You’ve likely heard about Delta 8 THC (D8), but what is it? Why can we sell it in stores across the country while marijuana is still federally illegal? To put it plainly, Delta 8 THC is derived from hemp.
So, Why is it Significant That This Ingredient is Found in Hemp?
Cannabis has been federally illegal since the Controlled Substance Act of 1970, but the 2014 Farm Bill legalized the growing and cultivation of industrial hemp. Next, the 2018 Farm Bill legalized the commercial production of hemp.
Hemp is legally defined as any Cannabis sativa L. plant, including any part of that plant or derivative of, that contains no more than 0.3% Delta 9 (D9) tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration on a dry-weight basis. THC is the ingredient found in cannabis flowers and leaves which produces psychoactive effects, or the “high” that consumers feel. Products which are marketed for their Delta 9 THC content are considered marijuana, which generally contain about 10-30% Delta 9 THC concentration. The chemical structure of Delta 8 THC is similar to that of Delta 9 THC and is used for similar reasons (reducing anxiety, assisting with sleep or appetite, etc.), but it is not regulated by the federal government. Delta 8 THC is found naturally in the cannabis plant in insignificant amounts, so it must be extracted differently and added to products in higher concentrations. These effects are said to be less potent than those produced by using Delta 9 THC products however, many users say that they can not tell the difference.
The prohibition of cannabis products, like any other prohibition, boosted innovation in the industry.
The legalization of hemp first created a boom in cannabidiol (CBD) which quickly became oversaturated. CBD is a cannabinoid found in cannabis which some people use for therapeutic reasons like stress relief and sleep assistance, and it contains no THC since they are two different cannabinoids. The boom and plateau of the CBD market caused producers to find other ways to market hemp, such as taking advantage of the loophole in federal regulation which only limits D9 THC. After the production and commercialization of D8 THC products, D10 THC was introduced. D10 THC is known to create similar, less potent effects than D8 THC. There have been few studies done on D1 through D7 THC, and these variants are not being produced commercially yet. Like D8 THC, D1 through D7 THC is naturally produced in insignificant amounts and must be synthesized to create concentrations great enough to produce effects.
Now I know that different types of THC have similar effects, but what makes them different?
The main difference between each THC type is their chemical structure. D9 is used for its high THC content, and it is the main appeal for marijuana products.
D8 THC is created with high cannabinol (CBN), an ingredient which can produce psychoactive effects in significant quantities. CBN has not been studied as thoroughly as THC or CBD, but some of its potential uses are similar such as use as a sleep aid. Delta 10 THC (D10) is created with more cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), and THC. Like CBN, CBG and CBC need to be studied more to fully understand their effects, but they are both used for therapeutic benefits. CBG is used to reduce pain and inflammation when consumed, while CBC is best used as a topical treatment for acne and similar dermatology issues.
What products are right for me?
Everyone is different! Each person’s endocannabinoid system reacts differently to each cannabinoid, so there is not a one-size-fits-all solution. For example, one person might need significantly more CBD than another to feel any effects at all. Some people might prefer smoking flower, and others may prefer drinking tea to get the desired
benefits which will be most efficient for them. Whether you are looking to reduce anxiety, relieve pain, or improve your sleep there are many products at The Hemp Source to try!
I recommend reviewing your needs and choosing a cannabinoid which fits them. Start with small doses whether you are smoking, ingesting, applying a topical, or however you are consuming hemp products. If it doesn’t work, try larger doses, different consumption methods, or other cannabinoids until you can achieve the results you’re looking for!
