WHAT IS DELTA 8 THC?
Delta 8 THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is a naturally occurring cannabinoid in cannabis (hemp and marijuana) and is commonly abbreviated as Delta 8 THC, Δ8THC, Δ8, D8, D8 THC, and D8THC. It is an isomer of both cannabidiol (“CBD”) and Delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol (“D9THC”),
sharing a chemical formula of C21H30O2 and a molar mass of 314.464 g/mol.
It exists naturally and can also be produced by converting CBD or Delta 9 THC via a chemical reaction typically using heat, catalysts, altered pH environments, and/or solvents.
Delta 8 THC is an extremely viscous oil and exists in an “activated” state similar to Delta 9 THC, meaning it does not need to be decarboxylated to feel its effects.
HOW LONG DO D8 EFFECTS LAST?
The length of Delta 8 THC’s effects are very unique to the individual. As an average, we see high purity vapes lasting 1-5 hours and tinctures and edibles lasting 5-12 hours. Larger doses generally create longer lasting effects, especially with tinctures and edibles.
A difficulty of judging the length of effects is that Delta 8 THC has a fairly natural onset and come down, so that it is sometimes hard for an individual to truly grasp where their “baseline” is/was before and after taking D8 THC.
This is especially true for individuals who do not feel “high” from DTHC but just get a boost in mood. This mood change is sometimes unnoticeable to the individual themselves because of the natural onset and the user will think D8 THC had no effect. We’ve seen this many times in sampling sessions where the individual says they feel nothing, but someone they are with will then inform them how much more pleasant they’ve become in the last few minutes.
Another difficulty in judging the length of effects is that many reports are given based on the “peak” and thus disregards a substantial amount of time spent above baseline after the peak effects are felt. D8 THC effects do not peak and then disappear. There is a gradual phase-out of effects.
In general, the effects of vaporized D8 THC will be shorter than D8 THC that is eaten.
D8 DOSAGE
DELTA 8 HAS A DELAYED ONSET!
Due to the delayed onset of Delta 8 THC, a user may need a few uses or days to find their perfect dose. Doses are highly individualized and don’t completely seem tied to any specific physical feature (age, sex, weight, etc) so, regardless of size, it’s best to start with a lower dose and work your way up.
ORAL/EDIBLE:
A typical oral dose (tintcure, edible) for Delta 8 THC is between 10-40 mg. Those that need above 40mg tend to be heavy recreational users of Delta 9 THC. 10 mg can make a big difference in effects for some people so we generally recommend to not exceed 10 mg’s when stepping up in dosage.
VAPE CART:
A typical vape dosage is 1-3 three second puffs. It is typically not necessary to take more than this unless the user is a heavy user of Delta 9 THC.
If you’re a consistent user of Delta 9 THC, we typically recommend starting with it in a 1:1 manner. Many report Delta 8 THC being about 75% as potent as Delta 9 THC, but we aren’t ready to concede that figure as the different effects between the molecules aren’t directly comparable. We’ve found that potency varies per person and the expectation for, and ultimate lack of, a mental fog when using D8 THC is the main reason people find Delta 8 THC to be less potent, disregarding it’s increased potency in calming anxieties and body feel for many.
THE BEST SUGGESTION IS TO START LOW AND GO SLOW. FOR EDIBLES, WAIT A MINIMUM OF 4 HOURS BEFORE DECIDING IF YOU NEED MORE. FOR INHALANTS, WAIT A MINIMUN OF 20 MINUTES AFTER INITAL 2-3 PUFFS.
D8 EFFECTS
DELTA 8 HAS A DELAYED ONSET!
The effects of Delta 8 THC vary per person, but the average experience leaves the user calm and relaxed. As with any THC products, the experience is highly individualized. It is suggested that you start slow and low to understand your own tolerance.
If vaporized and inhaled the effects of Delta 8 THC appear within 20 minutes and can last as long as 5 hours with peak effects typically starting to decrease after 30 minutes to 2.5 hours depending on the individual. The higher the purity of D8 THC and the fewer cannabinoids like CBD and CBG, the quicker the onset and higher the intensity of effects.
If consumed orally, Delta 8 THC can take anywhere between 45 minutes and 4 hours to peak, with effects lasting as long as 12 hours.
The lack or reduction of “mental fogginess” and paranoia is also a unique and beneficial trait of D8 THC as it allows many users the ability to take it while still accomplishing daily tasks although this absolutley varies by user. You should never drive or operate machinery while using Delta 8 THC. Talk to your physician for additional guidance before using.
Negative effects can include drowsiness, upset stomach, dry mouth, red eyes, joint pain or stiffness, and headache. Please know, there are no long term safety studies of Delta 8 THC but like Delta 9, there is no known toxic or lethal level of Delta 8. If you feel you have overconsumed Delta 8 THC, the effects will wear off and MAY BE REDUCED BY CONSUMING CBD.
This information is not supported by the FDA and is not intended to treat, cure, or diagnose any conditinon.
IS DELTA 8 THC LEGAL?
*The Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, also known as the 2018 Farm Bill, specifically made all derivatives, isomers, and cannabinoids in hemp legal, provided the final product has less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC. For reference, delta 8 THC is an isomer of CBD, a derivative of hemp and CBD, a cannabinoid found in hemp.
Going further: The Federal Analogue Act, which is part of the Controlled Substances Act, because Delta 8 THC is listed. This is where the 2018 Farm Bill is especially helpful, as it also includes an amendment to the Controlled Substances Act, explicitly removing all tetrahydrocannabinols found in hemp.
The relevant language from the 2018 Farm Bill is listed below:
AGRICULTURE IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2018 - SUBTITLE G—HEMP PRODUCTION.
SEC. 297A. DEFINITIONS.
(1) HEMP.—The term ‘hemp’ means the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis.
---------------------------------------------
SEC. 12619. CONFORMING CHANGES TO CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 102(16) of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802(16)) is amended—
(1) by striking ‘‘(16) The’’ and inserting ‘‘(16)(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), the’’; and
(2) by striking ‘‘Such term does not include the’’ and inserting the following:
‘‘(B) The term ‘marihuana’ does not include—
‘‘(i) hemp, as defined in section 297A of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946; or
‘‘(ii) the’’.
(b) TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL.—Schedule I, as set forth in section 202(c) of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 812(c)), is amended in subsection
(c)(17) by inserting after ‘‘Tetrahydrocannabinols’’ the following: ‘‘, except for tetrahydrocannabinols in hemp (as defined under section 297A of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946)’’.
*Note that the information contained on this page and website is for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice. While we try to stay as up to date as possible on all state and federal laws, the laws, especially at the state level, are constantly changing. You should do your own due diligence and work with a legal professional to ensure you are operating legally in your state or territory at all times.
The official full document can be read HERE