Delta 8 THC
Research over the past few years has shown the versatility of the cannabis plant. Split into two separate categories, hemp, and marijuana, the cannabis plant could offer tons of benefits. Federal law has prohibited it for several decades. Recently, though, hemp and marijuana are now treated separately, thanks to a change in the law. With federally legal hemp available across the country, sales continue to boom.
Delta 9 THC is the main psychoactive THC cannabinoid that is the active ingredient in the plant. It’s mostly responsible for euphoric sensations. However, a newer, less psychoactive THC cannabinoid has taken the hemp industry by storm. It’s known as Delta 8 THC or D8.
Understanding Delta 8 THC
Delta 8 is one of over 100 naturally occurring cannabinoids currently identified in cannabis and hemp plants. Plant stems contain small amounts of it. According to users, D8 has less psychoactive effects than Delta 9 THC. This is thanks to the slight difference in chemical structure between Delta 8 and Delta 9. Each THC molecule is classified separately based on the location of a double bond along the carbon chain. D8 forms a double bond on the 8th carbon chain. Delta 9 THC forms a double bond on the 9th carbon chain.
Though they offer similar experiences, Delta 8 THC products are growing in popularity because of their federal legal status. Plus, D8 THC products offer all the benefits of cannabis Sativa without any of the adverse effects normally associated with Delta 9.
Delta 8 THC is found naturally in cannabis plant material but in very small amounts. In order to create and extract larger amounts of D8, hemp is put through the decarboxylation process. Once hemp goes through this process of heating up the plant and extracting the intended cannabinoid, in this case, D8, it can then be added to various products for consumption in large quantities
How to Dose Delta 8 THC
Finding the correct or ideal dose of Delta 8 really depends on the individual person. Do you have previous experience with any THC products? Do you regularly consume THC? What’s your age, height, weight, metabolism, etc.? All of these are factors to how you will react and feel D8 in your system.
Is Delta 8 Legal?
Yes! Delta 8 is federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. Cannabis as a whole plant has been categorized as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) since the 1970s. This made any kind of possession a federal offense with heavy fines and minimum jail sentences. But to interest in the plant and its supposed benefit, there was pressure on Congress and state lawmakers to make changes to the laws surrounding cannabis.
For the first time in decades, hemp and marijuana became defined separately under the 2018 Farm Bill, which passed through Congress and was signed by former President Trump. If the plant itself contains less than 0.3% of Delta 9, then it’s considered industrial hemp and federally legal. Anything over that 0.3% threshold is still considered illegal.
Shopping for Delta 8
Because Delta 8 THC is federally legal, stores and online retailers, like Skyhio, have the ability to ship your purchase directly to your front door, regardless of business or home status. For states that continue to ban Delta 9 products higher than 0.3% Delta 9 by dry weight volume, D8 is a great alternative that’s less potent and comes directly to your door, from vapes to gummies.
How Does Delta 8 Work?
Despite very little knowledge of Delta 8 THC as a cannabinoid, scientists have been able to discover a few things about it. The biggest thing discovered is how D8 works with the body’s natural endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system helps to regulate and function many of the body’s essential systems, such as nerves, balance, appetite, and so on. The main goal of the ECS is to create and maintain homeostasis, a perfect balance, in the body.
Inside the ECS are two types of receptors, known as CB1 and CB2. Traditionally, cannabinoids that attach primarily to CB1 trigger more of the nervous system. Delta 9 attaches primarily to CB1 receptors. This is how the body feels the more euphoric effects, like a clouded head, a euphoric high, and a slowed perception of time.
Other cannabinoids that connect to CB2 are more known for their physical benefits. This is where hemp-derived CBD products fit in. CBD products don’t offer psychoactive feelings but help with some of the physical benefits, like reducing pain and soothing joints.
D8 sets itself apart because it’s known to attach to both CB1 and CB2 receptors. That’s what makes it the best of both worlds according to some users. There are slight psychoactive feelings similar to Delta 9, but it also helps with some of the physical aspects that CBD can help with, like full body relaxation.
Delta 8 at The Scarlet Reserve
The Scarlet Reserve Dispensary prides itself on staying up to date on cannabis-related products and is proud to carry delta 8 products!