What is Delta 8 THC? – The Future of the Hemp Industry

What is delta 8 THC? Why is it becoming so popular?

Well, let's break it down for you.

Think of delta 8 THC as the easy-going relative of delta 9 THC from the cannabis sativa plant.

When you eat delta 8 gummies or vape delta 8, you'll experience a mellow and enjoyable body high, just like its famous relative, but without the overwhelming intensity.

This article gives you the lowdown on delta 8 THC, its rising fame, and why people are jumping on the bandwagon.

Overview: Delta 8 THC

• Delta 8 THC is a naturally occurring minor cannabinoid with similar properties to delta 9 THC but milder psychoactive effects.
• Its reported use cases are for relaxation, stress reduction, sleep support, appetite stimulation, and creative work.
• Delta 8 is considered federally legal when derived from a Farm Bill-compliant hemp source with less than 0.3% THC. However, some states may have specifically banned delta 8 THC products.
• Take the time to research reputable sources and prioritize quality when shopping for delta 8 THC products to ensure their safety. and effectiveness.

What is Delta 8 THC?

Delta 8 THC, also known as delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, is a cannabinoid that occurs naturally in cannabis plants—but in trace quantities.

Delta 8 THC shares a similar chemical structure to the infamous delta 9 THC but with a slight difference in the double bond placement.

The subtle variance in the placement of the double bond between delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC is surprisingly impactful in terms of the effects they induce on the body (more on this shortly).

Where Does Delta 8 THC Come From?

Delta 8 THC is a minor cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant (both marijuana and hemp variations).

Because it's a minor cannabinoid, it doesn't exist in significant quantities like delta 9 or CBD in cannabis.

Most delta 8 THC on the market is typically extracted from Farm Bill-compliant hemp plants that have been specifically bred to contain higher levels of CBD.

Another way to get delta 8 is through a chemical process called isomerization, where CBD is converted into delta 8 THC. This conversion involves manipulating the molecular structure of CBD to create the desired delta 8 THC compound.

Marijuana-derived delta 8 THC is not as common as hemp-derived delta 8 THC because marijuana plants are still controlled substances under federal law.

The production of marijuana-derived delta 8 THC involves extracting the compound from cannabis sativa plants that have been specifically bred or selected for higher delta 8 THC content.

These plants undergo specialized extraction processes to isolate and concentrate the delta 8 THC.

What is the Difference Between Delta 9 THC and Delta 8 THC?

It's important to point out that there's limited research on the effects of delta 8 in comparison to the primary cannabinoids, delta 9 THC and CBD. Because of this, there's a gap in our understanding of how these chemical compounds stack up against each other in terms of effects and long-term safety concerns.

But here's a snapshot of the main differences between delta 8 and delta 9 based on user experiences and the public research available to give you a better understanding:

1. Chemical Structure: The main difference between delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC lies in their chemical structure.Delta 8 THC has a double bond on the eighth carbon chain, whereas delta 9 THC has the double bond on the ninth carbon chain. This slight variation in the placement of the double bond results in differences in their effects on the body.
2. Psychoactive Effects: Delta 9 THC is renowned for its potent psychoactive properties, often associated with the characteristic "high" experienced when consuming marijuana. It can induce a range of effects, including euphoria, relaxation, altered sensory perception, and an increased appetite.Delta 9 THC's psychoactive effects can vary in intensity and duration depending on the dosage and individual tolerance. But because of delta 8's chemical structure, it produces milder psychoactive effects.
3. Legal Status: The legal status of delta 8 THC can vary depending on the jurisdiction. In some regions, delta 8 THC derived from hemp is legally permitted under specific regulations, while in others, it may be subject to restrictions or even prohibited. The legal status of delta 9 THC is often more strictly regulated, as it's the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana. However, more and more hemp-derived legal delta 9 products are becoming available.

What is Delta 8 THC Legal Status?

Today you may see cannabis products at your local gas stations and convenience stores and think, “How is this legal?”

In the United States, the legality of Delta 8 THC is a complex and evolving topic. The Farm Bill (2018) legalized all hemp production and its derivatives as long as the products maintain less than 0.3% delta 9 THC by dried weight, but it did not explicitly address delta 8 THC or other tetrahydrocannabinol isomers.

Because our delta-8-THC products are 100% derived from legal industrial hemp, VIIA delta 8 products are legal in states that have not specifically banned the delta 8 cannabinoid — making them some of the only ways people can access the elevating effects of cannabis in states that haven't legalized recreational weed.

That being said, even though the Farm Bill federally legalized hemp-derived delta 8, this cannabinoid is currently been banned by law in the following states as of June 2023:

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

In states where delta 8 is legal, please keep in mind that state legislatures may change this in the future, so before purchasing delta 8 products, check with your local laws.

The Complexities Of Delta 8 As a Synthetic Product

Delta 8 THC is a minor cannabinoid that doesn't exist in substantial quantities for industrial production.

Because of this, most delta 8 THC products on the market are made through a chemical process of converting CBD or delta 9 THC, which is creating a bit of a debate over the potential risks of these products.

To really dive into this, we'll need a bit of context.

In the past, synthetic cannabinoids like the ones found in products such as K2 or Spice caused significant public health issues. These lab-created substances aimed to mimic the effects of natural cannabinoids but often resulted in unpredictable and dangerous consequences, even leading to serious health crises.

