If you haven’t heard about delta-8 THC yet, you will soon—it is all the rage right now! Products containing delta-8 THC haven’t been on the market for very long, but in the last six months they have been the most requested products at our two Your CBD Stores in Collier County.
What Is Delta-8 THC?
The 2018 Farm Bill, a federal act passed by Congress, legalized hemp in the United States. That act defines hemp as “All derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent.” This bill does not specify delta-8 THC; therefore, there is no limitation on the amount of delta-8 THC produced from the hemp plant. Delta-8 THC is being produced in high amounts compared to the legal limit of .3% delta-9 THC. Few state laws specifically address delta-8 THC at this time, and there are only 11 states where delta-8 THC is believed to be illegal according to state law.
Typically, marijuana plants produce Delta-9 THC in very high concentrations; from hemp, however, at .3% or less you get the therapeutic benefits of delta-9 THC without the psychoactive effects or head high. A full-spectrum hemp product contains all compounds found in the hemp plant, including CBD, .3% or less delta-9 THC, terpenes, and additional cannabinoids. Consumers take full-spectrum CBD products as a supplement for overall wellness, preventative measures, or to manage specific ailments or symptoms. Increasing research is being done regarding the properties of each cannabinoid and the effects they have on the body, leading to the development of delta-8 THC.
The similarities between the two THC cannabinoids lie in their chemical structures and names. THC’s scientific name is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or delta-9 THC. Delta-8 THC is short for delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol. Delta-8 THC can cause effects similar to those from delta-9 THC, but they will be much less potent. Consumers state delta-8 THC has about 50% the psychoactive effect compared to delta-9 THC, meaning you get a relaxing, soothing body sensation without the paranoid, anxious, head high that marijuana can give.
Who Can Benefit from Delta-8 THC?
Consumers experience an overall mind and body relaxation when taking delta-8 products. Most consumers state taking too much delta-8 THC causes them to become so relaxed, they feel lethargic or sleepy. Because of these effects, delta-8 THC could be a possible alternative medicine for insomnia. Consumers who are not receiving the maximum relief for chronic pain management from full-spectrum CBD products should give delta-8 THC products a try. Furthermore, if you are thinking of obtaining your Medical Marijuana card, try hemp-derived delta-8 THC products first. Consumers are saying “the effects are a perfect balance between full-spectrum CBD and medical marijuana products.” Delta-8 THC products could also be beneficial for managing anxiety and stress relief. And in a state where recreational marijuana is still not legalized, hemp delta-8 THC products can be an option for consumers.
Choosing Your Delta-8 THC
As a reminder, not all CBD brands and products are the same, including delta-8 THC products. Products should contain a QR code and batch number that allows consumers to easily look up independent third-party test results. Stay away from brands and products with questionable test results, as they may contain harmful substances or illegal amounts of delta-9 THC.
Delta-8 THC can be found in different strengths in various methods, including sublingual tincture oils, water solubles, edibles, vape cartridges, and as flower. When consuming delta-8 THC products for the first time, please do so in the safety of your own home, and remember, low and slow is the way to go.
Stacy Bull has been the General Manager for Your CBD Store Naples and Marco Island locations for the past two years. She has her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Care Administration from UW–Milwaukee. She has worked in various healthcare departments including Ophthalmology, Oncology, and Cardiology before getting involved in Cannabinoid Therapy. She can be reached at 239.259.8654 or by email at: [email protected].