Written by: Leah
When it comes to the hemp plant, you may already be familiar with one or two cannabinoids, most likely CBD and THC or marijuana (also called Delta-9 THC). There are quite a few other cannabinoids, such as CBA, CBG, CBN, and Delta-8 THC. Delta-8 THC is the cannabinoid that we’re going to discuss in this article. This particular cannabinoid is disrupting the hemp industry primarily due to its ability to give the user a heady high. Still, it is also legal for resale in nearly every state. Let’s take a closer look at Delta-8 THC and its effects, benefits, and forms.
What is Delta-8 THC?
To appreciate Delta-8 THC, you need to have some basic understanding of CBD and Delta-9 THC. Delta-9 THC has been used for centuries to treat mental and physical ailments, such as depression, anxiety, pains, nausea, and so much more. Unfortunately, weed got a bad rap from people misusing it, causing it to be banned for resale within the United States.
While Delta-9 THC has been making great strides in becoming legal both recreationally and medicinally, some people are wary of the powerful and mind-numbing high that weed produces. CBD was popularized as a way to enjoy the benefits of the hemp plant, just without any high. CBD comes in several options: broad-spectrum, full-spectrum, or isolate. A
ll of these forms contain less than 0.3% THC, making them legal for resale across the US (thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill). But some people wistfully yearned for a middle ground, something that would still treat their mental and physical issues but gave a more mild high than weed. That middle ground is precisely what Delta-8 THC offers.
This cannabinoid is striking in that while it only contains less than 0.3% THC, it gives a powerful mind and body high that leaves the user clear-headed and in control. Modern science truly is impressive because we can enjoy a “lite” version of marijuana and still enjoy the benefits of the hemp plant.
If you’d like to learn more about the technical aspect of Delta-8 THC, click here to be redirected to an in-depth article about this cannabinoid.
Delta-8 vs Delta-9 THC
While it’s true that both Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC come from the hemp plant, their chemical structure affects your endocannabinoid system differently. There are quite a few granular differences that distinguish the two, but we’ll go over two of the biggest ones now.
Legality
Legality is by far the most significant difference between the two cannabinoids. While Delta-9 THC has been around for centuries, an intimidating learning curve often deters the user from enjoying it properly. Add that to the underground sales and questionable production; you’ve got yourself a drug that has been fiercely persecuted until very recently.
While many states have legalized both the recreational and medicinal use of the drug, there is still much work to legalize the sale of marijuana fully. In comparison, Delta-8 THC hasn’t been around for nearly as long as marijuana, and it’s already legal in all but 11 states Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, Rhode Island, and Utah.
Since Delta-8 THC contains less than 0.3% THC, it’s legal for resale under the 2018 Farm Bill. But since it does give the user a powerful high, it’s strongly advised not to drive or operate machinery while under the influence of any Delta-8 THC products.
Difference in Effects
Delta-9 THC offers a much stronger high than Delta-8 THC, making it difficult for new or inexperienced users to use it properly. Worse yet, three strains of marijuana are intended for different things: Indica (more of a sleepy high), Sativa (energized and focused high), and Hybrid (a combination of the two). Incorrect dosage of these strains can have extremely unpleasant high that results in crippling paranoia or anxiety.
Delta-8 THC, however, offers a much more comfortable high. Instead of a couch-locking high paranoid high, Delta-8 THC offers a delicious feeling of relaxation and euphoria and leaves the user feeling clear-headed and in control. Reputable companies that produce and sell Delta-8 THC products often list the recommended dosage amount and the expected reaction time. These companies also offer third-party independent lab testing of all their products, allowing the consumer to confirm the validity and quality of the products being used.
Delta-8 THC Effects
Now that we’ve discussed the differences between the two Delta THC cannabinoids, it’s time to discuss the effects of Delta-8 THC, as well as the benefits. These side effects and benefits will vary based on several factors: age, BMI, weight, height, previous exposure to THC, and others. It is recommended to start slowly with your dosages, as you can increase the dosage amount over time.
Benefits
As we’ve mentioned already throughout this article, Delta-8 THC offers a much more controlled high that leaves the user feeling relaxed and calm. Instead of experimenting with Delta-9 THC and being scarred by a less-than-optimal experience, you may enjoy the high from Delta-8 THC instead.
Aside from the high, there are other incredible benefits of using this cannabinoid. A 1995 study revealed that Delta-8 THC could help reduce nausea, particularly in children going through chemotherapy. Due to its calming high, Delta-8 THC can help reduce anxiety and depression, thus supporting healthy brain function. Another study showed that Delta-8 THC might contribute to the production of acetylcholine, a crucial neurotransmitter responsible for cognition, memory, and arousal.
Are you beginning to see why Delta-8 THC is so popular?
Side Effects
We’ve been going on and on about how much we enjoy Delta-8 THC, and rightly so! But before you load up on the trending cannabinoid, keep in mind there are several side effects you may experience during your high.
Again, these side effects vary based on the individual and the actual products, so you may experience some or all of these side effects. Remember that once the high wears off, all of these side effects will disappear.
While Delta-8 THC is an excellent way to enjoy a calming and clear-headed high, there are some side effects you should be aware of, especially if using the cannabinoid for the first time. Some users report dry mouth, slurred speech, heavy eyelids, difficulty performing strenuous activities, and sleepiness.
These side effects can vary based on the amount taken and the type of product consumed, meaning you can experience some or all of these side effects. One should never operate machinery or vehicles while experiencing a Delta-8 THC high. Make sure you have a couple of hours to kill if you’re trying a Delta-8 THC product for the first time.
Start slowly with your dosages until you see how you react to Delta-8 THC, and remember you can always increase your dosage the next sesh.
