What Exactly is Delta 8 THC?

Delta 8 THC is a hemp derivative that has, quite simply, taken the hemp-loving community by storm.  Within this minor cannabinoid, we find a rich variety of valuable properties that many can’t wait to get their hands on and experience for themselves.  Given the fact that delta 8 is still relatively new, having been around for only a couple of years on the market, there are plenty of people who don’t know enough about it to decide whether or not it’s something that they should try. 

The Basics of Delta 8 THC

Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8 THC) is a cannabinoid that exists in the hemp plant, naturally.  Because it’s a cannabinoid, it plays a similar role to CBD when it comes to the way in which it’s used by the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).  The ECS maintains the role of keeping the body in homeostasis, by sending cannabinoids to cannabinoid receptors found in each bodily system.  This process regulates the various functions of the body to keep them running as efficiently as possible.

Delta 8 THC was discovered decades ago, long before the hemp plant was legalized by the federal government.  Its main appeal is that it has psychoactive properties, due to it sharing many structural similarities to delta 9 THC, which is the leading cannabinoid found in the marijuana plant, responsible for the plant’s intoxicating qualities.

How is Delta 8 THC Made?

Again, since delta 8 THC is a minor cannabinoid, it makes up about 0.1% of the hemp plant’s natural chemical composition.  Cannabidiol (CBD), by comparison, makes up somewhere around 15%, showing you how trace the amount of delta 8 actually is.  The reason why we have delta-8 products today is because there are extraction techniques that allow us to concentrate it to provide products that offer more potent servings of its properties.

To isolate the delta 8 THC cannabinoid, because it exists in the plant’s chemical structure, is simply quite challenging.  Why?  Well, since its occurrence in the plant is so miniscule, the amount of plant material needed to create a substantial amount of pure delta 8 requires enormous effort and time.  However, there is an alternative method that’s far more efficient, and it’s based on the fact that delta-8 is an isomer of CBD.  What this means is that when you rearrange the molecules of CBD, you can convert it into delta8.

Once cannabidiol has been converted into delta 8 THC, it undergoes the same process used to make a cannabidiol extract.  The delta 8 extraction is decarboxylated, meaning that a controlled amount of heat is applied to it in order to activate the cannabinoid.  From there, it’s purified and blended with various ingredients to produce a number of different types of delta 8 formulas.

What Types of Delta 8 THC Products Can You Check Out?

Just like CBD, delta 8 THC comes in a wide array of product types, that each allow us to enjoy the properties of this compound in a different way.  

• Vapes: Delta 8 vapes are the most popular type of delta 8 THC product.  Vaping gives us effects within just minutes, and because of the bioavailability of inhaling cannabinoids, the effects are quite potent, while wearing off in less than 2 hours.  You can find different kinds of vapes on the market, but the most popular by far is the delta 8 vape cartridge, which is a 510-threaded, pre-filled vape oil cartridge that attaches to a rechargeable vape pen.  You can find delta 8 vape carts in a wide array of strains, since companies combine the delta 8 extract with plant-derived terpenes.
• Flower: Delta 8 flower is simply raw CBD flower that is infused with pure delta 8 extract.  You can find delta 8 flower in the form of loose buds as well as pre-rolls.  Delta 8 flower, like CBD flower, naturally comes in a wide variety of strains.
• Dabs: Delta 8 dabs refer to concentrates, which are produced using various methods that ultimately concentrate the compounds of hemp to make them far more potent.  Dabs are vaporized, using a dabbing device that melts the concentrates by exposing them to high temperatures.  Because of how potent they are, dabs are not recommended for beginners who don’t yet have a good tolerance to the effects of delta 8.
• Tinctures: Delta 8 tinctures come in dropper bottles, consisting primarily of delta 8 extract diluted in a carrier oil.  They are intended for sublingual administration, meaning that the formula absorbs through the tissue below the tongue.  Tinctures can “kick in” within about an hour, lasting for 4 to 6 hours while being a bit more subtle than vapes in terms of potency.
• Edibles: Delta 8 edibles come in many forms, with gummies being the most popular.  They deliver effects that last for up to 8 hours, with the cerebral effects being a bit more subtle, while providing a body high.
• Capsules: Delta 8 Capsules are ingested like edibles, so generally speaking, the effects are very similar.  Of course, capsules are swallowed whole unlike edibles.

What is the Legality of Delta 8 THC in the United States?

Delta 8 THC is a federally legal cannabinoid, because it complies with the U.S. 2018 Farm Bill.  This piece of legislation determined that the hemp plant and all of its derivatives are legal, as long as no hemp product contains more than 0.3% delta 9 THC.  However, a small number of states have banned delta 8.  So, if you live in one of the states below, you cannot legally purchase any delta-8 product.

What is the High Associated with Delta 8 THC?

Delta 8 THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid, and that’s the main reason why so many people want to try it.  The high you can feel with delta 8 is unique in that it’s about 30% less intoxicating than the high associated with delta 9 THC, making it notably milder.  This is, in fact, something that many users appreciate, since the high tends to feel more clear-minded.  Also, many people say that the psychoactive properties of delta 8 are particularly mellowing while offering feelings of euphoria.

What are the Other Properties of Delta 8 THC?

Not a lot of research exists on the properties and effects of delta 8 THC, but the studies that have been conducted do paint us an interesting picture of what this cannabinoid can do in the body.  Delta 8 has an affinity for CB1 receptors, which are cannabinoid receptors located in the nervous system that therefore offer properties mainly throughout this bodily system.  Among the properties that delta-8 has been shown in studies to offer are the following: 

• Antiemetic (anti-nausea)
• Anxiolytic (anti-anxiety)
• Analgesic (reduced pain sensitivity)
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anticonvulsant (reduced seizures)
• Appetite-stimulating
• Neuroprotective (protects the brain’s neurons and neural pathways)

As time goes on, more studies on the specific properties of delta 8 will be performed so that we can have a much stronger idea of all that this cannabinoid is capable of.

Where Can You Find Quality Delta 8 THC?

Delta 8 THC is more widely available on the market than ever before, and as long as you live in a state in which it’s legal, you can buy it either online or in-person.  We do recommend that you buy it online as online delta 8 retailers typically maintain higher quality standards due to higher demand.  

When buying delta 8 THC, you should apply the same standards to your purchasing experience that you do when shopping for CBD.  This means checking for certain indicators of quality and legitimacy.  The main things to be aware of when shopping for delta 8 are the following:

• Third-Party Tested: Delta 8 THC products should always contain hemp extracts that have been lab-tested by a registered third party.  This means that the delta 8 and other hemp extracts used by a company are rigorously analyzed for quality and purity by an unbiased facility.  Lab reports should always be easy to find on a company’s website.
• Blended with Clean Ingredients: Delta 8 products should always be made with clean ingredients that are not known to be harmful to the body.  Look for minimal ingredients on the product label, and ingredients that are primarily plant-derived.
• Made by a Reputable Brand: Only purchase your delta 8 from a reputable company.  Look for reviews of the brand online, and scope out their website to see if they offer transparency about how their products are made.

Delta 8 THC: An Exciting Addition to the Hemp Market

Overall, delta 8 THC is a cannabinoid that’s here to stay, as it has become a favorite among countless hemp enthusiasts in just a couple of years since it first appeared on the market.  Delta 8 has a lot to offer in terms of its effects, and you can find it more easily than ever before.  At CBD Farmhouse, you can find a dazzling array of delta 8 THC products in all kinds of formulas and delivery methods, in order to see for yourself why this cannabinoid has quickly become such a sought-after hemp derivative among fanatics in our industry.