Category: Learning

Most people are familiar with Delta-9 THC and cannabidiol (CBD) products, but these days other cannabinoids are seeing more fame and curiosity. Delta-8 THC is one of those cannabinoids, and at the top of the list of FAQs everyone seems to have is this question:

Is delta 8 a synthetic cannabinoid?

• No: Delta-8 THC is a natural cannabinoid, but it is usually produced from other cannabinoids by humans rather than directly extracted
• Delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid, like other kinds of THC or CBD, but with a few key differences

With the dangers you may have seen reported about other kinds of synthetics, it’s normal to wonder how safe those delta 8 flowers, vapes, tinctures, gummies and other edibles are, and where delta-8 products come from.

This article explains what Delta-8 THC is, whether it is safe to use, what cannabinoids, including synthetic cannabinoids, are, and covers the potential side effects and legality of Delta-8 THC, too. Ready to learn more about everything from cannabis plants, cannabinoids, and effects on down? Let’s go.

What Is Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol?

What is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, or delta-8 THC, is a cannabinoid, a compound that forms in cannabis in tiny amounts and interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Its psychoactive effects are similar to those produced by delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the main compound in cannabis that gets you high, but milder, causing happiness, euphoria, symptom relief, sedation, and other psychoactive effects.

Structurally, delta 8 THC is an analog of delta 9 THC, both of which have a double bond in the carbon chain that is related to the effects of feeling high. The difference between them is the position of the double bond; it is at the eighth place on the delta 8 THC carbon chain and at the ninth place in delta 9 THC.

How Is Delta-8 THC Different From Delta 9 THC?

Delta-8, like regular delta-9 THC, causes a high feeling by binding to the body’s endocannabinoid system. Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC are chemically similar, both structured with a double bond that produces intoxicating effects.

However, although there is a chain of carbon atoms on each cannabinoid, they are chemically different in where they place the double bond. Delta-8 has the double bond on the eighth carbon, which causes it to bind to the endocannabinoid system slightly differently and produce less potent psychoactive effects than regular THC, whereas delta-9 has its double bond on the ninth carbon.

Delta-8 THC is also legally different from Delta-9. The legality of Delta-9 THC is clear: prohibited at the federal level and in many states as a controlled substance. However, except for in states that have taken specific action, in most of the US Delta-8 THC remains legal.

Is Delta-8 THC Natural?

Delta-8 THC occurs naturally in cannabis plants in tiny amounts. Thus, it is a natural cannabinoid. However, to exist in a consumable amount, it demands processing, and it is this process that causes some people to become confused.

Most often, Delta-8 THC is made by extracting CBD from federally legal hemp plants and converting it into Delta-8 THC. The concentration of CBD in hemp products is far greater than the concentration of delta 8 THC. This just means that to achieve a workable amount of Delta-8 THC it takes a great deal of human effort.

So although it requires human intervention to generate Delta-8 THC for retail use, Delta-8 THC exists in the cannabis plant and is a non-synthetic cannabinoid.

Delta-8 THC Side Effects

Delta-8 THC is a basic cannabinoid similar to THC-9, CBD, THCV, CBN, CBG, and others. Any cannabinoid may have some safety concerns, and Delta-8 THC products are no exception.

Like other natural cannabinoids, not only is Delta-8 safer than synthetic forms of THC, it also offers more benefits. Even so, delta 8 has some side effects. The side effects of Delta-8 THC are mostly very similar to those of delta 9 THC and are more likely with higher servings. 

Here are the most common side effects of Delta-8 THC. 

• A minor psychoactive effect
• Relaxation or mild sedation
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth (“cotton mouth”)
• Euphoria
• Increased appetite
• Intoxication (similar to THC)
• Red eyes

There are some ways to reduce your chance of Delta-8 THC side effects:

Testing. Always check for third-party lab tests when shopping for Delta-8 THC products. Δ8 THC itself is safe, but unsafe isolation or extraction methods can leave contaminants in the final product.

Labels. Read labeling—always. Even high quality D8 will leave you with very unexpected results if it’s mixed with other kinds of supplements like melatonin or vitamins, for example, so it’s important to be sure you know what you have.

Sellers. By purchasing from a reputable delta 8 THC vendor like an online specialty site or a dispensary, you’re more likely to have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Delta-8 THC vs Spice or K2: What’s the Difference?

