Delta-8 (Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol) is a cannabinoid found in the Cannabis Sativa plant. Delta-8 is a completely different chemical from Delta-9 THC, which is the cannabinoid culprit responsible for the well-known psychoactive effects of marijuana. Delta-9 THC is legally the only cannabinoid outlawed at the federal level.
As opposed to Delta-9 THC, which is the most abundant cannabinoid in any cannabis plant, Delta-8 is only found naturally in cannabis in extremely tiny amounts, so it is made for commercial use in labs through a process that converts hemp-derived CBD into other cannabinoids such as Delta-8.
Think of Delta-8 somewhat like mild Delta-9 THC: while it is still somewhat psychoactive, it produces a high that is much less noticeable and intense than one from Delta-9 THC. Dr. Paul Terpeluk, an internal medicine specialist, claims that “Delta-8 can have about 50% to 80% of the psychoactive effect as Delta-9 [THC].” In fact, Delta-8 is an isomer of Delta-9 THC, meaning it’s a compound built from the same chemical building blocks as Delta-9. But because the parts are arranged differently, there are different effects.
Is Delta-8 Legal?
Yes. Although Delta-9 THC is still federally illegal, Delta-8 was made federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized the sale of CBD and cannabis products that test below 0.3% Delta-9 THC. The Farm Bill is why you may still be able to buy Delta-8, Delta-10, HHC, THC-O, and other cannabinoid products in your state, even if Delta-9 THC products are illegal.
However, many states have adopted laws that disagree with the federal law, making Delta-8 illegal in the following states:
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- Montana
- New York
- North Dakota
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Utah
What Does Delta-8 Do?
Many Delta-8 users report feeling light and happy, and some users claim that it is useful in pain relief. Essentially, the effects of Delta-8 are much like those of Delta-9 THC, but much more ambient and less intense. If weed makes you giggly, Delta-8 likely will too, although to a lesser extent.
Because Delta-8 is so similar to Delta-9, the side effects are also similar: users may experience reddened eyes and dry mouth, in addition to some short-term memory mix-ups. Although Delta-8 can also make some users feel anxious or paranoid, the effects are much less pronounced than they are for Delta-9 THC, which has led to many consumers switching over to more regular use of Delta-8 over Delta-9.
We are in no way doctors, and any representations here are from user testimonials, not years-long medical studies.
Does Delta-8 Show Up On Drug Tests?
It’s best to assume yes.
Although some users report having passed drug tests despite heavy Delta-8 use, it is best to assume that Delta-8 could be the reason for a failed drug test. Like we mentioned earlier, Delta-8 and Delta-9 (what they’re probably testing for) are chemical cousins—they’re isomers.
If you have a drug test coming up for an important job, then it’s probably best to stop using Delta-8 for a couple weeks leading up to the test.
Why Do People Vape Delta-8?
Mainly because it’s a legal, convenient, and discreet way to feel some of the good effects of Delta-9 THC. With Delta-8, it is also less likely that you’d feel as anxious or paranoid as you would with the same dose of Delta-9.
Are Delta-8 Vapes Safe?
Delta-8 carts are generally considered safe, however they are an under-researched, mostly unregulated product so there is an inherent risk involved in using them.
For this reason, it’s important to buy from a vendor that has third-party lab tests for potency, heavy metals, pesticides, and residual solvents to ensure you’re getting as safe and pure of a product as possible.
What Makes a Paz Packs Delta-8 Vape Different?
We keep it simple, transparent, and true to the plant. Our cartridges have two ingredients: CO2-extracted hemp and plant-derived terpenes.
They contain delta-8, CBD, and CBG which all work together to produce a unique and dynamic cannabis experience. We test every batch for potency, heavy metals, residual solvents, and pesticides.
Sources:
https://premierbiotech.com/innovation/what-is-delta-8/
