What is Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 THC in York
Delta-8 THC is a natural compound derived from hemp plants that produces similar effects as does Delta 9 THC, which is the compound in cannabis that gets you high. However, Delta 8 is legal in many states including Texas.
Also known as D8, Delta 8 is a popular option for those who are looking for a recreational buzz or relief from their symptoms, but want to avoid the common adverse side effects of Delta 9, such as anxiety, paranoia, depression or feelings of sluggishness.
Will Delta 8 Get You High?
Yes, Delta 8 THC will get you high. However Delta 9 is about 50% less psycho-active than Delta 9. And D8 provides a smoother, milder high without the adverse effects that some may experience with Delta 9 THC.
Dante Jordan from Leafly described D8 as a lighter, more energizing high than traditional Delta 9. He wrote, “Yes, Delta 8 definitely gets you high, but it was a lighter high than I’m accustomed to from smoking joints, taking dabs, and eating regular [Delta 9] edibles.”
Differences Between Hemp, Marijuana and Cannabis
Both hemp and marijuana come from the same plant species (Cannabis Sativa). Hemp is legally defined as a cannabis plant that contains 0.3 percent or less THC, while marijuana is a cannabis plant that contains more than 0.3 percent THC. Typically, marijuana plants contain about 25% THC.
However, the word “cannabis” usually means marijuana. This can be a little confusing because hemp is, technically, a cannabis plant that contains less than 0.3% THC. But when most people talk about “cannabis,” they’re referring to cannabis plants with THC content of 0.3% or higher, which is commonly known as and legally referred to as marijuana.
Delta 8 THC vs. Delta 9 THC
CBD, Delta 8 and Delta 9 are all cannabinoids. However, Delta 9 THC is found naturally in marijuana plants in high concentrations (typically 25%), while Delta 8 THC is found in extremely small quantities in hemp plants, so it must be extracted and concentrated from hemp-derived CBD.
The biggest difference users find is that a high from Delta 9 THC (marijuna) might make a user feel out of control, while Delta 8 helps them feel like they’re still in control. No matter the intensity of the Delta 8, it doesn’t typically come with the feeling of not having control.
Although D8 is psychoactive, it’s much less psychoactive as its big sister D9. Most people say that they still feel fully clear-minded, only more relaxed or uplifted when they take it, compared to D9. And typically there are no negative side effects such as paranoia or anxiety.
Delta 9 produces more feelings of being stoned and provides relief from chronic discomfort better than Delta eight; however, if you want clear thinking with no cognitive impairment (e.g., difficulty reading, concentration), then Delta 8 is a better choice. Because Delta 8 is less psychoactive than Delta 9, it can be taken in the daytime without feeling groggy. It is also reported to reduce cravings for nicotine, which could make quitting smoking easier and faster.
Delta 8 offers a lot more benefits than other cannabis products on both a medicinal and recreational level – making it an attractive option for people looking for a more psychoactive and euphoric experience, without the unpleasant effects of Delta 9 THC.
How is Delta 8 is Different from CBD?
Although Delta 8 is an isolated compound extracted from the CBD found in hemp plants, they are very different compounds and they cause very different effects. Like CBD (Cannabidiol) and Delta 9 THC, Delta 8 THC is a cannabinoid, but what are the differences between these compounds and products?
Delta 8 can cause what’s called an “energized” high, while CBD has no psychoactive effect at all. In fact, CBD has been shown to block psychiatric side-effects caused by THC, according to researchers at Western University. and the National Center for Biotechnology Information
Delta 8 Has Fewer Side Effects than Delta 9
Delta 9 THC users suggest Delta 8 THC is much better due to the lack of side effects, in fact many people only receive benefits from Delta 8 THC.
Some users report anxiety or paranoia as a partial symptom from a Delta 9 high. That appears to go away completely with Delta 8. This allows for a clear headed experience, instead. The high stimulates relaxation, but not the urge to laze around.
When vaping Delta 8, many find that it doesn’t make them sleepy, as some Delta 9 THC vapes can. Instead, it increased their energy level and focus while not making their heart race or triggering any symptoms of anxiety.
How Will I Feel When Taking Delta 8?
First, keep in mind that everyone’s mind and body are different. So your own experience with Delta 8 may be very different from someone else’s. In other words, these are the general feelings people report having, so you may experience them more or less.
Delta 8 THC provides a mellow and calming feeling. You can still accomplish tasks during the high, but you feel at ease while doing it. Typically you will be able to maintain a clear head and take on tasks during the day more normally. And D8 appears to help with certain types of chronic stress and physical discomforts. While it doesn’t work for everyone, some users are amazed by how effectively it alleviates their symptoms.
