The Ultimate Guide to Delta 8 THC for Beginners-[Updated 2021]

Overview

If you are already a part of the cannabis world, you might already be familiar with the five most common types of cannabinoids. The first one is THC – the substance responsible for getting us high. Next, Delta-8 THC, which has all the good things a plant can offer.
There’s a cannabinoid called CBD – the therapeutic one, then, there’s CBN – the cannabinoid that usually makes you feel sleepy. And finally, CBG – the mother of the previous three and the one from which all others are derived.

It’s important to make a parallel and a difference between Delta 8 vs. CBD, understand Delta 8 THC, buy Delta 8 THC, and make a difference between Delta 8 vs. Delta 9. Moreover, it’s essential to know where Delta 8 THC is legal.

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If you are a newbie and are hearing about the compound called Delta 8 THC or CBD Delta 8 for the first time – don’t lose hope. We’re here to give an ultimate beginner’s guide into this wildly popular compound and help you get a better understanding of what Delta 8 is.

The more we learn about cannabis plants, the more we see how complex the story actually is. In fact, people who cultivate hemp and cannabis plants are more encouraged nowadays to do experiments and produce compounds that overreach therapeutic and recreational uses.

For this reason, we’ll primarily focus on the Delta 8 compound in the remainder of the text, what effects it causes, where it comes from, and all the necessary facts about what happens when it enters our body.

What is Delta 8 THC?

The extraction methods for compounds such as Delta 8 THC have gone through an overall advancement. We have come to an era where it is actually easier to extract them with advanced methods such as CO2 extraction.

These modern and advanced methods have made it possible to extract the compound, which is our main topic. Delta 8 is, therefore, becoming a hot commodity on the market and is still among some of the newest cannabinoids to reach worldwide usage.

Most of us are already familiar with Delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound with the most intoxicating effects on the human body from canna plants. Very psychotropic and highly potent, Delta 9 can really take the consumer for a restless drive.

We say restless drive because sometimes it’s possible to feel bouts of paranoia or nausea when THC is consumed in abundance. On the other hand, Delta 8 THC gives the user sensations that differ immensely from the sensations Delta 9 provokes.

Even though Delta 9 and Delta 8 are cousins, because they chemically differ in only a few atomic bonds when viewed under the microscope, the sensations they produce are far more different. Namely, the effects Delta 8 produces are much more mild and down-to-earth.

Yes, Delta 8 is a potent cannabinoid, and it still alters what we call a “normal state,” but it won’t ever take us over the edge. In other words, you needn’t worry that you’ll experience anxiety from Delta 8 or develop any paranoid thoughts that it’s hard to get out of.

As we now know what Delta 8 is, we still have to look at what it does to our body, i.e., what happens when consuming this substance. Also, we must see what experts and studies say about the safety of its usage. 

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How does Delta 8 THC work?

Delta 8-THC is a part of dried hemp and cannabis flowers, and you can find it there only in minimal traces. The concentration of THC Delta 8 in those plants seldom exceeds 1%. This low concentration means that extracting this compound with traditional methods is impossible.

Therefore vaporizing won’t work. What’s needed are specialized and modern methods such as isolation, conversion, monitored extraction, and refinement. When isolated, Delta 8 is afterward added to numerous products we can find on the market today.

Now that we know where Delta THC 8 comes from and how difficult it is to obtain from cannabis plants, we will tackle how it works. To understand all the effects Delta 8 has after it is consumed, we must understand our ECS (Endocannabinoid System).

The Endocannabinoid System harbors numerous receptors that are a part of the nervous system and are responsible for the way we feel pain, mood, and temper. Next, the ECS also harbors numerous enzymes whose primary role is to dissolve cannabinoids and endocannabinoids.

As Delta 8 THC is a cannabinoid, it interacts with enzymes and receptors in our ECS producing various outcomes. Delta 8 THC, specifically, binds itself to one particular receptor called CB1. This receptor is part of our central nervous system.

