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What is Delta-8? A new path for THC or a suspect alternative

What is Delta-8?

Meet the new kid on the block Delta-8 and weed’s weaker cousin that’s sold publicly by being in the legal gray areas.

In most states, you can buy it in most smoke shops, CBD retailers, or even online. This is because the very close cousin to “real weed” is extracted from hemp which can legally be grown under the 2018 farm bill.

Because it is so new,  there’s a lot we don’t know. it can either be a pioneering success or outlawed in the coming year. You may have questions about this product, and here’s what we know. 

Does Delta-8 get you high? 

via GIPHY

Yes, it will get you high. This is due to similarities between the chemical structure of the two products. The weed you’re used to buying is also known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or just delta-9 THC. Delta-8 is just a step down from that Delta-9, which makes it less potent. 

Unlike Delta-9 THC, the weed alternative won’t give you the grogginess or anxiety common cannabis think of Delta-8 as “diet weed”, you have to consume more, and the high won’t last you as long, however, it does feel cleaner in some cases.

It is perfect for those who want a nice introduction to cannabis, but for long-time stoners, it’s gonna take a lot to get them high.

Can you roll fat blunts with it? 

You can consume delta-8 the same way you consume regular weed. It takes the form of edibles, vapes, dabs, and simple buds. Because the weed alternative is less effective than regular cannabis, it’s ideal for micro-dosing.

If you don’t live in Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, Rhode Island, or Utah… Then yeah it’s legal. 

Is it sketchy or nah? 

delta-8 chemical

It should really be noted however that the weed alternative is new to the market and not a lot is known about the product. The FDA has not approved delta-8 safe for use yet and labels it as a schedule I drug. The CDC has issued a health alert regarding the product.

Regardless of officials’ warnings, people are still consuming the delta-8 responsibly. If you’re really curious about delta-8, but want to consume some precautions should be taken before purchasing it.

If the label looks sketchy or you got it from a sketchy place you probably shouldn’t buy it. Here are some more things you should keep in mind to determine if your delta-8 product is safe 

  1. Look for a QR Code
    Safe products should have a QR code on their product which will lead you to a Certificate of Analysis which would look something like this. This certificate will tell you that the product is tested and tell you how much CBD and THC the product has. Like nutrition facts, you find on food.
  2. Purchase from a licensed cannabis store, not a convenience store. 
    Cannabis stores have procedures and licenses when putting their product out there. They take pride in delivering the best products to their consumers. These stores will carry quality products.
  3. Don’t buy it if it’s cheap
    Extracting Delta-8 THC from hemp is a long and careful process. Reputable and quality manufacturers will do extensive testing, and procedures to ensure that their product is safe to consume. This process is also expensive, so if you buy products whose price is too good to be true, then that might be the case. 

So what’s really good?

via GIPHY

In conclusion, Delta-8 is new to the market and no one really knows if it is safe. But whether it’s safe to consume is up to the user.

However it is pioneering how accessible THC is becoming to the public and with every new product, especially with anything cannabis-related, there’s going to be an up and downside.