Delta-8-THC: Everything You Need to Know

Hemp-derived products have increased in popularity over the last few years. With new research and findings popping up, it’s becoming more evident just how beneficial hemp can be, and more people are looking to reap those benefits.

The higher demand has brought numerous hemp products to market – you can easily buy THC gummies, CBD tinctures, full-spectrum CBD vapes, and more. But the product that’s been grabbing all the attention is delta-8-THC, especially in the form of edibles.

Once one of the lesser-known variants of the THC cannabinoid, delta-8-THC (also known as D8 THC, or simply D8) is now one of the most widely sought-after natural remedies.

Let’s take a closer look at the D8 THC, see what it is, and find out what makes it such a prevalent cannabinoid today.

What Is Delta-8 THC?

Whether you’re a medicinal or recreational cannabis user or simply an enthusiast who’d like to give some hemp-derived products a try, you’ve likely heard of the two most popular cannabinoids – CBD and THC. Although they could bring some similar benefits to the user, their effects tend to be vastly different.

Namely, while THC is highly psychoactive, making you feel “high” after using it, CBD has no effects on your clarity of mind. There’s no “high” associated with CBD, no fog. You can keep your focus, feel productive, and even work when using CBD.

Now, the variant of THC that’s renowned for its psychoactive effects is known as delta-9-THC. Although it comes with pain-relieving capabilities and numerous beneficial properties, excessive use can lead to paranoia, anxiety, and other problems.

Delta-8-THC is slightly different. It’s not nearly as abundant as the D9 variety, but it can be extracted from any cannabis plant. It still produces psychoactive effects, but to a much lesser extent than D9 THC.

Its effects can be defined as somewhere between those of CBD and D9 THC. It doesn’t cloud your mind nearly as much as the traditional THC does, but brings all the traditional benefits, so it’s the most viable alternative to it.

The Legality of Using Delta-8-THC

One of the main reasons why D8 THC became so popular is because it’s legal on a federal level. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived products with less than 0.3% D9 THC, including CBD and D8 THC. Essentially, this means that delta-8-THC is legal in the USA.

However, it’s essential to understand that not all states allow its use. Each state has its own rules and laws that regulate the usage of any hemp-derived product. So, while you could freely use D8 THC without worrying about breaking federal regulations, you could still be breaking your local laws.

Do some research to find out whether D9 THC is legal in your area, and make sure to follow the local laws.

The Potential Benefits of Delta-8-THC

D8 THC has an abundance of potential benefits that could improve your physical and mental health when used responsibly. It’s packed with beneficial antiemetic, anxiolytic, appetite-stimulating, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties.

It’s commonly used for treating or helping to alleviate the symptoms of:

• Anxiety
• Chronic pain
• Mood disorders
• Nausea
• Eating disorders
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Insomnia

It can be energizing or relaxing, depending on the dosage. Even though it does have some psychoactive properties, it keeps your mind clear and allows you to be fully focused.

Unlike D9 THC, which has a potential for abuse, D8 THC is not addictive. As a matter of fact, the more you use it, the less you’ll feel its psychoactive properties, making it one of the best non-addictive alternatives to D9 THC.

It has a slower start-time, taking anywhere up to 4 hours for peak effects, and it can stay in your system for longer than 12 hours. However, since its effects are much milder than D9 THC, you won’t truly feel the peak effects. They come in and go away very slowly, making them almost unnoticeable.

Side-Effects

As a general rule of thumb, D8 THC is safe to use, with only mild side-effects being reported. Most commonly, users might experience dry mouth, nausea, drowsiness, and stomach upsets.

Since D8 THC is very mild, you shouldn’t experience anxiety attacks or paranoia when using it – side-effects that are relatively common with D9 THC use.

Dosing Delta-8-THC

As mentioned, D8 THC is slow-acting, so it will be a while before you notice its effects. That’s why it’s essential to determine the right dosage early on.

Delta-8-THC affects every user differently. A variety of factors are at play when determining its effects – your age, gender, metabolism, genetics, weight, current mood, current diet, and more. So, it’s in your best interest to start with a small dose of about 10mg to 40mg, then slowly work your way up from there. Take a small dose and wait at least six hours before taking another, paying very close attention to how it’s affecting you.

Don’t increase the dose by more than 10mg at a time, as just a little bit more of D8 THC can have a vastly different effect.

Final Thoughts

Delta-8-THC has only started garnering attention recently, but it’s already proving to be an excellent alternative to delta-9-THC. With its mild effects and low psychoactivity, it could be a good choice for anyone looking to reap the benefits of hemp without experiencing the downsides of traditional THC.

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