Delta 8 is Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol. It is also known as delta-8-THC, d8, and Δ8-THC. Delta 8 is one of the psychoactive cannabinoids in the hemp plant, or Cannabis sativa, which is now widely grown in the United States. While Delta 8 is a form of THC, it is not exactly the tetrahydrocannabinol that is defined and recognized as Delta 9.

An Introduction to Delta 8

Delta 8 is a cannabinoid. The cannabis plants, irrespective of the specific species, are rich in cannabinoids. Like Delta 8, Delta 9 is also a cannabinoid. Delta 9 is what most state and federal laws recognize as THC. Delta 8 and Delta 9 have similar and dissimilar properties. Both are psychoactive cannabinoids but their chemical structures are different.

Delta 8 THC is actually an isomer. Delta 8 and Delta 9 have the same molecular formula. Each molecule of both these cannabinoids has the same number of atoms. However, the spatial arrangement of these atoms is different. It is this spatial structure or the distinct arrangement of the atoms in the two molecules that leads to the slight differences in the properties and how they work when consumed.

Properties of Delta 8

Delta 8 has quite a few properties that are similar to THC, or Delta 9. D8 or Delta 8 THC is antiemetic, analgesic, anxiolytic, neuroprotective, and orexigenic. For smokers and cannabis enthusiasts, Delta 8 can be treated in the same way as THC, or CBD. There is a noticeable high, which is typically associated with CBD or THC. The only exception is the nature of the high. According to experts and users who have tried Delta 8, it is a tad less potent than THC or Delta 9.

Availability of Delta 8

Delta 8 is obtained from the hemp plant. Parts of the cannabis plants are processed to extract Delta 8 THC. In the United States, only industrial hemp and legally allowed cannabis plants are compliant sources of Delta 8 THC. Once extracted, Delta 8 can be used in different forms. For instance, there are refined Delta 8 products, including edibles. Delta 8 THC is used in atomizer cartridges. Owing to the similarity with THC or CBD, Delta 8 can be used in as many forms as Delta 9 is available in.

Concentration of Delta 8

There is no law currently restricting the concentration of Delta 8 in any specific type of product. There are federal and local laws limiting the concentration of Delta 9 THC to 0.3%. The same law is applicable for products containing Delta 8. Since CBD or THC products may contain both Delta 8 and Delta 9, the restriction of 0.3% concentration for the latter should be adhered to by all manufacturers and sellers.

Delta 8 can be recreationally as satisfying as Delta 9. The minute difference in the potency is barely felt by most people. The qualitative experience is nearly identical. The experiential effect is the reason why Delta 8 has attained immense popularity in such a short time.