Four Things to Know About Delta-8 THC

August 25, 2021

Every day, it seems as though the cannabis industry is introducing something new. Now, many customers are hearing about delta-8 THC for the first time, as these products are quickly making their way onto dispensary shelves. But, what is delta-8 THC? How is it different from regular THC? Is it even legal?

If you haven’t heard of D8 THC yet, or if you’re unsure of what it is, TerVita is here to help. Today, we’re covering the ins and outs of this brand-new cannabinoid and why it’s making such noise within the cannabis industry. Here are four things you should know about delta-8 THC.

#1: Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC Aren’t the Same

Typically, when we talk about the cannabis plant and its cannabinoids, we focus on two cannabinoids: THC and CBD. THC is the psychoactive compound, while CBD is the cannabinoid we here at TerraVita love and embrace. When we discuss THC in this sense, we’re referring to delta-9 THC, the most common form in the plant. But, delta-9 THC and delta-8 THC are pretty different indeed — despite having confusingly similar names.

Essentially, delta-8 THC is the less potent version of delta-9 THC. When delta-9 degrades or becomes exposed to certain environmental elements, its characteristics start to change. Over time, delta-9 starts to lose its potency, no longer binding to the cannabinoid receptors in the brain the way it once did. Thus, its psychoactive abilities lessen while its therapeutic value becomes more apparent. When this change occurs, the cannabinoid transforms from delta-9 THC to delta-8 THC.

Though technically the same compound, the properties of these two cannabinoids juxtapose each other a bit. While delta-9 is known for its mind-altering abilities, delta-8 is gaining popularity for its lack thereof. Instead of creating the typical giggly, euphoric feelings you’re used to, D8 THC demonstrates strong medicinal potential, supporting the body in ways that delta-9 simply cannot. (And, don’t worry, we’ll talk about these benefits in a moment.)

#2: Delta-8 THC is Safe

With this newfound popularity, a lot of people are starting to wonder whether or not this cannabinoid is safe. People often associate THC with uncomfortable highs or negative stigmas, giving D8 a lousy name right off the bat. However, with the extremely mild psychoactive abilities the cannabinoid has, delta-8 appears to be safe and beneficial for those who turn to it.

When purchasing delta-8 THC products, you still want to take extra safety precautions to ensure you’re buying the best options possible. With a new product like D8, there is always the potential for fraudulent products or sketchy companies to get involved; so, take the time to research a brand’s third-party lab-test results. This will demonstrate how much D8 THC is inside, letting you know the kind of potency to expect.

In general, the psychoactivity you experience from delta-8 THC is very mild; most experienced consumers likely will not notice any sort of mind-altering effects. However, there is potential for psychoactivity, so you should always start with a low dose to see how your body reacts.

That is why all of our Delta 8 THC vapes come with dosing instructions.

From there, you can build your way up and see how much delta-8 is right for you. When you experience evident therapeutic support with a gentle wave of bliss, you know you’ve got it.

#3: D8’s Legality in the US is… Complicated

The legality surrounding delta-8 THC in the US is still all over the place — but is that really too surprising? Some states in the country have explicitly stated that delta-8 THC is allowed because of the low psychoactivity levels. However, other states have come out saying that the cannabinoid is prohibited because of its psychoactivity levels. Just a bit confusing, right?

D8 THC’s legality simply depends on where you live. Currently, the following states have banned the cannabinoid for the time being:

Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
Colorado
Delaware
Idaho
Iowa
Mississippi
Montana
Rhode Island
Utah

Some states like Michigan are actively fighting to regulate the cannabinoid, but no concrete laws have been created. In all other states across the US, delta-8 THC products follow the same rules as hemp products — as long as they come from hemp, that is.

#4: The Benefits of Delta-8

So, why do people turn to delta-8 THC in the first place?

As we mentioned, D8 doesn’t have strong psychoactive abilities. For many consumers, this is appealing in and of itself. Other non-psychoactive compounds like CBD can be quite beneficial, but it doesn’t always produce the support you need. Cannabinoids like delta-8, on the other hand, offer a more all-encompassing experience, similar to what the entourage effect describes. This is wonderful for those who need therapeutic support but could also benefit from a bit of a pick-me-up.

The health benefits of delta-8 THC are still being looked into today, but they appear promising. Currently, a lot of consumers enjoy CBD D8 gummies because they help with pain relief. The cannabinoid’s anti-inflammatory properties work wonders for sore muscles and joints, helping to alleviate hard-to-reach discomfort. Along with this, people find that delta-8 is effective for assisting with sleep, as your muscles can relax while your mind is sent into a gentle state of euphoria which could also be effective for anxiety relief. It’s the perfect recipe for a good night’s rest.

According to a few studies, delta-8 THC seems to demonstrate interesting neuroprotective properties. It appears as though the cannabinoid can help the brain produce neurotransmitters like acetylcholine — a chemical that assists with memory, arousal, cognition, and more. While more science is needed here, what we’re seeing now is incredibly exciting.

Learning Through TerVita

Here at TerVita, we’re continuously learning more and more about the cannabis world and all it has to offer. As we continue to learn about delta-8 THC and its incredible benefits, we’ll keep you updated, too. This way, you always know what kind of products are out there in the canna-market, and which ones may be best for you.

So, just to recap: delta-8 THC is a less psychoactive, more mild form of delta-9 THC. It will not get you high in the same way, but it sure will give you some unique therapeutic support. Make sure you take the time to see if delta-8 THC is legal in your state. And, if it is, you’re ready to start enjoying this new, exciting cannabinoid.