Delta 8 THC is hot on the market right now in the cannabis industry. It is being extracted now more than ever for consumption, and companies are getting creative with how they are producing it.
Gone are the days of just rolling a boring joint. In fact, you don't even need to be a smoker to consume Delta-8 THC.
Because of new extraction methods and new research, there are many different ways that one can consume an array of cannabis products and have better knowledge of the proper dose.
Now we even have the capability to determine which isolated cannabinoids and terpenes go into products allowing for customization for the desired effects.
The cannabis world has truly broken barriers with new flavors, oil types, and products. From delectable chocolates to herbal blends for your bath, users can choose their own adventure.
In this article, we cover consumption methods and give a deep dive into the best ways to consume Delta-8.
Many have heard of marijuana and also CBD, but Delta-8 is a newer cannabinoid that is rising in the market.
Since it is newer, it is not FDA-approved to treat anything, but that does not necessarily mean it is not a valuable cannabinoid.
Our goal is to educate those interested and provide knowledge on the products that we believe in.
Please keep in mind, we are not making health claims, but simply want to share the experiences and possible benefits of Delta-8 THC, and other cannabis-derived product options.
More research is being done every day in the world of cannabis, and there is so much potential as knowledge about the specific cannabinoids continues to grow.
Delta-8 is just one of the hundreds of molecules in plants, but it is quickly becoming one of the most popular for a reason.
Key Takeaways From This Article
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The cannabis world now offers a variety of ways to consume products from marijuana, CBD, and more recently trending Delta-8.
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Delta 8 THC is a cannabinoid that has very mild psychoactive effects and gives users a mild and often enjoyable high feeling.
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Like CBD, Delta-8 THC is a legal cannabinoid that can be purchased online and even in stores.
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Delta-8 THC may have health benefits similar to marijuana and CBD products, such as pain relief, anti-inflammatory, and relaxation.
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There are now so many product options made with Delta-8 from vapes to even lip balms. Users can choose their favorite ways to consume Delta-8 THC, and control the dose better than ever before.
What exactly is Delta-8 THC?
Delta-8 is a naturally occurring molecular compound that is found in a cannabis plant. There are actually hundreds of compounds found in cannabis plants, also known as cannabinoids.
When consumed, cannabinoids bind to your receptors in what is known as your endocannabinoid system, which is basically a biological system in the human body.
The most commonly known cannabinoid is THC.
THC is the molecule type that has a double bond to endocannabinoid system receptors, so it is the molecule that gets users high.
What we commonly know as THC is actually Delta-9 THC or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. It is just one molecule away from Delta-8 THC, but that one molecular structural change makes a huge difference in the effects we feel.
Delta-9 THC is a federally illegal substance.
Large amounts of Delta-9 THC in a cannabis plant means it is a strong strain of marijuana and when consumed, users can become intoxicated or high.
The presence of Delta-9 THC in a plant is what separates cannabis into two categories: marijuana and hemp plants.
Marijuana is technically still federally illegal. It is legal in some states such as Colorado, Illinois, and California; however, it is heavily regulated with rules that restrict sales. Due to this, other cannabinoids are becoming more popular.
Delta-8 THC is becoming known as junior weed.
Delta-8 THC is all the buzz because it is legal, but it still has slight psychoactive effects just as Delta-8 THC, but at a reduced amount.
Some users are calling it baby weed or junior weed. Users say the effects are not as strong, but they get all the benefits of marijuana.
Some users are turning to Delta-8 as their personal preference because they can enjoy the positive effects of marijuana but without the negative effects such as couch lock, dry eyes, or dry mouth.
There are many different forms of Delta-8 THC being produced now that this discovery of how this special molecule can affect us, and because it is federally legal.
How is Delta-8 legal?
Despite being only one molecule different, Delta-8 THC is actually legal because it is found in hemp plants, similar to CBD.
Delta-8 THC and CBD can also be found in marijuana plants too, but because it is in hemp plants, it is legal is the hemp is federal farm bill compliant.
This means that farms growing hemp for textiles and other uses can also use it to extract the concentrated form of Delta-8 THC and CBD.
How is Delta-8 different than CBD?
Delta-8 THC is a different molecule more similar to Delta-9 THC, whereas CBD, shortened from cannabidiol is a molecule that does not have intoxicating effects at all.
CBD on the other hand does not give any noticeable high feeling like THC but has a more medicinal effect. CBD is most commonly used for treating seizures, reducing anxiety, and aiding inflammation.
CBD has become a popular alternative to pharmaceutical medications that can be possibly addictive or have not helped symptoms. It has become often to hear of family members that you never expected to take an interest in weed saying they are experimenting with CBD for their conditions.
Learn more about the differences between Delta-8 THC and CBD in this article.
