Delta 8 THC: Amazing Cannabinoid You NEED To Know About

Delta 8 THC is an impressive cannabinoid that’s been popularized since the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill in the United States. I would describe it as a cannabinoid that takes the best characteristics of CBD and THC and combines them into a new cannabinoid.

The hemp industry has since found a way to extract or derive the cannabinoid Delta 8 THC from hemp plants and infuse it into products such as Delta 8 edibles, Delta 8 vape carts, and Delta 8 oil.

What is Delta 8 THC and Where Does It Come From?

Delta 8 THC is a cannabinoid found in small amounts in hemp and marijuana plants. Once it’s isolated, extracted, or derived, it’s then infused into various products like vape carts, edibles, or oil tinctures.

Because it’s found in small amounts in cannabis plants, and wouldn’t make economic sense to originally extract as Delta-8 THC, many producers will take hemp derived CBD and convert it into Delta-8 THC.

Delta-8 THC is NOT Delta-9 THC, and it’s not derived from Delta-9 THC. It’s a completely different molecule and affects people differently.

What is Delta 8 THC Good For?

Although there isn’t much research on Delta 8 THC, people have been consuming it for the same reasons they consume Delta 9 THC - to aid with issues like pain, anxiety, insomnia, nausea, and for relaxation.

Can Delta 8 THC Get You High?

Delta 8 THC can definitely get you high. Users of Delta 8 THC say it’s not as strong as Delta 9 THC, but it can still produce a noticeable high. It really depends on the dosage and your sensitivity to it, which will vary by person.

Like alcohol and Delta-9 THC, consuming too much can lead to a bad time. So if you decide to use Delta 8, it’s important to start out with a small amount and find the right dose for you.

The strongest forms of Delta 8 THC are edibles, oils, isolates, and distillates. New users may want to start with a vape cart or very low doses (5mg or less) of oil so you can easily control your consumption.

Possible Negative Experiences With Delta-8 THC In High Doses:

I’ve read stories of people who accidentally took a large dose their first time and had a bad experience. A large dose can be different for different people, even 10mg or 15mg has proven too much for some people.

Negative experiences have been reported to include effects like anxiety attacks or hallucination.

With that said, the bad experiences are few and far between with Delta 8 THC when used properly and compared to the large number of people who’ve been using it free of problems.

It’s also important to note that because these stories of bad experiences are anecdotal and not based on research, it’s hard to know whether these people used low quality Delta 8 from a manufacturer that doesn’t use clean or safe manufacturing processes, or if their experiences were affected by other variables.

What Does Delta 8 THC Feel Like?

If you’re familiar with other cannabinoids, I think a very good description of Delta 8 is a cannabinoid that has the best characteristics of full spectrum CBD and THC, without the negative characteristics like increased appetite, dry mouth, drowsiness, or couch-lock. But be careful, because if you use too much Delta-8 THC, it’s possible you may encounter some of the more undesirable characteristics. Having a good experience with this cannabinoid really comes down to proper use.

Delta 8 THC has been described by users as a tamped down, more pleasant version of Delta-9 THC. Based on my personal experience, that’s an accurate description.

I also read through a lot of anecdotal opinions and experiences posted to Reddit to see what people of different Delta-9 THC tolerances are saying about what Delta 8 THC feels like:

Both high and low tolerance Delta-9 THC users have described Delta 8 THC as a clean, less potent alternative to Delta-9 THC. A lot of people say it doesn’t cause any anxiety, and even reduces existing anxiety.

In addition, almost everyone says Delta 8 is a very functional high, and is not debilitating like Delta-9 THC can be. Pain relief is another effect that has been mentioned.

Many users also agree Delta 8 is strong in higher doses, so it’s important to approach it with caution, especially for new users.

Everybody reacts differently so you could have a different experience. Overall, the reports from people on forums like Reddit have been overwhelmingly positive.

How Much Delta 8 THC To Use:

It’s important to remember that everybody reacts differently to cannabinoids. For that reason it’s best to start out with a very small dose and slowly increase from there.

A small dose could be considered 1-5 milligrams. If you’re using a vape cart it’s best to take a couple puffs then wait 15 minutes.

