Delta 8 Effects Explained
Delta 8 is perhaps the most talked about psychoactive cannabinoid, aside from THC (delta 9). Many people have strong opinions on the subject, whether they’ve actually tried it or not. But what’s the real story? What are the effects of delta 8? How does it differ from delta 9? Read on to have these questions answered. In the meantime, if you’re looking to experience some delta 8 effects, be sure to check out our selection of prerolls, blunts, and gummies.
What is delta 8?
In case you need a refresher, or you never quite knew in the first place, let’s examine where delta 8 comes from. Delta 8 is a naturally occurring cannabinoid. It is only present in trace amounts, which means that in order to produce usable amounts, you would need a ton of plant material.
Luckily, due to advancements in science, there are other ways to get delta 8. In 2002, cannabis icon Raphael Mechoulam applied for a patent for his innovative process of isomerization. This process can be used to convert CBD to delta 8. Even still, delta 8 didn’t become mainstream until the past few years. The recent uptick in popularity is due to the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp on a federal level. Unintentionally, this bill paved the way for a myriad of hemp-derived psychoactive cannabinoids to hit the scene.
Most, if not all, of the delta 8 on the market today is derived from hemp. According to Leafly, “CBD is extracted from hemp and refined into an isolate, and then CBD isolate is synthesized into delta 8”. Chemically, delta 8 is very similar to delta 9 THC. The difference between the two lies in the location of their double bonds. On their respective chains of carbon atoms, delta 8’s double bond is found on the eighth carbon, while delta 9’s double bond is on the ninth carbon. This subtle chemical difference accounts for the gap in potency between the two.
What are the effects of delta 8?
Because they are so similar, delta 8 effects are not far off from those experienced with delta 9. In terms of potency, delta 8 is about 50% as potent as delta 9. This difference makes for a less anxious and paranoid high than what one typically experiences with delta 9. Positive delta 8 effects include euphoria, relaxation, and mood enhancement. The cannabinoid also has lots of potential medically, especially for those who want all the benefits of delta 9, but with a less overwhelming high.
Participants in this survey had positive things to say about their experiences with delta 8. 71% reported high levels of relaxation, while 68% reported euphoria. 74% denied experiencing anxiety, and 83% said they did not experience paranoia.
Because of its lower potency, delta 8 may have fewer adverse side effects than delta 9. That being said, you can expect many of the same side effects with delta 8 that you would experience with delta 9. These include cotton mouth, red and/or dry eyes, difficulty with short term memory, and difficulty concentrating. Some people report a more productive high with delta 8 than with delta 9.
The bottom line:
Like delta 9, how delta 8 affects you may be different from how it affects the next person. If you’ve never tried delta 8 before, and you don’t have a very high tolerance for delta 9, start small and go from there. I personally find delta 8 to have a smooth, relaxed, euphoric high that isn’t too overwhelming. I can still go about my day and get things done without experiencing “couch lock”, or losing too much of my focus. If I consume a larger amount of delta 8, it becomes more similar to delta 9.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a relaxing, euphoric high without the paranoia, then delta 8 is for you. Delta 8 effects aren’t as overbearing as delta 9 effects. It’s an ideal smoke for any point in your day, or to unwind before bed. Whether you’re dipping your toes in for the first time, or you’re an experienced user, DVNT has you covered for all your delta 8 needs. Our products are organic and lab tested, so you can rest assured you know exactly what you’re getting. Now that you know what delta 8 is all about, experience it for yourself with our convenient online store. You truly can’t go wrong whether you opt for a blunt, preroll, or gummy.