Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol – or just “Delta-8” for short – is one of the more recent (and popular) products to hit the growing cannabis market. As we will explore here, there is good reason to be excited about this unique cannabis compound – especially if you live in a state where recreational or medical cannabis remains illegal.
In addition to producing psychoactive effects via its interactions with the endocannabinoid system, Delta-8 exerts multiple potentially beneficial effects in humans:
“Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol is an analogue of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with antiemetic, anxiolytic, appetite-stimulating, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties.”
Let’s get into the benefits of Delta-8 over other conventional Delta-9 cannabis products, why you should consider giving Delta-8 a try, and how to choose the best method of consumption to fit your lifestyle and preferences.
What Is Delta-8 and Why Does It Attract So Much Attention From Cannabis Users?
One of the major benefits of Delta-8 over conventional Delta-9 THC is that, under the provisions in the 2018 US Farm Bill legalizing hemp products nationwide, adult cannabis users from coast to coast can legally obtain and use Delta-8 with no legal problems.
How Does Delta-8 Differ From Delta-9 THC?
Molecularly, Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC are quite similar; both are forms of THC, both act on the endocannabinoid system, and each produces similar effects in humans.
The only small – but critical — difference between Delta-8 and Delta-9 is that Delta-9 has its double bond on the 8th carbon atom and Delta-9 has its double bond on the 9th carbon atom (hence the respective names).
So, if both THC variations are so similar in form and function, what is the benefit of Delta-8 over Delta-9?
What Is the Relative Benefit of Delta-8 Over Delta-9?
Delta-8, in short, causes psychoactive effects similar to Delta-9 THC use while remaining on the right side of the law. Unlike Delta-9, you can cross state lines with Delta-8 products and not worry about any legal issues.
As we mentioned at the outset, in addition to the fun recreational effects of Delta-8, clinical evidence backs up Delta-8’s potential health benefits which include the treatment of:
- Anxiety
- Chronic pain
- Nausea
- Cancer (potentially, based on anti-tumor action in mouse studies – more human trials needed)
- Loss of appetite
- Age-related cognitive decline (neurodegeneration)
With the multiple benefits of Delta-8 THC in mind, let’s get into choosing the ideal product to suit your needs.
Delta-8 Edibles: Are They Right For You?
Through a technical extraction and conversion method, Delta-8 is synthesized from another cannabis compound such as CBD or Delta-9 THC.
Pure, extracted Delta-8 can then be added to virtually any edible product – for example, the Sympleaf Delta-8 Gummies:
Delta-8 Edible Pros:
- They are super discreet. Without taking a hard look at the label, most people will never realize that your Sympleaf Delta-8 gummies are, in fact, fully legal cannabis.
- Easy to dose (no measuring or guesswork required).
- Extremely portable (convenient for travel or people on the go). You can pack Delta-8 edibles into your lunchbox, your glovebox, or even your purse for a handy, discreet pick-me-up.
- Easier on the lungs than vaping.
Potential Delta-8 Edible Cons:
- May not be ideal if you have children. Many cannabis edibles – Delta-8 included – appear to be regular candy. If you have kids that like to root around in your stuff, as they are apt to do, you might consider one of the multiple other Delta-8 delivery methods.
- Takes longer to achieve noticeable effects compared to vaping.
- Edible THC is metabolized differently (through the liver) than vaping, which may be a pro or a con – however, you should be aware that the effects may vary widely between eating and vaping or smoking Delta-8, so exercise caution when you’re starting out.
- Due to the delayed onset of action (up to one hour or more), inexperienced Delta-8 edible consumers may run the risk of taking too much. For this reason, you are wise to always wait for at least 90 minutes following your initial dose to try more.
- Effects of edible Delta-8 THC may last 4-6 hours (much longer than vaped or smoked Delta-8) – again, perhaps a pro or a con, but an important consideration either way.
Delta-8 Oils: Are They Right For You?
High-quality Delta-8 THC oils like the Sympleaf 1:1 CBD:Delta 8 THC Oil are produced through a technical extraction process in certified, dedicated laboratories (all Sympleaf cannabinoid oils are proudly produced in Atlanta, Georgia).
Delta-8 Oils Pros:
- No additives or frills, just pure cannabinoid.
- Easy to mix into your favorite drink.
- Exact quantity of Delta-8 THC listed for each dosage.
- Can be absorbed sublingually (under the tongue) for faster absorption compared to edible Delta-8 (which must pass through the liver).
- Good for micro-dosing.
Potential Delta-8 Oils Cons:
- Due to the highly concentrated nature of Delta-8 THC oils, accurate dosing may be a challenge. You should pay careful attention when measuring the amount for each dose.
- Some people may not like the taste.
Delta-8 Vaping Products: Are They Right For You?
Rather than orally consuming their Delta-8, THC enthusiasts may opt for Delta-8 vaping products in the form of e-cigarettes or other devices. These products use Delta-8 vaping liquid (sometimes called “vape juice”) to heat the cannabinoid into vapor for inhalation via the lungs and then directly into the bloodstream.
Delta-8 Vaping Pros:
- Some people just want that “smoking experience” – minus the potential lung damage in conventional smoke. The science is quite clear: vaping is a healthier alternative to smoking the combusted plant particles, the more traditional historic method of cannabis consumptions.
- Good for sharing at social gatherings.
- A plethora of delicious flavoring options to sweeten the Delta-8 experience.
- Nearly instantaneous onset of effects (significantly faster compared to edible Delta-8 or oils).
Potential Delta-8 Vaping Cons:
- Requires equipment (vaping pen, vape box, batteries, etc.)
- Less portable/concealable than edible Delta-8 edibles or oils.
- Depending on the product, users assume some degree of risk of chemical contamination in sub-par vape products (which is why you should stick to reputable suppliers like Smypleaf). Vaping products produced in China or other Third World locations with minimal safety standards, for example, should be avoided for this reason.
The Bottom Line on Choosing the Ideal Delta-8 THC Product
Using the information provided here, weigh the relative advantages and drawbacks of each method to determine the consumption method that best suits your lifestyle. Of course, you are free to experiment and mix and match until you find your groove. Browse through all of the organic, high-quality Sympleaf Delta-8 products on offer here.
