There is a new cannabinoid that has taken the market by storm. Delta-8 THC is the newest star on the playing field in the health and wellness words of cannabinoids. Many people are starting to turn to delta-8 THC for its variety of effects, which are said to be similar to delta-9 THC but less intense. 

So, what does that mean? Will delta-8 THC make you feel high when consumed? Are there other potential benefits to the compound? Let’s take a closer look at what delta-8 THC is, why it is gaining so much popularity, and if it will make you feel “high” when consumed. 

What Is Delta-8 THC 

Understanding what delta-8 is, is key to knowing whether or not you should give it a go, so let’s break down the compound itself first. 

Delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid that can be found in hemp and cannabis plants. Though found naturally, delta-8 is considered a minor cannabinoid that is not found abundantly like major cannabinoids like CBD or delta-9 THC. 

Being a minor cannabinoid there is not enough delta-8 naturally produced by plants to craft products directly. Because of this, many of the delta-8 THC products on the market today are actually made using CBD that is processed in a lab. 

Delta-8 is an isomer of delta-9 THC, meaning they have a similar structure but chemically differ due to the location of double bonds on their carbon chains. Delta-8 THC has a double bond on its 8^th carbon chain while delta-9 THC has it on the 9^th. This very small structural difference is what is thought to cause the largest differences in effects between delta-8 and delta-9. 

Effects of Delta-8 THC 

The slight difference in chemical structure is what we believe causes the most significant differences in how delta-8 and delta-9 can make us feel. Many people seek out delta-9 for its potentially therapeutic aspects, while some use it on a solely recreational level. Delta-9 can create euphoric intoxicating effects, most commonly associated with the “high” of marijuana. Delta-9 could also be used to relax, stimulate the appetite, get better sleep, among a variety of other potentially beneficial impacts. But with all that being said, there have also been reports of delta-9 THC causing increased anxiety and even paranoia, as well as fairly strong sedative effects. 

On the other hand, there have been reports that delta-8 THC also causes a euphoric effect, but with much milder tendencies. For those who are curious about the therapeutic aspects of THC but with a fear of the strong “high” delta-9 can often times create, delta-8 THC could provide a middle ground. 

Some delta-8 users have reported all the same preferable effects of traditional THC (delta-9) but slightly reduced and without any negative side effects. The milder nature of delta-8 THC is thought to come from the difference in chemical structure and the way each compound interacts with the ECS, or endocannabinoid system. 

The ECS has receptors that both delta-8 and delta-9 can interact with, but more research is needed to fully understand the difference in interaction. So far, it is believed that the reduced psychoactive effects of delta-8 are because of the difference in interaction. Still, delta-8 THC will most certainly create a “high” feeling, but according to reports and anecdotal evidence, it will be much lighter than that of traditional THC. 

Is Delta-8 THC Legal 

For a while, delta-8 THC lived in a gray area of legality. Some argued that because delta-8 can create intoxicating effects it should be classified similarly to delta-9 THC. However, the 2018 Farm Bill began to clear the way for delta-8 THC and a decision made by a panel on the 9^th Circuit Court of Appeals furthered this in May of this year. 

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the production and distribution of products made with hemp, or cannabis sativa, plants that have a delta-9 THC threshold of 0.3% or less. Further, this year a panel of judges declared that delta-8 is federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill and not considered marijuana. The panel released a statement in May that stated delta-8 THC products are generally legal because federal law defines hemp as “any part of the cannabis plant, including all derivates, extracts, [and] cannabinoids.” 

Still there are questions that remain about the legality of delta-8 at the state level. Some states have placed regulations and bans on the production and distribution of delta-8 products, so it is always a good idea to double check your state’s legislation regarding delta-8 to make sure you are on the right side of the law. 

Third-Party Lab Tested Sources

If trying delta-8 has sparked your interest, the best place to shop for reliable products is through third-party lab test results. By turning to third-party lab tests, you are able to ensure the quality and safety of your product of choice. 

For delta-8, and any cannabinoid-based product, it is always smart to cross-reference label claims with an independent and unbiased lab report. This is the only way to make sure the levels of cannabinoids present are exactly what you expect and need. Not only can you be sure of the rare cannabinoids present and at what level, you can also check on passes on solvent and pesticide tests. Using third-party lab tests to shop for high-quality products is the best way to be sure you are getting your bang for your buck when shopping for delta-8. 

When you are ready to give delta-8 THC a try, turn to Real Tested CBD for all the resources you need on the most reliable products and where to find them state by state.