What is Delta-8 THC??
Delta-8 THC is arguably the newest, hottest cannabinoid on the scene right now.
But the fact that it’s so new means you probably have some questions.
That’s exactly where this special guide comes in! In it we’ll be taking an in-depth look at delta-8 THC, what it does, and how it could benefit you.
- Delta-8 THC 101
- Why is delta-8 so popular?
- Delta-8’s top health benefits
- Delta-8 THC vs delta-9 THC
- Delta-8 THC vs CBD
- Where to find the best delta-8 products
Delta-8 THC 101
Delta-8 THC is one of over a hundred hemp-derived cannabinoids — but it sets itself apart from the rest in several ways.
Delta-8 THC is one of the few cannabinoids that act on both ‘sides’ of your endocannabinoid system. (More on how that works later.) This dual activation gives delta-8 amazingly broad effects. It can get you high, but not too high…it can restore your hunger, without giving you a crazy case of the munchies…it can help you sleep better, without being too sedative.
In short, delta-8 THC is essentially a perfect blend of delta-9 THC and CBD.
Why is delta-8 so popular?
In addition to having all sorts of uplifting effects, delta-8 THC has one very significant advantage over delta-9: it’s federally legal! Delta-8 is just as legal as CBD, in fact, per the very same Farm Bills that sparked CBD’s popularity. One recent study explains more:
“Products containing delta-8-THC became widely available in most of the USA following the 2018 Farm Bill and by late 2020 were core products of hemp processing companies, especially where delta-9-THC use remained illegal or required medical authorization.” [1]
There’s one condition that delta-8 THC must meet in order to be fully legal, however: it must be derived from industrial hemp. Cannabis-derived delta-8 is still illegal. To ensure they’re able to source things correctly, delta-8 manufacturers have developed new and novel delivery methods that squeeze every drop out of the hemp plant.
Delta-8’s top health benefits
Delta-8 THC possesses an unusually diverse set of health benefits. As we alluded to above, that’s because it activates the same CB1 receptors that delta-9 THC does…and the same CB2 receptors that CBD does.
Delta-8’s CB1 activation may lead to:
- Reduced stress
- Improved sleep
- More creativity
- Reduced pain sensation
- Improved mitochondrial function
- Improved carbohydrate metabolism
And delta-8’s CB2 activation may lead to:
- Reduced stress
- Improved sleep
- Longer-lasting focus
- Reduced inflammation
- Improved mitochondrial density
- Improved free fatty acid metabolism
One recent delta-8 study shines an even brighter light on the cannabinoid’s physical and mental benefits. Published in January of 2022, this study surveyed 521 delta-8 users and identified a few important trends.
- 71% experienced significant relaxation
- 68% experienced mental euphoria
- 55% experienced pain relief
- 74% did not experience anxiety
- 83% did not experience paranoia
Delta-8 THC may also be an ideal cannabinoid for anyone interested in microdosing,
One study found that 0.001 mg/kg (that’s less than a tenth of a milligram for most people!) caused “increased food consumption and tendency to improve cognitive function, without cannabimimetic side effects. Hence, a low dose of THC might be a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of weight disorders.” [2]
Not many other cannabinoids have such powerful effects at such low doses! CBD certainly doesn’t, nor do many other hemp-derived cannabinoids. And while delta-9 THC can probably match these benefits, it doesn’t come without “cannabimimetic” side effects
Delta-8 THC vs delta-9 THC
Some experts have taken to calling delta-8 ‘THC lite.’ For most people, this nickname holds true. Delta-8 really does provide a gentler, lighter, more balanced version of delta-9! Interestingly enough, these differences are a result of a single variance in its chemical bonds.
Compared to delta-9, delta-8 THC is:
- Easier to dose
- Enjoyable at higher doses
- Usually free of unwanted side effects
- Usually free of intensive post-use munchies
Delta-8 THC vs CBD
Delta-8 is also quite different from CBD. While both cannabinoids activate CB2 receptors to provide full-body benefits, only delta-8 activates CB1 receptors within one’s mind. In simpler terms, CBD can’t get you high — but delta-8 THC can!
Compared to CBD, delta-8 is:
- More cerebral
- More enjoyable
- More difficult to dose
- Much more powerful/noticeable
- Not compatible with driving/operating machinery
Where to find the best delta-8 products
Delta-8’s newfound popularity is exciting for all of us…but it’s also led to some less-than-desirable industry trends. Some delta-8 companies are only in it for the profits. Other companies take advantage of lacking quality controls by producing substandard products.
But not all delta-8 brands are shady. At Think Apollo product safety is our very top priority. We go above and beyond typical industry standards (like CGMP compliance and independent lab testing) and test all our products three times.
We hold ourselves to plenty of other standards, too — we only source our delta-8 from the US’s top hemp farms, for example. Check out our certificates of analysis (aka lab test results) for yourself by clicking on this link.
Summing things up
Delta-8 THC is a powerful new cannabinoid that seems poised to replace CBD as the most powerful hemp-derived substance of all. It’s also legal on the federal level — so legal that you can order it from the comfort of your own home!
