What’s behind the Delta 8 craze – 5 things to know about this popular cannabinoid

As cannabis use continues to increase all across the world, we’re seeing more and more products and derivatives hitting the market. From tinctures and oils to edibles, pet treats, or beauty products, cannabis manufacturers seem to have left no stone unturned. While most people are already familiar with CBD and THC products, whether they consume them or not, not much is known about Delta 8, the newest entry in the cannabinoid race making waves in the health and wellness industry lately. 

This raises a series of questions: where did this new compound come from, why are all cannabis enthusiasts so excited about it, and what’s behind this sudden hype? The cannabis sativa plant contains over 500 different chemical compounds, out of which more than 100 are labeled as cannabinoids. So, what makes Delta 8 more special than the others? Whether you want to expand your knowledge on cannabis and its derivatives or you’re just curious to unravel the mystery behind Delta 8’s popularity, this article will provide answers to all these questions and more. 

What is Delta 8?

Let’s start with the most important and obvious question: what is Delta 8? In simple terms, Delta 8 is one of the many compounds found in the cannabis sativa plant. However, this definition doesn’t offer the necessary clarifications since you probably want to know what makes Delta 8 different from the rest of the substances extracted from cannabis, so let’s dig a little deeper to find the answer.  

On a molecular level, Delta 8, or delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, is similar in structure to Delta 9 THC, commonly known as simply THC. The difference between the two is made by the placement of the two carbon atom’s double bonds. It’s important to note that even the slightest change in structure can lead to significant differences in compound properties. 

But what does that mean for the end-user? To clarify things further, that seemingly minor difference means that Delta 8 and Delta 9 have similar effects, but Delta 8 is not as potent. It’s still possible to experience a feeling of relaxation and high when consuming Delta 8 products, it’s just not going to be as intense. 

How did Delta 8 become so popular? 

Now let’s see what fueled the Delta 8 craze that we’re all witnessing right now. With so many CBD and THC products already flooding the market, one can’t help but wonder why people find this new compound so interesting, and how it become so popular in such a short period of time. There are two important aspects to discuss here.

First of all, it’s precisely the excess of CBD products that led to the emergence of Delta 8 as the new cannabinoid on the block. There was simply too much CBD available which caused prices to drop drastically. So, producers had to find something to do with it, and they came up with the solution: convert it into Delta 8 THC.

The second factor that contributed to Delta 8’s unexpected surge in popularity is represented by people’s interest in finding a viable alternative to THC. As you may already know, THC is a highly regulated substance in the US, which makes it more difficult for people to access it. Therefore, it’s no wonder many cannabis consumers got excited when they’ve heard there’s another substance with effects similar to those of Delta 9 THC but can be easily procured in shops and dispensaries all across the country. 

Is Delta 8 legal?

When it comes to its legal status, the short explanation would be that Delta 8 is legal at a federal level, but it can be considered illegal under state laws since cannabis regulations vary across the US. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the cultivation of hemp, the cannabis variety that has 0.3 percent or less THC content by dry weight. Since Delta 8 is extracted from hemp-derived CBD, it’s also considered legal. Despite this legal loophole, some states have taken action to ban Delta 8 products on their territory. 

It’s suitable to say that for the moment, Delta 8 remains in a grey legal area, which is why it’s important to do your own research and find out about its legal status in the state you live in before you purchase Delta 8 products. [Take into consideration that in some states such as New York, the purchase of cannabis products is only possible by having a NY medical marijuana card.]

Is Delta 8 the same as CBD?

Although Delta 8 is derived from CBD, that doesn’t mean it’s similar to it. In fact, Delta 8 is a lot more similar to Delta 9 THC in terms of effects and benefits. While CBD is legal in most US states, THC remains strictly regulated and any product with 0.3% or more THC is still technically illegal. That’s because, unlike CBD, THC has psychoactive, or better said intoxicating properties, that might pose safety risks for consumers. 

So, the only notable similarity between Delta 8 and CBD is the fact that they are legal to use in several states in the US, but other than that their effects can’t really be compared because they don’t interact the same with the body’s endocannabinoid system. 

Are there any suitable alternatives? 

Since Delta 8 products are still relatively new on the market, a lot of people are worried about their safety. The truth is, there’s still not enough research on the effects of Delta 9 THC to know for sure if the compound has any notable health benefits, and Delta 8 studies are just as scarce. 

If you’re still on the fence about Delta 8 products and want to look for a safer alternative, you can always give CBD products a try. In states where medical marijuana is an option, you can also test products containing THC. But regardless of the choice you make, the smartest thing to do is to consult with your doctor before introducing any new treatment, supplement, or substance into your regimen. We’re all unique and have different health needs, so a health provider is the only qualified person to give advice in this respect.