Delta-8 THC has been popping up on the scene like crazy lately! If you haven’t heard about it, or any of its controversies, you will now. It’s popularity has exploded just in the last year because of its similarities to delta-9 THC (most commonly known weed), but it’s technically considered federally legal.
Legally, Delta-8 lies in this gray area, which is why states who have yet to legalize marijuana are able to sell delta-8 THC products making it more accessible to those people who really need it’s relieving effects. It also has opened doors for the illicit market to sell some wack shit. I’m here to give you the straight facts, Greenies!
What is delta-8 THC?
Before we get into the nitty gritty of why delta-8 THC has had such a come up in the past year or so, it’s important to know what in the hell it is! I like to consider delta-8 a little cousin of delta-9, which is the main compound in cannabis that gets you high. Delta-9 THC is just the fancy, scientific name for regular ass weed.
Just like delta-9, delta-8 binds to the body’s endocannabinoid system – which is what makes you feel high. The only difference is that it binds in a different way since molecularly they’re different compounds. Because of this, the ‘high’ you experience is much less potent, but you can still feel those euphoric, sedative, and symptom relieving effects! At least, that’s what we know so far since there hasn’t been much research done on delta-8.
What’s the story behind delta-8 THC?
The reason why delta-8 THC has become somewhat controversial is because of the legalities and lack of regulation. Since delta-8 can be extracted from hemp, and hemp can be legally grown and used for extractions throughout the U.S. (thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill), that technically makes it legal. So, in some states where cannabis isn’t legal to consume yet, they’re actually able to sell delta-8 products as it’s derived from hemp (CBD). Because of the strong similarities in effects between delta-8 and regular delta-9 THC, she’s taken off!
People that normally aren’t able to access cannabis products, and their healing effects, now have access to something that’s strikingly similar. In fact, since delta-8’s effects are much more mellow than regular THC, it’s piqued a lot of peoples’ interests. Of course, this can be a good thing considering it has the potential to help more people find relief from their ailments, but it also opens doors for unregulated and unsafe products to hit the market.
Is delta-8 safe to consume?
When it comes to the safety of consuming delta-8 THC products, it’s really about where you get it from. At the very core, the compound itself is, of course, safe to consume. It’s natural and comes from our beloved hemp plant, you can’t go wrong! But, just like how a shady black market type deal was formed when states started legalizing cannabis, the same is happening with delta-8.
Experts say that the main safety risk truly lies within untested, unlicensed delta-8 THC products purchased on the unregulated market. Makes sense right? What these places do is pollute the products with potentially poisonous contaminates like lead, arsenic, metals, etc. and this has led to a handful of hospitalizations! As a result, some states are already cracking the whip and pushing to highly regulate and even ban delta-8 THC.
Bottom line Greenies: You have to be smart with where you’re getting your product. You know me, I don’t mess around. So, any of my cannabis or delta-8 goodies are 100% safe to consume.
Where to purchase delta-8 THC
While reading about this may seem a little scary, there is nothing wrong with delta-8! It’s still natural and provides very similar, healing effects that cannabis does. Yes, it’s a compound that doesn’t have as much research behind it, but you just need to get it from a trustworthy source. Typically there are three different options you can choose from when you’re looking to get your hands on delta-8 THC:
- Online: You can easily purchase delta-8 products online, but there’s typically no way to know what’s actually in them. It’s not uncommon to come across untested and contaminated products going this route.
- Dispensaries: All state-licensed cannabis stores have to put their products through strict, state-mandated testing for purity and potency. Basically, when the label says there’s a certain amount of delta-8 THC in that specific product, that’s what you’re gonna get. But, unfortunately, most delta-8 products are sold outside of these licensed dispensaries.
- Retail stores: These retail shops are where most of the risks lie. They’re unlicensed and completely unregulated. They could be selling pure crap! Like when purchasing online, there’s no way to know that what’s actually on the label is what is in the product itself. These types of stores are usually places like gas stations and smoke shops. Stay away, Greenies!
Your best bet for delta-8 THC
At the end of the day, your best bet for giving delta-8 THC a try is to purchase it from a trustworthy source. If you get bad vibes from a specific place, trust your gut! For states where cannabis is legal, go to a licensed dispensary and check out their delta-8 selection. If cannabis isn’t legal where you are, just be very cautious about your choices.
The good news is that I make delta-8 edibles myself and you know I do it RIGHT. I source my delta-8 from reliable sources, such as Third Day Collective and Extract Labs in Colorado, that I trust. I also have the COA (Certificate of Analysis) for my delta-8 products.
It is a matter of the integrity and trust that my customers give me that makes me go that extra mile. I want all my peeps to not only feel safe to consume my products but also to know what is going into their bodies. We should all be able to make an informed and educated decision about anything that we consume that runs the gamut from fruits and veggies to our cannabis.
