Thick, clear Delta-8 THC concentrate flowing off a silver spatula.
April 24, 2021

Delta 8 – Is it A Good Fit For You?

Is Delta 8 right for you?

If you are reading this, there is a good chance that you are looking for information on Delta 8 TCH.   Maybe you have heard of it and want to know more about its effects, maybe you are interested in trying it but don’t know if your state allows it, or maybe you just want to see what the fuss is all about. Whatever the case may be, we’ll give you what we can! Is it a good fit for you?

First off all, let’s talk legality; Delta 8 TCH is not legal in every state at the moment which means that people who live in those states will need to put pressure on their representatives so they can get legalized. But even if your state doesn’t allow it (yet), there are ways to make your opinion known. We’ll talk about that later, but first, let’s find out what this Delta 8 really is.

What is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 THC is similar to Delta-9 THC, the compound found in cannabis that makes us feel high. The high feeling can be euphoric, happy, pain-free, or sleepy. Sounds a bit like the seven dwarfs, eh?

Delta 8 can cause the same effects as Delta 9 without some of the side effects, such as anxiety and paranoia, that sometimes accompany Delta 9 THC. In states where Delta 9 is still not legal for either medical use or adult use, it is a popular substitute.

Delta 8 Sounds Great! Why is it Illegal?
Well, it’s complicated, just like everything else about the new legal marijuana industry. Federally it is legal, yet some states prohibit it–sort of the opposite of marijuana.
States with legal medical or adult use marijuana laws like Colorado have taken steps to protect their Delta 9 market from competition by lobbying their lawmakers to make it illegal. Other states, like Utah, have been behind the M-ball for about 8 years, so everything is illegal there. Delta 8 is not legal in these 11 states: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, Rhode Island, and Utah.

Why It’s Ridiculous

The farm bill protects Delta 8’s federal legal status as long as it is derived from hemp. But Delta 8 can also be made by modifying the Delta 9 component of marijuana, which is a much more cost-effective process. The DEA has proposed Delta 8 be indirectly classified as a Schedule I controlled substance which would make it federally illegal, but that rule is not final yet.

Oddly, CBD–a non-psychoactive component of the hemp plant–was also considered a Schedule I controlled substance until the 2018 Farm Bill was passed. So you can see how backward the approach to Delta 8 has become.

Nerd Corner

The two THC molecules differ only in the location of the double bond, which is thought to produce the intoxicating effects. This makes it bind differently to our receptors and it is thought that this is what makes it much less potent than Delta 9.

delta8-Tetrahydrocannabinol.png

However, Delta 8 does get you high. You can also experience some of the less severe side effects such as munchies dry mouth and red eyes, and if you have to pass a drug test you should probably avoid it. But it is Delta 9’s shy little sister, and could be a great benefit to people who need THC for medical reasons but have strong unpleasant reactions to it.

Dosing

If you’re just starting out and have no cannabis tolerance, start at one or two milligrams to see how it affects you. If you are a seasoned cannabis user and usually take 10 mg of Delta 9, you might try 20 mg of Delta 8.

Throw in some terpenes for targeted support, like Hempexco’s custom terpene blended CBD tinctures . Check out our blogs on Caryophyllene, Limonene, Linalool, Farnasene and Myrcene to learn more about what terpenes can do for you. Start with the recommended serving size and document your dose and response. Adjust your dose based on the results.

How can you find quality Delta 8?
Just like with your CBD products, please ensure any Delta 8 product has a certificate of analysis (COA) to verify the company’s claims. Remember, testing is expensive, so when doing your research don’t just look for the cheapest price.

This article will be updated as any regulations surrounding Delta 8 change. Let’s get the conversation started–that’s how we legalized marijuana, so we can do it with Delta 8, too! Let’s roll!

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