Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol also known as delta -8 THC is a chemical substance that occurs naturally in the cannabis sativa plant. It is one of the over 100 cannabinoids found in the two strains of the cannabis sativa plant which are hemp and marijuana.
This chemical compound is found in small amounts in both strains of the cannabis plant. It shares a lot of similarities with Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol which is commonly referred to as its cousin. Delta 9 is the compound in marijuana that makes people high. Although Delta 8 can also make people high, its effects are milder than that of its ‘senior cousin’.
Some people refer to delta 8 as marijuana lite and we guess that’s why some folks feel more comfortable with it than with delta 9. It has been proven (though not scientifically, but anecdotally) that this substance has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory potency and it is very useful for the treatment of pain, stress, skin rashes, psoriatic arthritis, eczema and psoriasis.
Basic Facts About Delta 8
The issue about the legality of this substance has caused a lot of controversy. You’ll be glad to know that Delta-8 is legal is most states in the U.S. This is because this substance is extracted mainly from CBD that’s derived from hemp which has been legalized by the Farm bill of 2018.
Although hemp has been legalized for cultivation in about 37 states in the U.S, some states still have issues with it. However, the 2018 Farm bill provides legal loopholes for advocates of the product to exploit and be law abiding. That being said, note that THC content of hemp products must not be more than 0.3%.
This means that buyers must beware to purchase only products that are thoroughly vetted. That’s why we would give you some tips in this article on how to vet and choose the right products.
Different Types Of Delta 8 Products
This substance is infused into many products or packaged in many different forms and they include the following:-
Tinctures
These are made by crushing the solid form of delta 8 and distilling it into a liquid base. Carrier oils that are used include hempseed oil, MCT oil and other kinds of pure oils. They are in the middle of the fast action of vapes and slow action and long lasting effects of edibles. These tinctures come in varying milligram strengths; this helps make dosing easier.
Tinctures can be found both online and offline; you can use hififarms here as a sample site for your shopping adventure.
Capsules
These look like your regular pills and they often come in form of soft gels or hard shells. They are made with hemp extracts with just a few additives such as the gel or shell that encloses the substance. This is a very subtle way of taking THC and is becoming increasingly popular.
Vape
These can either come in form of cartridges that come with vape pen or an all-in-one vape pen. Most of these cartridges contain about 800mg of THC oil and is inhaled with the vape pen. A lot of people who are already used to vaping find this product an exciting way of enjoying their guilty pleasure. This form of delta 8 also comes in pods that can be used with some devices.
Flower
This is the raw buds from the hemp flower which is infused with pure distillate of delta-8 THC. It usually comes either as loose buds or pre rolls. The method of ingestion is most often smoking. However, some folks add it to their food or use it for baking and other forms of cooking.
Edibles
These are snacks that are made from THC with different kinds of flavour to make them ‘edible’ and often times mask the grassy taste of hemp. The most popular type of edibles is gummies. One of the major reasons for its popularity is the fact that you can eat them anywhere without censure.
Factors To Consider Before Choosing Any Delta 8 Product
Having discussed the different forms in which these products can be had, let’s talk about factors to consider when shopping for them.
Reputation of the Seller
It goes without saying that a brand that cares about its reputation would not sell substandard products. Always look out for companies that have something to lose by selling fake products. Many argue that it is best to buy from online seller because they are more visible than brick and mortar stores.
While this may be true for some, it is not a hard and fast rule; your neighbourhood dispensary may also be a good bet. No sane store would want to ruin their reputation in their neighbourhood by selling substandard products. Check out this site for more tips: https://www.americanbar.org/
Third Party Testing
Whether you choose to buy online or offline, always request for certificate of analysis of the product. This is a result given by a third party laboratory after testing the product. This certificate attests to the fact that the product is manufactured under safe conditions and is free from toxic compounds and impurities. Ensure that you do not buy from anyone who hesitates to present this analysis report.
Transparency
This means that the company or brand does not shy away from telling people where it sources its hemp from, the methods of extraction and ingredients used in manufacture. Ensure the brand you are considering source their hemp from the U.S and uses the CO2 method of extraction. Additionally, the list of ingredients must not exceed 8 items. This is to ensure that there are no harmful fillers in the product.
Conclusion
We believe that the information shared in this article can help you make the most of the benefits of using Delta 8 products. Ensure that you do your due diligence before spending your hard earned money. Never take any red flag for granted; always insist on the best.
