So you’ve been hearing a lot lately about this new cannabinoid called delta-8 THC. Unlike its notorious cousin delta-9 THC, delta-8 offers milder psychoactive effects that many find pleasant and relaxing. If you’re interested in experiencing the benefits of cannabis without the anxiety or paranoia that can come with regular weed, delta-8 vape may be for you.
Delta-8 THC is an analog of delta-9 THC, the main compound in marijuana that gets you high. While delta-8 binds to the same cannabinoid receptors in your body, it does so more mildly. The result is a calmer, clearer high that many say leads to increased focus and creativity. Vaping delta-8 THC oil is currently the most popular way to use this intriguing new cannabinoid. The effects come on quickly but also fade fast, allowing you to microdose to find the right level for you.
Whether you’re a cannabis connoisseur looking to expand your horizons or someone hoping to enjoy the benefits of THC responsibly, delta-8 vape deserves your attention. Read on to learn everything you need to know about this exciting new product.
What Is Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 THC is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. Unlike the more well-known Delta 9 THC, Delta 8 THC produces a milder high with fewer side effects like anxiety or paranoia. Many people are turning to Delta 8 vape products as an alternative to traditional THC.
What Makes Delta 8 Different?
Delta 8 THC has a slightly different chemical structure than Delta 9 THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. This small difference means Delta 8 binds to your endocannabinoid system’s CB1 receptors a bit differently, resulting in a more mellow high.
Some of the effects people report from Delta 8 vape include:
- Relaxation without intense psychoactivity
- Pain and inflammation relief
- Improved appetite and sleep
- A clear-headed buzz
Is Delta 8 Legal?
Delta 8 THC products are legal under the 2018 Farm Bill as long as they contain less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC. However, some states have banned Delta 8, so check your local laws. When purchasing Delta 8 vape products, only buy from reputable brands that provide third-party lab reports to ensure safety, quality, and legal compliance.
Why Should You Care About Delta 8 Vape?
If you want the therapeutic benefits of cannabis without an overwhelming high, Delta 8 vape could be worth trying. Start with a small dose to gage the effects before increasing the amount. Delta 8 provides another option for those seeking alternative wellness solutions in states where cannabis is not yet legal.
How Delta 8 Vapes Are Made
Delta 8 vapes contain an extract from legal hemp plants that provides a mild psychoactive effect. Unlike Delta 9 THC from marijuana, Delta 8 THC is legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. But how exactly are Delta 8 vapes made?
Extracting from Hemp
Delta 8 THC exists naturally in hemp plants in very small amounts. To produce Delta 8 vapes, manufacturers first extract CBD from legal hemp plants. They then convert the CBD into Delta 8 THC using a chemical reaction. This concentrated extract is what gets infused into vape cartridges and disposable vape pens.
Some key steps in the extraction and conversion process:
- Hemp plants are harvested and the flowers and leaves are collected.
- A solvent like CO2 or ethanol is used to extract the compounds, including CBD, from the plant matter. This produces a full-spectrum hemp extract.
- The extract goes through a chemical reaction using a catalyst to convert the CBD into Delta 8 THC. This is known as isomerization and it results in an extract high in Delta 8.
- The Delta 8 extract is tested for potency and purity, then infused into vape cartridges and disposable vape pens.
- A cutting agent like terpenes or vegetable glycerin is added to the Delta 8 extract to produce the right viscosity for vaping.
- The final product is tested again before being packaged and sold.
Effects and Benefits
Compared to traditional Delta 9 THC, Delta 8 provides a milder, clearer high that many find more pleasant and functional. The potential benefits of Delta 8 vapes include reduced anxiety, nausea relief, appetite stimulation, and better sleep. The impacts tend to be subtle, allowing you to remain focused and alert. For these reasons, Delta 8 vapes are becoming an popular alternative to marijuana for both recreational and medicinal use.
The Benefits of Delta 8 Vapes
The Benefits of Delta 8 Vapes
Delta 8 vapes have a lot of benefits compared to other methods of consuming cannabis products. Here are a few of the main advantages:
Delta 8 vapes produce effects quickly. Since the vapor goes directly into your lungs, the effects of delta 8 THC are felt almost immediately after inhaling. This fast-acting effect is ideal if you’re looking for quick relief from symptoms like pain, nausea, or anxiety.
The effects of delta 8 vapes also tend to last shorter. The effects peak around 30 minutes after inhaling and fade after 3-4 hours. This shorter duration allows you to microdose as needed and avoid unwanted side effects from long-lasting edibles. You have more control over the experience.
