Key Takeaways
- Delta-8 THC Production: Conversion from CBD to Delta-8 involves a meticulous 4-step process ensuring purity and quality, emphasizing the importance of caution and testing for legality.
- Delta-8 vs. Delta-9 Effects: Delta-8 may offer smoother, milder highs with potential focus and creativity boosts, contrasting sharply with Delta-9’s more potent psychoactive effects and potential for psychosis.
- Delta-8 Product Diversity: Delta-8 products cater to various preferences, from smoking (Delta-8 flower) to edibles (Delta-8 gummies), tinctures, and concentrates, providing versatile usage options.
- Legal and Other Context: Delta-8’s legality stems from hemp’s federal legalization in 2018, while Delta-9 remains regulated, emphasizing differences in legality and potential applications.
What is Delta 8 THC?
You might be wondering what the deal is with Delta-8 THC. We’re here to fill you in with the details. Chemically known as Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol, Delta-8 THC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found sparsely in the cannabis Sativa plant. Because this minor cannabinoid is present in smaller amounts, hemp wizards have discovered a way to produce larger amounts of Delta-8 THC through a conversion process that starts with cannabidiol, better known as CBD.
The conversion process from CBD to Delta-8 can be described in 4 steps. First, CBD is dissolved into a solvent. Then, it is catalyzed with an acid. Following this, the mixture is neutralized to remove the acid and solvent. Next, the final product is treated to remove any impurities. Lastly, the final product is tested for purity. Although simply described, this process takes time to complete. This isn’t something that should be rushed. Converting CBD to Delta-8 should be completed with precaution, only by those that know how to handle these chemicals safely. As mentioned it’s imperative to test the final product well before usage. Inefficient reactions to the final product can be dangerous and illegal.
As it has a pretty unique creation process, Delta-8 THC also has a special set of properties that sets it apart from cannabinoids, like our beloved THC, also called Delta-9 THC. Delta-9 is directly linked to psychosis – simply defined as a condition affecting how the brain processes information. This includes seeing, hearing, or believing things that aren’t real.
Delta-8 is a bit more lenient on those psychoactive effects. Delta-8 THC delivers smooth, soothing highs that start off as a quick cerebral buzz and fades into a body-using bliss. Cool, mellow, and collected are just three of the potential effects linked to Delta-8. Delta-8 THC may also produces potential effects that can be a good source of focus and creativity.
Delta-8 THC offers many wellness benefits that have led to numerous Delta 8 products popping up on shelves left and right. There are Delta-8 products to suit all preferences. If you enjoy smoking, there’s Delta-8 flower. This is hemp flower sprayed with Delta 8 THC distillate. Delta-8 flower is often sold as loose flowers that are crushed and rolled into joints and as pre-rolls, which are simply Delta-8 joints that have been rolled for you. If you’re not a smoker, no worries, there are other ways to enjoy Delta-8.
If you want a fun and delicious way to use Delta-8, Delta 8 gummies are a good choice for you. These are fruit-flavored, gelatin-based gummies infused with Delta-8 distillate. Delta-8 gummies are favored for their simplicity and candy-like nature. There are also Delta 8 tinctures. These are glass bottles with dropper tops filled with liquified Delta-8 THC. To use Delta-8 tinctures, simply suction the top and place a drop or two beneath your tongue. Delta-8 tinctures are one of the quickest ways to reap the benefits of Delta-8 THC.
Delta-8 concentrates are another way to use Delta-8. The concentrate is pure Delta-8 which has an oily, sticky texture. This is typically used for using or dabbing, which involves inhaling Delta-8 concentrate vapor with a designated heatable glass device. Delta-8 concentrates are among the most effective ways to use Delta-8 THC.
Delta-8 THC is incredibly versatile. It can be used in many ways, and it’s also have potential at providing support for certain conditions. Delta-8 can also help with boosting creativity, and even stimulate your munchies. But despite the rise in popularity of Delta-8, some people still prefer THC, also known as Delta-9 THC.
Related Article: What is Delta 8 THC?
Table of contents:
- What is Delta 9 THC?
- Where are both Delta 9 THC and Delta 8 THC derived from?
- Differences and Similarities Between Hemp Plants and Marijuana Plants
- Federal Legalization Of Hemp
- States Where Marijuana is Legal
- Delta 9 THC Effects
- Delta 8 Effects on you
- Delta 8 vs Delta 9 Dosing
What is Delta 9 THC?
Let’s talk about everyone’s OG favorite cannabinoid – Delta-9 THC. Also called THC, Delta-9 has quite a reputation that’s developed over the decades. Delta-9 THC is the main active compound found in marijuana. Delta-9 THC is what most people are referring to when they mention weed. Despite sharing similar scientific names as other cannabinoids like Delta-8, in honor of their chemical molecular structure, Delta-9 THC is in a category of its own.
