When we talk about tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, most people assume that we are talking about the cannabis compound that gets you high, which is actually the delta-9 THC. However, hemp plants and cannabis contain more than one kind of THC. There are mostly four kinds of THC, one of which is delta-8 THC. But what is delta-8 THC? Will it get you high? Here is a short nifty guide for beginners.
Delta 8 THC is a cannabinoid found in plants of the cannabis family, which includes hemp. It is believed to be slightly psychoactive and is quite different from its closely related counterpart delta-9 THC which is the most popular form of tetrahydrocannabinol. Delta 8 gummies are made by infusing the cannabinoid into a gummy candy. Basically, D8 THV is added to the ingredient list when the gummies are made. So aside from the usual sugar, corn syrup and flavoring, they also contain delta-8 THC.
Delta 8 THC vs Delta 9 THC
Both delta-8 and delta-9 are chemically the same in form. They both have a double-bonded structure but the double-bond is located in differing points of the cannabinoid carbon chain with each THC form. With this unique formation, delta-8 interacts differently with the endocannabinoid system of the body than delta-9. Delta-9 directly binds to certain cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system, but delta-8 does not offer the same action. Thus, delta-8 produces less intoxicating effects.
Delta 8 THC gummies can give you a bit of euphoric feeling, but the experience will not be the same with delta 9 THC. Most users report that the high feeling produced by delta 8 are less intense but are more enjoyable. You do not have to go through the overwhelming spaced-out and grogginess feeling, and go straight to the more desirable effects. For instance, you might find yourself feeling more energetic and focused on your work, but might also have a bit of euphoria and giddiness and feel more relaxed.
Just like most cannabinoid-based edibles, the effects take longer to kick in. People usually start to feel the effects about 30 minutes after consumption, but it can take as long as two hours to reach the peak. At most, it can go up to four hours. Unlike what you will expect with delta 9 THC, delta 8 THC will not just creep up on you and suddenly give you a wave of effects. Rather, you will notice a gradual onset of reactions.
There is no one dosage that works for everyone. Delta 8 THC can yield various effects for every person depending on factors like body chemistry and metabolism, among others. Delta-8 might affect some people more than others, particularly those who might have had much experience with it. Generally, try a low dose and increase once you determine how it will affect you personally. Wait for a few hours to see how the initial dose will affect you as edibles take a while to reach their full effect.
These days, delta-8 gummies are in high demand, and many sellers are rushing to fill in that demand. However, this also means that you need to use a discerning eye when buying these gummies. When shopping for delta-8 gummies, make sure to check out high quality ingredients, third party lab testing, intended use, potency, and brand credibility. Delta-8 THC is one of the few cannabinoids that offer some euphoric effects, so you might want to try it out.
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