Delta 8 Explained
Delta 8 has become the hot new thing on the market. Everyone seems to have an opinion on it, but what exactly is it? Legislation, chemistry, and culture are all factors that contributed to the rise of delta 8. Read on to have all your questions about delta 8 properly explained.
In the meantime, if you want the joys of delta 8 explained for yourself, check out our selection of delta 8 blunts here.
What is delta 8?
The recent phenomenon of delta 8 is easily explained. Delta 8 has really only become mainstream within the past few years. Advocates praise delta 8 as a welcome alternative to THC, while critics claim delta 8 is dangerous. But, what exactly is delta 8, and why all the variance of opinion? Delta 8 is a naturally occurring cannabinoid, initially discovered in the 1940s by American cannabis chemist Roger Adams. While delta 8 is naturally present in cannabis, unlike more prevalent cannabinoids like delta 9 THC and CBD, it really only occurs in trace amounts.
Though delta 8 has been known to scientists for decades, there’s a reason that it suddenly surged in popularity recently. I’m sure we all remember when it seemed there was CBD literally everywhere. Health shops, head shops, spas, and coffee shops were all offering this “cure all” cannabinoid. The CBD craze lead to there being an abundance of CBD. So, scientists began to experiment with it, and realized they could use this CBD to make delta 8. The CBD came from hemp, which was newly legal on a federal level thanks to the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill. Legally, hemp is defined as cannabis containing .3% or less THC by dry weight. So, since delta 8 was being synthesized from hemp, it was also federally legal (technically).
The feel good cannabinoid
Delta 8 is actually a form of THC itself. The main THC that we all know and love is delta 9 THC. The difference between the two lies in the placement of a double bond on their respective carbon chains. This difference of molecular shape makes delta 8 less potent than delta 9. This is because both forms of THC attach to our CB1 receptors. These receptors are part of our endocannabinoid system. The more securely a cannabinoid attaches to these receptors, the more intense the high is. Delta 9 THC attaches to these receptors more securely than delta 8, which is why delta 9 is the more potent of the two.
That being said, less potency isn’t exactly a bad thing. And, less potency is another piece of the puzzle when it comes to having the popularity of delta 8 explained. Some users want the relief and benefits of cannabis without the intensity of a traditional THC high. This is especially appealing to those who suffer from anxiety or paranoia while stoned. Since delta 8 is less potent, there is less potential for anxiety and paranoia. This survey of 521 respondents supports this idea. Of the participants, 74% reported that they didn’t experience anxiety after consuming delta 8, and 83% denied experiencing paranoia.
Explaining delta 8
So why is delta 8 so appealing? For many, delta 8 offers a legal high in states where cannabis hasn’t been legalized. However, certain states have since passed legislation of their own to either regulate or ban delta 8 altogether. Critics of delta 8 claim it’s dangerous; why? Unlike the legal cannabis market, delta 8 is not regulated. This is why lab testing is absolutely essential. Lab testing ensures that there are no leftover byproducts from the cannabinoid conversion process. It also guarantees that the cannabinoid content is what it should be. Here at DVNT, we lab test all of our products, and share the results right on our site so that you can shop with confidence.
The bottom line
Delta 8 is a welcome, sometimes legal alternative to traditional THC. It offers a less potent high, and less potential for anxiety and paranoia. Its recent uptick in popularity is due to the 2018 Farm Bill, and the resulting abundance of CBD. The delta 8 trend is easily explained: it’s federally legal, and people enjoy it.
Here at DVNT, you can enjoy delta 8 without the stress. Our online selection has something for everyone, and offers the ultimate convenience of having everything shipped straight to your door.