Generally, K2 and delta 8 both interact with the endocannabinoid system and produce roughly similar effects, but they are significantly different. The comparison arises because K2 and Spice are synthetic cannabinoids that don’t occur naturally in cannabis plants, and delta 8 THC goes through processing as described above.

Classic Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 THC, Delta-10 THC, CBD, CBDV, CBN, and the rest of the gang are all basic natural cannabinoids with similar chemical structures. K2 and Spice are technically blends of synthetic cannabinoids that produce highly psychoactive effects that are potentially dangerous.

Legality is another important difference. Delta-8 THC is legal in most states, while throughout the US and most of the world, synthetic cannabinoids like K2 and Spice are illegal for possession, use, and sale.

The side effects of Delta 8 THC, Spice, and K2 vary widely. Users report unpredictable experiences from synthetic cannabinoids which can potentially be toxic. The adverse events of Spice are more dangerous than any associated with Delta-8 THC, but generally, Spice side effects include:

• Death
• Dizziness
• Hallucinations 
• Heart attack
• High blood pressure
• Kidney damage
• Muscle damage
• Psychosis
• Seizures
• Stroke
• Suicidal thoughts
• Violent Behaviors

What are Synthetic Cannabinoids?

Any type of cannabinoid, natural or synthetic, stimulates the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system. Synthetic cannabinoids are compounds that engage in this action but do not occur in natural sources. They have different chemical structures, effect profiles, and potencies.

Essentially, they work in the human body the same way, binding with the cannabinoid receptors just as their natural cousins do. However, the legal status of most synthetic cannabinoids is restricted, even as newer compounds or analogs continue to be introduced on the market.

One benefit of using synthetic cannabinoids is that they are inexpensive, and harder to detect on standard drug tests. These are the reasons why they are easier to find in places like gas stations and smoke shops in many states.

So, Is Delta 8 THC Synthetic?

No—it just requires humans to get enough delta 8 THC together in one place to create products, and most manufacturers choose to get it via synthesis from CBD. But Delta-8 THC is a natural cannabis compound.

Is Delta-8 THC Legal?

According to the Farm Bill of 2018, cannabis plants with less than 0.3% dry weight of Delta-9 THC are legal for growth, production, possession, and sale, along with their derivatives—including potentially Δ8 THC. This means that currently, delta 8 THC is legal on a federal level in the United States if it is derived from those kinds of hemp plants. 

So even where recreational marijuana remains illegal, Delta-8 THC made from hemp-derived CBD is legal in most states. Some states such as New York have prohibited THC isomers derived from hemp.

Check local laws first before using or buying Delta-8 THC, and always read labels! The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) isn’t doing this job for you with hemp products.

Final Thoughts

There is no question that Delta-8 THC occurs in nature in cannabis plants, but what you buy on the market in a final product may be synthetic or natural. The best move you can make is buy your delta-8 products from trusted sellers only.

Written by Diet Smoke Staff Writers

The staff writers for Diet Smoke have been researching and writing about premium hemp-derived THC and CBD products for more than 3 years. The team has a keen understanding of the topic, remain current on all FDA and industry news, and use their expertise to generate engaging and informative content to help educate consumers on Diet Smoke’s products. Each article is fact-checked and includes sources to scientific data to ensure readers receive the most up-to-date and accurate information possible.

Find out more about Diet Smoke, our history and our commitment to creating the highest quality products.

Reviewed By Colby Wohlleb

Colby Wohlleb, editor of Diet Smoke, reviews and approves all content before releasing it for posting on the Diet Smoke website. As a tireless advocate for the benefits of premium hemp-derived THC and CBD products, Colby ensures that all content is accurate, engaging, and informative. He also works directly with a trusted source to ensure the purity of the products we sell and performs rigorous lab testing to ensure that Diet Smoke’s products are of the highest quality and safety standards.

If you are a fan of the Cannabis sativa plant, get to know more about what the endocannabinoid system does and how it works. If you’re after some of the best cannabis products available, there’s no better way to find them than to understand what your own endocannabinoid system does.

In this post, we’ll get into how the endocannabinoid system works, and explore cannabinoids and what they do.

