The 4-1-1 on Δ8-THC
Updated: Mar 10, 2021
Delta-8-THC was one of the hottest cannabinoids of 2020 and is continuing to grow in popularity, and we are here for it in 2021. There are a lot of questions about what the heck this goodness is. When I was introduced to D8 in 2019 beyond a few posts on Leafly and Reddit, there wasn’t much out there about the cannabinoid. Which instantly piqued my interest and of course, I had to try it.
You’re most likely here because you want to get down to business and the facts about this newly popular cannabinoid. With the legalization of Hemp 2018 with the Farm Bill. It has opened up an opportunity for research about this very interesting plant and its many compounds.
First off, what are these “compounds?”
When cannabis is grown (marijuana or hemp), female plants start to bud and produce a sticky icky outside layer that contains genetics for reproduction in an attempt to be fertilized by male pollen, hence why growers are always referring to their plants as “the girls” or “ladies” and are terrified of males. So, what’s in these genetics?
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are active compounds inside the cannabis plant. The main cannabinoid that consumers are familiar with is THCa. This is a dominant cannabinoid found in marijuana. When heated, it converts into Delta-9-THC, and consuming that cannabinoid gives users a “high” feeling. Aside from THCa and D9-THC, there are 100+ other cannabinoids, and we’re just starting to understand how to produce them and what they can do for consumers.
When the 2018 Farm Bill was written, it very clearly states that THCa + D9-THC has to be at or less than 0.3% of product volume. Everything else (over 100+ options) is considered a hemp product.
2. Terpenes
Terpenes carry the smell and flavor profile of the plant. Some smell skunky, others sweet, some sour. Not only do they smell and taste different, but they also provide different outcomes. Some common words you may have heard before are Indica and Sativa which is referring to the terpene profile. Indica has been shown to make consumers more tired and Sativa is commonly used by consumers who are looking for a more active experience.
If you’re not a cannabis user or not following here, the best way I can relate to this is alcohol. Do you know someone who makes absolutely terrible decisions when drinking tequila? Me either. Does getting drunk on whisky and getting drunk on wine feel the same? No, they’re different and so is cannabis.
What is delta-8 THC?
Delta-8-THC is one of 100+ cannabinoids found in hemp. It usually appears in low doses in comparison to the more commonly known Delta-9-THC; which is the main psychotropic cannabinoid in marijuana. Processors have figured out how to mass-produce Delta-8-THC which makes this a hemp product with exception of a handful of states who are regulating it independently or within their state-approved marijuana program.
According to the National Cancer Institute, delta-8-THC can be defined as:
“An analog of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with antiemetic, anxiolytic, appetite-stimulating, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties. [Delta-8-THC] binds to the cannabinoid G-protein coupled receptors CB1, located in the central nervous system... This agent exhibits a lower psychotropic potency than [delta-9-THC], the primary form of THC found in cannabis”
How is Delta-8 THC different from Delta-9 THC?
In super scientific language, while both delta-8-THC and delta-9-THC contain a double bond, this is found at a different chain position which is expressed respectively as "8" and "9". Delta-8-THC's double bond is found at the eighth carbon atom in the chain and Delta-9-THC's one carbon atom later.
It is thanks to these molecular similarities that Delta-8-THC can provide remarkable therapeutic effects with substantially lower psychoactive potency than its relative Delta-9-THC. For recreational purposes, Marijuana has been bred to have higher and higher Delta-9-THC for its psychoactive properties. Delta-8-THC offers comparable if not better therapeutic properties with about 50% of the psychotropic impact.
Is Delta-8 THC legal?
Federally: Yes
Two main conditions make it compliant with federal regulations:
It must be derived from Hemp
Is must contain a value of 0.3% or less of Delta-9-THC
Some states have put additional regulations around delta-8 that limit our ability to sell within those states. In total, we can legally sell it to 40 states. There are a couple of states where it’s complicated and there are conflicting regulations. Other states like Colorado Delta-8 can be sold within their regulated marijuana market, but as an eCommerce site, we can’t sell it to them.
There are a lot of details on this subject so I wrote a full post “Is THC-D8 Legal?” if you want more information.
Delta-8-THC Psychotropic Potency?
The effects of Delta-8-THC vary by person, but the average experience could best be described as relaxing, mood-boosting, pleasantly euphoric yet clear-headed, and not overwhelmingly intoxicating. It’s like bringing the best parts of CBD and Delta-9-THC together.
Delta-8-THC offers comparable if not better therapeutic properties with about 50% of the psychotropic impact.
What does Delta-8-THC taste like?
The Delta-8-THC oil that is in our vape cartridges alone has a mildly earthy or weedy taste to it. But, it is much more mild compared to what you might expect. Flavored carts have additional natural terpenes added to them for a more pleasant taste. You can find flavors varying from healthy tones, mint, and a wide variety of sweet and fruity flavors.
Tinctures and gummies are much of the same. The mild flavor of the D8 is easily masked with natural flavors for a tasty experience.
Does Delta-8-THC have a smell or odor?
Delta-8 has a mild aroma; similar to the taste it is probably a lot less than what you may expect. If you had a full jar of Delta-8 concentrate it smells comparable to hemp’s earthy tones. When smoking our D8 Cartridges, there is a slight smell that usually is from the natural terpenes that are added for flavoring. It doesn’t have a “weed” smell and won’t be noticeable to neighbors. It isn’t anything that will smack you in the face.
What are the different ways you can consume Delta-8 THC?
There are many ways to consume Δ8-THC. You can smoke it in a vape cartridge, enjoy an edible, take it sublingually in a tincture, or dab it.
Do you have a question about Delta-8-THC we didn't address? Add it in the comments below and we will be happy to answer it to the best of our knowledge.