What Exactly Is Delta-8 THC?
Delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid naturally found in cannabis that’s considered to be an isomer of delta-9 THC.
That’s a lot to take in — so let’s break it down a bit further.
In layman’s terms, delta-8 is a compound that occurs in every cannabis plant in trace amounts. We call each one of these compounds “cannabinoids,” including CBD, HHC, THCA, and many others.
But delta-8 is special in its own way! Unlike most other cannabinoids, it shares a very similar chemical structure to delta-9 — which is the “classic” THC we all know and love. That’s why it’s catalogued as an isomer, and also why it shares similar effects.
Before we get into that, though, you may be wondering about other delta numbers. Delta-10 is perhaps the only one worth mentioning, known to be a more energetic alternative to delta-8. The other isomers of delta-9 (such as delta-7) are not usually sold to the public.
All of these isomers are the results of decades of research on delta-9 and cannabis as a whole. Although delta-8 occurs naturally, the amount that you can find on a plant is simply not enough to get you stoned.
Instead, manufacturers use a process known as “isomerization” to convert CBD or delta-9 into delta-8 THC. This means it can definitely get you high, although there are some differences when it comes to delta-8 vs normal weed.
Delta-8 vs Normal THC
Now, although they share a similar chemical structure, delta-8 feels quite a bit different than delta-9 in terms of effects.
A traditional marijuana joint —meaning delta-9— can be a relaxing or energetic experience depending on strain, set and setting, and several other factors. The high itself can be pretty intense if you don’t have any tolerance, and weed anxiety is somewhat common among beginners.
Delta-8, on the other hand, is known to be much more mellow in pretty much all aspects. The high itself is more oriented towards relaxation, and the come-up isn’t as sudden and intense as delta-9’s.
Also, delta-8 is just… less potent overall — but that doesn’t necessarily make it worse! Instead, it makes it easier for beginners, casual users, and old-timers to get a more pleasant and infallible experience.
Making the Most Out of Delta-8
Any veteran pothead knows that there are a lot of factors that influence a high. From strains to doses, there is quite a lot to consider when paying a visit to your nearest dispensary.
Luckily, long gone are the days when you had to blindly trust a dealer to sell you a sativa or an indica! You can now pick whatever suits you the most — and here’s how to do it in regards to delta-8:
Choosing the Right Product
The market for marijuana- and hemp-derived products is blossoming — and, as such, the options are pretty much endless.
From vapes to edibles, and from tinctures to pre-rolls, the list just goes on and on. Each type of product has its own pros and cons, and finding the right one can significantly improve your overall high.
Of course, there’s no such thing as a one-fits-all — it all boils down to personal preference. But if you’re a complete beginner, we recommend you either start with pre-rolls or edibles.
Pre-rolls (or raw flowers) provide a more “traditional” experience for people who don’t mind smoking. The come-up is quick, and the high should last for about two or three hours.
On the other hand, edibles are the healthier choice for your lungs, but the high itself will also be longer and a bit more intense. In the end, it’s all up to you — and we encourage you to always try out new stuff!
Tolerance and Dose
Tolerance and dose are two factors crucial to any satisfying high. There’s nothing worse than getting overwhelmed by weed, and nothing more disappointing than an underwhelming experience.
Again, there’s no universal trick to this — you’ll have to experiment until you find the perfect dose for your body weight and personal preference. The key here is to start slow and low, and gradually work your way to higher doses.
If you’ve bought a pack of gummies, for example, try taking just one half to start out! Or, if you’ve bought a pre-roll, start slow with just a couple of light tokes.
Once you start building up a tolerance (or if you already have one), you’ll feel more and more comfortable with higher doses and more intense experiences.
Is Delta-8 Legal?
You may have noticed that delta-8 is pretty much everywhere in the US — even in places where marijuana is still illegal.
And it’s all thanks to a federal regulation known as the 2018 Farm Bill. Originally intended to legalize certain cannabis plants for industrial purposes, the Farm Bill allowed hemp plants on a federal level.
To make matters short, cannabis plants containing less than 0.3% delta-9 THC concentration are considered to be hemp instead of marijuana. And yes, you guessed it: this also inadvertently legalized hemp-derived delta-8!
Finding the Best Delta-8: Shopping at VidaCann
Whether you’re an old-time pothead or a beginner weed-lover, you’ll always need to find the best of the very best. And that’s exactly our mission here at VidaCann — to help you find the right product for your tastes and needs.
If you’re ready to give delta-8 a shot (or, better said, a toke or a bite), then check out our online menu today! From edibles to raw flower, we’re sure you’ll find the perfect product for you.