Cannabinoid Definition

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring plant chemicals found in cannabis. Endocannabinoids are endogenous lipid neurotransmitters that bind with cannabinoid receptors. Endocannabinoids are mediators of short- and long-term synaptic, presynaptic, and postsynaptic plasticity alongside substances such as calcium in diverse structures of the brain.

The most famous cannabinoid is Δ9 tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9THC), the main psychoactive component in cannabis. Cannabidiol (CBD) is almost as well known as THC these days. Despite the fame of THC and CBD, there are more than 100 different cannabinoids in cannabis, which exhibit a range of effects.

Cannabis starts by synthesizing several cannabinoid acids which must be decarboxylated or made active, usually by heat. After this process, other cannabinoids are created, as well as related cannabinoid acids and corresponding cannabinoid compounds:

• CBCA (Cannabichromenenic acid) —> CBC (Cannabichromene)
• CBCVA (Cannabichromevarinic acid) —> CBCV (Cannabichromevarin)
• CBDA (Cannabidiolic acid) —> CBD (Cannabidiol)
• CBDVA (Cannabidivarinic acid) —> CBDV (Cannabidivarin)
• CBGA (Cannabigerolic acid) —> THCA (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), CBDA (Cannabidiolic acid), CBCA (Cannabichromenenic acid) —> [remaining CBGA] —> CBG (Cannabigerol)
• CBGVA (Cannabigerovarinic acid) —> CBGV (Cannabigerivarin)
• CBN —> With time and exposure to oxygen, THC gradually breaks down into CBN
• Δ9THCA (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) —> THC (Δ9–tetrahydrocannabinol)
• Δ8THC (Δ8–tetrahydrocannabinol) —> occurs in trace amounts in nature, primarily converted in a lab from CBD isolate
• THCVA (Tetrahydrocanabivarinic acid) —> THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)

The Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system (ECS), sometimes called the endogenous cannabinoid system, exists in all mammals. This biological cannabinoid signaling system consists mostly of endocannabinoids and their receptors, and enzymes. The ECS regulates a broad range of human functions, including pain sensation and modulation, mood, immune responses, memory, synapse regulation, appetite, reproduction, and sleep.

The ECS and endocannabinoid signaling help the human body move toward homeostasis, a place of balance between the various healthy systems. To maintain homeostasis—or in some cases re-establish or achieve it in the first place—the ECS helps keep basic body functions such as blood pressure and blood sugar levels well-regulated and in optimal ranges.

The three components of the human endocannabinoid system are: endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and enzymes. Endocannabinoids are the tiny molecules that interact with the body’s cannabinoid receptors, located on surfaces of cells. The enzymes are vital to the system in that they digest endocannabinoids after use.

So why do we have cannabinoid receptors—and what are they? Cannabinoid receptors are G protein-coupled receptors that bind ligands, in this case, cannabinoids. These receptors work like a thermostat or sensor, collecting data on conditions outside a cell as they sit on its surface, and then kick-start the right cellular response like the thermostat kicks on the heat or AC based on outside conditions.

CB1 and CB2 are the two major cannabinoid receptors, and they are both found throughout the body. CB1 receptors are most prevalent inside the central nervous system (CNS) and brain, and THC interacts with these to produce the cannabis high. CB2 receptors are more abundant throughout the peripheral nervous system in places like the immune system, outside the CNS.

Anandamide and 2-AG are the two major endocannabinoids. Anandamide, sometimes called the bliss molecule, is scientifically known as N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA). 2-AG. 2-ArachidonoylGlycerol or 2-AG is an endogenous ligand for the CB1 cannabinoid receptor present at high levels in the CNS and in breast milk.

Arachidonic acid is also a structural part of endocannabinoids that have signaling functions associated with neurotransmitter release modulation, which might involve appetite regulation, energy metabolism, learning, memory, and pain perception.

The metabolic enzymes that are part of the ECS quickly destroy endocannabinoids once they are used. Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) breaks down 2-AG so it doesn’t persist in the body any longer than it’s needed, and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) serves the same purpose with anandamide. And mammalian diacylglycerol kinases (DGK) are enzymes that catalyze reactions with consequences for metabolism of lipids and lipid metabolites, including 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG), and play a role in the epilepsy disease process.

What Do Cannabinoids Do to the Body?