Another typical feeling you get from D8 is that of contentment as a chill relaxation washes over you. It will also enhance your mood, and put you in that happy place. And another noticeable effect from Delta-8 THC is a stimulated appetite, also known as the munchies!
In summary, you can expect some or all of these feelings from Delta 8:
- Causes a weightless floating feeling
- Engages mental energy and improves your focus
- Feeling chill and mellow but still clear-headed
- Promotes your appetite
- Stimulates higher levels of relaxation
Potential Benefits of Delta 8 THC
Currently, there is a limited amount of research exploring the benefits of Delta8 THC. However, researchers often conclude that Delta-8’s benefits are likely similar to Delta-9’s since they both share similarities.
There are some potential benefits according to Delta-8 research, but keep in mind that these benefits are still to be proven, and Delta-8-THC is not approved as a treatment for any specific ailment.
It’s been reported that Delta 8 THC improves calming feelings over anxiety or panic, while potentially improving sleep quality as well as relieving chronic physical discomforts without the some of the side-effects associated with traditional marijuana compounds like Delta 9 THC.
Delta 8 does not cause as much of a “high” feeling which can lead users to compulsively use it for that euphoric effect, and so withdrawal symptoms are likely less severe than Delta 9 or other drugs like alcohol and opiates.
Delta 8 May Help Support Pain Management
According to Cancer Society research definitions, another benefit of Delta 8 is that it has analgesic properties, which means it may relieve pain to some degree.Everyone experiences pain differently, and at different degrees, but researchers have observed Delta 8’s ability to help relieve some of that discomfort.
Delta 8 THC Could Help Lower Stress
Many people report using Delta 8 THC with benefits for stress. Researchers are still working to uncover how Delta-8 may lower stress levels, but the National Cancer Institute acknowledges it as an “anxiolytic” (anxiety-reducing) substance.
Delta 8 binds to the CB1 receptors throughout the body. In fact, some researchers have observed it connecting to the CB2 receptors, too. Its ability to bind is what helps the cannabinoid convince the body to better regulate pain and anxiety.
The mild psycho-activity of D8 is often described as “relaxing” and “euphoric,” so if you are looking for a way to unwind and take the edge off, Delta 8 is worth exploring.
Delta 8 THC May Protect Nerves and Brain (neuroprotective)
Some research also suggests that Delta-8 THC could help people produce Acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter. This neurotransmitter is responsible for memory, cognition, neuroplasticity, and even arousal. The brain’s neuroplasticity, or its ability to grow and reorganize, relies on acetylcholine as a neurotransmitter. Acetylcholine also helps protect the brain from free radical damage over time.
One of the leading causes of interest in Delta-8 THC is its effects on the brain. Delta-8 THC has a strong neuroprotective potential. It works in various ways, including inhibiting adenyl cyclase, regulating potassium and calcium channels in the central nervous system, and improving neuron generation and growth, all of which may improve nerve and brain health.
Delta 8 May Help Stimulate Appetite.
Delta-8 has even been found to increase appetite at small doses, according to a 2004 study. It is because of this effect that Delta-9-THC has been approved as a treatment for chronic illnesses, autoimmune diseases, or eating disorders in many states with medical marijuana programs.
Delta 8 THC May Help Calm Nausea and Vomiting
One of the most prominent studies on Delta-8 suggests that it has powerful antiemetic properties, or the ability to help quell nausea. The study found Delta-8 to be 100% effective at reducing nausea in pediatric cancer patients.
Delta 8 May Even Help You Sleep Better!
Delta 8 THC has been found to produce relaxation effects and some mild sedation when compared to the Delta 9-THC from cannabis. One study found that Delta-8 was able to induce sedation in cats, and could even increase the length of the REM sleep cycle.
If you are considering the benefits of Delta-8-THC for sleep, remember that sleep issues are complex and vary from person to person. For example, those who suffer from pain tend to lose sleep due to a disturbed sleep cycle. Along with D8, other cannabinoids, such as CBD and CBN, may also be beneficial for sleep.
How THC Works in the Body
THC is short for Tetrahydrocannabinol, which is a chemical compound found in marijuana that is responsible for the feeling of being “high.” THC stimulates cells in the brain to release dopamine, creating feelings of euphoria, sedation, symptom relief, happiness and much more.