What are the effects of Delta 8?
Delta-8 THC is like a middle-ground experience of regular THC. It can be consumed in different forms the same way one chooses to consume marijuana, such as inhalation or eating. It is less likely to cause an unpleasant experience though because it is not as potent.
Many users report minimal side effects and enjoy it for daytime use because they can continue their daily routine since it is not as potent.
The effects can vary by consumption method and of course, every person's body is different. Researchers have been creating new ways to consume Delta-8 because it does not have serious side effects.
How are people consuming Delta 8?
Delta-8 THC is isolated, sometimes with other terpenes, and then made into a wide variety of cannabis product types such as Delta-8 flower or Delta-8 edibles.
Those who choose to take Delta-8 THC can test out options to see what benefits their body the best.
Many are choosing to vape Delta-8 THC.
One of the most popular ways to consume Delta-8 THC has become through vapes. A vaping experience can produce a similar experience to smoking marijuana because it is entering the body through lung tissue.
Vaping Delta-8 THC gives the same effects as smoking, but without the potential side effects that come with a joint or flowers such as bad breath or even the long-term effect of teeth discoloration. It hits users at a similar speed as smoking a joint for example.
There are flavored oil options too, in case someone does not like the possible bitter taste of a cannabis product.
Some prefer to take Delta-8 THC edible products through the digestive system.
Some users do not want the fixation of smoking at all and would prefer to consume Delta-8 THC through edible products.
The rise of the industry has unleashed a whole world of edible cannabis products ranging from candies to baked goods, to even oils that you can use to place a few drops into your own favorite foods at home.
This consumption method takes longer to take effect because the body absorbs the Delta-8 THC as the product goes through the digestive tract.
Those who choose to take Delta-8 THC by eating an edible should consider that it takes some time before feeling it in their entire body.
Some prefer to smoke it traditionally like marijuana.
If someone enjoys smoking, there are also great options of pre-rolled joints and flower options that come in various strains just like traditional marijuana from a dispensary.
What is nice about buying a pre-rolled joint is users know the amount of the product they could be consuming, which avoids the possibility of overdoing it.
Inhalation is a great option for those experiencing pain and wanting fast-acting relief because it hits users instantly.
The great thing about Delta-8 THC is users report feeling more clear-headed compared to marijuana, and find that it is easier to dose correctly.
There are also less common methods too.
Other methods and other forms of Delta-8 THC are available too such as transdermal products, lotions, and even bath bombs.
While most prefer to feel the Delta-8 high, some just want the healing properties for dry skin, irritation, or for muscle massage.
Using this form of Delta-8 generally involves rubbing the product to an affected area of the body they are wanting relief.
How do you determine the proper dosage?
If you are choosing to smoke or vape a product, then just take a few puffs and give yourself a minute to feel the effects.
If you feel good, then take a few more. Know your limit and recognize what is a good high feeling for you.
If you are choosing to eat an edible form, then read what the milligrams of the product are and start with a low dosage. Wait at least 1 hour before taking more, because edibles take a while before they take effect because they have to pass through your digestive system.
Generally, if it is a professionally produced candy or gummy form, you are safe to take one. If you are eating a home-cooked product, then be cautious as the exact dosage could be hard to determine.
Just remember - Delta-8 is called junior weed for a reason.
The wonderful thing about Delta-8 is one hit is not going to get you stupid ripped such as a marijuana dab, bong rip, or homemade brownie would. The strength and dose are not the same as marijuana.
With that being said, our final thoughts are always to take it slow the first time you take Delta-8 THC, just as you would taking any kind of new medication.
It is better to start slow rather than jump in full force dose and regret it later. You can always take more Delta-8 if needed.
What would happen if you do too much?
The worst thing that will happen if you consume too much Delta-8 THC is similar to overdoing it with marijuana.
You could get anxious, experience dry mouth, and want to eat everything in sight, and the worst thing that would probably happen is you may fall asleep on the couch.
Users should contact their health physician if they have questions about how it could mix with other medications; however, Delta-8 is considered pretty safe because it is not that potent.
Another thing to note: do not take Delta-8 THC with other drugs or alcohol. It is also not recommended to operate a vehicle or anything else that you are not supposed to do when drunk or high.
Just take it easy the first time consuming any new product.
For the first time you take Delta- 8 THC, just watch a movie and order pizza. Even if you are a seasoned marijuana smoker, it is always smart to be precautions with the dose when consuming anything new.
Everybody is different; however, new users will probably have a great time and enjoy their mild buzzed experience, and without the cotton mouth like traditional marijuana.
Are you interested in trying Delta-8 THC yourself?
Check out our Delta-8 products and let us know what you think! We have a variety of options, flavors, and combinations to choose from.