Delta-8 Flower & Products

DELTA-8 THC FAQ

Delta-8 vs Delta-9

Delta-8 vs Delta 9 THC: What's the difference?

Delta-8-THC is moderately less potent than Δ9-THC (being about ≈50-66% as potent in-vivo according to most scientific studies on the topic)[citation needed], although its psychological and physiological effects remain qualitatively similar. This essentially means that it will still medicate/intoxicate similarly to ∆9-THC, although to a lesser degree per milligram of material consumed. (wikipedia.org) 

Delta-8 vs Delta-9 THC Molecular Structure

The main differences between Delta-8 THC and Delta-9-THC are due to their different pharmacokinetic properties and metabolism. Both of the molecular structures have the double bond in them and similar bonding methods when it comes to interacting with our endocannabinoid receptors.

The key contrast between them is that although they both contain eight carbons (C), they differ by one carbon atom at position 9. The difference is small, but that's the world of chemistry!

Delta-8 Hemp Flower vs Delta-9 Recreational Marijuana Effects

It is said that Delta 8 flower creates a less anxious psychoactive experience than the more familiar Delta-9 THC found in cannabis. Delta-8 THC is a natural compound found in the hemp plant and has been reported by users to produce a variety of positive effects. One would expect Delta-8 THC to be used primarily for medical purposes, including pain relief and appetite stimulation, while Delta-9-THC is more commonly used recreationally.

Delta-8 vs CBD

Is Delta-8 THC the same as CBD?

No... and yes, well, actually not really.

A simple explanation is that the difference between Delta-8 THC (Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol), or D8, and CBD is that Delta-8 THC is one of the lesser known cannabinoids that is known to have psychoactive properties, while CBD is one of the more mainstream, but non-psychoactive cannabinoids. But... that's where the simple explanation stops.

The complex answer, is that although different, they are closer to each other than you may think, but in an unlikely way.

CBD is one of the main cannabinoids that we all know and love. Commonly used for its therapeutic effects, it sits right up there in popularity in the cannabis industry and among cannabis enthusiasts. It's a key compound that occurs naturally in the cannabis plant, and even hemp plants that are grown to have little to no delta-9 THC content levels.

On the other hand, Delta-8 THC is synthesized from CBD, but actually is known to have effects that are closely related to delta-9 THC.

So, what does that have to do with Delta-8 THC products you may ask?

Let's discuss what D8 THC actually is.

What is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 THC is a minor cannabinoid that is extracted from CBD found in hemp plants, usually through a chemical process.

In the cannabis industry, a lot of people are aware of this. If you may (or may not!) recall, there was a CBD and Hemp boom around the time of the 2018 Farm Bill being enacted.

During this time, there was a huge oversupply of CBD derived from hemp flower in the US that caused the price of CBD and hemp related products to go on a downward trend.

Around this time, companies started experimenting with ways that they could turn the excess CBD into D8 THC as a way to recoup their margins, and after utilizing older synthesizing methods previously used in the past, they had found a way to effectively utilize the excess CBD and produce delta-8 THC at large scales that are commercially viable in the cannabis industry.

Effects of Delta-8 THC vs CBD

When it comes to the effects of these two chemical compounds on your body, although they work in similar ways, the effects are fairly different. Because they are both cannabinoids, these compounds both work by binding with receptors located throughout your body — mainly in your brain and central nervous system - called the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

In response to activation of these receptors, your body can react by experiencing feelings such as relaxation, pain relief (including migraine headaches), a desire to sleep, increased appetite, or even a feeling of being "high", depending on the cannabinoid that binds to them.

It is said that the therapeutic effects of each of these two alone are also similar, and delta-8 THC is especially effective for stimulating appetites, similar to marijuana.

The key difference between the two is how they bind. It is reported that they provide similar effects, but delta-8 THC and flower products bring psychoactive effects that are remnant of delta-9 THC, but isn't present in CBD products.

The main takeaway here is that although similar to both CBD and delta-9 THC, the use of Delta-8 THC is different from other cannabinoids.

Delta-8 Laws & Safety

Is Delta-8 THC Legal?

Yes! It is a naturally occurring cannabinoid derived from hemp, which was legalized in the 2018 Farm Bill.

As such, it's not prohibited under federal law, and there's actually several states where you can legally possess and consume Delta-8 THC products without any issues as well. 

However, state laws are changing on a frequent basis, resulting in somewhat of a grey area regarding the legality of the popular cannabis product.

At the time of writing, the selling of Delta-8 THC products has been banned or restricted in the states of Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Kentucky, Idaho, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and Washington.

If you want to purchase it online, be sure to get it from reputable sellers who conduct third party testing, and double check your local laws.

Can I get Delta-8 flower in the mail?

Yes, being legal on a federal level, if you live in the United States, you are allowed to have your delta-8 flower and other products shipped to you in the mail. At CBD Hemp Direct we also focus on ensuring your products are shipped in appropriate heat sealed packaging for freshness and to retain scent. 

Are Delta-8 Products Safe?

Currently, there have been no reported cases of Delta-8 product use causing harm to anyone.

Nevertheless, we must bear in mind that the current boom in Delta-8 use has been relatively short lived and is fairly fresh. As such, when looking at the safety profile of Delta-8 THC, most of the available evidence seems to come from personal experience, which has been trending in the positive direction thus far.

If you do decide to try it, make sure to start with small doses and gradually increase until you reach the desired effect.