Does your body need cannabinoids? Your body needs to maintain homeostasis. When a cell goes out of balance, the ECS responds.

Endocannabinoids typically limit or suppress inflammation in the immune system. For example, when a bacterial infection attacks the body, the immune system triggers pro-inflammatory molecules. This reaction calls other immune cells to help battle the infection, but it also moves the ECS into action.

The system releases endocannabinoids. These help limit the inflammatory response so it isn’t excessive and assist in signaling other immune cells. This helps the body fight infection without damaging itself, and return to normal.

Plant cannabinoids produce medicinal and psychoactive effects in the body mostly because they interact with the endocannabinoid system. For example, THC activates the CB1 receptor within the brain, producing a “high.” Other endocannabinoids such as anandamide also activate CB1 in the brain, though, so why aren’t we always high?

First, because the natural endocannabinoids such as anandamide interact with CB1 differently than exogenous cannabinoids such as THC. Second, because the metabolic enzymes that break down endocannabinoids don’t break down THC—which is why it stays in the body for a while.

Molecules such as cannabinoids rarely interact with only one type of receptor, and often they interact with many. CBD, which interacts with numerous types of receptors in the brain, is a great example of this. The bottom line is that although endocannabinoids and plant cannabinoids may activate the same cannabinoid receptors, they will probably also interact with other receptors, and produce unique effects.

However, none of this means that the ECS, whether it’s activated through cannabis consumption or not, will always mean great health. The endocannabinoid system is complex, and can be thrown off by prolonged pathological factors over time. In other words, like any other system in the body, the ECS can itself suffer.

The ECS is also a target for medications. For example, Rimonabant is an inverse agonist for the cannabinoid receptor CB1 and the first approved selective CB1 receptor blocker anywhere in the world. This anorectic anti-obesity drug that reduces appetite is marketed and produced by Sanofi-Aventis.

Final Thoughts

We hope this introduction to the endocannabinoid system has been an interesting place to start. As cannabis is legalized in more places and the mandate against research lifts, we expect to learn more about how the human endocannabinoid system works.

Written by Diet Smoke Staff Writers

The staff writers for Diet Smoke have been researching and writing about premium hemp-derived THC and CBD products for more than 3 years. The team has a keen understanding of the topic, remain current on all FDA and industry news, and use their expertise to generate engaging and informative content to help educate consumers on Diet Smoke’s products. Each article is fact-checked and includes sources to scientific data to ensure readers receive the most up-to-date and accurate information possible.

Find out more about Diet Smoke, our history and our commitment to creating the highest quality products.

Reviewed By Colby Wohlleb

Colby Wohlleb, editor of Diet Smoke, reviews and approves all content before releasing it for posting on the Diet Smoke website. As a tireless advocate for the benefits of premium hemp-derived THC and CBD products, Colby ensures that all content is accurate, engaging, and informative. He also works directly with a trusted source to ensure the purity of the products we sell and performs rigorous lab testing to ensure that Diet Smoke’s products are of the highest quality and safety standards.

Generally speaking, decarboxylation is just a chemical reaction that releases carbon dioxide as it removes a carboxyl group. Most commonly, decarboxylation removes a carbon atom from a carbon chain in a carboxylic acid reaction.

But the reason most cannabis consumers need to know about decarboxylation is contextual: that reaction is what makes many cannabinoids active and usable for humans. This is why applying heat while smoking or vaporizing is an essential step in consuming cannabis and cannabinoids and in understanding dosing.

Read on to learn what decarboxylation is, what the connection between cannabis, cannabinoids, and decarboxylation is, and why it’s so important to decarb your weed—especially if you’re making edibles.

Cannabinoids and Decarboxylation

You must decarboxylate, or “decarb”, your cannabis flower before eating it. Skipping this step produces an inactive or weak result. When you smoke cannabis flower or dab cannabis concentrates, the heat from the flame does the job for you, activating the cannabinoids—although if you decarb your flower in advance, it will be more potent.

The reason is that heat activates many cannabinoids so they can bind with the receptors in the endocannabinoid system.

The full spectrum of cannabinoids naturally occurs in raw cannabis flower, but neither CBD nor THC occurs in high amounts. However, raw cannabis does contain high levels of cannabinoid acids CBDA and THCA, which heat converts into CBD and THC, respectively. This is why vaping or smoking cannabis produces euphoria and other effects.

