What is Delta 8 THC?

The basics of Delta 8 THC

Let’s dive into it. Delta 8 THC is a variation of regular THC. It is almost exactly the same, but with a small difference in the chemical structure. This makes it so D8 THC functions in almost the exact same way as THC, but with a few small variations (that we’ll talk about a bit more later).

Both THC and D8 THC are cannabinoids. These are chemical compounds that are the defining feature of cannabis plants. Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC are found in all cannabis plants, which includes marijuana and industrial hemp. This is why you have probably heard of D8. In 2018, the newest version of the Farm Bill was passed. It federally legalized hemp in the United States. This doesn’t mean that it is legal in every state, but it is legal in most. D8 and all other cannabinoids and compounds in industrial hemp were legalized when the 2018 Farm Bill passed. It took companies awhile to test the grounds on Delta 8 and if it truly was a loophole to be able to sell THC legally in all states. This means that it’s pretty likely that you could find a D8 product in your state.

But just because you can buy a D8 THC product doesn’t necessarily mean that you know why you would. Let’s look at some benefits & common uses of D8 below.

What can Delta 8 THC do?

When people hear that Delta 8 THC has a different chemical make-up and slightly different effects than regular THC, they usually ask “what’s the point?” They tend to assume that D8 THC can’t offer the same sort of medicinal benefits and definitely can’t get you high. But no need to worry! The difference in structure between D8 THC and regular THC doesn’t cause as much of a difference as you may think.

D8 could cause a high

We get it. This is one of the best parts of THC, so if you can’t get the same effect from D8 THC, then why even try it? But there’s no need to worry. D8 THC, just like THC, is psychoactive (meaning that it causes a high). The only difference is that the high may not be quite a strong as THC’s. As we talked about a bit earlier, THC and D8 THC are both cannabinoids. This means that they are able to interact with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). Whether or not you’ve heard of the ECS, you still have one. It is made up of receptors that help your body control certain functions. Most cannabinoids have very minor interactions with these receptors, but THC binds tightly with them. This is how THC causes a high. 

D8 THC binds to the same receptors as THC; it’s just that its bond doesn’t appear to be quite as tight. So, D8 will get you high, but the high might not be quite as strong. This could make it the perfect choice if you’re a THC newbie or if you’re wanting to try a more body high experience or different experience in psychoactive properties.

Help with anxiety

The idea that any kind of THC would be able to help soothe anxiety seems kind of ridiculous. We’ve all heard of someone having a total freak-out because of THC (some of us have even experienced one ourselves). But there is actually a fair amount of evidence backing this up. For example, PubChem, a part of PubMed, lists D8 THC as an anxiolytic compound. Meaning that it has the potential to reduce anxiety when taken at the right levels.

Plus, there is also the fact that D8 THC isn’t as strong as regular THC. While this isn’t a guarantee that it won’t cause a freak-out, it does suggest that a freak-out is less likely. So, if you’ve tried regular THC, but it didn’t feel great for you, maybe try some D8 and how that one sits.

Help with inflammation

This is a big one. Inflammation and pain have been some of the biggest areas of research when it comes to all cannabinoids, but especially with THC. You’ve probably have seen some stories and studies about how THC is a good alternative to most opioids. But does D8 THC stand up to the same kind of scrutiny.

Pretty well, actually. The research on D8 THC is still pretty new, but it is very promising. This study, as an example, found that D8 THC was able to reduce inflammation and pain in mice corneas. This is really only one of a good number of studies that have found similar results. Which is fantastic news, because D8 THC and other cannabinoids don’t have the addictive effects that other pain killers, like opioids have. This is part of the reason why medical marijuana even exists.

D8 THC will show up on a drug test

There is one downside to D8 THC. Much like regular THC, it will show up on a drug test. Most drug tests are designed to find any THC. It more than likely will not be able to differentiate between D9 THC and D8 on a normal urine test. When a urine drug test is performed it is testing for the byproducts and metabolites found in the urine that are produced by the body. To test the difference between D8 & D9 you need a blood test that is more extensive and uses more advanced techniques. If you have a drug test coming up that you can’t afford to fail, we’d recommend staying away from D8 for a while. Because even though it is likely legal in your state, your employer may still have their own policies about cannabis usage.

Now that you know what D8 THC is, it’s time to ask yourself, what kind of D8 product do I want to try? At Dharma 8, we have a wide range of D8 products for you to pick from. From the very basic, like hemp flowers, to the much more complex, like D8 caramels. There’s something for everyone. All you need to do is decide which one is for you and how much you want to buy! Click on this article about Delta 8 CBD to learn more!