You may have heard of Delta 8 THC (D8 THC) in recent years as it has been gaining popularity. But what exactly is it? D8 THC is a minor cannabinoid found in the Cannabis plant. It is structurally similar to Delta 9 THC, which is the most well-known and psychoactive cannabinoid in the plant, but Delta 8 THC has a lower psychotropic potency. This means it produces less of the “high” associated with cannabis use. Delta 8 THC has been shown to have potential therapeutic benefits and is federally legal under certain conditions. However, its legality is subject to change and varies by state and country. It is essential to be aware of the legal status and to consult a healthcare professional before using any product containing cannabinoids.
The Legality of Delta 8 THC
In the United States, federal law prohibits manufacturing, distributing, selling, or possessing any product containing Delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). However, there is no such restriction on delta 8 THC. As a result, many companies have started manufacturing products containing D8 THC that are then sold online or in stores. It is essential to check the legal status of cannabinoids in your state or country before purchasing or using any products containing this cannabinoid.
The legal status of Delta 8 THC varies by state in the United States. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived products that contain less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC on a dry weight basis. This includes products such as CBD oil that contain other cannabinoids from the hemp plant, such as CBD or CBG.
However, this does not mean that all products containing cannabinoids are legal. The Farm Bill has not addressed products containing Delta 8 THC explicitly, and their legal status is unclear. Some states have passed their own laws regarding cannabinoids, so it is essential to check the laws in your state before using any product containing cannabinoids.
It is also important to note that while hemp-derived cannabinoids are legal under federal law, they are still illegal under some state laws. For example, Idaho has a law that explicitly prohibits products with any trace of THC, regardless of whether it is derived from hemp or marijuana. So, even though CBD derived from hemp would be legal under federal law, it would still be illegal under Idaho state law.
Before using any product containing cannabinoids, it is important to consult a healthcare professional and check the laws in your state or country to ensure that you are using them legally.
What are the Potential Benefits of D8 THC?
Due to its similarity to Delta 9 THC, Delta 8 THC may provide some of the same therapeutic benefits. These potential benefits include appetite stimulation, pain relief, anti-nausea effects, anxiety relief, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, more research is needed to confirm these potential benefits.
Delta 8 THC vs. Delta 9 THC
As mentioned earlier, Delta 8 THC is structurally similar to Delta 9 THC. However, there are some key differences between these two cannabinoids. One significant difference is their potency; Delta 9 THC is more potent than Delta 8 THC. This means that Delta 9 THC produces more substantial psychoactive effects (i.e., the “high” associated with Cannabis use).
For this reason, people who are new to Cannabis may want to start with products that contain only Delta 8 THC or a very low concentration of Delta 9 THC before trying products with higher concentrations of Delta 9 THC. Products containing only Delta 8 THC are also not currently regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so purchasing products from reputable sources is important.
How to Use Products Containing Delta 8 THC
When using products containing Delta 8 THC, it is important to start with a low dose and increase gradually as needed. This will help you avoid any adverse side effects and ensure that you get the desired outcome from the product. It is also important not to consume too much at once, as this can lead to unwanted side effects such as anxiety or paranoia. If you experience any adverse side effects, stop using the product immediately and consult a healthcare professional if necessary (time is usually the best cure for overconsumption).
Conclusion:
Delta 8 THC is a minor cannabinoid found in the Cannabis plant that has gained popularity due to its potential therapeutic benefits and its legality under certain conditions. Sharing many therapeutic similarities to Delta 9 THC but with a less psychotropic high. However, its legality is subject to change and varies by state and country.
It is important to know the legal status and consult a healthcare professional before using any product containing Delta 8 THC. When using products containing this cannabinoid, start with a low dose and increase gradually as needed. Be sure not to consume too much at once, as this can lead to adverse side effects. Stop using the product immediately if you experience any negative side effects. More research is needed to understand the potential therapeutic benefits of this cannabinoid fully.
