Similar to tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, delta-8 THC is just one of many cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. It is much the same really, just less potent. THC is psychoactive. It is what makes you buzz. THC is available at every New York cannabis store, some with especially high strains of it.
What of delta-8 THC? What is it? Can you find it in an online weed dispensary? Is it safe, and is it worth all the fuss?
These cannabinoids are similar in both name and structure. Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol is the official scientific name for THC. Some call it Delta-9. Delta-8, however, is slightly different. Along with name and structure, effects are similar to regular THC too. The difference is in potency. Delta-8 is not as strong as delta-9 is, and for those sensitive to THC, this can greatly improve their cannabis experience.
Delta-9, the regular THC, is most recognizable. This is because of its psychoactive nature. However, THC laws are extremely vague. The Trump administration signed the 2018 Farm Bill into effect, which legalized hemp plants nationwide and all of their derivatives. Technically, delta-8 is legal, since it is not the recognizable delta-9, which remains illegal federally. For now.
Hemp produces all delta-8 available commercially. This effectively legalizes it. People still living in states with illegal cannabis laws are now buying delta-8 instead, despite its lesser potency. For this reason, companies are now boosting production of delta-8 to meet these demands. The market already offers a wide range of delta-8 products and some suppliers are even shipping them countrywide.
Understanding the Differences
Like with normal THC, delta-8 works by binding itself to the body’s own endocannabinoid receptors. In this way, THC makes you buzz. Structurally, at a cellular level, both delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC contain double bonds. These bonds are what cause the intoxicating effects of cannabis.
The only difference between these two THC compounds is the placement of these double bonds.
Delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC both have carbon-based atoms. Delta-8, however, places its double bond on its eighth carbon. Hence its name. Delta-9 has its double bond at the ninth. The location of delta-8’s double bond on a lower carbon is likely the reason for its milder potency. More research is necessary. To date, nobody knows much about delta-8 THC, certainly not enough to conclude its interactions.
Effects
Delta-8 feels very similar to delta-9. Effects are the same, just not as strong. Delta-8 THC is also energizing, euphoric, and capable of treating an array of health issues. Despite its lesser potency, delta-8 still works well to treat insomnia. It is a very capable sleeping aid. Side effects are even similar between the two THCs. Expect munchies, dry mouth, red eyes, and some memory loss too. Just not as much.
Potency
Delta-8 THC does make stoned. There is no question of its buzz. However, delta-9 THC is notably stronger. Since delta-8 is legal nationwide, it gives those in illegal states a legal way to enjoy THC. Many people prefer a milder stone, some finding high delta-9 levels overwhelming. Regular THC can make some folk paranoid, certainly anxious. Still others just want to perform well at their jobs.
Dosing
Most cannabis regulars will find delta-8 THC significantly weaker than delta-9. If you are new to marijuana, then the kick from delta-8 might well prove mighty. Your response to these compounds will depend heavily on your individual chemistry. However, as a general guide, one typically doubles the delta-8 dose to feel the same effects as delta-9. This is important to remember when near edibles.
- 10 milligrams is the standard dose for edibles containing delta-9 THC, usually available either halved or whole.
- Delta-8 snacks, on the other hand, typically contain around 25 milligrams, which you can also eat entire or halved, as desired.
Considering these calculations, it seems logical to see delta-9 twice as potent as delta-8. With this reasoning, one edible containing 25 milligrams of delta-8 should feel about the same as taking 10 milligrams of delta-9. However, little to no research delves deeply into the workings of delta-8. Science is still discovering just how it works in the body and how strong its effects really are. As such, start slow.
Properties
Delta-8 THC behaves, acts, and works the way that delta-9 THC does. They both bind to the endocannabinoid system in the same way, but CBD is not binding. Instead, CBD interacts with these receptors to influence activity. Of course, both THC cannabinoids offer therapeutic effects. Both are medicinally effective, but if you are looking for relief without the stone, then CBD may prove better.
New York Cannabis Delivery
Since the market is still new in its delta-8 offerings, it is not always an easy cannabinoid to find. This becomes even truer when you are navigating products that are not what they say they are. If you intend using delta-8, then you need products that actually have it. Search Google for an online weed dispensary, but always scrutinize the source. Verify ingredients, processes, and suppliers.
This is why testing cannabis products are so important. Quality and purity come with provable QR codes and batch numbers that allow you to find product results online. Those with dodgy results are dodgy, often saturated in heavy metals, pesticides, residual solvents, and other chemicals. Products untested are unlikely to have real delta-8 THC in them, if they even contain any cannabinoids at all.
