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If you’re at all familiar with cannabis, chances are you’ve heard of tetrahydrocannabinol, more commonly known as THC. Although it’s just one of the hundreds of chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant, it’s among the best known because it is responsible for the psychoactive effects (or high feeling) most often associated with marijuana.

Recent years have seen increased legalization of cannabis and cannabis products. The 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized the cultivation, sale, and possession of hemp cannabis (featuring 0.3% or less THC), and several states legalized marijuana for medical and/or recreational use. This, in turn, has opened the doors to research, resulting in a wealth of discoveries concerning the different chemical compounds inherent to cannabis, how to isolate them, and what benefits they offer—singularly and when paired with other cannabinoids, terpenes, and chemical compounds to produce the so-called “entourage effect”.

One chemical compound that’s starting to gain a lot of attention is Delta-8 THC. What is this cannabinoid? How does it differ from Delta-9 THC? What benefits can you expect when you choose Delta-8 THC products? Here’s everything you need to know about Delta-8 THC, its benefits, and where to buy it online.

What is Delta-8 THC?

To date, researchers have identified over 100 different cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, and that’s only about a fourth of chemical compounds present, including terpenes, flavonoids, and more. You’ve probably heard of the most popular cannabinoids: THC and CBD. However, unless you run a grow operation, a manufacturing business, or a dispensary, you might not be familiar with Delta-8 THC.

This cannabinoid, which occurs in relatively small amounts in the cannabis plant, is considered a minor, or secondary cannabinoid. Structurally, it’s similar to more prevalent THC, also known as Delta-9 THC. However, Delta-8 THC is essentially a degraded version, producing similar but milder effects.

This has to do with the structure and capabilities of the compound, including how it binds to cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Because of the desirable benefits offered by this lesser-known cannabinoid, selective breeding to isolate and increase Delta-8 THC in plants is gaining popularity among growers and extractors.

The Difference between Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC

Although Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC share a similar molecular structure, they are separated by a handful of atomic bonds, primarily the critical double bond on the 8th carbon chain versus the 9th (hence the Delta-8 and Delta-9 designations). This seemingly minor distinction makes a world of difference when it comes to how these different forms of THC affect consumers.

While Delta-9 THC is produced by enzymes in the cannabis plant that synthesize cannabinoids, Delta-8 is a product of stored THC degradation. Because Delta-9 THC is somewhat unstable and easily oxidized, it breaks down into Delta-8 THC, which is more stable and has a longer shelf life, but features diminished effects.

Delta-9 THC binds to CB1 receptors in the brain and nervous system, as well as CB2 receptors in the immune system and adjacent structures. While Delta-8 THC also binds to CB1 receptors, the slight differences in molecular structure impact the affinity for (or ability to bind to) these receptors, which, in turn, influences the effects it produces. Delta-8 THC also has an affinity for CB2 receptors, but the extent to which binding occurs is not yet well understood.

Effects and Benefits of Delta-8 THC

Now that we’ve covered the scientific explanation, let’s get to the fun stuff. What can consumers expect from Delta-8 THC? Mainly, a less potent version of THC. This doesn’t sound ideal on the surface, but there are actually several benefits.

First and foremost, Delta-8 THC doesn’t have the same level of psychoactive effects as its Delta-9 counterpart. This makes for a milder high, producing similarly relaxing and uplifting effects, but without the paranoia that sometimes occurs with Delta-9 THC. Delta-8 THC can also help to stimulate appetite without producing ravenous hunger. It has anti-nausea properties, and it can potentially help to soothe pain, much like Delta-9.

In short, it offers the same basic benefits you might expect with THC, without some of the unwanted psychoactive side effects you would rather avoid. This is an attractive quality for many people choosing cannabis products for medicinal use, as well as some seeking a milder high for recreational purposes. 

Is Delta-8 THC Legal?

Legality is an important concern for anyone purchasing cannabis products, especially since each state has its own rules and marijuana remains illegal at the federal level. Because hemp cannabis was federally legalized in the 2018 Farm Bill, most Delta-8 THC products are made with compounds extracted from hemp plants. Technically, this should make it legal at the federal level, but when the compound is isolated, extracted, and concentrated, it creates something of a legal gray area, especially since states create their own cannabis laws.

Currently, Delta-8 THC is legal, to some degree, in most states. However, there are 11 states where it remains illegal, including:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Idaho
• Iowa
• Mississippi
• Montana
• Rhode Island
• Utah

It’s important to understand that Delta-8 THC is separate from other types of cannabis and cannabis products. Just because cannabis is legal in your state doesn’t mean Delta-8 THC is legal there. Colorado, for example, was one of the first states to legalize recreational marijuana in 2012, but Delta-8 THC is not legal in the state.

You may also wonder if Delta-8 THC will show up on a drug test, and this is a valid concern whenever you consume cannabis products. The answer is maybe. There are no tests specifically geared toward Delta-8 versus Delta-9 THC, but Delta-8 THC is still a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, albeit in small concentrations, and as such, it could show up on a generic marijuana test. 

It may depend on several factors, such as your physiology, your metabolism, the amount you consume, and so on. It’s always best to assume that it will show up, and proceed accordingly.

Can you Buy Delta-8 THC Products Online?

Like other cannabis products, you can order and purchase Delta-8 THC products online. However, they will not ship to the 11 states where Delta-8 is illegal, so if you live in any of the states listed above, you unfortunately can’t buy Delta-8 THC, even online.

Below are some of the most popular reputable stores to buy Delta-8 THC online:

Reform Wellness – This is the first brand of Delta-8 THC gummies I’ve tried. Much like their sister CBD brand Highline Wellness, their gummies set the bar for edibles in terms of flavor, texture, and consistent potency. They sell Delta-8 THC gummies in strawberry or blueberry and in 5mg or 10mg portions. The high is definitely milder than any Delta-9 gummies I’ve had, which is nice if you’re prone to crashing on the couch the second you say “these edibles aren’t doing shit”. My friend who’s prone to paranoia prefers the intensity of these to delta-9, so it’s become her go-to gummy. 

Delta-8 THC Market – This Delta-8 shop was one of the first on the scene when the hemp-based cannabinoid became legal, so their products are some of the most popular on the market. They sell a variety of Delta-8 THC products including distillate oil, vape cartridges,, gummies, and tinctures. They also have a blog dedicated to Delta-8 research, so it’s a great resource if you’re interested in learning more about it.

Binoid CBD and THC – Binoid also sells a variety of Delta-8 THC products including gummies, tinctures, vape cartridges, dabs, and product bundles so you can save some money and try multiple things at once.