When THC was first isolated in 1964, it was discovered when you smoke THC, it is absorbs into your blood and goes directly to your brain. Acting much like the cannabinoid chemicals made naturally by the body, THC binds to cannabinoid receptors concentrated in certain areas of the brain associated with thinking, memory, pleasure, coordination and time perception.
THC attaches to these receptors and activates them, which affects a person’s memory, pleasure, movements, thinking, concentration, coordination, and sensory and time perception. THC is one of many compounds found in the resin secreted by glands of the marijuana (cannabis) plant. Other compounds unique to cannabis plants, called cannabinoids, are also present in this resin and less so in the stems and leaves.
How Does Delta 8 THC Work in the Body?
Delta 8 THC works much like THC and CBD, by interacting with millions of cannabinoid receptors and neurotransmitters found in millions of cells all throughout your body as part of a newly discovered master regulatory system in your body, called the Endocannabinoid System (ECS).
Your body’s ECS is responsible for maintaining balance, known as homeostasis, by regulating and balancing your brain, nervous system, hormonal system and immune system to ensure the body maintains optimal health.
Researchers first discovered the Endocannabinoid System when researching how marijuana works in the body in the 1990s. The ECS was named after the plant that was responsible for its discovery (cannabis).
This research also discovered the body makes its own cannabinoids and they are found in nature, including in the hemp plant, which contains many variations and huge quantities of naturally-occurring organic cannabinoids.
In the 1990s, cannabis researchers discovered the human body’s ECS when researching how cannabis works in the body. In fact, your body makes its own cannabinoids and they are found in nature, including in the hemp plant, which contains huge quantities of naturally-occurring organic cannabinoids.
How are Delta 8 products Made?
When extracted from hemp, Delta 8 is a clear sticky substance called “Delta 8 concentrate”. This concentrate can then be added to a variety of products for consumption, such as Delta 8 gummies, Delta 8 carts or Delta 8 flower. Delta 8 THC concentrate is also called a distillate, which is usually sold in a syringe because of its viscosity.
How To Take Delta 8 THC
First, you need to find the right dosage for your body, which can be a little tricky. The ideal amount for everyone is different. It is simply a matter of starting small and gradually increasing to the dosage which fits your needs. During this process, here are some things to keep in mind.
First, don’t use your CBD dosage for Delta 8. It’s important to remember that Delta 8 is stronger than CBD. If you take the same amount of Delta 8 that you usually take with CBD, you may get more than you expected.
Start with a small dosage and gradually increase as needed. You may need to take much less Delta 8 than what you’re used to taking with CBD. The cannabinoid content of each Delta 8 product varies. Before you try anything, make sure to read everything on the bottle and packaging.
Go Slow - Don’t Take Too Much D8 Too Soon
Be patient after you take your first dose of Delta 8. You may not feel anything at first, but don’t keep taking more. The Delta 8 may take some time for your bloodstream to absorb, especially if you consume an edible. Before you increase your dose, you should wait at least an hour and a half.
You Might Need to Take a Break
Be patient after you take your first dose of Delta 8. You may not feel anything at first, but don’t keep taking more. The Delta 8 may take some time for your bloodstream to absorb, especially if you consume an edible. Before you increase your dose, you should wait at least an hour and a half.
Can You Take CBD Products and Delta 8 at the Same Time?
Yes, in most cases. There should be no negative effects from taking CBD and Delta 8 together. But remember that Delta 8 is still being researched and the effects of its interaction with the body are yet to be fully understood.
If you’re on other types of medications, proceed with caution. While Delta 8 shouldn’t give you any trouble, you should get your doctor’s approval first. Some medications might not mix well with the cannabinoid, and it’s not worth the risk.
The Best Way to Get Your Dose of Delta 8
The best method for you will depend on how fast you want to see effects, how long you want them to last and what type of effects you want. Find something that fits your needs and that you enjoy. If you aren’t sure where to start, keep reading to learn about your different options until you find your favorite.
5 Most Popular Ways To Take Delta 8 THC
#1: Delta 8 Gummies York
Delta 8 gummies are the most popular way to consume Delta-8 THC. Taking them is simple and they are ideal for those who dislike the earthiness and bitter taste of hemp extracts. D8 gummies come in a variety of tasty flavors.
However, keep in mind, Delta 8 gummies and edibles usually take at least 45 minutes and might take up to 2–3 hours for the full effects to kick in. This is because your body needs to fully digest the gummies and cannabinoids in them before they enter your bloodstream.
Delta 8 can also be added or baked into other kinds of foods, such as cookies or brownies, however before you can make edibles with hemp flower, you need to activate the CBD through a process called decarboxylation. This is usually done through heat, such as baking.
