What Is Delta 8 THC?

Many people who use cannabis are aware that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the component that produces psychoactive effects when cannabis is smoked, vaped, or ingested. However, it is not widely known that there are different types of THC. One kind that is on the rise is delta 8 THC. Delta 8 THC differs from what people traditionally think of when it comes to cannabis products.

Get a better understanding of what delta 8 THC is. Then it will be easier for you to decide if this type of product is best for you when you want to experience the array of effects that THC brings about. 

Explaining Delta 8 THC

Delta 8 THC is naturally found in hemp and cannabis plants. But, it is not the type of THC found in common strains of marijuana. When it comes to cannabis, the THC compound that produces a strong high is called delta 9 THC. From a chemical standpoint, delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC have a number of similarities. However, they also have some differences that change the effects that each type of THC produces.

Simply put, both delta 8 and delta 9 consist of a chain of atoms that have a double bond. As the names may suggest, with delta 8 THC the double bond on the 8th atom of the chain, while the double bond for delta 9 occurs at the 9th atom. This may sound like something very minor considering that these differences occur at the molecular level, but it does create a differentiation between the two types of THC.

What to Expect

The very small difference in the location of the double bond on a chain of delta 8 and delta 9 means that they have different potencies, and thus different psychoactive effects. Delta 9 THC is much more potent than delta 8. Thus, delta 9 THC products are better for those who want a very strong high. Cannabis strains with a high delta 9 THC content produce the effects that most people expect when getting high.

But, that doesn’t mean that delta 8 THC products can’t be a great choice. While delta 8 is not as strong or as potent as delta 9 THC, it still produces psychoactive effects that cannabis users enjoy, but it is less intense. The high experienced when using delta 8 THC is sometimes referred to as a “light” or “diet” high.

Delta 8 THC products are popular with inexperienced cannabis users who are interested in using cannabis. However, they don’t want to experience a bad high due to smoking, vaping, or ingesting cannabis that is too strong. Since delta 8 THC is not as potent, it is not as common to experience negative side effects. These include paranoia, anxiety, elevated heart rate, and nausea/vomiting. Users of delta 8 THC won’t also experience panic attacks that can occur with strong cannabis strains that contain delta 9 THC.

It’s also a good alternative when you want the relaxation and feelings of well-being that cannabis produces but still need to focus and get things done. The light, mellow high that delta 8 THC produces is very popular with users. It takes the edge off without making it difficult to stay on task and complete projects.

In many ways, delta 8 THC products can be thought of as being in the middle of their delta 9 THC counterparts and CBD products. CBD products are believed to have a number of benefits, but it does not produce a psychoactive effect. Delta 8 produces a mild high, but it is not on the same plane as most delta 9 THC products, especially those with the highest THC levels.

Benefits of Delta 8 THC

Delta 8 THC may have many of the same benefits that delta 9 THC has. Anecdotal evidence suggests that using delta 8 THC products may help a person relax, unwind, and reduce stress and anxiety. The less intense high produced by delta 8 THC is also welcomed by people who may not be ready or comfortable with strong delta 9 THC products.

Much like delta 9 products, how quickly delta 8 THC products begin creating effect will depend on the mode of use. Smoking or vaping delta 8 THC will result in a faster high, but ingesting delta 8 tends to create a longer high. 

Forms of Delta 8 THC Available

When it comes to delta 8 THC, there are a variety of products on the market. You can purchase delta 8 THC in flower form to smoke. You can also opt for edibles, tinctures, or delta 8 oil for vaping. 

If you’re interested in using delta 8 THC products, they are widely available for purchase. Buying and using cannabis is legal in Canada, and that includes delta 8 THC products. However, in order to purchase delta 8 THC products, you must be at least 19 years of age (18 in Alberta), according to provincial laws.

Conclusion

Whether you’re new to using cannabis products or an experienced user who wants to explore a new type of high, delta 8 THC products are definitely worth looking into. While there is no lack of delta 9 THC products on the market, delta 8 is becoming increasingly popular. Being a THC product with a low probability of being too strong or overwhelming is driving demand for delta 8 THC.

Delta 8 THC products are available in the market in a variety of forms, making it easy to purchase. If you’re someone who likes edibles, there is a delta 8 product for you. Choose from gummies, candies, or treats.

Likewise, it is not difficult to find a retailer. There are online or brick-and-mortar stores having a wide variety of delta 8 products available for purchase. Any type of delta 8 THC product is a great option for anyone looking for the perfect choice between CBD and high potency delta 9 products.