If you have visited your local convenience store anytime in the last couple of years, you might have seen a new type of cannabinoid flooding its shelves. Not only the convenience stores but every drug retailer and dispensary in this country is also being almost overloaded with this new strain. The substance is called Delta-8 THC, a close chemical relative of ever-present Delta-9 THC.
A seasoned cannabis expert might be informed of this new development. However, for a dummy, it is hard to keep track of all these different cannabinoids and their presence in the market. They must be wondering why this new product is crucial to the cannabis economy and what the fuss around it is.
This concise guide will lead you to understand all of the different cannabinoids especially Delta-8 THC, their origin, uses, and where one can find its products. Let us start by discussing what Delta-8 THC is.
What is Delta-8 THC?
Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol comes under the same class of compounds as CBG, CBN, and CBD. It also shares a lot of resemblance with Delta-9 THC. These compounds are commonly referred to as cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are naturally occurring substances that are extracted from cannabis plants (i.e. hemp and marijuana). They are identified by their typical psychoactive nature. Cannabis plants house an array of different chemical substances. However, not all of them are cannabinoids. There are more than 480 different chemicals found in the plant. Among them, a relatively low number of 66 can be classified as cannabinoids.
Delta-8 THC is distinct from other cannabinoids because of the effect it generates on its consumers. This property of D-8 THC is shared with Delta-9 THC. Their comparable molecular structure produces similar results when consumed. However, the tiny difference they have in their composition might influence their potency as Delta-8 is much lighter and milder in its effect than Delta-9 THC.
The issues of production and legality
Delta-8 THC is found at a much lower consideration than other cannabinoids such as CBD and CBG. Therefore, its manufacturing process is not as straightforward as others. The usual processes for extracting cannabinoids using carbon dioxide do not produce desired results for Delta-8 THC. So the manufacturers had to find an alternative solution. They use CBD to generate Delta-8. CBD and Delta-8 THC have a lot of things in common. They have the same numbers of elemental atoms in their molecules but those atoms are arranged differently. Simple chemical agents therefore can transform the former into the latter.
Since the production of CBD (and, hemp in general) is legal, the substances derived from it also cannot be bothered by any legislative regulations. Only sixteen of all the states in the United States of America imposed minor restrictions. It is readily available in most states.
The best Delta-8 THC products
There are several distinct merchandises infused with Delta-8 THC. Many brands try to come up with quality products to satisfy the increasing demands of the customers. The products manufactured with Delta-8 THC can be divided into two separate categories: edible goods and non-edible goods. Delta-8 honey, cakes, biscuits, tinctures, different beverages, candies, chocolate bars, and gummies are examples of edible products. On the other hand, non-edible goods can be exemplified by vaping cartridges, pre-rolls, and lotions. Apart from that, there are many more principal products containing Delta-8 THC. A short Google search may reveal them to you.
Where to buy Delta-8 THC products?
You can buy Delta-8 THC products from anywhere from dispensaries to boutique drug stores, from local retailers to multinational convenience stores; practically everywhere it is permitted. However, you often have to compromise with the quality as customers do not usually have a robust idea about the nitty-gritty of the products. The Internet is a more secure place in terms of getting high-quality Delta-8 products primarily because:
- The merchant sites often include the latest scientific consensus about the product thus making customers aware of the science behind their product of choice.
- The customer review sections present on every e-commerce website help customers to form informed conclusions about their purchases.
Before concluding this short guide, it must be mentioned that you must not consume Delta-8 THC products without taking advice from your doctor if you are under any medical treatment.
