Over the past few years, marijuana products have become vastly more widespread and accepted in Western society. With new products being introduced regularly, cannabis enthusiasts are now talking about “Delta-8 THC”. While this substance is already popular in the US, the UK is slowly catching up, with Delta-8 slowly becoming more widespread.
Unfortunately, with little information out there but lots of talk, many are left not knowing the meaning of the new lingo. For example, you may have heard of Delta 8 but don’t know exactly what it is.
Luckily, we’ve got all the answers…
An Overview of Delta 8
Although relatively new, this compound is already a hot topic among cannabis enthusiasts, therapists, and scientists across the globe. Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as delta-8-THC, is a cannabinoid that few people had previously heard of.
Similar to the famous delta-9-THC, the compounds found in Delta-8 bind to the body’s cannabinoid receptors. By doing so, it generates feelings of relaxation and euphoria. In addition, it can be extracted from both hemp and cannabis, making it popular in locations where hemp is legal, but more potent cultivars are not.
Delta 8 vs. Delta 9
THC, also known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is the predominant psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis plants. It appears in larger quantities in some plants, namely marijuana, and is found in lower levels in industrial hemp. The chemical formulation for THC is C21H30O2.
So what’s the difference?
There isn’t, in fact, a massive difference between the two different types of THC.
Delta-9 gives you a ‘lighter high’, helping you to maintain cognitive ability while using the product. When people talk about THC, they generally refer to the cannabinoid delta-9, which is widely credited with producing most of weed’s psychoactive effects.
Delta-9 THC comes from Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, also known as THCA. THCA is the most abundant of cannabinoids and is decarboxylated to become the delta-9. When it becomes Delta-9 THC, a small proportion of the plant will oxidise to form Delta-8 THC.
Delta 8 is Increasing in Popularity
Delta 8 is becoming more popular because the psychoactive experience with Delta 8 THC products is much subtler. This makes it a potential option for people who haven’t used traditional marijuana. Delta 8 THC can also be a go-to when you wish to relax without significantly impacting cognitive ability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Delta 8 legal?
Cannabis law in the UK is governed by the Misuse of Drugs Act in the UK. Cannabis has been considered illegal by this legislation since the year 1971, categorised as a class B drug. Penalties depend on how much cannabis an individual has on their person, where the offender was found with the cannabis, personal history, and other relevant factors present. While Delta-8 is not explicitly mentioned in the legislation, it forms a part of a technically illegal plant with no legal grounding point.
However, It is crucial to note that UK law allows hemp production with a maximum THC level of 0.2% or less. Delta-8 may, therefore, many are of the opinion that it is legal as long as it’s sourced from these plants.
But, since it’s essentially a THC product, it’s unlikely that it will be legal in the UK anytime soon.
Delta-8 has been legal in the USA since 2018, with the Farm Bill making all hemp products legal.
Does Delta 8 get you high?
Delta-8 has a lower psychoactive effect and generally causes significantly less anxiety and paranoia than some people experience with cannabis. The consensus is that Delta-8-THC does get you high, but to a lesser degree than regular THC. Its effects can be described as energising but may not be as effective for regular cannabis users.
Can Delta 8 be detected in a drug test?
The short answer is yes, it can.
Most drug tests detect THC metabolites in urine. They cannot always distinguish between various cannabinoids like Delta-8 and Delta-9. These tetrahydrocannabinols produce the same metabolites when processed by the body. Therefore, they would potentially result in a positive drug test result.
How long does it take Delta 8 to work?
The time that the effects of Delta-8 take to set in varies, depending on your mode of consumption. By vaping or smoking, the compound will generally take effect within 10 to 20 minutes of use. However, as in the case of cannabis, if you take it orally, Delta-8 may take 1 or 2 hours to be fully effective. As a result, some people may overdose with oral consumption, thinking that there have been no effects from the first intake.
In Conclusion
While Delta-8, a cannabinoid compound produced by the marijuana and hemp plants, is becoming more widely spoken about, there is still much to discover about it.
Delta-8 does produce less of a high than Delta-9, but it is a very similar compound.
While hemp derivatives are being found to help with various conditions, it is best to understand the law in the UK around these products fully and consult with your doctor when you consider taking Delta-8 THC.