The natural plant chemicals cannabinoids produced in the trichomes are most famous for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound that lends cannabis its psychoactive effects. Cannabidiol (CBD) is also becoming more well-studied. Yet beyond THC and CBD, there are at least 100 distinct cannabinoids in the Cannabis sativa plant, which produce a broad spectrum of effects.

Here is how cannabis decarboxylation produces cannabinoid compounds from cannabinoid acids (with each arrow representing the decarb process).

CBGA (Cannabigerolic acid) breaks down after decarboxylation into THCA, CBDA, CBCA, and CBG, with a small amount of CBGA remaining:

CBGA (Cannabigerolic acid) —> THCA (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid)

CBDA (Cannabidiolic acid)

CBCA (Cannabichromenenic acid) —> [remaining CBGA] —> CBG (Cannabigerol)

Then further decarbing takes place as non-intoxicating THCA converts into THC:

THCA (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) —> THC (Δ9–tetrahydrocannabinol)

As the cannabis plant matter dries, the THCA found in raw, live cannabis converts gradually to THC. Decarboxylation expedites the conversion with heat. It also produces CBD from CBDA, and CBC from CBCA:

CBDA (Cannabidiolic acid) —> CBD (Cannabidiol)

CBCA (Cannabichromenenic acid) —> CBC (Cannabichromene)

The process affects other minor cannabinoids as well:

CBCVA (Cannabichromevarinic acid) —> CBCV (Cannabichromevarin)

CBDVA (Cannabidivarinic acid) —> CBDV (Cannabidivarin)

CBGVA (Cannabigerovarinic acid) —> CBGV (Cannabigerivarin)

THCVA (Tetrahydrocanabivarinic acid) —> THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)

Over a period of time and with oxygen exposure, THC gradually decomposes into CBN.

How to Decarb Cannabis

Can you just smoke or vape cannabis flower without decarbing? Sure! You already have, right? But it’s more potent and goes further if you decarb first. If you are making something like RSO or a tincture, there may be a reason to work with raw cannabis plant material, but otherwise you will usually decarb first. And if you’re making cannabis edibles, activated THC is a must.

If you are making edibles, and what you’re making is cannabutter, can’t you just directly infuse cannabis into the butter or oil over lower temperature? Yes, it’s possible to decarb cannabis directly in the hot butter, but it’s better to decarb first because it’s faster and for the sake of the final product’s taste.

That’s because when you decarboxylate first in the oven or a device it minimizes the time the cannabis spends soaking in your tasty food. It lets you skip a step to decarb while you infuse, but it also lets more chlorophyll into the infusion and makes infusion itself take longer, producing a greener flavor in the butter or other food.

If you have a device like an Ardent Nova, it’s simple: you pretty much follow the instructions and wait for it to decarb.

To decarboxylate your cannabis in the oven:

Preheat your oven to 240-245 degrees Fahrenheit (around 120C). Cover a rimmed, oven-safe baking sheet with parchment paper. Distribute cannabis buds evenly on the tray and place the tray in the oven.

Every 10 minutes or so, remove the tray and shake it gently to mix up the buds. You are aiming to expose the surface area of the buds equally to heat as time passes. Check every 10 minutes, and expect to bake the cannabis for a total of 30 to 40 minutes. Old, dry cannabis may take less time.

You will see physical signs of the process of decarboxylation as you check on your cannabis such as a color change to a darker, more brownish-green from a more vivid green.

Some people speed the decarboxylation process and heat at 300ºF for only 10 to 20 minutes, but this is risky and high temperatures just don’t always work. To maximize your cannabinoids and minimize risk, the slow and steady approach is always better.

Once the heating part is over, you can grind the decarbed flower coarsely, a bit like dried parsley. Use a hand grinder for this. Now it’s ready for infusing with butter or oil as directed by your recipe.

Infusion temperatures are different, so keep this in mind as you move past decarboxylation and toward infusion. A steady temperature between 160 and 200°F is essential to steeping ground cannabis in fats. The sous vide method is most precise, but a double boiler is safer on the stovetop. For a slow cooker, this is usually the low or medium setting.

Whichever method you select, make sure you stay at the right temperature by using a thermometer when you’re in the right zone. Infuse there for about three hours.

