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Delta 8 currently in vogue among cannabis enthusiasts. You can find any number of Delta 8 THC infused products on the internet. They range from tinctures to soft gels to gums to all sorts of other food products.
But what exactly is Delta 8?
That’s a great question, and we’ve set out to answer it in this handy little guide.
The best Delta 8 brands
1. Everest
2. Penguin
3. Space Otter
4. Planet Delta
6. TRĒ House
7. 3 Chi
8. BudPop
9. Moonwlkr
Where does Delta 8 come from?
Delta 8 is a cannabinoid that is extracted from cannabis plants. Most of the time it comes from hemp specifically, not marijuana. It also tends to occur in very small amounts.
So what is a cannabinoid then? Simply put, they are naturally occurring compounds found in cannabis plants. Here are some of the more well-known cannabinoids:
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CBD
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CBG
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CBN
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TGS
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Delta 9 (THC)
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Delta 8 (THC)
There are over 113 known cannabinoids, with many new ones being discovered frequently, each producing their own distinct effects.
What does Delta 8 do?
To explain how cannabinoids like Delta 8 work, we first need to talk about the endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a network of cellular signaling receptors that help regulate processes in the body. This includes processes carried out by the immune and nervous systems.
All animals – both vertebrates and invertebrates – have been found to have endocannabinoid systems (ECS). So it’s not something unique to humans. It can be found throughout the natural world.
The ECS has two main types of cannabinoid receptors known as CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are typically found in brain cells and throughout the nervous system, while CB2 receptors are found throughout the body and immune system.
Cannabinoids bind to these receptors and are subsequently broken down by them to produce their effects.
These are some of the effects of Delta 8:
It should be noted that scientific research on Delta 8 is still ongoing and not conclusive. However, the results so far are promising as the cannabinoid has been found to have a wide range of benefits for its users.
Will the Delta 8 make me cringe?
The short answer is yes, you may experience some effects from Delta 8 THC. After all, it is a psychoactive compound. However, this is not what you would experience with Delta 9 THC, which is the cannabinoid most people are more familiar with. For starters, it’s a much softer and gentler hum. Most tend to report feeling calm and clear-headed after taking Delta 8.
A good starting point with Delta 8 is a lower dose. One company offering low dose Delta 8 for consumption is no. Fresh Watermelon Relax and Nama Chews are packed with 5mg microdose Delta 8 and 25mg organic broad spectrum hemp extract. All nama products come with a scannable QR code linked to third-party lab results in a full panel, so you can be sure they’re infused with the highest quality hemp.
How should I take Delta 8?
The Delta 8 comes in a variety of forms. So your choice will depend on what you feel most comfortable with.
The most widely distributed Delta 8 products are edible, especially chewing gum. All you have to do with them is take the recommended dose and then wait about an hour and a half before you decide to take more. The edible method usually takes a while to start, so it requires some patience.
Vape cartridges are another common type of Delta 8 product. Inhaling Delta 8 through a vaporizer usually produces the fastest results of all the different methods. However, given the current controversy surrounding vaping, it may not be for everyone.
Then there are the Delta 8 Oil Tinctures. If you’ve taken CBD oil before, they’re probably very familiar. You simply unscrew the cap from the bottle, fill the dropper to the desired amount, squeeze the dropper under your tongue, and then hold it for about 60-90 seconds before swallowing.
Regardless of which method you choose, the standard advice is to “start low and go slow.” You don’t want to overload yourself with too high a dose. Most beginners start with around 10mg of Delta 8 before increasing as needed.
Is Delta 8 legit?
Although Delta 8 products are legal at the federal level, there are over a dozen states that have moved forward with banning them.
Here are the states where the sale/use of the Delta 8 is restricted as of June 2021:
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Alaska
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Arizona
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Arkansas
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Colorado
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Delaware
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Kentucky
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Idaho
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Iowa
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Mississippi
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Montana
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new York
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Rhode Island
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Utah
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Vermont
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Washington
Needless to say, it is highly recommended that you check your local laws before purchasing Delta 8 products. There are several states where the legal status of Delta 8 is still pending and may be subject to change.
How are Delta 8 products manufactured?
Most brands use a supercritical CO2 process to isolate and extract the cannabinoids from hemp. However, there are some unique challenges in particular with respect to Delta 8 extraction.
One of the biggest problems is that naturally occurring Delta 8 THC is a rare substance. It accounts for only 0.1% of the compounds found in the hemp plant.
What often happens is that Delta 8 is synthesized from CBD. This is possible because both Delta 8s are technically an isomer of CBD. This means that the two compounds share the same atoms, just in a different arrangement. By atomic rearrangement of CBD, Delta 8 can be produced in larger quantities.
Where can I get Delta 8 products?
Delta 8 can be bought at most stores and dispensaries in the states where it is legal. Still, these places are where you might run into some not-so-good products. Generally, the safest place to buy Delta 8 products is online. This is because the best Delta 8 brands online provide independent lab results and customer reviews that you can check before making a purchase. This way, you can make sure that they are safe and free of any contaminants. Everest, for example, is transparent about how their products are made; they also have customer service to answer any question you may have. This is a sign of a company that cares about its customers and is confident in the quality of its products.
Suggestions
It is always recommended that you speak with your doctor before consuming Delta 8 products. If you are currently taking any prescription medications, there is a chance that this may cause an adverse interaction. Therefore, it is better to first ask a medical professional for advice.
We would also suggest doing as much research as possible. Given that the Delta 8 is still relatively new, we’ll likely learn a lot more about it in the coming years. The best way to protect yourself is to be informed!
Finally, if you want to improve your health and energy, you should also pay attention to sleep. There are many ways to improve your sleep. According to studies better sleep can lead to better concentration, more energy, a faster metabolism and less inflammation. Overall, good sleep will help you get the most out of the products above and set you up for long-term success on your health journey.