Moving past traditional CBD, the popularity of another cannabinoid is booming right now: tetrahydrocannabinol (or Delta-8 THC). Found in vape cartridges, gummies, tinctures, and other products, delta-8-THC is popping up in the nearby convenience stores, gas stations, tobacco shops, and cannabis dispensaries throughout the United States and beyond.
Unlike traditional cannabinol, delta-8-THC produces euphoric effects that resemble but are milder than those of its younger cousin delta-9 THC. Delta-8- is an isomer of delta-9- THC, the only difference being the bound between two CO2 molecules. But before diving into the discussion about the effects of Delta 8THC, it is crucial to address the legality of both. To gain accurate and up-to-date information on the legality search for “is Delta 8 or is Delta 9 legal” and it will provide the most reliable guidance regarding the legal status, restrictions, and potential consequences associated with these compounds.
Everything started when a surfeit of CBD extracted from the U.S hemp farms caused the price of CBD to plunge. Producers began looking for ways to turn the oversupply of CBD into something lucrative. It seems like they got creative and started experimenting using simple chemistry to convert CBD into delta-8 THC.
The result? A product that targets consumers in dire need to relieve stress and anxiety, especially those who’re avoiding traditional cannabis products or can’t access them because of a plethora of regulations.
But the lack of regulatory surveillance and little to no laboratory testing, most CBD products marketed as delta-8 are not actually pure. These products may contain an increased amount of delta-8-THC, and small amounts of other cannabinoids and reaction by-products, not to mention some of the elements are not naturally found in cannabis. Overall, little is known about the health effects of these impurities, which is why you need to do your own research.
Product safety explained
The short answer regarding the safety of delta-8-THC: it depends. So far, there’s no research on the effects of delta-9 on humans, meaning its much-claimed benefits are unproven, and it’s still uncertain about its long-term use.
A top-of-mind concern is what you’re actually getting if you purchase a delta-8 product, whether that’s a vape cartridge or a gummy. Still, in its regulatory infancy, delta-8 arouses a lot of insecurity about its chemistry build. If producers fail to third-party their products for potency, pesticides, heavy metals, and residual solvents, then the public suffers the consequences of consuming harmful products.
When looking for the best delta-8-THC product, there are a few things you may need to consider, besides things like potency, dosage, and strain.
- Personal preference
The best way to find satisfactory delta-8 products is to know what you like. There’s a wide array of products with different concentrations of delta-8 THC in them. But what might work for someone may not necessarily work for you.
That said, if you’ve never had delta 8 products, you might want to find a consumption method that’s convenient for you – especially if you’re a casual recreational user. What’s more, some users may consider consumption methods like tinctures too dull, so they go either for edibles or vaping.
The single best way to find your ideal delta-8 consumption mode and product is through trial and error. Try different products and find which one suits you best.
- When you prefer to use it
Time of day is another factor you need to take into account when you decide to use your delta-8 THC products. For example, if your preferred mode of consumption is high-strength gummies, you then need to take them in the evening.
As a morning person, it might be a good idea to start vaping your daily CBD to combine a smooth buzz with a jolt of positive energy.
- Duration & onset of effects
Do you like your delta 8 to hit as fast as possible? Or you don’t mind waiting a few good minutes for the product to onset but to stick around for longer?
What you should be looking for in your product is bioavailability. This, in short, is the amount of delta-8 THC that flows into your bloodstream. So, it makes sense why looking into different products is necessary – different products offer different levels of bioavailability.
For instance, products you can ingest have the lowest bioavailability because they need to pass through your stomach system first. Sublingual products have a higher bioavailability because they need to pass through a tiny capillary under your tongue.
Duration of different consumptions forms
- Inhalation – lasts about 3-5 hours
- Edibles (gummies)- lasts for up to 10 hours
- Sublingual products – lasts about 6 hours
The effects from edibles are normally delayed by 1-2 because they take the most time to start acting. Vaping, on the other hand, acts way faster, with effects becoming noticeable within minutes after inhalation.
- The potency of the product
Although all delta-8 products come with the same amount of delta 8, the edibles are a lot more concentrated. Also, beverages and CBD-infused foods that you consume tend to kick in with a slight delay than smoked or vaporised products.
To figure out which delta-8 THC dosage best suits your need, we suggest you follow the already recommended dosage listed on each product. Note that you can’t really overdose on these CBD products like you would with other drugs, but you may have an unpleasant experience if you take too much. As long as you follow the recommended dosage, you will be alright.
- Pay attention to different brands
The brand you choose also plays a key role in your safety. If you stick with just one, make sure that the brand is reliable and offers the best quality products.
We suggest looking into brands with a good reputation and brands that you know to value their consumers. Then you can start evaluating the product’s potency, duration of effects, and the strain used to make the product. Whatever delta-8 product you decide to pick, make sure it’s something that benefits you and works best for your routine.