To sum up:

• Preheat the oven to 240-245°F
• Spread cannabis—no need to grind yet—on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper
• Heat in the oven for about 1 hour, stirring gently every 10 to 15 minutes
• Grind by hand after decarboxylation

Remember, to get the right results, you need to maintain the right temperatures, both during decarboxylation and during infusion, for the right amount of time. It is a rookie mistake to use the wrong temperature, especially to rush things at heat that is too high.

In general, to decarboxylate cannabis: About 240°F (about 120°C) for 50 to 60 minutes while stirring every 10 to 15 minutes is going to be in the right zone. Remember, you need to keep it from getting too hot to avoid destroying cannabinoids and terpenes in the final product.

Some people heat for about 20 minutes at 300°F (150°C) stirring more often—about every five minutes—to save time, but this is far less reliable for decarboxylation reactions.

Final Thoughts on Decarboxylation

Cannabis works harder when you can access all of the good stuff that naturally occurs in it! Decarboxylation is really just the scientific way of describing applying slow and steady heat to make sure your body can access those cannabinoids.

Written by Diet Smoke Staff Writers

The staff writers for Diet Smoke have been researching and writing about premium hemp-derived THC and CBD products for more than 3 years. The team has a keen understanding of the topic, remain current on all FDA and industry news, and use their expertise to generate engaging and informative content to help educate consumers on Diet Smoke’s products. Each article is fact-checked and includes sources to scientific data to ensure readers receive the most up-to-date and accurate information possible.

Find out more about Diet Smoke, our history and our commitment to creating the highest quality products.

Reviewed By Colby Wohlleb

Colby Wohlleb, editor of Diet Smoke, reviews and approves all content before releasing it for posting on the Diet Smoke website. As a tireless advocate for the benefits of premium hemp-derived THC and CBD products, Colby ensures that all content is accurate, engaging, and informative. He also works directly with a trusted source to ensure the purity of the products we sell and performs rigorous lab testing to ensure that Diet Smoke’s products are of the highest quality and safety standards.

In this article, we take a look at what is Delta-8 THC, as well as a number of questions you may have around this new and wildly popular cannabinoid.

What is Delta-8 THC?

Structurally very similar to the regular THC you have probably encountered before, delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a psychoactive cannabis compound. It is an isomer of delta-9 THC, meaning it has a slightly different atomic arrangement than the principal compound in the cannabis plant that causes euphoria, happiness, symptom relief, and produces a “high.”

Delta-8 and delta-9 THC are similar, but hemp-derived delta-9 THC is the one people are usually talking about when they mention cannabis, and the compounds have a slightly different chemical structure. Most marijuana strains contain higher THC levels, but in its delta-8 form, THC is far less potent.

Delta-8 vs Delta-9 THC: What’s the Difference?

Both delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC bind with receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The high feelings and intoxicating effects THC is known for are produced by this binding action. In fact, all cannabinoids and terpenes interact with the ECS in their own ways.

Chemically, the structure of the molecules is similar in ways that are related to intoxicating effects; delta-8 and delta-9 THC both have a double bond chain of atoms that contributes to these effects but where it is placed differs chemically from molecule to molecule. But the chains are located on different carbons, which changes the nature of the effects based on how they bind to the ECS.

And while both delta-8 and delta-9 produce the types of THC effects cannabis is known for, delta-9 THC produces more intense effects because it occurs in higher concentrations in cannabis. So while delta-8 creates a similar happy, euphoric buzz, overall it produces a milder high.

In fact, you can also expect other THC side effects such as paranoia, anxiety, and drowsiness to be significantly less of a problem. This is why many people call delta-8 THC “marijuana-lite” or “diet weed.”

Delta-8 vs Cannabidiol (CBD)

Delta-8 THC is far more similar to delta-9 THC than cannabidiol or CBD for reasons that are probably obvious. It both produces that high feeling and its chemical structure is nearly identical. And CBD is non-intoxicating, because it doesn’t bind as readily with the endocannabinoid system, although it certainly offers medicinal benefits.

However, these differences can mean that CBD makes a good alternative to delta-8 THC for some consumers. If you want effects that are somewhat like THC but less potent, you’re probably thinking delta-8 is a decent place to start.

Does Delta-8 Get You High?

