By Jason Tillotson, Copywriter
You’ve heard of it. You’ve read about it. You might have even tried it. Delta-8 THC is driving a new force of cannabis products into the market. But, with its newfound popularity, comes some reasonable questions. Namely, what is Delta-8? Will it get me high? Will it help with my sleep? Is it just a different version of CBD?
Lots of questions, perhaps even more answers.
What is Delta 8?
Delta-8 THC is a minor cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Delta-9 THC is the cannabinoid we all know and love, ya know, the one that will for sure get you high.
Delta-8 is known as delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, whereas “regular” THC is called delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Right from the jump you can see how close these two cannabinoids are. They’re literally one stop over from each other on the cannabinoid railroad, if you will.
Since Delta-8 can be extracted and synthesized from hemp, it is federally leal under the 2018 Farm Bill, just like CBD. So it’s no surprise that when CBD companies got a whiff of delta-8’s legality, they started producing it.
If they’re both THC, what’s the difference?
Delta-8 hugs your endocannabinoid receptors a little differently compared to delta-9 THC. Leafly’s writing staff sums up the science pretty well by saying “The two THCs are chemically different in the placement of the double bond. Both cannabinoids have a chain of carbon atoms, but delta-8 has the double bond on the eighth carbon, whereas delta-9 has it on the ninth.”
How do the effects of Delta 8 THC differ from the effects of Delta 9 THC?
The effects of both delta-8 and delta-9 THC are fairly similar. While more research needs to be done to more accurately assess the influence delta-8 can have on the body and mind, most users report the same effects as THC, just dialed back a bit. For example, after smoking a delta-8 vape, you may experience some sleepiness, the munchies, red eyes and all that good stuff associated with delta-9 THC.
How much Delta 8 should I take?
Dosing cannabis, CBD, delta-8, THC and otherwise is always unique to your body and your tolerance. There is no magic dose of any form of cannabis that will always be perfect. Don’t be afraid to cut an edible in half or smoke just a quarter of a preroll if you’re new to cannabis.
If you’re an experiences user, delta-8 and CBD may come across as mild in their effects. New cannabis users often find delta-8 to be a suitable alternative or introduction to delta-9 THC.
Try starting with one of our 25mg delta-8 gummies. Even for a cannabis novice, 25mg is a fairly mild dose. If you’re worried 25mg might be too much, try cutting our fruit thins in half for a lighter, 12.5mg dose.
Sort of. Delta-8’s federal legality is hazy at the moment. Broadly, so long as your delta-8 is hemp-derived, you’re fine. Some companies are cutting corners and delivering products that aren’t actually legal. Flowerz is not one of those companies. We will always deliver 100% legal products derived only from hemp and never any additives.
The DEA is currently trying to schedule delta-8 THC as Federal Schedule I narcotic, where its delta-9 relative currently sits. As the Biden Administration continues to drag its feet on federal legalization, we’ll continue to wait on feeling 100% safe with anything related to THC.