Delta 8 Oils (tinctures), isolate, edibles, distillates, rosins, shatter, or any other type of concentrated product are known to be much stronger due to their concentration and the way they’re processed in the body when digested instead of inhaled.

For that reason new and low tolerance users should exercise caution with these type of products.

Does Delta 8 THC Help You Sleep?

In my own experience, it won’t make you drowsy like CBD or Delta-9 can. But it will definitely help you fall asleep with ease when you’re actually ready to sleep. That’s the best way I can describe whether Delta 8 THC helps you sleep.

If you think about it, the way delta 8 allows you to fall asleep with ease only when you’re ready is pretty beneficial compared to other sleep aids or cannabinoids that will make you drowsy or incapacitated soon after ingesting them.

As someone who regularly uses melatonin, I will say it’s a good replacement for melatonin, which is a pretty big complement.

The Different Types of Delta 8 THC Products:

The best delta 8 product for you might depend on your tolerance. Edibles, oil, and distillate are known to be stronger than vape carts.

What Are Delta 8 Carts:

Delta 8 carts are vape cartridges that contain Delta 8 THC. The amount, ingredients, and concentration can vary from company to company. I’ve used the Extract Labs Delta 8 carts that are mixed with CBD and CBG. These are very high quality.

Mixed Or Straight Delta-8 Carts?

You’ll find Delta-8 THC vape carts are available as pure Delta 8 with terpenes, or sometimes mixed with other cannabinoids like CBD and CBG. Which is Delta 8 vape cart is better? I’ve used both pure delta 8 with terpenes, as well as delta 8 with CBD and CBG mixed in.

I think delta 8 carts are better with the CBD and CBG mixed in, because these extra cannabinoids may help people who are extra prone to anxiety attacks. Although most people report no anxiety with Delta 8 THC use, some people have still experienced it.

If you read my CBG article, you’ll see I reference scientific literature that shows CBG as being a potential anti-depressant mood booster. Given my own experience I think this is true, and believe CBG will help prevent the Delta 8 from causing any anxiety in people who may be extra prone to it.

CBD is also known to mellow out the more psychoactive effects of THC which may also help prevent negative anxiety related effects of Delta 8 THC.

What Is The Best Delta-8 THC Product?

When you’re wondering what the best Delta-8 THC product is, you probably just want the best experience. In my opinion the best Delta-8 is Delta-8 mixed with other cannabinoids.

The best Delta-8 THC vape carts are mixed with CBD and CBG. The other cannabinoids really help balance out the experience. Most people find that any cannabinoid works better when combined with other cannabinoids, and this holds true for delta-8 THC.

The best Delta-8 may also depend on your tolerance. I recommend all new users to start with a very low dose, and Delta-8 carts are best for that. If you’ve built up a big tolerance after a while, you may find edibles to be more appropriate.

Ultimately I think the best Delta-8 THC product will meet three requirements: Full spectrum (includes several cannabinoids), the right dose (start low work higher), and high quality - find a retailer that has batch specific lab tests that include heavy metals and chemical solvents.

Are Delta 8 Carts Safe?

With all the Delta 8 carts available, it’s hard to say what’s safe or what’s not, especially when you factor in that everybody reacts differently to cannabinoid products.

The best quality Delta 8 products are the ones that come with a lab report that includes heavy metal and chemical testing for each batch.

My advice regarding Delta 8 carts is the same as with all other Delta 8 THC products - if you decide to consume them make sure to stick to the highest quality you can find, and start with a very low dose.

What are Delta 8 Gummies?

These are gummies that contain Delta 8 THC. The exact amount and ingredients will vary from product to product.

Are Delta 8 Gummies Legal?

Adding cannabinoids to food products has not been approved by the US FDA, so the answer is no they are not legal. But you may still encounter companies selling these items.

Are Delta 8 Gummies Safe?

With all the different brands and products available, it’s hard to say what’s safe or what’s not, especially when you factor in that everybody reacts differently to these products.

My advice regarding Delta 8 gummies is the same as with all other Delta 8 THC products - if you decide to consume them make sure to stick to the highest quality you can find, and start with a very low dose.

What is Delta 8 Distillate?

Delta 8 THC distillate is a form of highly concentrated, purified Delta 8 THC. Distillate less than 100% purity can contain other cannabinoids or products as well.

