Most people familiar with cannabis are familiar with delta-9 THC. Delta-9 THC is recognized as the one cannabinoid in cannabis plants that can cause a psychoactive effect. However, you may be surprised to learn that there are other forms of THC. In fact, you can find four primary types of THC expressed in most hemp plants. One example of a increasingly popular cannabinoid amongst this family is delta-8 THC. What is delta-8 THC? Let’s take a closer look.

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So, What Is Delta 8 THC?

Delta-8 THC (delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol) is a cannabinoid found in cannabis plants which may also be written as Δ-8-tetrahydrocannabinol or Δ-8 THC. Unlike delta-9 THC, delta-8 THC is considered a minor cannabinoid. It is typically expressed in very low concentrations in most plants. This makes the process of isolating delta-8 THC and producing products with it from extracting plants extremely difficult, expensive, and time consuming.

For this reason, most delta-8 THC products including edibles, tinctures, and concentrates start and end in a lab. Delta-8 THC is actually an isomer of delta-9 THC, which means the two molecules are similar but have a different arrangement. It is also an isomer of CBD. This means that both delta-9 THC and CBD can be converted into delta-8 THC through a process called isomerization.

What is isomerization?

Isomerization occurs when a chemical compound such as a molecule or ion (or cannabinoid) is converted into an isomer with a different chemical structure (ie. delta-9 THC or CBD converting to delta8-THC). Scientifically speaking, delta-8 THC has a similar structure to delta-9 THC but has carbon bonds in a different area of the molecular chain. Therefore, delta-8 is often associated with less euphoria and more therapeutic effects. Back to top.

Will Delta 8 THC Get You High?

Dleta-8 THC is definitely more mild when compared to delta-9. Delta-9 THC is most often associated with intoxicating effects, but delta-8 derived from hemp is not considered to be a highly intoxicating cannabinoid. Researchers have referred to delta-9 as having a “lower psychotropic potency” than delta-9 THC. Some users do report a slight sense of euphoria, an elevated mood, or even a calmer state. Therefore, it is always a good idea to try delta-8 THC in the comfort of your home where you can enjoy the effects and know for certain what to expect with use. Back to top.

Is Delta 8 THC Legal?

Due to the 2018 Farm Bill, delta-8 THC is legal as long as it is derived from hemp. With the passage of the bill, all major cannabinoids found in hemp were removed from the controlled substances act except for delta-9 THC. Therefore, buying and possessing products made with delta-8 is legal. Back to top.

Is Delta 8 THC Safe?

Each individual can have a different experience with delta-8 THC because of the unique way it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. However, cannabinoids like delta-8 THC derived from hemp are considered to be generally safe. As always with cannabinoids, starting with a low dose, monitoring the effects, and adjusting as needed is the most reasonable plan of use. If you are taking any prescription medications, be sure to discuss whether it is safe to take delta-8 THC. Back to top.

How Long Does Delta 8 THC Stay in Your System?

Cannabinoids can have a longer half-life in the body. In general, cannabinoids like delta-8 may stay in your system for three or four weeks after you use a product. However, every person can metabolize cannabinoids in different ways according to things like their metabolism or even how frequently they use a product. Therefore, delta-8 THC may be detectable as a metabolite for longer for some people.

Does Delta 8 THC Show Up On a Drug Test?

When you take a drug test, the test is looking for a specific metabolite that your body produces when THC is broken down and processed by the body. Because delta-9 and delta-8 THC can be so molecularly similar, the metabolites of the two with bodily processing may also be similar. Therefore, if you are using delta-9 THC or delta-8 THC regularly, approaching drug tests with caution is a wise decision, just in case. Remember, drug tests are not looking at the type of THC you take in but what the body produces after consumption. Back to top.

Discover the Therapeutic Potential of an Alternate Form of THC with Delta-8

Hemp has grown to be such a fascinating topic of discussion, and the cannabinoids in the plant continue to surprise us all with their therapeutic advantages. Delta-8 THC is a prime example. Ready to try delta-8 THC for yourself? Check out our Delta-8 THC Gummies, Delta-8 Cartridges, and more at The Hemp Barn.
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