Like delta-9 THC, delta-8 causes euphoria, relaxation, and potential pain relief, but much milder.
For those who don’t want to experience a distinct “high,” the lower potency may be helpful.
Unfortunately, researchers still don’t know enough about delta-8 THC to confirm that the benefits outweigh the risks. Experts have a much better understanding of delta-9 THC.
What is Delta-8?
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Those connected to the world of cannabis-related news will be well aware of the controversy surrounding delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychoactive compound that claims to be legal at the federal level because of some loopholes.
However, if you are new to cannabis products, everything can be a bit confusing. Is delta-8 THC actually legal? How is it different from other forms of THC?
Below, we’ll dig deeper into delta-8, including its potential benefits and risks, whether you can get a “feel” from it, whether it’s legal, and what kind of alternatives exist.
Will delta-8 make you ‘excited’?
Because delta-8 is very similar to delta-9 THC, it can also cause “joy”. However, some describe it as milder than delta-9 THC.
Is delta-8 legal?
Here’s where it gets complicated.
Legalized hemp with delta-9 thc less than 0.3%. This means there is a federal loophole for products that contain higher amounts of delta-8 THC, as long as they come from hemp with no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis.
However, delta-8 THC does not occur naturally in large quantities in the cannabis plant. That said, delta-8 is mostly made from cannabidiol (CBD) or delta-9 THC synthetically converted to delta-8 THC, which is illegal.
Additionally, some state laws strictly prohibit the sale of products containing both delta-8 and delta-9 THC. You can find out about your state’s laws by viewing Norml.org’s map of cannabis laws.