as a tincture. While Delta 8 whole flower appears on many websites, the highest demand is for vape cartridges and pens. This may be due to the convenience and ease in using.

As regulation and oversight are not enforced, the quality of these products may vary greatly. Further, as Delta 8 is generally synthetically produced, a company might not be fully transparent about how it was made, or what other ingredients they might add to enhance effects. We encourage consumers to buy from a reputable source with available labs.

How Does Delta 8 THC Feel?

As Delta 8’s molecular structure is very similar to Delta 9 THC, their effects are also very close. The subtle difference in structure does mean that the psychoactive elements are not as powerful. Many describe Delta 8 as being roughly half as potent as marijuana.

As every metabolism is different, the effects of any cannabis product may vary wildly. With that, there are some common and general sensations that people have reported with Delta 8 THC. Overall, the experience with it produces general body relaxation as well as a clear, calm mind. Of course, just as with other cannabinoids, much depends on one’s history with THC. If a tolerance has been developed, higher levels of Delta 8 may be needed to intensify the effects.

Is Delta 8 THC Legal?

As Delta 8 came on the scene after the 2018 Farm Bill, this legislation doesn’t directly outline regulations surrounding its legality. With this, the Farm Bill does allow the sale of products derived from hemp.

For your own state’s specific regulations, we suggest that you check for any updates on your specific laws as they can change or be enforced differently at different times. Each state is taking emerging information into account as they decide how to regulate Delta 8. This causes some states to have made it totally legal, regulated in sales and products (such as Connecticut and Michigan), illegal (in Alaska, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Montana, New York, Nevada, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Utah, and Washington), or falling into a gray area of implementation (as it does in Arizona, California, and Mississippi).

As of today, Delta-8 is legal in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and in Washington D.C.

Does Delta 8 THC Show Up On A Drug Test?

Depending on the type of test being administered, Delta 8 may show up as positive in a screening. Tests may not be searching for this compound specifically, and so they may not pick up the Delta 8 metabolites, or traces of it in an individual’s system. However, if the test is focused on Delta 9 THC, it may pick up Delta 8 THC due to its similar structure.

Further, the amount of time that has passed since ingesting Delta 8 may change the results. As individuals process cannabinoids at different rates, the windows of wait time may vary. Some individuals will have a negative test after several days; whereas, some will have to wait a week before being monitored.

Finally, as the effects of Delta 8 THC may feel more subtle, one might feel inclined to increase their dose. Taking in higher levels of Delta 8 may increase the risk that it will show up on a drug test.

Where Can I Buy Delta 8 Near Me?

While many dispensaries and online companies boast a variety of Delta 8 products, it’s imperative that consumers feel confident before purchasing. As we shared in this guide, synthesized Delta 8 THC is created in a very gray area of regulation and safety. Many states consider it far from legal. Beyond the legality, the long-term effects simply have not been researched.

Don’t Go Straight For Delta 8 — Start With Cannaflower’s Low-THC Hemp

If you’re new to cannabis, or you’ve just heard about Delta 8, you may be curious about this cannabinoid appearing in the industry. However, rushing in and purchasing a product from an unreliable source may not be prudent, safe, or legal. As you develop your cannabis routine, it’s best to go low and slow. Gratefully, there are many low-THC hemp strains showcased in Cannaflower’s portfolio. Even if this is your first experience with any type of cannabis, these CBD strains are safe, soothing, and legal. You can find out more through this link.