Whether you’re a frequent cannabis user or simply an information seeker looking for what’s trending in the alternative medicine sector, you must have stumbled upon the term delta-8.
Delta-8 has garnered widespread attention in the recent past due to its numerous pharmacological applications and pleasant psychoactive effects. Read on as we explore everything there is to know about this novelty drug.
What Is Delta-8?
Delta-8, whose full name is delta-8 THC, is a naturally-occurring cannabinoid in marijuana that exists as an isomer of THC.
THC is a common abbreviation for tetrahydrocannabinol. It’s a chemical in cannabis responsible for most of the plant’s psychoactive properties. The compound can also provide certain therapeutic benefits in addition to its mind-altering effects, making it suitable for medical and recreational marijuana users.
THC exhibits isomerism, a phenomenon where a substance exists in two or more compounds that share the same molecular formula but differ in the structural arrangements of their atoms. The most common THC isomers include delta-9, delta-8, and delta-10.
Where Does Delta-8 Come From?
A quick internet search for the phrase ‘delta-8 near me’ will turn up several cannabis retail outlets in your immediate location that promise high quality delta 8 carts available online. All you need to do is dig deeper into the company before ordering delta-8 carts or other delta-8 products. That entails checking the duration the seller has been plying their trade and the nature of consumer reviews they’ve garnered from most of their previous clients.
But even before looking for delta-8 products, it would help to understand where the compound comes from.
Now, delta-8 is derived from hemp. Hemp is a cannabis variant containing a relatively lower THC concentration than the non-psychoactive cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD). The cultivar often contrasts with marijuana, which usually yields more THC than CBD. However, remember that the term ‘marijuana’ is also frequently used interchangeably with ‘cannabis.’
How Can I Extract Delta-8?
The extraction of delta-8 mainly involves preparing cannabidiol from hemp extracts and then converting the CBD into delta-8. Here’s a brief procedure on how to go about it;
- Harvest fresh hemp extracts from your matured cannabis plants or purchases the same from a reputable seller.
- Add a non-polar organic solvent, such as heptane, to the fresh hemp biomass to make a CBD solution.
- Allow the set-up to sit for 3 – 5 hours.
- Add acid to the solvent solution and stir.
Common acids include hydrochloric acid (HCl), alumina acid-washed, and p-toluenesulfonic acid.
- Continue stirring for up to 18 hours as you maintain the mixture’s temperature around 100 degrees Celsius.
- Remove the upper phase from the solution.
- Neutralize the remaining portion using an aqueous solution, preferably 5% sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3).
- The resultant solution should be delta-8.
What Are The Benefits Of Delta-8?
Delta-8 THC offers a myriad of therapeutic benefits. As you might have guessed, the compound shares the same pharmacological applications as tetrahydrocannabinol – its parent cannabinoid.
Tetrahydrocannabinol is widely administered for pain relief. THC helps with pain management by blocking the pathways along which pain signals travel across the body.
Delta-8 may also help treat stress and anxiety. That’s due to its positive interactions with ‘bliss’ hormones like dopamine and serotonin.
Inflammation is another common medical issue you can address effectively using delta-8 supplements. As with pain and anxiety, delta-8’s anti-inflammatory properties tie back to its active compound – tetrahydrocannabinol. THC alleviates inflammation by suppressing the release of cytokines, proteins that activate inflammatory signals.
The following are other medical conditions that you can treat or manage using delta-8 THC;
- Sleep disorders like insomnia, parasomnias, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome
- Neurological disorders like epileptic seizures
- Psychiatric issues like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia
- Sexual performance issues like erectile dysfunction (ED)
- Age-related degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease
Will Delta-8 Get Me High?
Delta-8 is a derivative of marijuana’s most psychoactive chemical. That mere fact implies that the compound will, indeed, get you high.
However, delta-8’s mind-altering effects are far more tolerable than regular THC, also known as delta-9. This is one of the reasons behind the heightened interest in delta-8 products in the recent past.
Most delta-8 users report feeling a pleasant high marked by intense happiness, high creativity, and mental relaxation.
How Do I Consume Delta-8?
There are various ways you can administer delta-8 products. Popular ones include;
- Smoking dried hemp extracts
- Vaping delta-8 e-liquids or concentrates
- Administering delta-8 tinctures sublingually
- Ingesting delta-8 edibles, such as gummies and baked goods
- Applying delta-8 topicals externally, such as ointments and face masks
The above delivery methods differ depending on the onset time and duration of effects. For instance, edibles take longer to kick in but produce effects that can last in your system for days. On the other hand, vaping with a Ball vape and smoking provide faster onset time and higher bioavailability. But you can only enjoy those effects for a couple of hours.
Final Word
Delta-8 continues to gain attention for its many health benefits and mild psychedelic properties. To make the most of this compound, remember to use it in moderation. An overdose might trigger several adverse effects.
It’s also worth noting that delta-8 is federally legal in the United States since it comes from hemp. But if you’re located outside the US, check your local cannabis laws before being in possession of delta-8 products.