#2: Delta 8 Vaping - D8 Vape Cartridges York
Vaping is the fastest method of consuming cannabinoids for their effects to take effect. You can feel the effects almost immediately afterward. Since the vapor enters the bloodstream directly, this method works very fast.
When compared to edibles or tinctures, the effects of Delta 8 vape carts aren’t as long-lasting. However, D8 vaping does increase your energy, reduce your anxiety, and improve your concentration almost instantly.
You can insert Delta 8 Vape Cartridges to a refillable vape pen or you can use smoke Delta 8 with a Delta 8 Disposable Vape Pen.
When buying Delta 8 vape cartridges, make sure you buy them from a reputable manufacturer or reseller as there is little regulation and many dangerous D8 products on the market. Low quality products can contain heavy metals, such as lead, that could affect the quality of your vaping experience and also harm your health. If you have any kind of breathing problems or health challenges, it’s best to stay away from vaping altogether.
#3: Delta 8 Tinctures
Taking Delta 8 oils and tinctures under the tongue is a popular method that allows your body to absorb the cannabinoids quickly. Most of the D8 content does not go through your digestive system – if you allow the tincture to linger in your mouth a little longer.
Much like edibles, it stays in your system for a long time so you can enjoy the best of both worlds. It takes about 15–60 minutes for the body to start showing the desired results. This is the second-fastest method of cannabinoid consumption, the first being vaping.
The most common problem with this Delta 8 THC consumption method is the hemp taste. If you don’t like it, then try a different brand that offers natural flavors. Nevertheless, the ease of use and the discreteness of this method make it a great option for some people.
#4: Delta 8 Flower
Because hemp flower contains very low concentrations of Delta 8 THC, producers must add Delta 8 THC concentrate to the hemp flower.
This can create problems for making Delta 8 Flower, because pure Delta 8 THC is a sticky liquid, so adding it directly to a hemp flower can create a sticky mess that’s nearly impossible to consume.
There are many variations of texture, consistency and potency of Delta 8 flower products on the market, because there are many ways producers of Delta 8 Flower can add Delta 8 concentrate to hemp flower.
For example, some producers spray their flower lightly with Delta 8 distillate while others dip the entire bud. Delta 8 Flower with very high mg per gram usually means the flower will be soggy but potent.
When a mild spray is used, the flower retains more of its original characteristics but less Delta 8. According to an industry leading producer, “Delta 8 flower between 150mg-220mg is a great sweet spot, so your Delta 8 Flower has the perfect balance between potency and consistency. Anything more, and you’ll likely get a soggy bag of Delta 8 mush!”
So, before you buy Delta 8 Flower, be sure the brand has good reviews and check out photos of their actual D8 flower. Or even better, visit a local CBD American Shaman store to get expert help and to see and feel their Delta 8 Flower for yourself.
#5: Delta 8 Pre-Roll Joints and Smokables
Delta 8 smokables include Delta 8 pre-rolls, disposable D8 vape cartridges, Delta 8 dabs and Delta 8 moon rocks, D8 vape carts and D8 flower.
Many people enjoy smoking traditional pre-rolls or joints, which are made with hemp flowers and dipped in delta 8 distillate and other terpenes to give an additional punch. Delta-8 THC moon rocks are hemp flower buds sprayed with Delta8 distillate and rolled in CBD or CBG kief. The combination of Delta 8, CBD and CBG, makes smoking moon rocks a unique experience.
Delta 8 dabs are only recommended for experienced cannabis consumers. Dabbing is the process of vaporizing marijuana concentrates after they are applied to a hot surface and inhaled. A little goes a long way, so you want to be careful how much Delta 8 you dab.
7 Tips On Using Delta 8 THC Safely and Legally
Tip #1: Make Sure It’s Legal In Your State
State law can change at any time, so this means that just because it was legal in your state when someone wrote about it online, doesn’t mean that it still is. Also, Delta 8 THC must come from the hemp plant to be considered legal in the states that allow it
Tip #2: Find Out The Extraction Method Used
Make sure it was not extracted synthetically, which is illegal. Legal Delta 8 THC is extracted and concentrated from the CBD found in hemp plants.
Tip #3: Look For A Lab Analysis
It’s important to check into the quality of any product you buy, especially new to market and unregulated products such as Delta 8 THC. Any legitimate company will provide a third-party lab report to customers. When looking at this lab report, make sure that it contains pure Delta 8.