CB1 is responsible for our perception of pain, our immune cells, appetite, thinking, motor activity, short-term memory, and more. As Delta 8 interacts with this receptor and binds itself to it, it can greatly impact numerous health conditions related to these receptors’ functions.

Since CB1 is responsible for appetite, some people turn to Delta 8 for treating weight loss because interacting with CB1, Delta 8 acts as an appetite stimulant. Other than that, it can potentially alleviate acute and chronic pain, numbing the part of CB1 responsible for pain perception.

There are numerous other potential health benefits of Delta 8, of which there will be words later on.   

Different types of Delta 8 THC products

When you search for Delta 8 online, you will face a great variety of products, and then choosing the one suitable for you can be a somewhat daunting task. Even if you know what Delta 8 is, looking at the palettes most online dispensaries offer will confuse even though you understand.

The products will range from Delta 8 carts, Delta 8 weed (flower), Delta 8 vape juice, Delta 8 CBD, Delta 8 vape, Delta 8 cartridge, and Delta 8 tincture to Delta 8 bud and Delta 8 gummies. 

To determine which are the best Delta 8 THC carts or the best Delta 8 cartridge, we’ve composed an in-depth list with the primary descriptions of each. When you understand the main differences between these products and how they are consumed, you’ll be able to make your pick.

Before describing these products minutely, we must point out the benefits of online dispensaries. If you, say, search for “Delta 8 carts near me” online or “best Delta 8 cartridge,” you will get a list of online dispensaries that can deliver these products to you at rabbit speed.

However, it’s not only the speed of the delivery that’s the main benefit of online dispensaries. A reliable and reputable online dispensary will deliver only the best and most genuine products to you (given, of course, the fact that a third-party lab has tested their products).

Other than that, online dispensaries will preserve your privacy. They’ll pack the products in discrete bags so that no nosy neighbor will suspect what’s inside. After all, let’s face it, consuming canna compounds is a highly personal matter.

Source: https://www.ounceofhope.com/benefits-of-delta-8-thc/ 

If the law of the state you are in allows recreational use of Delta 8 THC, you can choose a Delta 8 product from the following three groups:

1. Delta 8 THC hemp flower – consumption of this flower is very traditional; you smoke it. Delta 8 THC flower is made by spraying Delta 8 distillate onto the flower first, in a mist. Next, cannabigerol is applied (CBG) to give it a much frostier look;
2. Delta 8 cartridges and vapes – vapes are a bit healthier way to consume the Delta 8 compound, but it still involves the process of inhaling the vapor. They come in different sizes and shapes and are now considered to be a fashionable product due to their modern design;
3. Delta 8 tinctures and gummies – this group of Delta 8 products is probably the most discreet way to consume the compound. Tinctures are used by placing a few drops of liquid under your tongue, while gummies are edibles that are consumed like any other candy;

Another benefit of the third group of products, other than giving you an option to consume them discreetly and avoid smoking, is that they can be dosed and measured minutely and carefully. For each pack of gummies, you will find the concentration of Delta 8 per gummy.

Likewise, each tincture bottle will state the concentration of Delta 8 per milliliter. The ease of dosing these products right is perfect for beginners. They can start with smaller amounts and dosages to build tolerance before they consider themselves experienced Delta 8 users.

Newbies are advised to consume up to 10mg of Delta 8 per one dosage, whereas those who consider themselves experts can take up to 40mg per dosage. But both newbies and experts should always read the instructions on the packages closely.

When a drop of liquid from the tincture is placed under the tongue, it can sometimes even take up to 90 minutes for the effects to kick in. That information will also be stated on the bottle. So, don’t ever think that it’s not working before you take another drop.

It’s the same with gummies. Depending on the type of gummies you purchased, the onset time will vary. Rule number one here is – always be patient.

Also, each consumer should be aware that none of the products mentioned above are meant for treating, preventing, or curing any particular disease. Therefore, be cautious when you buy them and never underestimate your medical condition. 

