Move over CBD and THC; there’s a new cannabinoid taking the legal cannabis markets by storm—delta 8. We’ve seen this relatively obscure compound explode into one of the hottest selling cannabis derivatives in just a few short years. Let’s take a look at what makes delta 8 THC so special, and find out where you can get your hands on some to try it out for yourself.
What Is Delta 8 THC?
If you know anything about cannabis, then you’ve likely heard of THC. This major cannabinoid’s claim to fame is its role in producing the infamous high associated with marijuana consumption. However, you may not know that this intoxicating compound’s full name is delta 9 THC. The “9” in delta 9 references a covalent bond that can be found on the 9th carbon atom in the carbon chain.
Chemically speaking, the only difference between conventional delta 9 THC and delta 8 THC is the location of this bond. As you might have been able to guess, the bond in delta 8 is found on the 8th carbon in the chain. Even though delta 8 and delta 9 only have slight molecular differences, each compound has unique effects.
Similarly to delta 9, delta 8 THC consumption does result in intoxication. However, many consumers report that delta 8 has a much more mellow high than traditional delta 9 THC. The anecdotal evidence suggests that a delta 8 high comes with mild euphoria, increased focus, and moderate body sensations that can be described as pleasant. According to reports, much of the brain fog, anxiety, and physical sedation we associate with high THC strains of marijuana, does not occur with delta 8 THC.
Is Delta 8 THC Legal?
Delta 8 manufacturers often bill their products as legal alternatives to THC, though this isn’t entirely accurate. Like almost all cannabis products, delta 8’s legal status is somewhat hazy.
The 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized hemp and cannabinoids derived from hemp, so long as they contain less than 0.3% delta 9 THC per dry weight. While it may not have been the intention of the USDA to federally legalize an intoxicating compound such as delta 8 THC, based on the verbiage in the bill many have interpreted it to mean that delta 8 is now federally legal so long as it’s extracted from a hemp plant.
However, it’s up to each state to set its own laws and regulations governing delta 8. Legislation is still pending in several states; however, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, Rhode Island, and Utah have all instituted formal bans on delta 8.
Where To Buy Delta 8 THC
Cannabis plants only naturally produce extremely small amounts of delta 8 THC. As a result, delta 8 is primarily sold in extract form. Most often these extracts are used in edibles like gummies, put into disposable vape cartridges, or infused into hemp flower. So, where do you buy delta 8 THC products?
Doing a search for delta 8 products near me likely won’t turn up many helpful results. The bulk of delta 8 sales are taking place online through virtual retailers and resellers, including E10 Labs. That’s right, we’ve applied our innovation-meets-tradition ethos and attention to detail to delta 8. With our new line of Ari53™, you can enjoy sustainable delta 8 rich hemp flower wherever you go using the same revolutionary concentric heating technology you’ve come to expect with the elon®.
How To Buy Safe Delta 8 THC
For some, buying cannabinoid-based products off the internet can feel sketchy. How can you be sure you’re getting a safe product or not getting ripped off by a manufacturer that’s misrepresenting the actual cannabinoid content?
The best tool for an online cannabis shopper is a Certificate of Analysis (COA). A COA signals to consumers that a cannabis product has undergone lab testing for potency and other potentially harmful chemicals like heavy metals, residual pesticides, mycotoxins, and microbials. E10 Labs keeps our COAs located here on our website, as well as on the front of our stelo™ and Ari53™ packaging via an easily accessible QR code.
