What is Delta-8? Learning the Basics

In the states where it is still legal to purchase, Delta-8 is becoming more and more popular. But what is it? Where does it come from? In this guide, we’ll answer all your pressing questions about Delta-8, including:

• What is Delta-8 THC?
• Where Does Delta-8 Come From?
• What are the Effects of Delta-8 THC?
• Does Delta-8 Have Psychoactive Effects?
• How is Delta-8 Different From Other Cannabinoids?
• Answering FAQs About Delta-8
   

What is Delta-8?

While THC and CBD are typically the two most talked-about chemical compounds in marijuana, there are actually hundreds of cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. Delta-8 THC is one of these cannabinoids, but it’s a compound often confused with Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, or Delta-9 THC, the more prominent form of THC. In fact, many people don’t even realize there is more than one form of THC. So what’s Delta-8? It’s still a cannabinoid, and it still causes psychoactive effects, but you can think of Delta-8 as the Diet Coke of THC—it is a less potent form of THC.

Both Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC bind to your body’s endocannabinoid system. However, slight differences in each compound’s chain of carbon atoms mean the experience is different. That’s why Delta-9 has the effects most cannabis enthusiasts are looking for when they consume cannabis, whereas Delta-8 has milder psychoactive effects and less potent side effects. 

The reason Delta-8 is popular is because it falls in a legal loophole where it hasn’t been made illegal in many states like Delta-9. This means Delta-8 THC can be manufactured and sold in various unregulated markets around the country.
 

Delta-8 comes from hemp, which while technically is cannabis, it is cannabis that cannot have more than .3% THC. Because of this, hemp contains very little Delta-8. In order to achieve the quantity needed for the market, hemp is cultivated, CBD is collected, and that CBD is put through a conversion process to create more Delta-8. This process contains a lot of chemicals, and it’s unregulated in many states, so if you’re going to purchase Delta-8, it should only be from reputable dispensaries. 
 

Learn more about cannabidiol in our “What is CBD?” guide. 

Delta-8 is typically known for its reduced psychoactive qualities, compared to the standard Delta-9 THC. Research is still being conducted to pinpoint the exact effects of Delta-8 THC. However, the National Cancer Institute has reported that it’s “an analogue of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with potential antiemetic, anxiolytic, appetite-stimulating, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties.”
 

Yes, Delta-8 has psychoactive effects. These effects, while similar to Delta-9, are typically considered less potent. Because Delta-8 can be intoxicating, it’s important to purchase it from a reputable dispensary, and you should never assume that it’s automatically Delta-9 THC-free. With little-to-no regulations around Delta-8, you could be purchasing products with Delta-8 but also other cannabinoids and by-products of the conversion process used to make Delta-8. 
 

While Delta-8 may have some similarities to other cannabinoids, it is its own unique cannabinoid. Most commonly, cannabis enthusiasts compare Delta-8 to the two most commonly found cannabinoids: CBD and THC. When compared, here’s how Delta-8 stacks up:
 

Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC are quite similar—both do an excellent job of binding to the endocannabinoid system, resulting in psychoactive effects. Delta-8 is typically considered a little less potent than Delta-9. 
 

While Delta-8 and CBD are both cannabinoids, Delta-8 has psychoactive properties and CBD does not. That said, CBD is often used by manufacturers to create Delta-8 using a conversion process. 
 

As more and more people learn about Delta-8, our cannabis experts (budtenders) are getting an influx of questions. Here are some answers to our most frequently asked questions about Delta-8: 

Is Delta-8 the Same as THC?
Technically, yes, but there is some nuance here. When the term “THC” is used in the cannabis industry, it typically refers to Delta-9, the most well-known version of THC. When this is the case, Delta-8 and Delta-9 are not the same—Delta-8 is its own, unique form of THC. So as long as you’re specific, yes, Delta-8 is a type of THC. 

Does Delta-8 Make You “High”? 
The term “high” is a slang word used to describe the psychoactive effects of cannabis. Delta-8 can create these effects, but they are typically considered more mild than Delta-9 THC. 

Do All Cannabis Plants Have Delta-8?
Yes, all cannabis plants have Delta-8 but only in small amounts. Because of this, manufacturers typically use CBD to create Delta-8. 
 

Does Delta-8 Have THC?
Yes, Delta-8 products have THC because Delta-8 itself is a type of THC. While Delta-8 tends to have more mild effects than Delta-9 THC, it still has psychoactive properties. 
 

Delta-8 is a unique product on the market, but we highly recommend purchasing it from a dispensary. This is the best way to ensure that you’re going to get a safe, high-quality product. If you’re curious about Delta-8, talk to one of our budtenders on your next visit to your local dispensary. They’ll be able to answer questions about Delta-8 and find the right products for you.