For example if you have 90% delta 8 distillate, the remaining 10% can be made up of terpenes, other cannabinoids, and sometimes unsafe ingredients - depending how the distillate was made.

Distillate is used to make vape carts, as food additive, or for dabbing.

Does Delta 8 Cause Side Effects?

Some people have reported concerning side effects after using Delta 8 THC for several weeks or months. One Reddit thread I found and described in the video above features several people discussing left side chest pain and arm numbness. I’m no doctor but I know those symptoms can be associated with heart issues, which is concerning.

Other people have commented on my YouTube video claiming they also had arm numbness, lung pain, and apparent panic attacks after using Delta 8 THC. One distinction some people are trying to make is that edibles and oil don’t cause any problems and bad vape carts are the culprit of all the problems. The jury still seems to be out. If know you’re sensitive to THC you should approach Delta 8 with caution.

So far it appears that most Delta 8 users do not experience any concerning side effects as evidenced by the thousands of positive personal reports on Reddit. But the side effects are still something to be aware of given that a subgroup of users has reported experiencing them. Some who’ve experienced the negative side effects reported feeling better after ceasing use.

Will Delta 8 THC Fail A Drug Test?

Whether Delta 8 THC will fail a drug test is a discussion I’ve seen frequently, and for obvious reasons. My personal advice is to avoid Delta 8 if you need to pass drug tests. Below you’ll be able to read real stories of people who passed or failed drug tests after using Delta 8 THC.

Why does Delta 8 THC fail drug tests? I’m not a scientist but I’ve read that it’s possibly due to the metabolites left behind after it’s processed by the body, and the fact that many or all drug tests won’t be able to distinguish between Delta 8 THC metabolites and Delta 9 THC metabolites.

Whether you pass or fail a drug test could also be related to the Delta 8 product you used. Some products like distillate contain Delta 9 THC in addition to Delta 8, so you would definitely fail in that case. Other products like vape carts can possibly be more pure but are not a guarantee.

Further, I’ve read mixed reports about whether Delta 8 THC passes or fails, and I will link to a few below so you can read for yourself:

• Person only consumed Delta 8 THC and failed CVS drug test: READ
• Person passed GC/MS (gas chromatography + mass spectometry) drug test: READ
• Person failed drug test after eating Delta 8 gummies: READ
• Person who used only Delta 8 THC failed two different drug tests: READ
• Person showed small amount of THC on GC/MS (gas chromatography + mass spectometry) drug test: READ

Last, here is another solid resource explaining the Delta 8 THC drug test situation: READ

There are many more mixed reports like those mentioned above. The best advice is to avoid Delta 8 THC if you are dependent on passing a drug test.

Is Delta 8 THC Legal?

I’m not a lawyer so DO NOT take this as legal advice. The 2018 Farm Bill in the US legalized “all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers”of Cannabis sativa L. containing less than 0.3% of Delta-9 THC.

With that said, certain US states or localities may have enacted their own laws making Delta-8 THC or other cannabinoids illegal, so it’s your responsibility to ensure you’re acting within the law with regards to Delta 8 THC.

Some Delta 8 THC retailers have educated themselves on state and local laws and will not ship their products to certain areas.

Will Delta 8 Stay Legal? Will Delta 8 Be Made Illegal?

Whether Delta 8 stays legal or is made illegal is up to politicians (unfortunately), and they can make changes to the law whenever they want.

The best way to stay informed on this would be to occasionally read cannabis related news and forums on Reddit to stay up to date on major industry news.

Other Thoughts About Delta 8 THC:

I will share some personal advice - the quality of the product you end up with matters. I initially used a Delta 8 tincture that I suspect was low quality, and had a bad experience.

So I highly recommend you find a quality manufacturer like Extract Labs, who makes their product in a clean and safe manner (CO2 extraction) compared to how some of the other low quality brands make their products using chemicals or unclean environments.

Once I learned Extract Labs was making Delta 8 THC I decided to give their Delta 8 cart a chance and thoroughly enjoyed it!

Want to read about other cannabinoids? Check out my posts about CBC, CBN,and CBD. Also learn how to make oil from flower or isolate HERE

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