What is Delta-8 THC: What You Should Know About it

Delta-8 THC (D8 THC) is a popular compound that’s similar to regular THC (delta 9 THC), the chemical in marijuana that causes the high associated with the drug. Delta-8 is found in small amounts in the cannabis plant and is also made in labs from CBD, a non-psychoactive compound. [1]

Delta 8 weed products deliver a milder and more manageable high than regular THC, but many people have questions about safety, legality, and effects. This page explores what is delta 8 THC, how it’s used, and what risks or benefits it may have. You will also learn how to connect with compassionate and effective addiction treatment.

What Is Delta 8 THC?

Delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol – usually abbreviated to THC – is a chemical compound that’s found in small amounts in cannabis plants. It’s one of more than 100 cannabinoids that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. [2]

While delta 8 is related to delta 9 – the compound responsible for delivering the marijuana high – it’s much less potent. Delta 8 is found in such tiny amounts in the cannabis plant that most products containing this compound are made by converting hemp-derived CBD into delta 8 through a chemical process.

Many people are drawn to delta eight because it has milder effects than regular THC. It’s sometimes viewed as a middle ground between CBD (which doesn’t cause a high) and delta 9 THC (which can trigger an intense high). The popularity of delta 8 has surged recently, especially in areas where marijuana is still illegal, as it’s commonly marketed as a legal alternative to weed.

Delta 8 Sativa vs. Indica Delta 8

Delta 8 comes in different strains just like regular marijuana products. The two most common types are indica delta 8 and sativa delta 8. [3] The strain can influence delta 8 side effects.

Sativa strains are known for their energizing and uplifting effects. Many people use sativa strains to boost creativity, focus, or social interaction. This type of delta 8 is more likely to deliver a head high that feels stimulating.

Indica strains tend to be more calming and relaxing. Delta 8 indica is often chosen for reducing stress, unwinding, or helping with sleep. These strains produce more of a body high that helps with physical relaxation.

Although these strains can guide how delta 8 might feel, the effects can also depend on how much you take, how your body reacts, and what product you use – like edibles, vapes, or oils.

Effects on the Body

Delta 8 effects occur as a result of the substance interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate mood, appetite, sleep, and pain. When you take delta 8, it binds to the same receptors in the brain and CNS (central nervous system) as regular THC, but in a slightly different way. The difference is what makes delta 8 produce a gentler high than delta 9 THC.

Delta 8 THC effects may vary depending on the dose and the method of consumption, but common experiences include:

• Relaxation: Many people report feeling less stressed and calmer after using delta 8.
• Mild euphoria: People report feeling a slight high from D8 that’s not as intense as the high from D9 (marijuana).
• Increased appetite: Delta 8 can cause people to feel hungry in the same way as delta 9 – this is known as the munchies.
• Mental clarity: Delta 8 is claimed to provide a more focused and clear-headed experience than regular delta 9 weed.

That said, delta 8 may also cause side effects, especially at higher doses. These can include:

• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue

Beyond this, delta 8 may also offer some potential therapeutic benefits, such as easing pain, reducing nausea, and helping with anxiety. More research is required to understand its effects and safety fully.

How Do People Use Delta 8?

People use delta 8 in various ways, depending on their preferences and desired effects. The substance can be found in many forms, including delta 8 gummies, delta 8 vapes, and delta 8 oils.

Some use delta 8 to manage stress, chronic pain, or anxiety, although there is still limited scientific evidence supporting these uses. Others enjoy it recreationally for the light, euphoric feeling it delivers. Because delta 8 is legal in many places where marijuana is not, people also turn to it as a legal alternative to weed.

