You may be familiar with CBD, but have you learned about its relative?
Delta 8 is “the little sister” of delta 9 THC, the cannabinoid most associated with marijuana. However, delta 8 offers some considerable legal leeway and milder effects, making it a potentially viable option for many individuals.
Is delta 8 for you? Read on to learn more!
What is Delta 8?
First things first: what exactly is delta 8 THC?
Basically, delta 8 THC is one type of compound found in hemp, which is known as a cannabinoid.
Hemp contains hundreds of cannabinoids, and you may be familiar with a few. For instance, the ever-famous CBD, or cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid.
Delta 8 is part of a subset of cannabinoids, known as tetrahydrocannabinols (THC). When we talk about THC, we typically associate it with the type you find in marijuana: delta 9 THC. Delta 9 is known for creating a high with its highly psychoactive properties, and delta 8 is considered its “little sister.”
What does this mean?
Basically, delta 8 THC behaves similarly to delta 9, but not at the same magnitude.
While delta 8 is classified as psychoactive, it’s not as psychoactive as delta 9, and it lacks the side effects of paranoia and anxiety.
One of the greatest appeals with delta 8 THC, however, is the legal leeway it can offer. While delta 9 is still illegal in multiple states, many states which allow hemp products like CBD offer similar allowances for delta 8.
Is Delta 8 Legal?
So we’ve mentioned that delta 8 THC offers legal leeway, but what does this mean, exactly?
Specifically, it means that, like industrial hemp, delta 8 is federally legal, but it must be noted that some states continue to ban delta 8.
Whenever you look into purchasing any type of substance, we always recommend that you do your due diligence and check the legal status of the substance within your state of residence, especially since some laws can change with specifics.
That being said, here is a list of states by legal status of delta 8 THC, as of the day this article was written (2/17/21):
Legal:
- Alabama
- California
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Illegal:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Rhode Island
- Utah
Now that you have a general idea of where delta 8 is and isn’t legal, you may still be wondering: how can delta 8 be consumed?
Good news: if you’re familiar with taking CBD, delta 8 can be enjoyed in very similar forms.
And just like CBD, there are two types of products that are especially popular: delta 8 gummies and delta 8 vape cartridges.
Delta 8 Gummies: The Sweetest Delta 8 Treat
If you’re new to delta 8, gummies make for an easy introduction, but even the most experienced delta 8 users enjoy a tasty treat like this!
Chewy, sweet, and available in multiple flavors, delta 8 gummies are a type of edible that’s infused with delta 8 distillate, which is extracted from industrial hemp as a concentrate.
Similar to CBD gummies, delta 8 gummies are available with full-spectrum cannabinoids, but you can also enjoy them in isolate forms with delta 8 distillate.
Delta 8 gummies make for quite the sweet treat indeed, but how do you know if a product is legit?
Because while delta 8 is federally legal, it’s not regulated by the FDA, which means the quality is left to the brand.
Luckily, there are a few ways to determine a good gummy.
First, make sure that the store has the necessary license, and check out the store’s reputation online. Additionally, see if the delta 8 company you’re looking at has good customer service, and make sure they offer a certificate of analysis from a third party lab.
Delta 8 Vape Cartridges
Gummies make for a nice little delta 8 break, but what about when you want delta 8 fast?
Delta 8 vape cartridges are a convenient and discreet form of delta 8, and vaping offers some of the highest levels of bioavailability with the bonus of a smooth, subtle flavor.
Delta 8 vape cartridges typically contain a distillate oil containing delta 8 THC suspended in cannabis oils and terpenes, and in most cases, they’re made to be universally compatible with standard vape batteries.
When looking for high quality delta 8 cartridges, the factors with gummies are also applicable here, but another quick factor to check for is the color of the vape liquid. Generally, go for a liquid that’s clear, rose, or champagne-colored, but avoid liquids with a dark or red tint.
Also make sure that the certificate of analysis is from a local lab, and not one from out of state, as this could indicate multiple attempts at a passed analysis.
Delta 8 Gummies vs Delta 8 Vape Cartridges: Which One’s for Me?
Delta 8 Gummies vs Delta 8 Vape Cartridges: Which One’s for Me?
So now you may be wondering: which one is for me–delta 8 gummies or delta 8 cartridges?
This all comes down to preference. If vaping is something you’re familiar and comfortable with, then you may find some enjoyment out of delta 8’s bioavailability. However, if vaping is not something you’re comfortable with, gummies may be the better option.
Keep in mind, though, that delta 8 edibles will take longer to take effect because they’ll need to be digested. Because of this, however, delta 8’s effects may actually last longer.
Whatever you choose, delta 8 can be a euphoric, pleasurable experience as long as you’re familiar with the laws in your area, and have insured that the product you choose is high quality.