Proven benefits of Delta 8 THC

If this is your first time getting acquainted with this compound, please read the following section carefully. For starters, none of the health benefits of Delta 8 THC have been proven to a definite point. However, we may talk about the potential health benefits of Delta 8 THC.

In its very essence, Delta 8 is anxiolytic. For this reason, people who often feel anxious, or suffer from bouts of anxiety frequently, tend to use the Delta 8 compound to help themselves feel relaxed. As we’ve already mentioned, Delta 8 interacts with our ECS.

There, it binds itself to the one receptor responsible for our overall mood, the CB1 receptor. Moreover, the same receptor is responsible for the way we feel pain. That is why we can also talk about the potential health benefits of Delta 8 to help alleviate chronic or acute pain.

Yes, Delta 8 does have the power to numb pain and help us feel more relaxed. If you ask an experienced consumer, “Hey, how does Delta 8 make you feel”? The most common response you’ll get will be, “It makes me feel relaxed,” and that is, in fact, true.

Since Delta 8 can also act as an appetite stimulant, many have resorted to it when struggling with weight loss. Namely, Delta 8 works as an appetite stimulant, enhancing our gastrointestinal, metabolic, and neurobiological functions.

There is one more instance where people turn to Delta 8 for medical help, and that’s depression. Some Delta 8 gummies have vitamins such as the B-12 vitamin added. This vitamin is in shortage when depression symptoms get worse.

That’s why Delta 8 could also potentially help alleviate symptoms of depression. Delta 8 products that feature phytocannabinoids, terpenes, or flavonoids can benefit exercise-induced inflammation. That’s why many athletes include Delta 8 in their exercise routines.

However, all of these health benefits are potential and have to go through much more research. For certain, though, we can say that there is one product coming from the canna world that the FDA approved and is now legally sold in all pharmacies.

That product is Epidolex; it contains CBD and is effective in treating epilepsy. All other canna-oriented products have yet to go through numerous tests and analyses before we could say with certainty that they have health benefits. 

Of course, before you purchase any of the Delta 8 products, make sure you ask yourself the following question: “Is Delta 8 THC legal in my state”?  

Directions to use Delta 8

Most people who want to try Delta 8 THC for the first time have the following three dilemmas and questions. The first one is “Will Delta-8 get you high” the second is “How long does Delta 8 stay in your system,” and the third is “How long do I have to wait to pass a Delta 8 THC drug test”.

To explain this as simply as possible, we’ve composed a list of directions on how to use Delta 8 without leaving you with a question “Does Delta 8 make you high”.

Note that to avoid any inconveniences, you should be aware that Delta 8 takes longer than the onset of Delta 9 THC. Not knowing this usually leads people to make mistakes. Users of Delta 8 sometimes become impatient because the intake doesn’t kick in right away.

Depending on the product in question, the onset time can take from a couple of minutes to even four hours. If you opt for vapes, they will kick in the fastest, with a delay of a couple of minutes. Delta 8 THC oil, on the other hand, can take up to 20 minutes to show effects.

But be the most careful with Delta 8 THC gummies since their onset time can take between 1-4 hours. Therefore, after using one gummy, wait and be patient, don’t eat another one right away since that can, in fact, make you feel high.

If you are worried about a drug test that you need to pass and have consumed Delta 8 THC, it would be good to find out how long this compound can stay in our system. They indeed stay in our bodies much longer after all the effects have worn off.

Sometimes, Delta 8 THC can linger on in our system and show its presence in our urine even after 4-8 days. Those who use Delta 8 THC daily can be positive for THC even 60 days after consuming this substance for the last time.

What do studies say about Delta 8 THC?

It’s hard to talk about studies regarding the short-term and long-term effects of Delta 8 THC on the consumer. They can’t be perfect; we can say that for sure. Recent studies on mice show that Delta 8 THC can be very effective in treating weight loss.

That’s true, to an extent. Delta 8 THC can act as an appetite stimulant, and numerous regular users have reported that they managed to get their weight back to normal after using Delta 8. 

This information isn’t extraordinary since Delta 8 binds itself to a receptor in our nervous system responsible for appetite. Regulating our gastrointestinal functions, Delta 8 THC can strongly impact this particular health issue.

However, please always take this information with some doubt since numerous states worldwide have banned Delta 8 due to a lack of research in this field. We still don’t know what can happen in the long run.

Even though Delta 8 is less psychoactive than Delta 9, it still has traces of THC in it. We all know that THC is highly potent and can take us over the edge if we abuse this substance.

The only truthful information we can cling to is numerous reviews of satisfied customers who reported that Delta 8 brought them beneficial outcomes. In line with this, we can talk about professional athletes who use hemp creams with Delta 8 to alleviate pain.

These creams are applied orally and locally, and their success rates do make sense because of the CB1 receptor in our endocannabinoid system. This receptor is responsible for our perception of pain, and all we have to do is resort to pure logic.

If it’s a receptor responsible for our perception of pain, and Delta 8 THC binds to it and nulls it, it’s only normal that we won’t feel pain as a result. Still, none of the above mentioned are proven facts by studies. 

Important Delta 8 products shipping policies

Looking at Delta 8 products’ shipping policies in the US, we’ve come to the following. If you, say, want to ship Delta 8 THC carts, they can be legally sent through the USPS (United States Postal Service). For this, we have to thank a clarification that was published in the regulations of USPS.

Hemp products, Delta 8 THC products being part of them, can be shipped legally within the borders of the United States. However, the story is not just quite that simple. There are twelve states within the same borders where these products cannot be legally shipped to.

These states do not have a favorable law on CBD and hemp. Note the following: Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, California, Idaho, Delaware, Iowa, Montana, Mississippi, Nebraska, Utah, and Nevada will not allow shipping to and from the borders of their states.

When traveling through the US, always check the state laws on the legal status of Delta 8 THC before you intend to purchase products containing it. In addition, always be aware of the shipping policies in the states listed above that frown upon the shipping of these products.  

In the UK, there are very specific cannabis laws. The Cannabis law was legislated back in 1971 in the UK and is governed by the Drugs Act of Misuse. Cannabis has been viewed as a class B drug ever since. In 2004, it changed the status to a class C drug, only to be moved back to class B in 2009.

Possession of a class B drug can result in up to five years in prison in the UK or an unlimited fine (or both). The same goes for shipping. Therefore, be very cautious when you want to purchase, use, or ship any of the products containing Delta 8 THC in the United Kingdom. 

As far as Canada is concerned, the situation is somewhat similar. Delta 8 THC is derived from hemp plants. Even though Delta 8 THC products stay in line with the limited amount of THC in them (0.3% of THC, or less), they cannot be shipped to Canada.

On Canadian grounds, though, companies that have received the approval of Health Canada can pack, bottle, label, and cap all products and sell them legally to customers interested in purchasing Delta 8 THC products.

Note, however, that no company will ever be responsible for what you do with a Delta 8 THC product after leaving their whereabouts or having received goods from them at your doorstep. The company’s responsibility ends right after you have made your payment to them for a product.

If you decide to purchase Delta 8 legally in Canada but travel to a state in the US where it’s not legal afterward, it will all be your concern and responsibility. For this reason, never be lazy to check the legal status of Delta 8 and its shipping policies of the state you’re planning on consuming it in. 

Never neglect precautions about these two if you want to avoid inconveniences, fees, and legal issues.   

Read before you purchase Delta 8 products

As we’ve already mentioned in the thorough description of the variety of Delta 8 THC products, there are three ways to consume them. By smoking, vaping, and oral consumption. Whichever you prefer will determine the type of product you purchase.

However, before you actually purchase a Delta 8 THC product, you should be aware of some inevitable facts about the Delta 8 THC compound. Note that each of these products will have traces of THC in them. Why is this so?

Simply because whenever we get the compound Delta 8 extracted from cannabis or a hemp plant, the extraction comes in the form of oil, which inevitably has traces of THC in it. Yes, Delta 8 is milder than Delta 9 and therefore much less potent.

