Delta-8: What You Need to Know

Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, more commonly referred to as delta-8 THC, is one of the main active cannabinoids found in cannabis. Delta-8 THC is present in varying concentrations in different strains of cannabis and can have a significant effect on users. In this article, we’ll discuss the 5 things you need to know about delta-8 THC, including its effects, dangers, and where to find it.

What is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 THC is one of the main active cannabinoids in cannabis. While delta-8 THC is present in many strains of cannabis, it is especially concentrated in indica strains. Delta-8 THC is believed to bind to the cannabinoid receptors in the brain, like CB1 and CB2, which affects the user’s thought process and sensory perceptions.

How is Delta-8 THC Made?

Delta-8 THC is made when resin glands on the buds of marijuana plants release cannabinoids into the air. These resin glands are located on the leaves and buds of marijuana plants and are broken down by enzymes and sunlight. The cannabinoids are then collected and concentrated into the resin used for marijuana products like edibles, vapes, oils, and concentrates.

What Does Delta-8 THC Do?

Delta-8 THC affects the brain, central nervous system, and can have a variety of physiological affects. These effects are largely determined by the amount of delta-8 THC in a given strain of cannabis, the amount of delta-8 THC consumed, and the user’s physiology.

Some of the main effects delta-8 THC is believed to have include:

• relaxation
• reduced anxiety
• enhanced sensory perception
• provokes appetite
• mood-elevating
• improved sleep
• decreased muscle spasms
• decreased pain
• reduced inflammation
• improved blood flow
• lowering of blood pressure

Although there may be benefits of using Delta-8, there are also adverse side effects. These include: 

• Paranoia
• Increased anxiety
• Reduced motor function
• Feelings of inebriation 
• Dizziness
• Muscle weakness

CBD, another cannabinoid, has many of the same benefits, but is believed to have an even greater therapeutic value because it does not have the psychoactive effects of delta-8 THC.

How to Identify Delta-8 THC in Marijuana?

There are a variety of tests that can be used to identify delta-8 THC in marijuana, including: liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), a Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and a High-performance liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-APCI-MS/MS). 

Each test has its pros and cons and is used differently by different laboratories. It’s important to work with a laboratory that uses methods that can accurately identify specific cannabinoids, as some tests only test for THC or CBD and do not identify the more rare delta-8 THC.

Delta-8 THC and Edibles

For those who are sensitive to delta-8 THC, consuming an edible may be a good option. Because delta-8 THC is not present in large amounts in most strains of cannabis, consuming an edible that uses delta-8 THC can result in a much lower dosage than smoking or vaporizing the same amount of marijuana. Consuming an edible that uses delta-8 THC can also result in a much slower onset of effect, which can be desirable for some uses.

Delta-8 THC and vapes

Delta-8 THC can be found in a variety of devices that use vaporizing technology, including dry herb vaporizers, e-cigarettes, and vape pens. While these devices can be convenient, they often do not produce a strong enough vapor to contain enough delta-8 THC for a user to feel the effects.

Delta-8 THC dangers and risks

While delta-8 THC has many benefits, it also has some risks, including:

• affecting your ability to drive
• impairment of various cognitive functions
• higher risk of unwanted side effects

In addition to these risks, some people are extremely sensitive to delta-8 THC and can be sensitive to even the smallest amount. Before consuming marijuana or any other product for that matter, it’s important to know how you react to THC so you can plan for how you’ll use it.

Where to find delta-8 THC in marijuana?

Like other cannabinoids, delta-8 THC is only found in trace amounts in marijuana. As with many other cannabinoids, it is only found in the resin glands of the marijuana plant. The resin glands are broken down when marijuana is smoked or vaporized, and then the cannabinoids are released into the air and collected by the user.

Summing up

Delta-8 THC is one of the main active cannabinoids found in cannabis. While it is present in many strains of cannabis, it is especially concentrated in indica strains. Consuming delta-8 THC can result in a variety of physiological effects, including relaxation, reduced anxiety, enhanced sensory perception, and more. It can also decrease blood pressure and improve blood flow, which can lead to an increased appetite. Knowing the dangers, side effects, and risks associated with delta-8 THC can help you avoid getting into trouble while consuming this cannabinoid.

With the growing popularity of marijuana, numerous brands and varieties of cannabis products are now on the market. While many of these products use recognizable ingredients, it can be difficult to tell which ones contain cannabinoids like delta-8 THC and which ones don’t. In order to make the right decision when purchasing cannabis products, you first need to understand the basics, like what delta-8 THC is and why it’s present in cannabis.

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