Cannabis is now legal in much of the United States and can be found in CBD gummies, baked goods, vapes, and more. Perhaps you’ve been able to experiment with THC in this new age that cannabis is currently enjoying. But what if we told you there was a way to get high that wouldn’t glue you to the couch afterward? Read on to learn more about delta-8 products near you!
What is THC?
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the compound in marijuana that makes people get high. THC content is the legal distinguishing factor between marijuana and hemp. If a Cannabis sativa plant, or a cannabis-based product, has more than 0.3% THC content, it will be treated as a drug.
What Does THC Do?
THC is a potent chemical that affects the user’s brain. While it can do some good things, there are also some drawbacks to using it.
Benefits of THC include…
• Increased awareness.
• Euphoria.
• Heightened senses.
• Decreased pain.
• Reduced inflammation.
• Laughter.
• Increased appetite.
…but some side effects are…
• Hallucinations.
• Memory loss.
• Anxiety.
• Relaxation
• Gastrointestinal issues, including vomiting and diarrhea.
• “Couch lock,” in which users have reduced motivation to move.
And, finally, THC’s addictive properties are part of why it is restricted in much of the U.S. But what if there was a way to get most of the good effects of THC with fewer side effects? Enter delta-8.
How is Delta-8 THC Better?
The form of THC in marijuana is called delta-9. This is usually the form people use to get high, be it from marijuana itself or via various forms of THC concentrate. How is delta-8 different from delta-9, and why do so many people favor delta-8?
On an organic chemistry level, the difference between delta-8 and delta-9 lies in where the double carbon bond resides in the compound. But even though this change seems small, the effects between the two are worlds apart.
In comparison to delta-9, delta-8 is…
• Weaker than delta-9.
• Has fewer side effects than delta-9.
• Synthesized from the version of THC in hemp, making it semi-legal in much of the United States.
Some people who need the medicinal benefits of cannabis dislike the high and/or side effects of delta-9 THC. Delta-8 THC is intended to be a milder, slightly more legal form of THC. Think of it as THC with a little TLC.
Sounds Great! How Can I Get It?
Online sellers are the easiest way to get delta-8-THC. The best of them will publish their lab reports and have great reviews. Local shops can be good if they meet these criteria, but places like gas stations may be selling cheap delta-8 products that have not undergone any safety testing. If you buy locally, make sure you buy from a place that can show its work.
What is the Best Way to Use Delta-8-THC?
Delta-8 THC is available in many forms. Here’s a quick rundown so that you can pick the right kind of delta-8 for you:
Edibles
Edible cannabis products (“edibles”), are any kind of food with cannabinoids in them. They include caramels, gummies, and baked goods. If you are completely new to cannabis, your first taste might be candy! Bear in mind that eating cannabis lasts longer than inhaling cannabis, so this isn’t just tasty—it’s effective!
Tinctures
Want to have your THC, but not the calories? Try it as a tincture! THC tinctures are usually applied with an eyedropper beneath the tongue. The resulting oil gets absorbed by the body in as little as 15 minutes. No smoke, no smell, no waiting!
Vapes/Smokes
But there are ways to smoke delta-8, too. They come in cartridges (“carts”) similar to nicotine vapes. Also, like nicotine vapes, delta-8-THC can come in a variety of flavors. If vaping is your thing, you’ve got options!
Dabs
Dabs are a little complicated, but a THC dab involves putting a bit of solid THC concentrate (in this case delta-8) onto a heated nail, then inhaling the vapors. It should not be attempted by new users. Instead, if your THC isn’t giving you the effects you want, you may have developed a tolerance. Dabs let you adjust the amount to your needs, unlike pre-measured vape cartridges.
Are There Any Side Effects?
With these benefits, one must wonder if there are any drawbacks to taking delta-8-THC. The short answer is yes, there are. Most of the consistent side-effects are diluted versions of delta-9 if there are any at all. Many consumers report very few, if any, side effects.
There may also be other effects. These come from mystery chemicals in the synthesized THC. Bad delta-8-THC has led to several issues with Poison Control. Please ask any questions you may have before buying delta-8!
Conclusion
Delta-8 is popular for a reason. If you’re using cannabinoids as painkillers but do not like the high or crash that comes with THC, delta-8 may be the medicine to cure what ails you. There are many ways to get it, and you can consume it depending on your needs. Why not give it a try today?
