Delta-8-THC became a highly sought-after supplement among cannabis users in the past year. The number of Delta-8 carts sold here has skyrocketed, and more and more consumers are becoming interested in giving them a try.
However, while Delta-8 has already garnered quite the attention from new and experienced cannabis users alike, it remains vastly underrated. As a result, many users aren’t familiar with its properties and full capabilities.
So, let’s see what makes Delta-8 unique and why it’s important for users not to underrate it.
Delta-8 Carts Are a Newcomer to the Cannabis Market
Since the 2018 hemp legalization, cannabinoids like CBD have taken the spotlight. Over a third of Americans have used CBD in the past, making it the second most prevalent cannabinoid (after Delta-9-THC).
However, Delta-8-THC remained a largely unknown cannabis extract that only started garnering attention in the past year.
Being a relative newcomer to the cannabis market, Delta-8 was initially shrouded in myths and misinformation. For example, many users were unaware that it’s a natural cannabinoid distinct from the more notorious Delta-9-THC.
Fortunately, as more dispensaries introduced Delta-8 carts, gummies, and tinctures, the public started to realize the truth about it – it’s a natural, mild cannabinoid that can bring an abundance of benefits.
They Offer a Mild High
Delta-8 carts remained underrated because they were often compared to CBD and Delta-9-THC, even though they’re distinct from both.
Delta-8 can deliver benefits similar to CBD, considering it has anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, and analgesic properties. It can also have effects similar to Delta-9, being mildly psychoactive and inducing a feeling of a gentle high after use. However, to truly appreciate Delta-8 for what it is, it’s essential to consider it separately from either CBD or Delta-9.
Like most cannabinoids, Delta-8-THC binds to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in your endocannabinoid system (ECS). However, its molecular structure prevents it from creating a strong bond with these receptors, meaning it will affect your ECS only mildly, producing a clear-headed high that allows you to stay focused.
They Can Deliver Synergistic Effects
When searching for cannabinoid extracts, you’ll often come across terms like isolate, broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum. These are indicators of what hemp derivatives they contain.
Isolates (like CBD isolate, for example) contain only the cannabinoid in question. Therefore, they’re pure, without traces of other cannabinoids, flavonoids, or terpenes.
Broad-spectrum products contain all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids except Delta-9-THC, while full-spectrum ones have everything that hemp has to offer, with up to 0.3% Delta-9.
When buying Delta-8 carts, you’ll rarely come across isolates. That is because Delta-8 exists in small quantities in hemp, so it’s difficult to extract the necessary amount. Instead, most Delta-8 products will be broad- or full-spectrum, which can be beneficial.
This combination of all cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids allows the product to have synergistic (entourage) effects, making it more potent.
They Are Legal on a Federal Level
One of the main reasons Delta-8 became so popular is that it can give users a “legal” high. According to the Farm Bill, only Delta-9-THC and only hemp plants that contain more than 0.3% Delta-9-THC are illegal. However, since Delta-8-THC can be extracted from plants with less than 0.3% Delta-9, it’s technically legal on a federal level.
However, you should still check your local laws to be sure. Individual states have the right to regulate hemp how they see fit, meaning Delta-8 might be illegal in your area.
Dosing Delta-8 Is Easy
Unlike Delta-9, dosing Delta-8 is generally safe and easy, mainly because it doesn’t induce paranoia or anxiety. Also, since it’s such a mild cannabinoid, toxicity isn’t an issue. There’s no risk of overdosing, and the potential side effects are similar to those of CBD – dry mouth, slight nausea, and fatigue.
However, if you’re a first-time user, it’s always in your best interest to err on the side of caution and start with a small dose. Everyone reacts to cannabinoids differently, so it’s best to go easy on your first dose if you want to reduce the risk of side effects.
If the dose is too light, you can slowly increase it over the course of a few weeks by about 5-10mg at a time.
Final Thoughts
Considering its legal status, mild effects, and potential benefits, it’s not surprising that Delta-8 is quickly becoming one of the most popular cannabinoids. If you want to give it a try, make sure to find a trustworthy vendor and start with a light dose. You’ll quickly learn not to underrate Delta-8 and appreciate it for what it is.