Methods of Delta 8 Consumption

Delta 8 comes in many forms, and each method can affect how quickly you feel the effects and how long they last. Here are the most common ways to consume delta 8:

• Edibles: Edibles like gummies or brownies are popular because they’re easy to use and provide long-lasting effects. Edibles take longer to kick in, though – usually around 30 minutes to 2 hours – because the body needs to digest them first. The high from edibles can last for several hours, making this a preferred option for those seeking extended relief or relaxation.
• Vaping: Vaping delta 8 is one of the fastest ways to feel its effects. When you an inhale a delta 8 vape, the substance enters your bloodstream quickly, often producing effects within minutes. the high from vaping is usually more intense but shorter-lived than the high associated with delta 8 edibles.
• Tinctures: Delta 8 tinctures are liquid extracts that you place under your tongue. They’re absorbed into your bloodstream through the tissue in your mouth, and effects can be felt in 20 to 30 minutes. tinctures offer more control over dosing, enabling people to fine-tune their delta 8 experience.
• Capsules: Delta 8 capsules are taken like any other pill and offer a convenient and controlled way to consume delta 8. They work similarly to edibles but may take longer to kick in.
• Smoking: Some people prefer to smoke delta 8 flower, which is hemp sprayed with delta 8 concentrate. Like vaping, smoking produces fast-acting effects, but the experience is similar to traditional cannabis smoking, with a milder high.
• Topicals: Some delta 8 products come in the form of creams or lotions that you apply directly to your skin. These are normally used for localized pain relief and don’t produce the psychoactive effects of other consumption methods.

 Some delta 8 products are creams or lotions applied directly to the skin, typically for localized pain relief without psychoactive effects.

Alternatives to Delta- 8

Several alternatives to delta 8 may offer similar benefits without the same risks or concerns. These include:

• CBD: CBD (cannabidiol) does not cause a high. [4] Many people use CBD for its potential health benefits, including anxiety relief, pain management, and sleep support. CBD is legal in most places and is widely available in many forms, such as oils, edibles, and creams.
• Delta 9 THC: Delta 9 THC is the main compound found in marijuana. It’s much stronger than delta 9 and is only legal in some U.S. states for medical or recreational use. Delta 9 products produce a more intense high and stronger psychoactive effects than delta 8 products.
• Delta 10 THC: Delta 10 is another cannabinoid similar to delta 8 but with even milder effects. It’s less commonly available, but some people report it provides more of a mental boost and focus instead of a physical high.
• HHC: HHC (hexahydrocannabinol) is a hydrogenated form of THC that’s found in some cannabis products. It’s said to offer similar effects to delta 9 THC but in a slightly milder form, making it another option to explore for those seeking alternatives to delta 8.
• THCV: THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) is another cannabinoid that has unique effects when compared to delta 8 vs delta 9. THCV is sometimes known as diet weed because it is believed to reduce appetite rather than increase it like other THC products. THCV may also provide more energy and alertness.

Legality of Delta-8 THC

The legal status of delta 8 THC is complicated and varies from place to place. Delta 8 is often derived from hemp, which became legal at the federal level in the U.S. with the enactment of the 2018 Farm Bill. This law allows hemp products with less than 0.3% delta 9 THC, and delta 8 can be made from CBD extracted from legal hemp.

The legality of delta 8 is still a gray area, though. The DEA (United States Drug Enforcement Administration) has proposed classifying delta 8 as a controlled substance, but this rule isn’t finalized yet. Some states have taken action to ban or regulate delta 8 independently. States like Michigan, Colorado, and New York, for instance, have restricted the sale of delta 8 products due to safety and regulatory concerns. Other states allow its sale, but only under certain conditions, like requiring it to be sold in licensed dispensaries.

The lack of federal oversight means delta 8 products are often unregulated, leading to concerns about safety and quality. If you’re unsure about the legality of delta 8 in your area, check your local laws before purchasing or using it.

What Are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are natural compounds found in cannabis plants. There are over 200 different cannabinoids, each affecting the body uniquely. The most well-known of these are THC (which causes a high) and CBD (which doesn’t). Cannabinoids work by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, helping govern functions like mood, sleep, and pain.

