What is Delta-8?

What is Delta-8?

Delta-8 THC is a psychoactive element that’s very close to delta-9 THC. Delta-9 THC is a compound in cannabis plants that produces a “high.” It’s what people are usually referring to when talking about THC.

It has a slightly different chemical structure that makes it a lot less potent, even though delta-8 is very similar to delta-9 THC.

What are the benefits of Delta-8 THC?

Like delta-9 THC, delta-8 creates feelings of relaxation, euphoria and possibly pain relief, but they are much milder.

Unfortunately, researchers still don’t know enough about delta-8 THC to confirm that the benefits outweigh the risks. Experts have a much better understanding of delta-9 THC.

For consumers who don’t want to experience being “high,” the lower potency may be beneficial.

What are the risks of Delta-8 THC?

Because delta-8 is so similar to delta-9 THC, it produces some of the same side effects, such as:

- Dry mouth

- anxiety

- Rapid heart rate

- Slowed reaction times

- Red eyes

- Memory Loss

- Trouble with coordination

But delta-8 may also have additional risks because it is somewhat synthetically produced, which means you might not know what it really contains.

Experts say these elements probably won’t cause ill effects. However it’s uncertain whether other by-products, including synthetic ones, are safe to consume.

What is an Alternative to Delta-8?

If you’re after a legal alternative to delta-8 that won't give you a “high,” you may want to have a go at trying CBD.

Full-spectrum CBD has tiny doses of THC but not enough to give psychoactive effects when taken in small amounts.

Is Delta-8 Legal?

Delta-8 is becoming more popular in countries and states where laws are more relaxed, such as certain US states and Canada. But, in the UK Delta-8 THC is illegal. This is because delta-8 THC isn't naturally found in huge amounts in hemp plants. That means that delta-8 is mainly produced by converting cannabidiol or delta-9 THC into delta-8 THC synthetically, which is illegal. 

In places where the compound is legal, the majority of the market consists of many products like those in the UK CBD market, including: