Many factors influence what delta-8 makes you feel. The experiences differ from person to person, depending on the type of product you use and the quantity and quality. Even the expectations you have before taking it can impact your mood.
It’s, therefore, best to get informed beforehand about some crucial aspects to not ruin your experiences on D-8. From the differences between this hemp compound and the renowned CBD and delta-9 THC, to the importance of qualitative D-8 product usage and how intense the feeling is – we’ve got everything broken down for you below.
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Don’t think delta-8 is a recent discovery
Delta-8’s full name is delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol. It was discovered by scientists in the ’40s, and it’s been studied ever since. What’s new, instead, is the attention it’s been gaining the last few years.
It’s known that it’s a chemical naturally found in hemp and cannabis, like CBD and THC do. This compound is one of more than 100 cannabinoids that cannabis Sativa plants create, but comes in insignificant quantities, meaning that delta-8 has to be synthetically produced from D-9 THC or CBD.
D-8 is a less potent psychoactive substance than D-9 and doesn’t result in such an intense “high” as the latter does. It can still provide some of delta-9’s benefits and effects, and its users choose it over CBD for the buzz it delivers. It’s thought that many cannabidiol consumers would choose D-8 over others, were it legal in their state.
Don’t confuse delta-8 with CBD
Scientific research has shown that THC and D-9 bind on the CB1 receptors in the brain, whereas cannabidiol has little binding affinity for either of the receptors. The latter, or CBD, binds to TRPV1 receptors, which mediate inflammation, pain perception and body temperature. This is the scientific explanation if you’ve ever wondered why people take CBD to lessen their pain and muscle sores and relax their mind, or why even gym, health and sports enthusiasts are integrating it into their diet.
Delta-8 and CBD differ a lot since the first one results in a less potent high than THC. Cannabidiol causes no trippy effects, while still helping you relax your mind. There’s an occasion for all of them, and it’s best to use each one accordingly, should you like them all. Whatever your lifestyle is, ensure you only consume qualitative organic delta eight products, because health comes first and cheap, low-quality ingredients in your D-8 edibles or topics can break your D-8 experience.
Don’t mix delta-8 for delta-9, either
Delta-8 THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid manufactured from hemp and only has up to 0.3% THC. Consuming it, you’ll only get a mild “high” – THC is the substance that gives you the solid heady buzz.
How do the two compounds compare if D-8 is an isomer of D-9? Many assume these are the same, but after diving a little into their chemical makeup, you’ll understand the differences.
Delta-8’s and delta-9’s molecular structures resemble; there’s only one double bond in their atoms, which make up the molecules and differ in each. More specifically, delta-8 THC’s name is given by its double bond which lies on its eighth carbon bond, hence the name delta-9 THC comes from having the same bond, but on the ninth carbon bond. This process occurs when D-9 ages, thus impacting the effects these two cannabinoids deliver.
Remember that delta-8 can be pretty intense
If you’ve been hesitant about its effects, know that it can provide uplifting, joyful effects, removing the typical anxiety. Studies have shown that delta-8 might provide neuroprotective and analgesic properties and its consumption might reduce stress, anxiety, nausea and vomiting. It can improve your sleep patterns and boost appetite for people who want to gain weight. It can give a clear-headed high and calmness and improve your appetite and focus.
Considering the type of product, quantity and way you take D-8, you can get milder or stronger feelings with onsets that differ. The potency of your product determines the intensity of your cognitive effects.
There are many delivery methods, and you shouldn’t neglect its concentration level. The legally sold D-8 has only up to 0.3% THC, but overusing it might lead to unpleasant effects like fatigue and changed appetite, so ensure you use just the right amount.
Only use qualitative delta-8 products
To find your D-8 go-to, you first must grasp what the following consumption methods assume.
Capsules. You swallow this with water as you do with gummies, which have no odor or flavor and can take up to two hours to work. The disadvantage is that these offer the lowest bioavailability among all the methods of delta-8 consumption.
Edibles. These can be your favorite since there’s a plethora of tasty, colorful gummies that come in a wide range of flavors. An advantage to them is that they provide a precise dose of delta-8 in every serving, helping you measure your D-8 dosage. These last longer than vapes and tinctures but can have an onset of up to 2 hours.
Tinctures. You keep these under your tongue for up to 60 seconds and then swallow. The effect comes from entering the bloodstream through your mouth’s mucous membrane, and you can expect to feel the impact after 45-60 minutes after taking it.
Smoking or vaping. These methods offer the most significant bioavailability and are mostly preferred for the heady buzz these give their users and their quick effects. You can expect to feel the difference from the first puff since the process is fast and d-8 immediately enters your bloodstream through the lungs. Even more appealing is the overwhelmingly wide variety of natural and delicious flavors that come from cannabis-derived terpenes.
Trends might come and go, but delta-8 won’t fade so easily
It shouldn’t surprise you if a CBD user says they wish they’ve tried delta-8. Most of the time, it’s a matter of legality that puts obstacles, but should d-8 be legalized at all levels, the number of consumers would rise significantly.
However, as scientists dive into this topic more and more, and increasingly more people become aware of the truth behind this cannabinoid, the chances of governments opening up to this idea might, hopefully, grow.
