What Is Behind The Rise In Delta 8 THC?

Today, those who are more conscious about their health will undoubtedly have noticed the rise of cannabis-based products. While most are focused on CBD products, others are more interested in THC-based products. THC – tetrahydrocannabinol – is the ‘high’ part of the cannabis plant that can provide the psychoactive compound many seek.

However, if you look around at various products like this, you might notice a new breed appearing: Delta 8 THC products.

With so many different THC products on the market today, answering the question, what is Delta 8 THC? is essential. In essence, most THC products utilize what is known as ‘Delta 9,’ but these new products are appearing on the market. And, given the legal grey areas around cannabis legality, people can buy Delta 8 THC goods from markets that would otherwise not sell THC goods.

What is Delta 8 THC?

This is a particular form of THC, an isomer of Delta-9. This means that while they share the same formula, they are arranged differently and thus produce different results. For example, Delta 9 THC has a double-bond between the ninth and the tenth carbon molecule; Delta 8 THC, by contrast, is between the eighth and ninth carbon in the molecule.

This particular product is growing in popularity, not least because it can be attainable. Compared to other locations where traditional THC products are still banned, it is by no means a challenge to find Delta 8 THC. It is on sale everywhere, from cannabis stores online to gas stations across America.

Unlike Delta 9, though, you cannot find Delta 8 THC in a plant form. Instead, it is a synthetic form of THC made from hemp but is not something you could ‘smoke.’ Instead, it is primarily found in drinks, edibles, and vape liquids.

Is the strength of Delta 8 a contributing factor to its growth?

Partly, though, it must be noted that Delta 8 THC is not as potent as Delta 9 purely because it does not bind as tightly to our CB1 receptors. However, it is around 66% as strong, which is why many Delta 8 THC products arrive in higher quantities and dosages to try and find the right balance. For example, a 10mg Delta 9 THC gummy would likely be around 15-20mg in a Delta 8 product.

Some people choose to use these products during the day not to feel the intense ‘high’ of a normal Delta 9 strain while trying and being functional. However, this product offers a balance for those who wish to be more functional.

That is why many are choosing to go down the route of using Delta 8 as opposed to Delta 9 CBD products. While they might enjoy the high feeling, they might not want to have that feeling at such intensity. As such, they were able to still maintain their daily habit of THC usage without the same impact on their function is an ideal proposition.

For many, then, the rise of Delta 8 THC comes purely from how effective it is versus how much it impairs our ability to get things done. However, due to the legal grey area of Delta 8 vs. Delta 9, some states are looking to restrict or outright ban the sale of the product. Keep an eye out on that, as until more regulation arrives for Delta 8, it could be treated differently from other cannabis-based products.