How to Consume Delta-8 THC
The market is full of Delta-8 THC products, ranging from beginner level to advanced. We discovered several Delta-8 THC products made by Dimo Hemp, namely their gummies and carts. Dimo Hemp is a premium Delta-8 THC that launched in Los Angeles, California. Their product catalog is impressive, colorful, and intriguing, so make sure you check out their website after reading this article.
All Delta-8 THC products vary in reaction time and strength. Some companies list the expected reaction time on the label, while others leave it purposefully out. The legal age to purchase and consume Delta-8 THC is 21 and will require valid proof of age prior to purchase. Let’s check out several of the most popular products on the market and see if any of them are right for you!
Delta-8 THC Prerolls
Flowers and prerolls are some of the most unique yet rare products in the Delta-8 THC industry. However, Dimo created a trio of flavored prerolls that quickly became one of their best-sellers: OG Kush (Indica blend), Mimosa (Sativa), and Gelato (Hybrid). The prerolls are designed to look, taste, and ash just like a traditional cigarette or joint, making it extremely popular with both marijuana and tobacco users. The prerolls deliver a smoke that is deeply inhaled and exhaled, delivering a powerful mind and body high in a matter of minutes. Check out all three of these premium Delta-8 THC Prerolls from Dimo Hemp today and discover why these products are so popular.
Product Review: We had the opportunity to sample all three of Dimo Hemp’s Prerolls: OG Kush (Indica blend), Mimosa (Sativa), and Gelato (Hybrid). Each preroll comes in a glass jar with seven prerolls. The prerolls lit easily and stayed lit for the majority of the 10-15 minutes it took to smoke it, only needing to be relit once or twice. The prerolls had a sharp flavor of hemp and ashed easily just like a traditional cigarette or joint. Within five minutes of taking the first hit, the effects hit powerfully to deliver a euphoric mind and body high that remained for several hours. If you’re a new or inexperienced preroll user, you may experience discomfort when using these prerolls for the first time, such as burning in the back of your throat and coughing fits. Aside from that, these prerolls were a joy to use and it was truly an honor to sample these products. If you’re looking for a premium Delta-8 THC product that takes the hassle out of crushing flowers and rolling up, you’re bound to love these prerolls as much as we did!
Delta-8 THC Carts
Delta-8 THC Cartridges, or carts for short, are used with pen-style vaporizers. Screw-in the carts and press the firing button to transform the oil into an inhalable vapor. However, just like extracts, Delta-8 THC carts are more of an advanced user item, and beginners may experience some coughing. The resulting high is usually within 5-10 minutes, an attractive option for users who don’t like waiting hours for their high to kick in. Browse Dimo Hemp’s triple threat of Delta-8 THC cartridges: OG Kush, Mimosa, and Gelato.
Product Review: The cartridges easily screw onto an external vape pen device, using a 510 threaded connection. The liquid within the cartridge is very thick and clear, and provides a strong hemp flavor once inhaled. The effects generally take about 5 minutes to kick in and leave the user with a deliciously strong and euphoric high that lasts for several hours. Keep in mind, cartridges are more of an advanced user item; less experienced users may experience coughing fits, but once that is overcome, the fast-acting high is extremely attractive. The flavor is slightly sweet yet acrid, resulting in a smooth and calming mind and body high that will instantly delight the user.
Delta-8 THC Gummies
We mentioned two of the more advanced user forms of Delta-8 THC and decided to offer what is perhaps the most straightforward form of Delta-8 THC to consume: gummies! When it comes to Delta-8 THC gummies, the possibilities are endless. Different shapes, flavors, colors, textures, and strengths keep the gummy game strong. However, gummies require some patience, as it can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 3 hours (yes, you read that right) before you start to feel the effects. If you’re taking gummies for the first time, make sure to allot some time to enjoy the high without interference. If you’ve got a sweet tooth and would like a user-friend Delta-8 THC product, check out the Delta-8 THC gummies from Dimo Hemp!
Product Review: The gummies come in all sorts of familiar shapes and flavors, such as gummy worms, peach rings, and sour belts. The peach rings were exactly like the familiar grocery store treat, and had very little hemp flavor and had no bitter aftertaste. There was a light film left on the tongue and teeth, but it was very tempting to consume several of these treats just based on the flavor alone. The gummies took about an hour and a half to kick in and delivered a euphoric mind and body high that lasted for several hours. Overall, the flavor, texture, effects, and experience were incredible. Definitely a 10/10 product!
Delta-8 Extracts
Delta-8 THC extracts require a little bit of THC knowledge before use but deliver an extremely fast-acting high. To properly use Delta-8 THC extracts, you’ll need to purchase a dab rig (comparable to a weed bong) that can convert the extract into an inhalable vapor. As a pure form of Delta-8 THC, extracts have naturally occurring terpenes that deliver the “entourage effect.” The entourage effect allows the user to reap the benefits associated with consuming multiple parts of the hemp plant (i.e., consuming Delta-8 THC and CBD products at the same time will deliver more benefits to your body). We recommend Delta-8 extracts from Elevated Wellness as one of the preferred extracts in the industry.
Final Thoughts
The world is learning more about Delta-8 THC every day, encouraging people to cast aside their doubts and skepticism about marijuana and the hemp plant. Delta-8 THC can help those suffering from mental and physical ailments in a homeopathic way. Despite having less than 0.3% THC, Delta-8 THC delivers a powerful mind and body high that allows the user to remain clear-headed and in control. Remember that while Delta-8 THC is legal in nearly all the United States, you should always check for independent third-party lab tests to confirm the product contains what it says it does. We hope this article has helped shed some light on what Delta-8 THC is, how it works, what products to use, and where to buy. Head on over to Elevated Wellness and Dimo Hemp to see what products can help make a difference in your life today!
Published: July 02, 2021
Founder & Interim Editor of L.A. Cannabis News
