NAM Wellness Delta-8 THC 101: Your Insight into This Amazing Cannabinoid

by Nicholas McLaughlin March 23, 2022

NAM Wellness Delta-8 THC 101: Your Insight into This Amazing Cannabinoid

Have you heard of delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8 THC)? Delta 8 is a cannabinoid that has truly changed the hemp industry game. It was the first federally legal psychoactive to hit the market, offering a more accessible way to enjoy the high associated with cannabis. But, it’s a mistake to write delta 8 off as a delta 9 copycat. As many of us know, this cannabinoid delivers a one-of-a-kind high that’s truly satisfying in its own, very unique way. Basically, delta-8 is a lot more than a passing fad, as it offers properties and effects that are quite different from other cannabinoids in hemp, including its star cannabinoid, cannabidiol (CBD).

Delta-8 THC comes in all kinds of forms, and, can be a great addition to your daily routine as a hemp user. So, we will cover everything you need to know about this unique cannabinoid and what it’s capable of, along with whether or not it is actually legal to purchase and consume delta 8 where you live.

What Exactly is Delta-8 THC Anyway?

Delta-8 THC is a minor cannabinoid that naturally occurs in the hemp plant, making up only about 0.1% of the plant’s entire chemical composition. The delta 8 that’s found in delta-8 products is an isolated and concentrated form of the cannabinoid, which allows us to experience its effects potently.

Delta-8 THC is pretty new to the market, having been around for only a few years. But actually, it was discovered all the way back in 1964, when it was first isolated by cannabis researchers. We know that delta 8 is the natural result of delta-9 THC which has oxidized in the hemp plant, and then converted into a new cannabinoid with its own unique molecular structure. This is why delta 8 retains many properties of delta 9, while also taking on many new properties of its own.

For some extra background, delta-9 THC is the dominant cannabinoid in the marijuana plant, and the reason why marijuana is illegal a lot of states, while hemp is legal. When delta 9 starts to break down, it turns into one of two cannabinoids: delta-8 THC or cannabinol (CBN).

How is Delta-8 THC Made?

As we mentioned earlier, delta-8 THC is found in only about 0.1% of the hemp plant. If you’ve taken a CBD product made with full spectrum hemp, or consumed hemp flower, then you’ve already taken in the naturally occurring amount of delta 8.

Because delta-8 THC is present in such trace levels, you won’t feel its effects as the compound naturally exists in the plant structure. But, companies have managed to extract the compound by isolating it and concentrating it in order to produce delta 8 products. Essentially, these products are formulated to have much higher levels of delta-8 THC than what naturally exists in hemp in its raw, natural state.

Is Delta-8 THC Even Legal?

Yes, delta-8 THC is a legal cannabinoid according to federal law, and, has been since it first entered the market. This is the result of the Farm Bill, which was passed in the United States in 2018. The Farm Bill legalized the hemp plant federally, stating that all of its derivatives that contain a maximum of 0.3% delta 9 THC could be sold legally. Delta 8 is therefore federally protected, with no restrictions on product type, purchase amount, concentration of delta 8 within a formula, or possession amount.

However, some states have banned delta 8 THC sales within their territories, along with other THC-based compounds. If you live in one of these states, you may have a difficult time obtaining delta 8:

Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
Colorado
Delaware
Idaho
Iowa
Mississippi
Montana
New York
North Dakota
Rhode Island
Utah
Vermont
Washington

Note: State laws can change over time, and with all of the attention hemp is getting in general, delta 8 laws may change at any moment. Therefore, before buying delta-8 products, best to make sure it’s legal where you live.

Will Delta-8 THC Get Me High?

Delta-8 THC is an intoxicating cannabinoid. It’s about 70% as intoxicating as delta 9 THC, the dominant chemical compound in marijuana. What this means is that its high is definitely milder than delta 9, but don’t think that means that you’ll barely feel it. The high of delta 8 is definitely notable, supplying effects that are completely unique.

Delta-8 THC’s high is commonly described as mellowing, soothing, and bliss-inducing. That being said, it’s no surprise that so many people prefer this cannabinoid at night, when they can sit back and really relax. In fact, a lot of people prefer it as their bedtime cannabinoid as well.

Not only that, but the high of delta-8 THC is usually described as clear-minded. What this means is that it’s less likely to cause that hazy, groggy and somewhat dysfunctional feeling that you can get from delta-9 THC So, you could have an easier time focusing and being productive when it’s active in your system.

What are the Potential Properties of Taking Delta 8 THC?

Delta-8 THC’s potential properties go beyond its ability to get us ‘high’. In fact, studies have suggested that this cannabinoid’s effects are quite unique because it works powerfully on CB1 receptors, which are cannabinoid receptors in the nervous system responsible for regulating a variety of nervous system processes and responses. Not to mention, it’s ability to work well with our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).

Help with nausea and vomiting
Improved appetite
Anti-inflammatory properties
Analgesic properties
Neuroprotectant properties
Anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects
Sleep-regulating effects

Will Delta-8 THC Influence a Drug Test?

There is a chance, that by taking delta-8 THC, you do risk failing a drug test. All THC compounds, including delta 8, are metabolized by an enzyme known as THC-COOH. Plus, the standard drug tests that we take are looking for TCH-COOH, rather than actual traces of marijuana. So, when you’ve delta 8 in your system, you are potentially producing enough THC-COOH to impact the result of a drug test.

How Often Can I Take Delta-8 THC?

Many people like to take delta-8 THC on a daily basis, because the cumulative effects of the cannabinoid allow it to be potentially more effective when administered consistently. Other people take it as desired. Basically, you can take delta 8 daily if you’d like, as the cannabinoid is nontoxic to the body. However, if you’re new to delta-8, it might take a bit of time to build up a tolerance to it. Also, best to not drive or operate heavy machinery since this cannabinoid’s effects could impair judgment.

Can I Take Delta-8 THC if I Already Take CBD?

Also, it’s good to know that you can take delta-8 THC even if you’re already taking cannabidiol. Some people have been concerned about some sort of interaction issue, but this actually isn’t a risk at all. These two cannabinoids work in a complementary fashion, existing alongside one another in the hemp plant. CBD may actually balance out the properties of delta 8 to make the experience even more relaxing. In fact, there are many products on the market that contain both cannabidiol and delta-8 extracts for this reason.

Sit Back and Unwind with Some Delta-8 THC in Your Hemp Life

As you can see, there really is no doubt that delta-8 THC provides some of the most exceptional effects out of any compound found in the hemp plant. Its soothing and mellowing buzz is simply irresistible to the majority out there who enjoy the more psychoactive side of the plant’s cannabinoids. Still, before starting a delta 8 routine, best to speak with your doctor first, especially if you’re currently taking any prescription medications. Overall, your physician has access to your medical records, and therefore, can make a proper determination if delta-8 is an option for you to have.

Now, if you’re eager to see what all of the delta 8 hype is about, check out the awesome selection of NAM Wellness Delta-8 Products that are sure to meet your everyday needs and goals.