To address this problem, legislators tightened regulations on synthetic cannabinoids, which has sparked discussions about how they may impact substances like lab-converted delta 8 THC.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued an interim final rule in 2020 stating that all synthetically derived THC is considered a Schedule I controlled substance.

However, many people argue that delta 8 THC shouldn't be grouped with these harmful synthetic substances. Unlike K2 or Spice, delta 8 THC is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant, although it typically occurs in low concentrations.

Advocates emphasize that the CBD to delta 8 conversion process doesn't create a completely new synthetic substance like those found in K2 or Spice.

They believe that delta 8 THC should be treated differently from a legal standpoint. This argument on the "synthetic conversation" adds another layer of complexity and fuels the ongoing debate surrounding the legal status of delta 8 THC.

What Does Delta 8 THC Feel Like?

The experience with delta 8 THC can vary from person to person, depending on how much they take and whether they smoke or eat it. But there are some commonly reported sensations and feelings associated with its use:

• Gentle Euphoria: Delta 8 THC is known for producing a mild and enjoyable euphoric effect. Users often describe feeling uplifted, content, and in a positive mood. This feel-good rush is typically less intense compared to delta 9 THC, providing a more subtle high.
• Relaxation and Calmness: Delta 8 THC has a reputation for its chill effect profile. Compared to delta 9, which tends to be more stimulating, delta 8 THC offers a more serene experience in the mind and body, making it more suitable for nighttime use.
• Heightened Sensory Perception: Some individuals report enhanced sensory perception when using Delta 8 THC. Colors, sounds, and tastes may appear more vibrant or intensified, creating a heightened sensory experience.
• Increased Focus and Clarity: For some people, delta 8 THC can provide a clear-headed and focused state of mind. Lower doses may help support concentration and mental acuity, allowing individuals to engage in tasks with enhanced attentiveness.
• Appetite Stimulation: Similar to delta 9 THC, delta 8 THC may stimulate appetite, giving you a case of the munchies. Users may find themselves experiencing an increased craving for food or heightened enjoyment of eating.

The Potential Health Benefits of Hemp-Derived Delta 8 THC

Delta 8 THC is a cannabinoid that interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which regulates many physiological processes. While there isn't as much research surrounding the potential health benefits of delta 8 for medical use, here's what's known so far.

Pain and Inflammation Support

Delta 8 THC exhibits potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which may contribute to its ability to provide relief from pain and inflammation. Users have reported using delta 8 THC products to manage discomfort associated with various conditions [1].

Relaxation and Stress Support

Delta 8 THC is reported to have soothing and relaxing effects on both the body and mind. It may help reduce anxiety, tension, and stress, providing a calming sensation that promotes a sense of tranquility and well-being.

A fascinating study revealed that individuals who regularly use cannabis held a positive view of delta 8 THC. Surprisingly, many of them even chose to swap their usual marijuana and prescription medications with delta 8 THC to address concerns such as anxiety, stress, depression, and chronic pain [2].

Sleep Support

When it comes to sleep, delta 8 THC has shown potential as a sleep aid for certain individuals. The compound potential sedating effects can help promote relaxation and contribute to a more restful night's sleep. Delta 8 THC may help improve sleep quality and reduce sleep disturbances by easing the mind and body.

Are There Serious Health Risks Associated With Delta 8?

The potential health risks associated with delta 8 THC are still being studied, and the available information is limited.

Delta 8 THC can still induce psychoactive effects, and individuals sensitive to THC or inexperienced with cannabis products may experience discomfort or adverse reactions. This is why it's important to start with smaller doses of delta 8 THC, and avoid driving or operating machinery under its influence.

When it comes to the quality of delta 8 THC products available on the market, it's crucial to exercise caution and conduct thorough research.

Due to the increasing demand, some less scrupulous manufacturers may cut corners in production, leading to potential issues with product quality and safety. By sourcing products from reputable companies, you can have greater confidence in the integrity of the product and its manufacturing processes.

One key aspect of ensuring product quality is third-party testing.

Reputable companies often subject their delta 8 THC products to rigorous testing by independent laboratories. These tests analyze the product for potency, purity, and the presence of contaminants such as residual solvents, heavy metals, or pesticides. Third-party testing provides transparency and reassurance regarding the product's composition and safety. At VIIA, we make sure to make all of our lab results for our delta 8 products clearly available to view on our lab results page.

Final Thoughts: What Is Delta 8?

In the ever-evolving cannabis industry, delta 8 THC has become quite the sensation. It offers a smoother high and potential wellness perks, making it an appealing choice for many.

Now, when it comes to buying delta 8 products, quality, and safety should be your top priorities.

Take the time to dig into reputable sources, check out those third-party lab test results, and see what fellow customers have to say.

That's where VIIA comes in. We've got your back with top-notch delta 8 products, carefully crafted using premium hemp extracts and third-party lab tested.

So, if you're looking to explore the world of delta 8 THC, go ahead and give VIIA a shot. You'll be diving into the finest delta 8 vape cartridges and gummies out there, knowing that you're getting the cream of the crop.

Frequently Asked Questions About Delta 8 THC

Article Resources

1. Kruger, J. S., & Kruger, D. J. (2022). Delta-8-THC: Delta-9-THC’s nicer younger sibling? Journal of cannabis research, 4(1), 1-8.
2. Kruger, D. J., & Kruger, J. S. (2023). Consumer experiences with delta-8-THC: medical use, pharmaceutical substitution, and comparisons with delta-9-THC. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 8(1), 166-173.