Why Are People Switching to Delta-8 THC Products?
After gracing the space as a legal form of THC, delta-8 split the cannabis industry and loosened the stigma around intoxicating cannabinoids. It presents a milder effects profile than delta-9 THC and offers a better experience with less severe adverse effects.
This article explains what makes D8 so great that both newbies and seasoned users are switching to Delta-8 THC over delta-9 products.
What Is Delta-8 THC?
From delta-7 to delta-10, tetrahydrocannabinol comes in different shapes and forms.
The original THC molecule is delta-9 THC — the primary molecule in cannabis that gives the plant its psychoactive effects. This cannabinoid is present in marijuana plants in high density and in hemp plants in a concentration of no more than 0.3% by weight.
Delta-8 THC is a THC isomer or a sister molecule of delta-9 THC. It has a nearly identical chemical structure to THC, but the slight difference in its chemical makeup gives it different psychoactive effects.
These two THC compounds differ in the placement of a double bond — in delta-8, the double bond is located on the eighth carbon chain, while in delta-9, on the ninth. This makes D8 less potent and milder than D9, so people are encouraged to start their THC journey with D8 instead of D9.
Delta 8 THC is found in hemp in a concentration of less than 1%. To obtain large quantities of it, manufacturers extract CBD from hemp and convert it to delta-8 through isomerization.
What Makes People Replace Delta 9 THC for Delta 8 THC?
There are several reasons why people — especially new users — are choosing delta-8 THC over delta-9 THC, including:
Delta-8 THC Is Legal
The one thing we all know about delta-9 THC is that it’s a federally illegal substance.
Traditional THC is a Schedule I Drug under the Controlled Substances Act. The exceptions are states that have legalized marijuana and THC for recreational use.
Unlike delta-9 THC, delta-8 THC was legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill, together with all hemp cannabinoids. With that said, if derived from hemp, D8 is a legal cannabinoid, but if derived from marijuana, it remains illegal in the United States.
The exceptions are states that have legalized medical marijuana or recreational marijuana and are licensed to sell marijuana-derived D8 in their stores.
The legal status of delta-8 got murky when experts weighed in on the method of production of this cannabinoid. At the time, the DEA didn’t take any action against this substance that was sold in stores all around the US. A few years later, the general consensus is that converting CBD from hemp into delta-8 doesn’t make the substance (at least) fully illegal.
Delta-8 THC is Mild
Studies show that delta-8 THC is 50% as potent as delta-9 THC. This means that it doesn’t cause as strong of stimulation and intoxication as THC does. As a result, the adverse effects are also much more mild and even non-existing in low doses.
Because delta-8 THC offers a more pleasant experience to a first-time user, most people choose it over traditional THC. This is also true for seasoned THC users. People who smoke marijuana for medical or recreational purposes are switching to delta-8 because the unpleasant effects from delta-9 are too much to handle.
Traditional THC causes severe anxiety, paranoia, rapid heartbeat, and nausea in large doses. Because the tolerance of the user increases over time, they take higher doses to feel the same effects. As a result, they experience exacerbated adverse effects, which become an unbearable daily burden.
While you’ll need a tolerance break with delta-8 THC as well, you won’t have the brain fog and lethargy that delta-9 THC brings.
You Can Buy It Anywhere
Because delta-8 is legal in most states, it’s widely available and more convenient to buy. Its widespread availability makes it a popular cannabinoid that many people can enjoy guilt-free.
Although the market has changed, you should stay away from cheap, low-quality D8 products sold at convenience stores and gas stations. This cannabinoid is expensive to extract from the hemp plant, so not many vendors can afford to execute the manufacturing process properly.
Therefore, always make sure you purchase D8 from reliable and transparent vendors that offer a Certificate of Analysis with the product.
It Produces More Relaxing Effects
Like delta-9 THC, delta-8 THC is an intoxicating cannabinoid.
While delta-9 is more potent, delta-8 produces more relaxing, smoother, less intense effects than delta-9. This comparison is purely subjective because some users prefer delta-9’s impact, but many users state that they switched to delta-8 because it provides a better experience.
Last but not least, many users are switching from cannabidiol (CBD) to delta-8 THC. Some are in search of something more potent, while others have found a golden middle by combining both cannabinoids.
Taking several cannabinoids and terpenes simultaneously provides multiple benefits for the body and mind that come from the potential synergy between the compounds. This synergy is also known as the entourage effect. Based on the theory of the entourage effect, taking cannabinoids together with terpenes is better for the user than taking them separately.
Tried Mr. Hemp Flower’s Delta-8 THC Products Yet?
If you are one of those people who prefer delta-8 THC over delta-9 THC, you’ll absolutely love Mr. Hemp Flower.
We manufacture our own products using high-quality D8 distillate and clean, organically grown hemp flower. Our products come with a Certificate of Analysis and are made with all-natural ingredients.
If this is your first time trying this cannabinoid, you can start with our 10 mg Delta-8 Vegan Gummies. They provide a sufficient dose for a beginner, but if you want a lower dose, we recommend you split the gummy in half and go with a 5 mg dose for starters.
Our gummies are infused with evenly-distributed D8 distillate, so you rest assured you’re splitting your gummy into equally infused parts. If you’re a seasoned user, you can check out the 25 mg Delta-8 Gummies.
Our D8 product line is extensive and offers delta-8 pre-rolls, cannabinoid-rich delta-8 flower, and softgel capsules. We also offer stellar (and 100% legal) delta-9 THC gummies — check them out and let us know if you’re willing to only stick with delta-8 THC after the taste test.
Switching to Delta-8 THC FAQs
Do people prefer delta 8?
Some people prefer delta 8 over delta 9 because of its smooth, mild effects that don’t overstimulate them or cause anxiousness.
Can I take delta 8 everyday?
We need more research on the long-term effects of this compound, but delta-8 is considered a safe cannabinoid that you can use daily. If you notice your body doesn’t respond to it, or you’re starting to experience side effects, take a tolerance break.
Does delta 8 give you anxiety?
Although milder than THC, delta 8 can make you anxious if consumed at large doses or if you’re too sensitive to the compound.
Is delta 8 the same as THC?
Delta-8 is an isomer of THC, so it’s a THC itself. But, technically speaking, THC means delta-9 THC.