Tip #4: Be Mindful of When and Where You Use It
Even though it may be legal in your state, law enforcement may be confused by what it is and decide that you’re using an illegal substance. While technically they may be in the wrong, it’s not worth the hassle of having to explain yourself. Further, many law enforcement officials don’t even know what Delta 8 is, and so they might not believe you when you explain to them that it’s a federally legal substance
Tip #5: Take is Slow If You Are A First Time User
If you are a first-time user of cannabis in general, you need to be more cautious. It may come across as too intense. So, take it slow if it’s your first time.
Tip #6: Take Extra Care With D8 Gummies and Edibles
When you take Delta 8 THC as an edible, such as Delta 8 gummies or other edibles, their full effect usually takes at least one hour to feel, however it can take up to 2 or 3 hours – so take it slow.
Tip #7: Don’t Underestimate The Power of Delta 8 THC
Many Delta 8 THC consumers do not understand the power of it since it is only 50-70% of the high you would get from Delta 9 THC. So, they think it will not be potent or affect them much. In consequence, they end up taking much more than the recommended dosage.
It’s best not to take too much Delta 8 at one time if you’re worried about possible side effects. Most Delta 8 producers suggest taking 1-3 hits of a vape cartridge and see how you feel within 30 minutes. Or for edibles, wait for an hour or more to see how it affects you.
When first getting started, it’s also recommended to choose a less potent delivery method. Delta-8 can be strongest when vaped, smoked, or dabbed. So for something less potent, choose Delta 8 Gummies other edibles or Delta 8 Tinctures.
Possible Side Effects of Delta 8 THC
If you’re concerned about the potential side effects of Delta 8, the best way to avoid them is to simply not take too much at one time. Side effects are more likely to occur if you take more than the recommended amount, so take it slow when first getting started.
In general, Delta 8 THC tends to have fewer side effects than standard Delta 9 THC, and the experience is enjoyed by many. It is not likely that delta 8 will cause major side-effects.
Each person’s response to THC is different, so be aware of how you feel and note any side effects you may experience. Delta-8 THC is a nontoxic compound which the human body is able to handle in high dosages, so none of its possible side effects are life threatening or severe.
Is Delta 8 Legal?
Under US law, Delta 8 is legal when it is derived from federally legal CBD. However, some states have enacted laws to specifically ban it, so it really depends on the state you live in.
Here are the 17 states where Delta-8 is currently believed to be illegal according to state law: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Kentucky, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and Washington.
Congressional legislation has legalized hemp production in the United States under the 2018 farm bill. That act defines hemp as: “All derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent.” This clause legalizes Delta-8 since it does not contain Delta-9 THC.
Delta-8, however, has been declared illegal by some states that have chosen not to adopt the specific language of the farm bill in state laws. Producers and retailers of Delta-8 sell only to states that have laws mirroring the farm bill’s language. However, some producers may only sell to certain states based on how they interpret the state’s laws.
A separate final rule by the DEA, the Interim Final Rule (IFR), was also released in August 2020 clarifying the differences between hemp and marijuana. That interim rule said: “All synthetically derived tetrahydrocannabinols remain Schedule I controlled substances,” which would make Delta-8 illegal because it is a tetrahydrocannabinol that is extracted, or synthetically derived.
So whether the farm bill’s language stands, which outlaws plants with more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC, or the new IFR language is adopted, which bans all tetrahydrocannabinols, will determine the fate of Delta-8. The DEA’s IFR is open for review until October 2021, and until then, Delta-8’s federal legality remains hazy.
Summary
Delta 8 can give you a lot more benefits than other cannabis products on both a medicinal and recreational level – making it an attractive option for those who are looking for relief from their symptoms while maintaining control over their daily lives.
However, everyone’s body is a bit different and all Delta 8 products are not the same. There are many types of Delta 8 products and ways to consume it. So it probably makes sense, especially if you are new to cannabis products, to get some personal guidance to find the right Delta 8 product for you.
That’s why you should visit our local CBD store in York to speak with a certified CBD consultant to ensure you get the relief or lift that you need.
Looking For The Best Delta 8 Near Me?
If you’re searching for Delta 8 near me in the York area or looking for the absolute best Delta 8 in York, PA, you’ve found us!
Visit our local family-owned CBD store in York for a Free Sample and to get all your Delta 8 and cannabinoid questions answered by a Certified CBD Consultant. Everyone’s situation is a bit different, so it’s best to get the personalized support you may need to find the right products and dosages.
You’ll also get a 30-day money-back guarantee on all CBD American Shaman and Zen Master products, we’re confident you will get the results you need.