Cannabis has a reputation for pulling people into a state of blissful relaxation, or into a happy baby position. However, there is a thin line between relaxing and nightmares when it comes to marijuana. 

You may experience paranoia and panic as a result of overindulging. Now, a substance called delta-8-THC has emerged as a viable option. It’s been dubbed “marijuana lite” since it produces a milder high with less anxiety. 

Delta-8: What Is It?  

Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC for short, is the chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. It is responsible for the high that you feel from smoking weed. But, according to Nelson, when people mention “THC,” they’re usually referring to a type of THC called delta-9-THC. THC in the form of delta-8-THC has a bit more distinct structure than THC in the form of delta-9-THC. 

The two are extremely similar, but differ by a double bond structure [a sort of chemical connection] in a different location on the molecule chain. Both bind to endocannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2), which are largely located in the neurological system of the human body. 

Like delta-9-THC, delta-8-THC is sold in a plethora of products, including but not limited to, tinctures, edibles, cigarettes, vapes, and delta-8-THC-infused hemp flowers. 

Can Delta-8 Get You High Without Side-effects? 

According to a 1973 study published in Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, delta-8-THC is half as powerful as delta-9-THC. To put it in simple words, you’ll need twice the amount of delta-8-THC to obtain the same effect as delta-9-THC. For example, 20 milligrams of delta-8-THC equals 10 milligrams of delta-9-THC. 

If you consume the same quantitative dose of these substances, say, 10 milligrams of delta-8-THC and 10 milligrams of delta-9-THC, delta-8-THC will have fewer of the bad effects. However, if you take the same functional dose of delta-8-THC and delta-9-THC, then they should induce the same results, which will be indistinguishable. 

It appears to be a bit of a mind trick or a marketing approach to make the drugs sound very different since they sound subjectively the same but are scientifically different. 

Ingesting more or less of a compound can compensate for quantitative variations. The more D-8 you take, the more it feels like D-9. 

To answer the question, yes, delta-8-THC might be less potent than delta-9-THC, but it can get you high. However, it will produce a gentler high with fewer negative effects than an equivalent (numerical) quantity of delta-9-THC.  

Although, suggesting that delta-8-THC provides a high without paranoia is a bit of an exaggeration. If you keep taking large doses of delta-8, for an extended period of time, you will most likely feel the negative side-effects similar to D-9. However, if you keep the doses at optimal quantities, it won’t have any drastic side-effects.  

What Makes Delta-8 Less Potent Than Delta-9? 

The placement with a double bond in delta-8-THC modifies the structure of the molecule. As a result, delta-8-THC’s interaction with the CB1 and CB2 receptors is likely to be less effective than delta-9-THC’s contact with these receptors.  

Small alterations in the compounds result in significant changes in their properties. 

Is Delta-8 Legal? 

This is where things get a little more complicated. The Controlled Chemicals Act makes delta-9-THC unlawful at the federal level, but there was no clear legal prohibition on delta-8-THC until the DEA amended its list of controlled substances. 

 According to the 2018 US farm bill, delta-8-THC derived from marijuana is unlawful. However, when derived from hemp, will make it legal. 

Like marijuana, hemp is a female variant of the cannabis plant, D-8 derived from hemp will carry very trace amounts of THC. 

Hemp has many more uses apart from giving out beneficial cannabinoids. Hemp plants were used for rope, clothes, bags, etc. The farm bill passing has opened up a plethora of opportunities. 

People have been using this as a great opportunity in building their multi-million-dollar businesses, since then, hemp cultivation is booming. However, the legality of this varies by state, with some states describing hemp as having no inebriating substances and others requiring a specific concentration of delta-9-THC. 

However, just because the legislation specified delta-8-THC as legal, doesn’t imply that it won’t show up on a drug test. There is a high chance that D-8 smokes or even edibles will result in showing as THC consumption on a drug test, and that might cause trouble for you.  

Delta-8-THC is the best alternative to tobacco smoking and weed smoking to ensure you get all of the benefits of delta-9-THC with none of the drawbacks. Although delta-8-THC produces a softer high than delta-9-THC, it does not magically shield you against side-effects of an overdose. 

And if you do decide to consume delta-8-THC, be aware that you may be entering a hazy legal terrain, much like you would if you smoked marijuana. So, make sure to check your region-specific state laws before purchasing your favorite pot.  

Why Choose Delta-8? 

Delta-8 has become increasingly popular in recent years. The CBD boom lasted all of 2019, and kept growing since then. But increasingly, customers want cannabinoids that have tangible effects that can include both a safe smoke, yet with a subtle high. 

Many companies sell delta-8 vapes. tinctures, and edibles, along with Cannabidiol and other lesser-known cannabinoids. Delta-8 is unquestionably that fresh thing that everybody wants. 

Although many users prefer CBD over weed, Delta-8 is now the most popular cannabinoid amongst the new consumers. 

The growing interest in delta-8 will certainly lead to greater research into its effects. Since THC and CBD are the most commonly available compounds of cannabis, they were researched extensively. Delta-8 extraction is a more expensive and time-consuming process, but it is highly beneficial. 

We believe it’s vital to be cautious when assessing the possible benefits of delta-8 until science catches up. 

However, what we do know is incredibly exciting, but people need to be calm and let some of the more in-depth research to come out before making suggestions about each of these new cannabinoids as they emerge.