If you have ever ventured into the world of cannabinoids, then you may have recently heard of an increasingly more common cannabinoid that has been discussed by various cannabinoid supporters as of late: Delta 8 THC.
Delta 8 THC is a minor cannabinoid that has grown immensely in popularity within the last two years. In this article, we will go over several important questions to ask yourself before you decide on trying delta 8 for yourself. Like every cannabinoid and really, every substance out there, delta 8 is not for everyone. Yet many people claim that there are profound benefits that can be found through the use of this cannabinoid.
So, let’s get into it!
What is Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 is a naturally occurring psychoactive cannabinoid found within cannabis. It is considered a minor cannabinoid, meaning that while it does occur naturally within hemp plants, it is not usually found in large quantities within one specific plant. It is closely related to delta 9 THC, which we commonly refer to simply as THC! Like delta 9, delta 8 THC is known to produce some psychoactive effects, although delta 8 is much less potent per milligram than the delta 9 THC that so many know and love. The feelings and sensations that one can expect from delta 8 are very similar both physically as well as mentally to delta 9 THC. To make a long story short, yes. Delta 8 does get you high, albeit on a smaller scale than delta 9 THC. While less potent, many find that they may in fact prefer using delta 8 to delta 9, as users have often stated that they don’t feel the “head fog” that is commonly associated with delta 9 THC. In fact, delta 8 is commonly advertised towards individuals who have found that they get anxious from delta 9 use, as the lower potency and fogginess that may make some individuals prone to anxious feelings is often not experienced through the use of delta 8. This can vary from person to person of course, so start small and go from there!
Is Delta 8 safe to use?
Delta 8 can be a perfectly safe and even enjoyable way to potentially find relief when you ensure that you are purchasing from a legitimate, respected vendor. In fact, many online vendors freely submit lab test results along with the products being sold in order to ensure that the customer is aware of what they are consuming and the effects that they may experience. That being said, delta 8 is still in an odd sort of limbo in terms of regulation within many states. Therefore it is crucial that you do your due diligence and research the process that a company goes through when making their delta 8 products, just as you should with any other medication or substance that you may be ingesting or using. Delta 8 itself is a perfectly safe alternative to delta 9 THC, but the same cannot always be said for companies who do not declare what their products consist of. Be safe. Be informed. Be aware, and be certain before you decide to buy, and especially before you decide to use this product. Delta 8 is safe for consumption, just ensure that you are informed on the specific source that you are purchasing it from.
Is Delta 8 legal to use?
Yes! Well, sort of. In 2018, the United States passed the Agriculture Improvement Act, commonly referred to as the farm bill. In addition to increasing funding for various food assistance programs, the farm bill also descheduled several cannabis products from the controlled substances act. This provided a large and much needed boost to such markets as the CBD market, as well as the lesser recognized delta 8 market. This bill allowed delta 8 THC products to be synthesized from compliant sources. Technically speaking, this bill effectively legalized delta 8 THC on a federal basis! Yes, delta 8 has become federally legalized before the well-known delta 9 THC! While some states do have regulation and outright bans on delta 8, the vast majority of states have allowed its use and sale. Today, you can often find delta 8 in brick and mortar stores, commonly within your local head shop, as well as online in the form of both Delta 8 Gummies as well as individual Delta 8 Capsules. Many stores even carry delta 8 disposable vapes! There are also many strain-specific delta 8 products to ensure that every individual who purchases delta 8 can be properly medicated in the way that they intend. While you should absolutely look into the laws of your specific state just to be safe, chances are, you can walk into a store and purchase delta 8, or find delta 8 online with discreet shipping usually available.
What are the benefits of using Delta 8 THC?
Like delta 9 THC, delta 8 THC is believed to have a wide variety of benefits such as alleviating nausea and various aches and pains, relaxing sore muscles, and stimulating appetite. In addition to potentially helping with these various ailments, delta 8 may in fact assist with those who suffer from anxiety and depression. Like delta 9 THC, there are various strains and terpene profiles, and benefits attached to these individual strains and terpenes as well. By studying these specifics, you may be able to gain some level of relief from specific ailments that you may be dealing with. It is no secret why delta 8 is currently the largest growing product in the cannabis industry, as seemingly overnight many people have discovered delta 8 and found use for it within their own daily lives. In fact, some researchers believe that delta 8 THC may in fact be able to assist with most of the same problems that delta 9 THC is often prescribed to patients for! This is big news for those who may currently reside in a state where medicinal or recreational cannabis is not currently available. While like many cannabinoids, delta 8 is sort of new to the market, so to speak. Therefore more testing and case studies need to be held before we can say unanimously that delta 8 will greatly benefit certain individuals with certain ailments, but so far the future is looking bright for delta 8 THC and it’s users.
Can Delta 8 show up on a drug test?
There is some possibility that delta 8 can in fact show up on a drug test. In the case that you are administered a drug test shortly after ingesting delta 8, it may very well show up as positive for THC. Remember, delta 8 is an isomer of delta 9, and as such, it can show up as if it is the same compound to a degree. It is believed that delta 8 can stay in your system for just as long as delta 9 would, which will vary based on a wide variety of factors. For one, the more often you use delta 8 or delta 9 THC, the longer these compounds will stay in your system. Then there is the variable of what type of drug test you are taking. Blood tests and saliva tests are often only effective for about three days or so. While hair follicle tests can detect THC metabolites for as long as a month, they are not used as commonly. Urine tests, the most common of all drug testing, have a general effectiveness of 5-10 days from the time of use. Methods to avoid a positive drug test do exist, such as ensuring that you are well-hydrated so that you can better flush out your system of any unwanted substances. While delta 8 may be legal and readily available in your state, you still can run the risk of failing a test for THC, which may be difficult to explain to those who have administered the drug test. If you have a test scheduled, make sure that you are not using any delta 8 or THC products within a week or two before the test, just to stay on the safe side. Don’t forget to drink water and stay hydrated as well!
In short, delta 8 THC is an increasingly popular product at this time, but with an increase in popularity, there is often an increase in regulation. In some cases, this can be a good thing, as state regulation can prevent bad or tainted products from being circulated as much. Yet, it can also prove to be a negative, as those who do not understand delta 8 THC or don’t fully grasp the benefits that this cannabinoid may have could seek to ban it as some states have decided to do.
The best bet now is to do your research and make educated decisions for yourself on whether or not Delta 8 THC is right for you.
Consult your doctor, and, if you’re interested in discovering the benefits of this “new” cannabinoid, check it out for yourself!