Much like it’s more well-known cousin Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid that is found in both cannabis as well as hemp. Delta-8 and Delta-9 share more than just similar names - their chemical structures, the way they interact with your endocannabinoid system, and their effects are very similar as well. While Delta-9 THC is the cannabinoid most commonly associated with getting you high, Delta-8 is catching up in popularity. Some consumers have classified the Delta-8 high as being sort of a “diet” high, and for good reason. Delta-8’s effects are reported as being similar to Delta-9 but not as strong. So if you’re wondering “Does Delta-8 THC get you high” the short answer is yes, but the high is not as potent as Delta-9.
What are the Effects of Delta-8?
The effects of Delta-8 THC are reportedly very similar to Delta-9, just less intense. Delta-8 consumers report feeling mild euphoria, happiness, uplifting feelings, and relief from some symptoms such as pain. Along with the positive effects, Delta-8 shares some potential side-effects with Delta-9 including, but not limited to dry mouth, red eyes, munchies, short-term memory loss, or anxiety. It is important to note that there could be adverse side-effects that aren’t listed here, but we won’t be able to find out more about Delta-8 until it becomes more widely researched.
How Strong is Delta-8?
Much like with Delta-9, the effects of Delta-8 on your body (including how strong the high and side effects are) depend greatly on your physiology, so results may vary. On top of that, with the lack of existing research on Delta-8 and its effects, it’s very hard to pinpoint exactly how your body is going to react to Delta-8, and specifically what effects you should be expecting. We recommend the low and slow method until you figure out how your body handles d8.
Currently Delta-8 is popularly consumed in two forms: vape cartridges and edibles. While vapes are hard to do a comparative analysis on effects, gummies are a little bit easier because each gummy is individually dosed. Currently in Washington, THC edibles are sold primarily in 10 packs, with each gummy having 10mg of THC in them. Delta-8 edibles are often also sold in ten packs, with each gummy containing 25mg of Delta-8 THC. Assuming a 1:1 ratio of effect between the two gummies, this would mean that producers are operating under the assumption that Delta-8 is less than half as potent as Delta-9 THC. But again, this is a very roundabout, non-scientific method of determining the strength of Delta-8, and more research is needed before we can have a true discussion about the effects and strength of the cannabinoid.
Is Delta-8 THC Legal?
Delta-8 THC has risen in popularity everywhere, but especially in states where cannabis is not available for legal purchase. The passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, which allows for the production and extraction of hemp products, paved the way for Delta-8 THC to be sold legally. Currently, Delta-8’s legality is in a bit of a grey area, since it’s still a mind altering substance, albeit hemp derived. However, hemp advocates are hopeful that the fight is coming to an end, as the Department of Justice has recently clarified its stance on Delta-8, announcing that any cannabinoids, including synthetic THC (Delta-9 is technically synthetic as it’s created by converting CBD found in hemp) derived from hemp are excluded from the Controlled Substances Act, meaning Delta-8 THC should be federally legal. Advocates are viewing this as a major win for both Delta-8 processors as well as people who are looking for the effects of THC in states where cannabis has not yet been legalized.
For Delta-8 to be federally legal, it has to adhere to two standards:
It must be derived from a hemp source. This isn’t much of an issue because synthesizing Delta-8 from hemp-based CBD is universally recognized as the easiest and most cost effective method of producing Delta-8.
It must be no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. This standard in particular is why Delta-8’s legality is in murky waters. There is a lot of room for non-compliant Delta-8 product to be available on shelves as testing facilities currently have a hard time distinguishing from the two forms of THC, and consumers may end up purchasing a product with more than .3% Delta-9 in them. This would make it an illegal sale of a scheduled drug.
That being said, while Delta-8 may not be federally illegal, some states are taking steps to limit (and ban in certain cases) the sale of Delta-8. It’s up to you to do the research in your specific state, but here are the 19 states that currently limit, regulate, or ban the sale of Delta-8:
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
Colorado
Delaware
Kentucky
Idaho
Iowa
Mississippi
Montana
New York
Rhode Island
Utah
Vermont
Washington
Michigan
North Dakota
Connecticut
Texas
Where Can I Buy Delta-8?
If you reside here in Washington, Delta-8 is available for purchase, but not in any cannabis shops. You’ll have to look around for any head shops or CBD retailers that may also sell Delta-8. While there isn’t any sort of state regulation on age to purchase the product, most shops impose a purchasing limit of 21 years or older.
You can also order Delta-8 online from a variety of retailers, but some sites require you to prove that you’re at least 21, and not all online retailers will ship to every state. You’ll have to check each online store’s individual shipping policies, as well as your own state’s legality regarding the purchase and shipping of Delta-8.
*Disclaimer - We do our best to stay up to date, but state laws are subject to change without notice. Please make sure to do your own research before purchasing any Delta-8.
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