Is Delta 8 THC Legal?

There is a new buzzword for the hemp and cannabis industries, with a new cannabinoid on the rise. You've likely heard of more popular cannabinoids like CBD and Delta-9 THC, but have you learned about Delta-8 THC? This variant of its commonly known cousin, Delta 9 THC, is making waves among cannabis and hemp connoisseurs. So, let's go over some basics: what is delta-8, and is it legal? 

Is Delta 8 Legal In My State? 

Despite their similarities, the structural difference between delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC makes a substantial difference in how they each affect our bodies. This difference also impacts their legal status.

To understand delta-8 THC, it helps to understand some of the basics surrounding traditional THC (delta-9 THC) and cannabis.

Does Delta 8- THC Come From Hemp?

Hemp plants are equipped with many cannabinoids including Delta-8 THC. These naturally occurring compounds can bind with receptors throughout the human body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). Cannabinoids can offer a variety of potential therapeutic effects, from stress relief to improved sleep and even pain management.

Will Delta 8 Make Me High

Yes, Delta 8 will make you high, some cannabinoids are more common than others; delta-9 THC is one of the more abundantly found. Simply put, delta-9 THC is most known as the component causing a "high" feeling when cannabis or marijuana is consumed. Delta-9 THC is still illegal on a federal level, though more and more states are revisiting its legality every year. Similarly, CBD products made in the US may contain legal trace amounts of delta-9 THC under the 0.3% threshold. Because of this designation, made clear in the 2018 Farm Bill, more and more Americans have been able to reap CBD's benefits without worrying about getting "high." This possibility is expanded with delta-8.

On a chemical level, delta-8 and delta-9 THC are very similar. They differ based on molecular double-bond that occurs on different carbon chains, the 8th versus the 9th. This slight molecular difference creates an enormous practical impact; delta-8 THC may give you a "buzz," but it will likely be a much milder psychoactive effect than delta-9 THC.

How Does Delta-8 Make You Feel?

Cannabis enthusiasts have reported that delta-8 THC acts similar to delta-9 THC but with less potent effects. Delta-8 is supposed to give you a more clear-headed feel-good effect, less accompanied by the jitters or anxious side effects of delta-9 THC.

Delta-8 is found in much smaller amounts in cannabis plants, making it a minor cannabinoid. Nonetheless, delta-8 THC can interact with the ECS similarly to THC and CBD. The ECS is a bodily system primarily 

responsible for mood, pain regulation, sleep cycles, and more. Delta-8 THC can bind to CB1 receptors within the ECS, but less is known about the bonding with CB2 receptors. The CB1 receptors in the ECS are thought to regulate the psychoactive effects of THC, so the difference in molecular bonds found in delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC is highly relevant for consumers.

Users of delta-8 THC have reported similar effects to traditional THC but are less amplified. In other words, delta-8 THC could create a desirable middle ground between CBD and traditional THC.

Is Delta 8 THC Safe

Thus far, there have been no studies indicating that delta-8 is unsafe for consumption. Even the highest doses cannot cause fatal overdoses, which is not the case with delta-9 or even CBD.

With that being said, there are potential risks that are using delta-8 carries. Namely, it can cause the following side effects:

• Dry mouth
• Dry eyes
• Poor concentration
• Dizziness
• Fatigue

However, it is essential to mention that most of these side effects are not caused by delta-8-THC. They are caused mainly by other synthetic additives found in delta-8 products.

Factors to Consider When Determining Whether a Delta-8 Product Is Safe

Impurities In Your Delta 8 Products

Cannabis plants do not synthesize delta-8 naturally. It is simply a byproduct of delta-9 as it breaks down over time. Thus, hemp and marijuana only contain trace amounts of delta-8 at any given time.

Hemp contains delta-8 low amounts that are insufficient to produce large quantities of distillate. However, manufacturers cannot use marijuana to get the compound, as that would make their products illegal.

To solve this problem, companies have devised a way to turn CBD into delta-9-THC. Then, they synthesize delta-8 from that and have more than enough to create gummies and any other products they want.

Though this process seems simple on paper, it requires a lot of skill and knowledge on the part of the producers. Removing traces of any toxic chemicals used in the synthesis is pivotal for the end product's safety.

What You Should Look for In the Best Delta-8 Gummies

If you are starting your delta-8 journey and want to explore more brands, doing a lot of research is essential, and make sure the company you purchase from has been in business for many years, much like Good CBD. Recognizing sub-par edibles from high-quality gummies is easy if you know what to pay attention to. Below, we will review all the crucial aspects of a reputable delta-8 brand.

Customer Reviews Of Delta 8 Products 

An efficient way to find out all the vital information about a brand is by reading online reviews. This source is the most reliable, too, as most delta-8 companies haven't been around long enough to establish a reputation.

It would be best to try to find at least a few websites with reviews, as companies often fabricate them. But it is a safe option if several people review a product positively on different websites or forums.

Additives In Your Delta 8 Products

Gummies are relatively simple: they should contain a delta-8 distillate, a gummy base, and some natural sweeteners. There is no need to add anything synthetic, especially not preservatives or artificial flavorings.

Unfortunately, many companies do that, making their gummies low-quality at best and harmful at worst. You should ensure your supplier uses only natural ingredients, and you'll be ready.

Conclusion

Delta-8-THC is the new hot topic in cannabis circles. It has all the health benefits of CBD and can get you mildly high without any side effects delta-9-THC usually has.

As it gains popularity, suppliers are popping up left and right, making it hard to distinguish quality products from those that could be harmful. In such circumstances, knowing what you should look for in a reputable delta-8 supplier is essential.

If none of our picks for the best Delta-8-THC gummies are what you're looking for, you can always go beyond our list and explore the market further. Remember to look for independent lab reports, the quality of hemp, and online reviews. That way, you'll ensure you find top-quality products and spend your money intelligently.