Delta-9 is a major cannabinoid that is recognized as one of the leading herbs in herbal medicine, and one of the most popular recreational drugs of all time. Delta-9 has quite a reputation for the healing properties it contains. Delta-9 shares a lot of the same potential benefits as Delta-8 THC, but it’s known to be much more potent. Delta-9 is a cannabinoid that doesn’t cut corners on potency and plays a pretty key role in the health and wellness sector.
In addition to medical marijuana, there are also Delta 9 products available for purchase for recreational use in some states. As you may know, Delta-9 is not legal in all 50 states. Only some states have legalized the purchase and use of Delta-9 products recreationally. Legal Delta-9 products include no more than 0.3% THC.
Some popular Delta-9 products include Delta 9 gummies, flowers, vapes, tinctures, capsules, and edibles. These are available in a wide variety of flavors and strains including sativas, indicas, and hybrids. Most cannabis retailers typically have a variety of these products available to choose from.
Delta-9 products can be found in smoke shops and dispensaries where weed is legal. Delta-9 products can also be purchased online. Delta-9 THC has a pretty potent smell that some people describe as skunky. Even the smell of Delta-9 can cause a subtle buzz, so it’s probably best to be in the presence of this herb only if you really like it.
Despite the rising popularity of cannabinoids like Delta-8, Delta-9 remains a favorite for some.
Related Article: Delta 9 THC: A Comprehensive Guide
Where are both Delta 9 THC and Delta 8 THC derived from?
Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC share many similarities, including where they are found. Delta-9 and Delta-8 are two of over 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. The two share similar chemical makeups. The ‘delta’ part of the name of both of these cannabinoids refers to the double bond. Delta-8 and Delta-9 have double bonds that differ in location. Delta-9 features a double bond on the 9th carbon molecule, while Delta-8 features the double on the 8th. Such a small difference makes a huge impact on the effect.
Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is a cannabinoid molecule found in marijuana that has long been recognized as the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. This substance is what causes cannabis users to feel high. Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol is a mildly psychoactive substance found in the cannabis Sativa plant, of which marijuana and hemp are two varieties. In simplest words, both of these molecules are produced by the same plant. The difference is that they are naturally available at different stages in the staging process and require different extraction processes.
Differences and Similarities Between Hemp Plants and Marijuana Plants
In the world of cannabis, there are two different plants that are enjoyed – hemp and marijuana. Some people may use ‘hemp’ and ‘marijuana’ interchangeably, but these are technically two different plants. Hemp and marijuana are two varieties of the cannabis Sativa plant. Each plant is used to make a plethora of products that produce vastly different effects.
Hemp contains no more than 0.3% Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC by dry weight. Because of this, hemp products are thought to be less likely to get you high. Hemp products can produce a slight high that’s less potent than marijuana.
Marijuana is known to produce higher levels of THC, though federally legal marijuana products can contain more than 0.3% THC. When used, marijuana is known to be intoxicating. This beloved herb brings users a high like no other thanks to the abundance of THC the plant naturally produces.
In addition to sharing the same plant species, hemp and marijuana are both smokables. In select dispensaries, you can find at least one of the two available in flower form for smoking. Products like Delta-8 flower are made by coating hemp with Delta 8 THC concentrate. Delta-9, on the other hand, is typically made from the marijuana plant. Marijuana has a strong skunky smell, a unique characteristic that sets it apart from the mild, earthly, and almost odorless hemp. Both of these plants are used to make products like raw flowers, pre-rolls, vape distillates, and edibles like gummies.
Another big difference between these two beloved herbs is the differing crowds they attract. It’s probably safe to say that some marijuana users might enjoy hemp products when they’re craving something with less potent effects, but not all hemp lovers use marijuana. This is due to the issues regarding the legality and the big difference in the effects they cause.
If you’re trying to decide which of the two is for you then these are some differences that should be taken into consideration.
Related Article: Hemp Vs. Marijuana: What’s the Difference?
Federal Legalization Of Hemp
In the 1930s, hemp was treated like your average crop and was actually grown by all American farmers. It wasn’t under the 1970s when hemp was listed as a Schedule I drug. Over the decades, there’s been a toggle back and forth regarding the legalization of hemp.
This all changed in 2014 when President Obama signed the Farm Bill that established the Hemp Pilot Program in 2014. This allowed certain research institutions to cultivate and study hemp. During this time, people learned just how powerful and effective the hemp plant can be as a medicine.
