Maybe you’ve been noticing the new hype around Delta 8 and the controversy it’s creating, so what is it exactly?
The hemp plant houses hundreds of plant compounds including many cannabinoids like THC, CBD, and more. Delta 8 is one of those many plant compounds and mimics the function of THC derived from the marijuana cannabis plant.
Even though cannabis products are commonly illegal due to their high THC content, delta 8 is currently considered legal because it is derived from the hemp plant instead of marijuana.
Per the United States 2018 farm bill, hemp derived cannabinoids are legal if they meet the 0.3 THC condition. So for example, if CBD meets the requirements of being derived from the hemp plant and contains less than 0.3 THC, then it’s considered federally legal.
This is why industrial hemp production has boomed. Hemp was modified to contain less THC than it would normally to help producers meet the legal THC limits for easier production and distribution of hemp cannabinoid products.
Unlike CBD, marijuana is a controlled substance because of its psychoactive compounds. This is due to the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) within marijuana which causes a high.
What is Delta 8?
Delta-8 THC is a plant compound found in the cannabis sativa hemp plant where you can also find CBD and other cannabinoids.
Delta 8 is psychoactive unlike CBD meaning that it does induce a high like marijuana. Its chemical structure is almost identical to that of Delta 9 THC, the THC within marijuana. The only main difference is that Delta 8 is found in the hemp plant in low concentrations making it technically legal.
There is a sort of a loophole for Delta-8 products since the farm bill made hemp derived products legal like CBD, CBN, CBG, and other non-psychoactive cannabinoids. However, the law is not settled on it yet.
Unlike Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 THC is much milder meaning that even though it produces a high, it is not as strong, lessening the effects of paranoia, anxiety, and other unwanted side effects. This is part of the appeal of Delta-8. It can still get people high, but in a milder way.
Delta-8 THC comes in extremely small concentrations within the hemp plant. It is not profitable for companies to grow hemp at an unprecedented rate to produce just enough Delta-8, so they do something else.
The interesting thing about Delta-8 is that it can be produced synthetically through the use of chemicals and mixing them with CBD to create higher levels of Delta-8. The chemicals used to do this are not regulated which carries serious potential health risks and takes away the natural essence of hemp.
Some of these chemicals may even come from household items that are extremely toxic to us if ingested. While many CBD brands perform third party lab testing, Delta-8 manufacturers may not flag residual chemicals in the final product.
The Craze Around Delta-8
Controversy has come alongside the rising popularity of Delta-8. Many feel that it should be banned as it is not very different from marijuana and could cause negative side effects while others seek its legality since it is hemp derived, mild, and technically legal.
Unlike CBD, Delta-9, and other cannabinoids, Delta-8 is barely researched making its long-term effects and even short-term effects unknown and unpredictable.
Because the hemp industry can be a confusing one due to its gray nature in terms of legality and societal acceptance, it’s important to understand what brands are capable of doing to put their products on the market.
We wouldn’t want you to come across Delta-8 thinking it’s CBD or another non-high inducing cannabinoid, take it, and have unwanted effects.
Education is self advocation here at ReThink, so we will always share the most up to date information regarding the hemp industry.
You can trust that ReThink only produces and sells 100% legal THC free broad spectrum CBD products.
How is CBD different?
CBD is different from Delta-8 THC in many ways. The most important difference is that CBD will not get you high. Instead, it’s focus, and effects are more somatic meaning that your body will feel the effects instead of your state of mind being altered.
While Delta-8 is taken for sedating and psychoactive effects, CBD is taken to support discomfort, pain, and inflammation associated with chronic conditions and stress.
While CBD may affect your state of mind, it may do so positively by supporting anxiety, stress, and depression. It may also help you with decreasing sensitivity to pain.
While CBD and Delta-8 can both be found in the hemp plant, CBD comes in much higher quantities and THC limits must be met in order to meet legal requirements.
When looking for hemp products, ensure that the product always has a legible label that is clear and direct on what is inside the bottle and the exact concentrations. If anything seems unclear or dodgy, stay away and seek brands that are transparent using clear labels and updated lab results.
Where Do We Go from Here?
As of now, Delta-8 THC is legal, but it’s a gray area, and it could be that it becomes illegal in the near future. For the time being, it is on the market. Don’t worry though. The demand for CBD is stronger than ever and there are many trusted brands out there using CBD and other emerging cannabinoids like CBN and CBG.
Always make sure that you do your research before purchasing a hemp product. Since CBD and other hemp products are not regulated by the FDA, it’s important to look for brands that you trust are going to produce products that are safe and trusting.
Never support brands that are telling you that CBD can cure certain conditions like cancer as these are claims and are not allowed and/or substantiated.
While some research does support the therapeutic potential of CBD aiding and supporting uncomfortable symptoms and chronic conditions, each individual experience is different, and the FDA has not approved the definitive effects of cannabidiol.
We are here for any questions you may have. Do not hesitate to reach out. Education is self advocation and we are here to help.