Delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol is a lesser-known cannabinoid that occurs naturally in the Cannabis sativa plant. It is a form of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) but lacks psychoactive potency and is typically extracted from hemp instead of marijuana which means it falls into a grey legal area. Many people see it as a legal way to get ‘high,’ but with a lot less punch and power than marijuana’s standard Delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol. Retailers on the internet and in brick-and-mortar establishments are selling Delta 8 gummies right alongside CBD without fear of legal ramifications. The Delta 8 chews are perfectly legal and considered the best of both worlds if you seek a smooth high that still lets you function.
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Delta 8 and Delta 9 Potency Comparisons
Most Delta 8 will experience some components of a psychoactive response when they ingest Delta 8 gummies, but to a much lesser degree than Delta 9 THC. Hardcore, frequent marijuana users might have no response from Delta 8 because they are used to using high potency THC percentages, so they have developed a tolerance to the cannabinoids of the plant.
Both Delta 8 and Delta 9 are THC with similar chemical structures, but they have differences. The name ‘Delta 8’ refers to a chemical bond in the chain of carbon atoms on the 8th carbon compared to Delta 9, which appears on the 9th carbon. The positioning impacts the potency between Delta 8 versus Delta 9. Both THC forms bind with the body’s endocannabinoid system but in different fashions due to the double bond placement.
Users often consider the high associated with Delta 8 subtle and smooth compared to Delta 9, which hits harder and faster, leading to more anxiety and paranoia in the user.
What are Delta 8 Gummies?
Delta 8 gummies are small, chewy candies laced with Delta 8. Depending on the brands, some of the gummies might contain other forms of cannabinoids that occur naturally in the hemp plant, such as CBD, terpenes, and more.
Common Effects of Delta 8 Gummies
As noted, Delta 8 gummies are not going to get you as high as legal marijuana. It simply slacks the potency, but users do report varying degrees of psychoactive responses such as the following:
- Mild euphoria
- Uplifting feelings
- Happiness
- Pain relief
- Relaxation
- Sleepiness
Side Effects of Delta 8 Gummies
The side effects of Delta 8 gummies are like those of THC:
- Dry mouth
- Increased appetite
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
- Short term memory loss
- Red eyes
The Legality of Delta 8
Many people are confused about the legality of Delta 8 and other products. Why are Delta 8 products legal but Delta 9 illegal? In 2018, the president signed the farm bill with legalized hemp-derived cannabinoids, extras, and some derivatives. Hemp was widely used to obtain CBD, which has become a favored herbal supplement. Marijuana was known for its high levels of THC and has remained illegal at a federal level and in many states.
Delta 8 accounts for less than 0.01 percent of the cannabinoids found in either hemp or marijuana. Delta 8 is classified as an isomer of CBD because both compounds share the same number of atoms (in different arrangements). The science of atomic rearrangement lets CBD be altered into Delta 8 after extracting CBD from the hemp plant using a CO2 extraction method.
Nowadays, the low levels of Delta 8 found in hemp do not deter extraction artists who can now quickly extract CBD from hemp and then synthetically alter the CBD, so it changes into Delta 8. The entire process is perfectly legal on a federal level, but some states have started to regulate Delta 8. The irony is that Delta 8 gummies are often permitted in places where Delta 9 is not and vice versa because of varying state laws.
At the time of publication, Delta 8 gummies are legal at a federal level but illegal in the following states:
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Arkansas
- Arizona
- Kentucky
- Connecticut
- Iowa
- Idaho
- Delaware
- Michigan
- New York
- Rhode Island
- Washington
- Utah
- Vermont
- North Dakota
- New York
- Mississippi
- Montana
Ironically, many of the states that have ban Delta 8 have embraced and legalized the use of recreational marijuana.
Safety of Delta 8
The FDA states the following, “It is important for consumers to be aware that delta-8 THC products have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA for safe use in any context. They may be marketed in ways that put the public health at risk and should especially be kept out of reach of children and pets.”
Many supporters of Delta 8 will argue that it is as natural in the plant as Delta 9, so it is safe. However, there are a couple of flaws with that stance. First, indeed, Delta 8 does naturally occur in hemp and marijuana but a deficient percentage. Instead, CBD is being converted into Delta 8, unlike Delta 9, which does happen at high rates in marijuana and requires no conversion.
How Long Does It Take Delta-8 to Work?
Most people turn to Delta 8 gummies for euphoria and relaxation. However, unlike marijuana, the psychoactive results do take longer to impact the users. Usually, it takes around 30 minutes to feel any differently, and then the effects last about four hours. The results are generally very gradual instead of sudden.
How Many Deltas 8 Gummies are Safe to Take?
Delta 8 Edibles
Delta 8 dosages vary between individuals. If you have had minimal experience with any form of THC, then you might feel a more significant impact when you use Delta 8 than individuals who regularly use marijuana.
Usually, you should start out taking a low dose and then increase it once you discover how Delta 8 makes you feel. Ideally, you should wait a few hours after ingesting the first gummy before you take another one. Edibles usually take longer to impact the user. Don’t be surprised if you feel affected by the gummies after ingestion for an hour or two.
Why Use Delta 8?
You might wonder why you should try Delta 8 gummies. Many people use them for sleep assistance or to ease the pain. Some people don’t want to experience the intense high rendered by traditional THC products. They feel like CBD simply does not work as effectively. Many users opt to use Delta 8 gummies to cope with nausea or stimulate appetite if they are undergoing cancer treatments or suffering from some other condition that causes nausea.
Where Can I Buy Delta 8 Gummies?
If you live in an area where Delta 8 is legal, you can buy the Delta 8 gummies at health food stores, dispensaries, or online. One of the safest places to buy the relatively new herbal gummies is online because brick and mortar stores often sell subpar or expired products. Many leading brands of Delta 8 gummies provide and depend on third-party lab results with their products to ensure purity.
Things to consider when buying Delta 8 gummies include:
- Quality Ingredients: Always look for brands that use organically grown hemp to manufacture their Delta 8 gummies.
- Third-Party Laboratory Testing: Ensure that whatever Delta 8 gummies you buy come with an independent third-party laboratory rapport showing that the product is free of potential contaminants. You can also ask for a Certificate of Analysis.
- Potency: Most Delta 8 gummies feature a 25 mg potency level ideal for most users.
- Reviews: Look at the brand reviews to determine credibility.
If you would like to learn more about Delta 8 gummies or other kratom or CBD products, please contact My Kratom Club.
I’ve always wanted to try delta 8, this definitely makes me more comfortable with that idea.
Can Delta 8 gummies cause you to lose weight? Do they affect the iron in your blood? Thanks
Hi Marilyn,
Thank you for taking the time to stop by and leave your questions.
We do not have any evidence Delta 8 gummies cause you to lose weight nor affect iron in your blood.
It is strongly receommended to discuss any use of Delta 8 gummies with your physician.