What Is Delta-8 THC and Why Is it so Popular?

Excuse us, CBD, but you’re going to have to move over because another cannabinoid is taking center stage: delta-8-THC! These days you can find it all across the US in cannabis dispensaries, tobacco shops, gas stations, and convenience stores, usually in the form of products such as vape cartridges, tinctures, and gummies.  

So, what is this delta-8-THC, and why the sudden popularity?

In the cannabis market, there’s a lot that goes into determining strains, compounds, and ingredients. CBD gained its popularity by distinguishing itself from THC and the psychoactive effects people usually associate with Cannabis use. In contrast, delta 8 underlines the similarities.  

For starters, its chemical structure resembles that of delta-9 THC, the main psychoactive compound found in Cannabis.

As the name suggests, delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC are both forms of THC or tetrahydrocannabinol. When people talk about THC, they’re usually referring to the delta-9 variety that makes you “high.” Actually, they can both give you that euphoric, fuzzy feeling, but delta-8 gives you a mellower high, and that’s why it’s also referred to as “diet weed” or “marijuana lite.” Additionally, paranoia, anxiety, and drowsiness, which are all classic THC adverse effects, are also milder.

Delta-8 THC works similarly to delta-9 in that it binds to the body’s endocannabinoid system. They both have a double bond in their structure, and it’s this bond that is thought to cause the psychoactive effects.

However, the positioning of the double bond in the two THCs differs. The delta-9 THC has a double bond on the ninth carbon in its carbon chain, while delta-8 has a double bond on its eighth carbon, so it interacts with the endocannabinoid system in a slightly different manner and produces milder effects.

Another reason why delta-8 THC has become so popular is that for now, it’s in a legal gray area. It’s extracted from hemp-derived CBD, which is legal thanks to the federal Farm Bill of 2018, which removed hemp and hemp-derived products from the list of controlled substances.

Delta-8 isn’t mentioned in the bill at all, creating a loophole that makes it legal to sell delta-8 THC products.

Right now, these products are the fastest growing in the industry and can be bought both online as well as in weed and vape shops, convenience stores, and gas stations in the forms of vaping pens, joints, oils, tinctures, gummies, other edibles, and beverages.

Please keep in mind that there is no quality control for these products, so if you want the best delta 8 THC, you need to make sure you’re buying from a reliable source. The natural level of delta-8 THC in hemp is extremely low, which means that other potentially harmful chemicals need to be used to convert other compounds from hemp and reach the levels required by the market.

Because of the chemicals used in the process, the final delta-8 THC product may contain potentially dangerous contaminants, and there is concern about other potential contaminants that may be present or created.

Furthermore, delta-8 THC products may be made in uncontrolled or unsanitary conditions.