Delta 8 vapes are convenient and discreet. Vape pens and cartridges are easy to use, portable, and the vapor produces little smell. You can vape in the comfort of your own home or on the go without drawing attention. Vapes also require no preparation or cleanup. Simply inhale and enjoy.
Vaping may be a safer alternative to smoking flower. While vaping is not 100% safe, it likely poses fewer health risks than smoking cannabis flower. Vapes produce an aerosol rather than smoke, so you avoid inhaling toxic combustion byproducts. However, vaping still exposes your lungs to foreign substances, so moderation is key.
Delta 8 vapes come in a variety of strain-specific terpene profiles. Terpenes are the aromatic compounds in cannabis that give each strain its unique smell and flavor. By vaping strain-specific delta 8 extracts with terpenes, you can achieve different effects and flavors from uplifting sativas to relaxing indicas. The possibilities for customization are vast.
In summary, delta 8 vapes offer a fast, short-lasting, convenient and potentially safer way to experience the benefits of delta 8 THC. With so many options for strains and flavors, vaping delta 8 is an enjoyable experience for cannabis consumers.
How to Choose the Best Delta 8 Vape Products
When it comes to Delta 8 vape products, you have a lot of options to choose from. How do you know which ones are high quality and safe? Here are some tips to help you find the best Delta 8 vape for you:
Ingredients
Make sure you know exactly what’s in the vape product before purchasing. Look for simple, natural ingredients like Delta 8 distillate, terpenes, and carrier oils such as coconut MCT oil or hempseed oil. Avoid artificial additives, thinning agents, and “proprietary blends” that don’t disclose all ingredients. High quality Delta 8 vape products will clearly list all ingredients on the packaging or website.
Source and Process
Choose a brand that uses organically grown hemp and clean extraction methods. CO2 extraction is considered the gold standard as it produces a potent, contaminant-free extract. Some brands also use additional purification and filtration steps to remove any remaining impurities, resulting in an exceptionally pure final product.
Potency
Delta 8 vape potency can range from 30-95% Delta 8 and up. In general, higher potencies around 60-95% will provide stronger effects. However, higher potencies are not necessarily better and may be too powerful for some. It depends on your individual needs and preferences. Start with a moderate potency around 50-70% and adjust from there.
Third-Party Testing
Reputable brands will conduct independent third-party testing on their vape products to ensure safety, quality, and accurate potency. Look for Certificates of Analysis (COAs) from the brand’s website or product packaging that show comprehensive testing including cannabinoids, terpenes, heavy metals, pesticides, and solvents.
Reviews
Check online reviews from real customers to determine overall quality and experience. Look for mostly positive reviews mentioning good effects, flavor, and value. Be wary of brands with no reviews or overwhelmingly negative reviews mentioning issues like harsh hits, artificial taste or lack of effects.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can find a safe, effective Delta 8 vape product that suits your needs. Take your time exploring different reputable brands to find your perfect vape.
Is Delta 8 THC Legal? A State-by-State Guide
Delta 8 THC is legal under federal law, but some states have banned it or placed restrictions on it. The legality of Delta 8 products varies in each state, so make sure you understand your state’s specific laws before purchasing or using Delta 8.
Federal Law
Delta 8 THC is legal federally in the U.S. because of the 2018 Farm Bill. This bill legalized hemp and hemp-derived cannabinoids, including Delta 8. However, Delta 8 can only be derived from hemp, not marijuana. Hemp is defined as cannabis plants containing less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC.
State Laws
At the state level, Delta 8 legality depends on a state’s cannabis laws. Some states have banned Delta 8 or placed restrictions on it, while others have no laws addressing it. A few states consider hemp-derived Delta 8 illegal, but marijuana-derived Delta 8 legal for recreational use.
Check with your state laws to confirm if Delta 8 products containing less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC are legal for you to buy and use. As of 2021, the following states have banned Delta 8:
- Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont.
Other states have restrictions on potency, sale and purchase. The laws are evolving, so stay up to date on your local regulations.
When in doubt, it’s best to avoid using Delta 8 until you can confirm its legal status. Some companies will not ship to states where Delta 8 is illegal or restricted. Be an informed consumer and know the laws in your area. If Delta 8 is illegal in your state, do not purchase or use these products.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the lowdown on delta 8 vape and why it should be on your radar. This hemp-derived compound offers a legal way to experience many of the same therapeutic benefits of delta 9 THC without the intense psychoactive effects. If you’ve been curious about CBD or other hemp products but haven’t found the relief you’re looking for, delta 8 could be worth exploring. At the very least, you’ll be supporting an exciting new market in the hemp industry. And who knows, this little known cannabinoid may just become your new favorite wellness supplement. The future of hemp is unfolding before our eyes. Why not be part of the story?