Thanks to many decades of investing in research, hemp is now legal on a federal level. In 2018, hemp was officially legalized on the federal level during the presidency of Donald J. Trump, under the Farm Bill. This redefined hemp as an agricultural commodity and removed it from the Controlled Substances Act. Under the Farm Bill, hemp cultivation is legal for licensed growers only. Legal access to federal certifications and crop insurance will also be made available for licensed hemp farmers.
States Where Marijuana is Legal
Unlike hemp, the legal status of marijuana is not unanimous. There are some states where marijuana is fully legal, partially legal, and completely illegal. However, even in the states where marijuana is legal, there are regulations. Some states have different policies on the accessibility, criminalization, and sale of marijuana. For example, some states only allow the sale and use of marijuana in certain cities and under tight regulations. Even though marijuana remains in the economic hot seat, there are still some places where marijuana can be enjoyed without an issue. The legality and regulation of marijuana are ever-changing, so be sure to check your local state laws to learn more about marijuana sell, purchased, and use near you.
Delta 9 THC Effects
Over the decades, Delta-9 THC has been recognized as a powerful medicinal compound. Most people are drawn to Delta-9 THC, also called THC, because of the variety of effects it offers. Understanding how Delta-9 THC can affect you starts with learning how the body naturally responds to it.
Delta-9 interacts with the human endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is responsible for regulating and controlling a significant portion of our most critical bodily functions. This includes how we learn, our memory, the way we process emotions, how we eat and sleep, temperature control, etc. This is possible thanks to a network of chemical signals and cellular receptors packed throughout our brains and bodies. Two, in particular, are the CB1 and CB2 receptors. When used, Delta-9 THC binds to both the CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Delta-9 THC binds best to the CB1 receptors in the brain. THC stimulates the release of dopamine in the brain, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in how we experience pleasure, learning and memory, motivation, and movement. Regulated and increased levels of dopamine can cause desired effects. With that being said, Delta-9 THC can produce a combination of effects when used.
The effects of Delta-9 THC will differ from person to person depending on the amount of THC used and the body chemistry of the individual. Federally legal marijuana contains no more than 0.3% THC. While this is considered a smaller amount, this chemical compound is potent and can still produce intense highs.
There’s really no way to know for sure how your body will respond to Delta-9 THC. If you’re considering Delta-9 for the first time, it’s imperative that you take these effects into consideration and use Delta-9 in small amounts.
Delta 8 Effects on you
Delta-8 THC has become a leading cannabinoid in the hemp market, thanks to its unique healing properties. Delta-8 THC binds to the CB1 receptors in the brain which are responsible for the regulation of the three major neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate. In other words, this helps regulate the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, whose psychoactive effects are known to cause psychosis. using Delta-8 doesn’t cause intensified mind-warping effects, for most people, the way Delta-9 THC does, but it does get you high.
Using Delta-8 THC can lead to a combination of side effects. Delta-8 THC is recognized as a bit more forgiving when compared to Delta-9. The effects of Delta-8 THC are generally described as initially uplifting followed by a smooth, mellow after effect. Just like Delta-9, Delta-8 is available in Sativa-dominant strains, indicas, and hybrids. The big difference between Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 is that Delta-8 doesn’t disturb your bodily and mental functioning in the same way. This is a big plus for people because sometimes you just want something to take the edge off but remain intact.
The milder effects of Delta-8 THC have led to many people actually preferring Delta-8 THC to Delta-9.
There are several different ways to use Delta-8 THC, just like Delta-9 THC. This includes Delta-8 hemp flower, Delta-8 vapes, Delta-8 gummies, tinctures, concentrates, and so on.
Different methods of ingestion may result in quicker and more intensified effects. However, Delta-8 THC is believed to bring slower and more gradual effects when compared to Delta-9.
There are several other factors that can contribute to the effects of Delta-8 THC, like the quality of the product, how much is used, and the body chemistry of the individual using it.
There’s really no way to know for sure how your body will respond to Delta-8 THC. If you’re considering Delta-8 THC for the first time, it’s imperative that you use small amounts to gauge how it might affect you.
Delta 8 vs Delta 9 Dosing
Delta-8 will typically take effect slower and more gradually. In other words, the effects of Delta-8 may not be felt instantaneously, but this doesn’t mean it’s not effective. Depending on the Delta-8 product you’re using, it may take at least 30 minutes to kick in.
Delta-9 THC, on the other hand, is a lot more intense than Delta-8. The effects of Delta-9 THC on some products can almost be felt immediately, though they might require a short wait time. Generally speaking though, Delta-9 is known to take effect quicker and produce more potent results.
Some methods, like edibles, may take a longer time to kick in than others, such as vaping. Always closely follow these instructions for the best results and safest experience.
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