Yes, but compared to the standard delta-9 THC, a delta-8 high is a lighter, milder high. Delta-8 may be a safer way to experience some THC-like effects for people living where cannabis is illegal.

Some marijuana fans actually like less intoxicating cannabis products more, such as those delta-8 THC products or high-CBD strains, even when they can get standard THC products. For many medical marijuana patients and recreational cannabis users alike, THC can produce anxiety, paranoia, and other negative side-effects. A milder, smoother, more energizing delta-8 high may help some users avoid the more negative experiences of delta-9 THC.

Effects of Delta-8 THC

People who use delta-8 THC products say they experience similar effects to the ones you’d expect with THC, such as mild euphoria, feeling happy and uplifted.

In terms of side effects, delta-8 THC is once again similar to what you’d predict with delta-9 THC, including dry mouth, short-term memory trouble, red eyes, and the munchies. And although side effects like anxiety and paranoia are reportedly less common with delta-8 THC, the quantity of any kind of THC matters. Remember, too, that there’s an exceptionally meager quantity of research on delta-8 THC and its effects on the body and mind, and that’s even acknowledging how little there is on cannabis generally.

Where Can You Get Delta-8 THC?

It’s not always easy to find high-quality delta-8 THC products since the substance itself is relatively new to the market. Your goal is always to find products that actually contain delta-8 but don’t include any unwanted additives or contaminants. Check delta-8 websites for manufacturing details and information on sourcing raw materials. Look for evidence of quality testing in the form of a batch number or QR code or another form of transparent information, like we offer here.

Of course many dispensaries carry delta-8 THC products. Over-the-counter delta-8 THC products are also sold at gas stations, convenience stores, online, and at vape and head shops. They come in many forms, as edibles like candies, beverages, gummies, smokables (like joints), multi-use products like tinctures and oils, and for the vape crowd, in carts and vaping pens.

Remember, be a cautious, skeptical consumer. There is no regulation over what is in these products. And although delta-8 THC products and CBD products may both be available in a lot of the same places, they are not the same. Don’t confuse them.

How Much Delta-8 THC Should I take?

No matter whether it’s delta-8 THC or any other kind, starting low and going slow is always a good idea. Remember to wait a while before taking more–at least 60 minutes after eating a gummy is generally recommended.

Delta-8 THC may feel somewhat weaker and milder than THC normally does, particularly for people with cannabis experience. However, especially for those new to cannabis, and depending on your body chemistry, delta-8 THC may have a real impact on you.

Can I Get Delta-8 in the Mail?

You can receive delta-8 THC products from retailers in the mail in most states, but because of its unusual legal status, some producers ship selectively. Always confirm before placing an order.

Delta-8 THC producers will typically ship to any state except these:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Idaho
• Iowa
• Mississippi
• Montana
• Rhode Island
• Utah

Will You Test Positive for THC if You Consume Delta-8?

Yes! You can test positive for THC, because remember: delta-8 is a type of THC. In general, depending on the drug test, it is detecting traces of delta-9 THC and its metabolite, but any THC including delta-8 could test positive on a drug test.

Right now, most commercially-used urine tests that test for THC don’t differentiate between Delta-8 THC like we sell, and Delta-9 THC like you’d get from consuming cannabis.  If you have a drug test coming up that will look for cannabis, it’s best to avoid delta-8 THC.

Written by Diet Smoke Staff Writers

The staff writers for Diet Smoke have been researching and writing about premium hemp-derived THC and CBD products for more than 3 years. The team has a keen understanding of the topic, remain current on all FDA and industry news, and use their expertise to generate engaging and informative content to help educate consumers on Diet Smoke’s products. Each article is fact-checked and includes sources to scientific data to ensure readers receive the most up-to-date and accurate information possible.

Find out more about Diet Smoke, our history and our commitment to creating the highest quality products.

Reviewed By Colby Wohlleb

Colby Wohlleb, editor of Diet Smoke, reviews and approves all content before releasing it for posting on the Diet Smoke website. As a tireless advocate for the benefits of premium hemp-derived THC and CBD products, Colby ensures that all content is accurate, engaging, and informative. He also works directly with a trusted source to ensure the purity of the products we sell and performs rigorous lab testing to ensure that Diet Smoke’s products are of the highest quality and safety standards.