Did you know that more than 126.5 million US citizens used marijuana at least once in 2020? Although many states have legalized the buying and consumption of marijuana products, it is still prohibited in some parts of the country.
Luckily, a new, legal product derived from hemp is gaining a lot of popularity – Delta 8 THC. But what exactly is Delta 8, and how is it different from CBD, marijuana, and other hemp-derived products? We’re breaking it all down in this guide.
WHAT IS DELTA 8?
To understand what Delta 8 is, let’s lay out the definitions of marijuana, cannabis, hemp, and THC.
Cannabis: is the scientific term for a large family of plants. Only some of these plants produce THC, and you can find plants with varying levels of THC. Both Hemp and Marijuana come from the Cannabis Sativa plant.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): is the common name for the substance that gives you a “high” when smoking, vaping, or eating cannabis products. Its scientific name is Delta 9 THC. There are many different kinds of THC found in the cannabis plant.
Marijuana: is a plant of the genus Cannabis whose leaves and flowering tops have highly psychoactive properties, and contains more the 0.3% of Delta 9 THC.
Hemp: is any part of the cannabis plant that contains LESS than 0.3% of Delta 9 THC.
Delta 8 THC: is basically the little sibling of Delta 9 THC. This substance is also psychoactive, but it has less powerful effects on your system in comparison. Also known as delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, this cannabinoid is a naturally occurring compound found in cannabis plants. It presents milder effects. Delta 8 THC is known for its ability to provide a relaxed and euphoric sensation, offering a more subtle high.
SHOULD YOU USE DELTA 8?
Many people find Delta 8 THC appealing due to its potential therapeutic benefits, including stress and anxiety reduction, pain relief, and improved sleep. Just like marijuana, it is available in vape cartridges, edibles, flower, pre-rolls, and even tinctures.
Many consider Delta-8 valuable due to its low potency. Researchers have looked into Delta-8, concluding that the high of Delta 8 THC could be characterized as “less intense” and lasts a somewhat shorter duration. So if you’re looking for a milder high, potentially avoiding “weed paranoia”, Delta-8 may be a great option for you.
THE LEGALITY OF DELTA 8 IN THE US
The 2018 Farm Bill specifically made all derivatives, isomers, and cannabinoids in hemp legal, provided the final product has less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC. For reference, Delta-8 THC is an isomer of CBD and a derivative of hemp and CBD.
However, it’s important to note that Delta 8 THC may have legal restrictions in your areas, as the legality varies from state to state. It’s crucial to understand the regulations in your jurisdiction before using it.
Currently, Delta 8 THC is banned in these states:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Mississippi
- Montana
- North Dakota
- Rhode Island
- Washington
- California
- New York
Currently, Delta 8 THC is legal but closely regulated in these states:
- Minnesota
- Louisiana
- Kentucky
- South Dakota
- Virginia
- Vermont
- Connecticut
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Nevada
- Oregon
- Utah
Currently, Delta 8 THC is legal in these states:
- Alabama
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- Nebraska
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New Hampshire
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Keep in mind that legislation concerning Delta 8 and hemp-derived products is constantly changing.
WHERE CAN YOU BUY DELTA 8?
If Delta 8 products are legal in your state, you can buy them from most head shops, gas stations and any stores that carry hemp-derived products. You can also buy Delta 8 online in various forms and have them shipped to your door.
If you buy Dela 8 online, make sure that you only buy from a trusted supplier. Do your homework and research the company you intend to buy from. Check the reviews and feedback from past customers and make sure the company provides public COAs or Labs.
THE BOTTOM LINE
As a minor cannabinoid, there’s still a lot about Delta 8 that we don’t know and scientists are still researching. You should always take a cautious approach when trying anything for the first time. If you’re considering consuming Delta-8-THC products, be aware of the information currently available on the cannabinoid. Make sure to talk to your doctor before trying Delta-8.
