Weed Finds a Way

Since 2018, you’ve probably noticed more and more products containing CBD all over the United States. Totally legal, highly approachable, and seriously beneficial to our health, CBD and other hemp-derived, cannabis-based products have spread since passing the Farm Bill in 2018, which effectively legalized hemp and hemp-derived products with a low THC percentage cap. This progress brought about new products, businesses, and innovations in how we perceive and experience cannabis.

What is Delta-8 THC? 

One of the most exciting of these innovations is Delta-8 THC, a naturally occurring compound in the cannabis plant that is not as potent as Delta-9 THC. Though some states have legalized Delta-9 THC rich cannabis, these products remain under federal regulation and are not easily found all over the county. Delta-8, however, is legal in all 50 states, and businesses across the U.S. are dispensing quality, regulated, and legally delicious products in well-lit brick and mortar shops. People are loving it.

Safe access to cannabis is on every advocate’s to-do list because we know the barrier this presents for people seeking wellness, relief, or just a plain ol’ good time from the plant. The 2018 Farm Bill has permitted and even promoted cannabis products as a legitimate and effective means of plant-based wellness. Whether it’s getting better rest or just unwinding after work, the plant is here for us.

Is Delta-8 THC Legal?

The Farm Bill was meant to define for growers and producers as to what is and what is not legal for the crop while also assuring skeptics and other agitators of the long-passed war-on-drugs that the stuff that gets you “high” will remain illegal. It was a compromise, a peace-offering, so everyone has something to put in their pipe to smoke – right?

Delta-8-THC Structure courtesy of www.en.wikipedia.org

Not quite. The effort to single out THC as a dangerous drug is misguided on multiple levels, and the results prove that both the plant and its people are more cunning than presumed. Delta-9 THC is one of the valuable components of a healthy cannabis plant, but there are many many more pieces to the pot plant puzzle. CBD, CBD-A, CBN, CBG, THC-A, and Delta-8 THC are all naturally occurring cannabinoids with effects that are dissimilar to THC-D9. Also, these compounds yield varying effects in different ratios because these all interact together in a meaningful way, evidenced by the entourage effect.

Isolating Delta-8 THC has done more to liberate cannabis as a whole than to criminalize it. First of all, the simple normalization of cannabis flower, edibles, and concentrates in stores and at parties is a conventional and tangible way to move the needle for acceptance and ending the stigma of cannabis consumption. We have elevated the plant from parking lot and alleyway transactions to elegant stores, attractive merchandising, customer service, and even loyalty programs.

Although Delta-8 THC currently resides in a legal gray area – the question: “Will Delta-8 make you fail a drug test” isn’t in such a shade of gray. Unfortunately, drug tests don’t distinguish what is legal THC and what is illegal. Delta-8 contains THC metabolites that will show on a drug test.

What Types of Delta-8 THC Products Are On The Market?

Secondly, Delta-8 has made a more accessible entry point for anyone new to cannabis. Personally, when I tried cannabis for the first time, I didn’t know the strain, the effects, the duration, the flavor, the price – anything. Now anyone over 21 can shop safely, on their own, during regular working hours where they get to see all the available products and discuss their options with someone passionate and knowledgeable. Delta-8 Gummies, flowers such as Delta-8 pre-rolls, and extracts including Delta-8 carts. CBD or D8. Terpenes. Certificates of Analysis. These things all make the unknown less uncertain and provide a sturdy jumping-off point for someone interested in trying cannabis.

Does Delta-8 THC Get You High?

And last of all, because Delta-8 THC is only 1/2 to 2/3rds as effective as THC-D9, people aren’t getting too much too quickly. This type of first-time experience can leave a bad taste in your mouth and possibly dissuade someone from ever trying it again. With lesser potency and regulated dosage control, newcomers can have a full-on cannabis experience without any unfortunate side effects.

Tips for trying Delta-8 THC

• Look for COAs or Certificates of Analysis. This ensures          your product is safe, reliable, and worth the money.
• Never buy cannabis from a gas station.
• Search for “full-spectrum” and begin to discern which          terpenes make the right experience for you.