Its mildness means it won’t cause nausea or dizziness in the consumer after usage. But there will always be traces of completely pure THC in each Delta 8 product you purchase, which is why dosing them in the right amounts should be your first step to follow.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) decided to hold its ground and not change the minimum of 0.3% of THC for consumption. This restriction is yet another reason why you always have to check the state laws of your state or the state you plan to travel to when using Delta 8.

In a nutshell, the two most important steps to take before you purchase any of the Delta 8 products offered in your dispensary are checking the federal law and being aware that there’s still THC in each of them.

If you encounter any legal issues when traveling with Delta 8, the dispensary you purchased it from will hardly hold any responsibility. That should always be solely yours to think about. With this in mind, you may go on your shopping spree.

What is a Delta 8 THC lab test?

Sure, buying from transparent websites offers you a complete insight into what you are buying. Whether you are buying Delta 8 for recreational use or for some medical reasons is irrelevant. Each reputable online dispensary will offer full descriptions of each product with instructions for dosing.

Moreover, it will be more profitable to buy from online dispensaries since they offer coupons and discounts, especially if you purchase Delta 8 in bulk. They will also protect your privacy and offer delivery on the same day if you find an online dispensary close to you locally.

However, most importantly, and we can’t stress enough how important this is, you will see  Delta 8 THC lab test results in a PDF form that you can download on a reputable website that is transparent. This test should probably be your most prominent concern. What is, then, a Delta 8 THC lab test result?

A Delta 8 THC lab test result on a website will confirm that a particular product you want to purchase has gone through third-party lab testing. It’s crucial to search for these since a third-party lab has rigorous conditions that a product needs to meet to be deemed genuine.

If there is a third-party lab test result of a product, you can rest assured that that product is clear from pesticides, GMOs, and other toxic chemicals. This lab result is actually your only “certificate” of a product that verifies it has no additives and particles that can harm your health.

If a website doesn’t offer these results – don’t make your purchase there.

Is Delta 8 legal?

According to the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration), the compound Delta 8 THC is listed as a Schedule I drug, a tier placed on drugs with potential abuse with no medical benefits.

However, in 2018 with the issue of the Farm Bill, there was a loophole, and Delta 8 remained unregulated on a federal level. This bill legalized the usage of hemp – a canna plant that contains 0.3% or less Delta 9 THC, which are levels considered safe to avoid the psychoactive effect.

But the bill didn’t address the levels of Delta 8 THC, which is the loophole we mentioned, and an omission that made numerous vendors sell the compound legally. This loophole went on from 2018 up until recent months when 14 states banned the Delta 8 compound.

These countries feature Arizona, Alaska, Colorado, Arkansas, Idaho, Delaware, Kentucky, Iowa, Montana, Mississippi, New York, Vermont, Utah, and Rhode Island. They’ve blocked the legal sale of Delta 8 due to the lack of research concerning the psychoactive effect of the compound.

In numerous other states, Delta 8 retained its legal status. Alabama, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, and Missouri permit Delta 8.

The next set of states with the same permissions on Delta 8 are Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.

And finally, also, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Guam, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, and Washington DC. 

Conclusion 

As we’ve laid out all the crucial information for newbies in the Delta 8 world, along with potential health benefits, the legal status of Delta 8 across countries, and what it does to our body upon consumption, we hope you have a better understanding of this compound.

One more time, all of the health benefits of Delta 8 THC listed above are potential, and the information on them is still a little fuzzy around the edges. For this reason, beginners especially should read all the instructions carefully and do their Delta 8 accurately.

When it comes to purchasing the Delta 8 product that seems to suit your needs, the choices will be vast. That’s why we’ve narrowed them down and boxed them into three main groups that should help you make your decisions faster.

Before you purchase Delta 8 products, you should know the answers to “What is Delta 8 CBD”? “Where is Delta 8 available” and “Is Delta 8 legal in my country?”. When you have the answers to all three, you can go on your shopping spree.

Of course, never be lazy to visit a doctor beforehand and understand your medical condition before becoming a regular Delta 8 consumer.