Delta 8 THC, a cannabinoid with effects akin to Delta 9 THC, has stirred interest among consumers, leading to its growing prominence in the cannabis market. This curiosity, however, is tempered by regulatory ambiguities and concerns at both state and federal levels. The 2018 Farm Bill’s silence on Delta 8 leaves its legal status uncertain.

The rarity of Delta 8 in cannabis plants has led to synthetic production methods to meet demand, raising questions about safety and effects, given the lack of oversight from regulatory bodies.

The conversation around Delta 8 is marked by differing opinions, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of its implications within the cannabis industry. Christopher Hudalla of ProVerde Laboratories voices concerns regarding Delta 8, highlighting the potential risks associated with its use:

Like making methamphetamine from cold medicine, just because the starting materials are legal does not make the resulting product legal (or safe).

Source: Chemical & Engineering News, Volume 99, Issue 31, 2021

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.
Delta 8 Safety and origins

What is Delta 8 THC?

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

For those who 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 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 seem insignificant, it does seem to make the euphoric effects of Delta 8 slightly less potent than Delta 9.

Delta 8 versus 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 of use.

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.

Vaping Delta 8

How Does Delta 8 THC Feel?

Delta 8 THC, closely related to Delta 9 THC in molecular structure, offers similar yet milder effects, generally considered to be about half as potent. The impact of Delta 8 THC varies among individuals, influenced by factors like metabolism and THC tolerance. Commonly reported effects include body relaxation and a state of mental clarity and calmness. The experience can differ based on one’s familiarity and history with THC, with those having a tolerance possibly requiring higher amounts to achieve desired 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.

is delta 8 legal?

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 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.

Delta 8 Legality 2022

 

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.

Delta 8 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. We cannot recommend that one purchase any Delta 8 product.

Delta 8 THC with Battery potentially unsafe without more research

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 tried and true. You can find out more through this link.

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