What is Delta 8 oil?

Extract oils, like essential oils, are everywhere these days. Most of the time, it feels common to see how they're made of things like lavender or peppermint, but some oils are made from plants that you may not expect. For example, hemp oil has become more and more popular in recent years. But it’s not hemp oil. There has also been an increase in interest surrounding delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta 8 or D8 THC) oil. But what is it exactly, and what is Delta 8? These are questions that we’ll answer together, along with a few others that you may not have thought of. Let’s get going!

Some basics of Delta 8

First, let’s go over the basic information about D8 THC that you need to know.

If Delta 8 sounds familiar, that’s because it is one of the over 100 different cannabinoids that can be found in cannabis plants, like hemp and marijuana. Cannabinoids are interesting little chemical compounds that have a unique ability. They can interact with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), a system that is made up of receptors that are found throughout the human body. These receptors help your body control things like mood and appetite. Cannabinoids, like D8 THC, interact with the receptors in different ways, having different effects as a result.

But with over 100 different cannabinoids, there are a few that you’ve probably heard of before. One, in particular, has a very similar name to Delta 8. It’s delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta 9 THC). We know their names are almost exactly the same, but they are actually a bit different. Delta 9 THC is the form of THC that you've probably heard talked about the most. It binds with the ECS receptors very tightly, creating that euphoric high that has made cannabis so famous over the years. D8 THC is really similar to Delta 9 THC, but with a couple of exceptions. The first is their structure, which is virtually the same, but with one small difference. The double bond within them is placed in a different location. See this diagram of Delta 9 and this one of Delta 8. This is enough for these two cannabinoids to be considered different variations of THC. The other difference between them is that Delta 8 doesn't bind to the ECS receptors quite as tightly. It binds with them in a very solid way, still creating a feeling of euphoria, but because the bind isn't quite as tight, the feeling is a little different in experience.

It’s not a far leap to think that if D8 THC is so similar to Delta 9 THC, then it must be illegal. But this isn’t necessarily the case. It is technically federally legal in the United States. Or, rather, it isn't expressly labeled as illegal. Delta 8 can be found in both hemp and marijuana, as can Delta 9 THC. But marijuana is federally illegal, while hemp has been federally legal since 2018. When hemp was federally legalized, most of the cannabinoids found in hemp were also legalized. The one exception was Delta 9 THC because it is considered a Schedule One drug. But D8 THC has managed to squeak past too much scrutiny, so it is technically federally legal. However, it’s best to remember that just because something is federally legal doesn’t mean that it’s legal in your state. Be sure to research your local laws to make sure that it is legal in your state.

Those are the main things you should know about Delta 8. Now that we have those covered, let's talk about the beauty of D8 THC oil.

What to know about Delta 8 oil

Before we really dive into what makes D8 THC oil so great, let's talk about generalized facts to get a bigger picture on D8 oil.

Delta 8 oil is pretty simple. It's a hemp extract that has been mixed with a carrier oil. There may be some other things mixed in with the oil, but for the most part, it’s just those two ingredients. One of the best things about it is this simplicity. It allows for a lot of flexibility in how it’s used. It also means that you are getting the D8 THC much more directly. 

But it really is the flexibility that draws so many people into giving Delta 8 oil a try. You can take it in just about any way that you can think of. One of the most direct ways is by taking the dropper included in the oil and using it to drop a few drops into your mouth. This way, the oil and cannabinoids absorb into your system through the skin in your mouth. It’s also common for people to also use CBD oil in their cooking. This way you are basically making your own edible! What’s better than that? It’s a fun, delicious way to get the D8 THC that you’re looking for. Plus, it’s a great way of making sure that the edible you’re taking tastes exactly the way you want it to.

The simplicity of Delta 8 oil also appeals to people because of its simplicity. As a positive alternative to smoking, some people have found this a great substitute to get a daily intake of the cannabinoid. The ease of use and precise measurement of D8 THC is appealing for many.

Those are the main things that you should know about Delta 8 oil. There are many great aspects to it, so it isn't surprising that it has become the go-to D8 THC product for so many people. But the primary way to know if it's the right one for you is to give it a try. There are a lot of different Delta 8 products for you to pick from on the DharmaD8 website, including our D8 THC water-soluble tincture, which is perfect for mixing in with a cup of tea or whatever drink you prefer! While you’re checking that out, be sure to check out the rest of our Delta 8 line and Delta 8 CBD!