Delta 8 Effects & Risks

Delta 8 offers effects similar to traditional THC – euphoria and relaxation – but the high is typically milder. It may help manage pain or anxiety, but there are risks involved. Delta 8 products are often unregulated, meaning inconsistent doses and contaminants can trigger unexpected side effects like dry mouth, dizziness, or fatigue. 

Benefits

Some people report that delta 8 helps with stress, anxiety, and even chronic pain. It is also less likely to cause intense side effects like paranoia that can come with regular THC. That said, more research is needed to confirm these benefits.

Psychoactive Effects

Delta 8 is psychoactive, meaning it can get you high. However, the high is normally less intense than that from delta 9 THC. People describe it as a calmer, more clear-headed experience.

Dangers

One of the main dangers of delta 8 is that it’s largely unregulated. Products might contain harmful chemicals or higher than expected doses. Overuse can lead to side effects like anxiety, confusion, or hallucinations in higher doses.

How Delta 8 Is Different from Other Cannabinoids

Delta 8 differs from other cannabinoids in its chemical structure and effects. It sits between delta 9 THC (which is stronger) and CBD (which doesn’t cause a high). Delta 8 delivers a mild psychoactive effect while CBD does not.

Delta 9 vs Delta 8

Delta 9 is the main compound in marijuana that causes a high, while delta 8 is a less potent version. Delta 9 is found in larger amounts in cannabis, and its high is much stoinger. Delta 8, by contrast, gives a gentler experience with fewer side effects.

Delta 10 vs Delta 8

Delta 10 THC is another cannabinoid like delta 8 but less common. Delta 10 offers a more uplifting and energetic high, while delta 8 provides more relaxation. Both are much milder than delta 9 THC, but delta 10 is often harder to find.

Delta-8 | FAQs

Is Delta 8 Weed?

Delta 8 is not the same as regular weed but is a compound found in the cannabis plant. Although it shares many similarities with regular THC (delta 9 THC), it’s normally made from hemp-derived CBD.

Is Delta 8 Synthetic?

Delta 8 is often synthetically produced in labs because it occurs naturally in very small amounts in the cannabis plant. It is made by converting CBD into delta 8 using chemicals.

Does Delta 8 Have THC In It?

Yes, delta 8 is a form of THC. It’s less potent that delta 9 THC, which is the psychoactive compound found in marijuana responsible for the associated high.

How Much THC Is in Delta 8?

The THC content in delta 8 products can vary, but it’s generally less potent that delta 9 THC. Most delta 8 products contain around 0.3% THC or less – this is the legal limit for hemp-derived products.

What Does Delta 8 Do?

The delta 8 high is milder than the delta 9 high, promoting relaxation and euphoria, but with less intensity. Some people claim delta 8 helps manage pain, stress, or anxiety, although more research is needed to verify these claims.

Is Delta 8 Safe?

The safety of delta 8 is still being studied. It should be used only with caution because it’s not regulated and there are concerns about contaminants and inconsistent dosing.

Does Delta 8 Get You High?

Yes, delta 8 can get you high, but the effects are usually milder than the high from delta 9 THC, which is more commonly associated with marijuana.

Will You Test Positive for THC if You Use Delta-8?

Yes, using delta 8 can result in a positive drug test for THC. Drug tests typically cannot distinguish between delta 8 and delta 9 THC.

Get Addiction Treatment in a Compassionate Rehab Facility at Renaissance Recovery

If you need help getting back on track from substance misuse, reach out to Renaissance Recovery today.

We treat all addictions and mental health conditions at our luxury beachside rehab centers in Florida and California. You can continue meeting your daily commitments while getting effective outpatient treatment at Renaissance.

Since all addictions are unique, treatment programs at Renaissance are personalized. Therapies include:

• Counseling
• Motivational therapies
• Talk therapies
• Family therapy
• Group therapy
• Medication-assisted treatment
• Holistic therapies
• Aftercare

Begin your recovery from addiction by calling 866-330-9449.

Sources

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9312454

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5877694/

[3] https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/5-things-know-about-delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol-delta-8-thc

[4] https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476