Delta 8 THC distillate is a new hemp product. It offers the benefits of cannabis therapy. It also follows the rules of the 2018 Farm Bill.
But what exactly is delta 8 distillate? What are its potential benefits and risks? And is it legal? This article explores everything you need to know about this unique cannabinoid distillate.
What is Delta 8 THC Distillate?
Delta 8 THC distillate is a highly concentrated extract made from hemp. It contains delta 8 THC, a minor cannabinoid found naturally in small amounts in hemp and cannabis plants.
To produce delta 8 distillate, crude hemp oil first undergoes an extraction process, typically using carbon dioxide or ethanol, to isolate all the plant compounds including cannabinoids, terpenes, and other derivatives. Further refinement and distillation concentrates and purifies the delta 8 THC into a thick, viscous oil.
Delta 8 THC produces psychoactive effects similar to delta 9 THC, the main intoxicating cannabinoid found in cannabis, but people consider delta 8 less potent. Many users report delta 8 THC promotes relaxation, improves mood, stimulates appetite, and relieves pain.
Delta 8 THC Benefits
As research into cannabis compounds expands, early studies suggest benefits of delta 8 distillate may offer certain therapeutic advantages:
- Appetite Stimulation - Delta 8 THC activates CB1 receptors involved in hunger signaling and nausea control. This can stimulate appetite in people with medical conditions or treatments that suppress appetite, like cancer or HIV.
- Anti-Nausea - The anti-emetic (anti-nausea) properties of delta 8 THC can help patients manage nausea from chemotherapy and other treatments.
- Pain Relief - Delta 8 THC interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system to block pain signals, providing natural pain relief. This can benefit people with chronic pain and conditions like arthritis or neuropathy.
- Anxiety Relief - While high doses can increase anxiety in some, low to moderate doses of delta 8 THC have anxiolytic effects for many users. It may help relieve stress and induce calm.
- Improved Sleep - Many users report delta 8 THC promotes deeper, more restful sleep. This can benefit people with insomnia or sleep disorders.
- Neuroprotective Properties - Early studies show delta 8 THC may help protect nerve cells from damage. This could have implications for neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson's. More research is needed.
Of course, individual results will vary. Delta 8 affects everyone differently depending on factors like dose, metabolism, and tolerance. It's best to start low and slow with any new cannabis product.
Is Delta 8 Distillate Legal?
The legality of delta 8 THC largely hinges on the 2018 Farm Bill, which federally legalized hemp and hemp derivatives, removing them from the list of Controlled Substances. But regulations are still evolving. Here's what you need to know:
- Delta 8 derived from hemp is legal - As long as the delta 8 THC comes from legally cultivated hemp and contains less than 0.3% delta 9 THC, it falls under hemp regulations set forth by the 2018 Farm Bill. Most delta 8 products today are derived from hemp.
- Some states restrict or ban delta 8 - While federally hemp-derived delta 8 is legal, certain states like New York have banned it. Other states have age restrictions. Know your state laws before purchasing delta 8 products.
- Quality and safety vary - With no FDA regulations, delta 8 products range widely in quality, purity, and safety. Look for reputable brands that provide third-party lab test results for all ingredients, solvents, heavy metals and pesticides.
- Product labeling matters - Reputable companies label that their delta 8 THC comes from legally sourced hemp and contain less than 0.3% delta 9 THC to comply with regulations. Avoid products without proper labeling.
While in a legal gray area, consumer interest in delta 8 continues growing as more discover its intriguing effects and potential wellness benefits. It provides an accessible alternative to traditional cannabis with less intense psychoactive effects. If you choose to try delta 8 THC distillate, proceed carefully by researching state laws, assessing personal risks, and selecting high quality, properly tested products from reputable brands. As with any new substance, start low and slow while monitoring results and potential side effects.
How to Use Delta 8 THC Distillate
Delta 8 distillate is highly concentrated and viscous, almost solid at room temperature. This makes it challenging to use directly. Instead, most people consume delta 8 in products infused with the distillate for optimal dosing and enjoyment. Here are some of the most popular ways to use delta 8 THC:
Delta 8 Edibles
Edibles infused with delta 8 distillate provide easy, consistent dosing and long-lasting effects. Gummies, chocolates, baked goods, capsules and more make it simple to add delta 8 THC to your daily routine. Start with 5-10mg for a mild experience. Wait 2+ hours to gauge the effects before increasing your dose, as edibles take longer to activate.
Delta 8 Vapes/Carts
Inhaling vaporized delta 8 distillate allows the effects to kick in quickly. Disposable vape pens and cartridges contain delta 8 distillate blended with botanical terpenes for great flavor. Vaping provides immediate relief for things like anxiety or pain when you need it. Start with 1-2 puffs and wait 15 minutes to assess tolerance.
Delta 8 Tinctures/Oils
Sublingual tinctures and oils allow for fast absorption and easy dosing control. Hold the oil under your tongue for 30-90 seconds before swallowing for the quickest effects. Tinctures work well for on-the-go relief from stress, pain or sleep issues. Start with 0.5ml of a low concentration tincture.
Delta 8 Flower
Hemp flowers lightly sprayed or coated with delta 8 distillate provide an experience similar to vaping, with immediate effects. Delta 8 flower can be smoked, vaped or used to make DIY edibles. It's important to verify the origin, potency and purity of any CBD or delta 8 flower before use.
Additional Delta 8 Products
The versatility of distillate means endless product possibilities. You can also find delta 8 topicals, pet products, concentrates like shatter/crumble/live resin, beauty products, and more. Get creative, but always verify quality and potency first.
Starting low and increasing slowly is key with any delta 8 THC product to find your ideal dose. First-time users should be especially cautious. Never drive or operate machinery when trying delta 8 for the first time.
Harnessing the Entourage Effect with Delta 8 Distillate
Delta 8 distillate is a highly concentrated extract that isolates delta 8 THC from hemp or cannabis plants. While potent, delta 8 alone misses out on the entourage effect - the synergy between cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds.
The entourage effect suggests that isolated cannabinoids have less therapeutic benefit than using the whole plant. Research shows cannabinoids and terpenes work together to potentially maximize benefits. For example, terpenes may help THC bind to receptors in the endocannabinoid system more efficiently.
Quality delta 8 distillate products harness the entourage effect by reintroducing beneficial terpenes and minor cannabinoids. This enhances the overall experience and therapeutic impact compared to delta 8 alone. The careful blending of select compounds mimics the plant's natural synergy while optimizing purity and potency.
When purchasing delta 8 products, look for brands that use full-spectrum extracts or blend their distillate with beneficial botanicals. This uses the entourage effect for a better experience and lets you benefit from all of hemp's compounds.
Understanding Delta-8 THC and Hemp-Derived Products
Delta-8 THC has become an increasingly popular hemp-derived product since the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp. However, the legal status of delta-8 THC remains complicated. Additionally, while delta-8 THC shows promise, research into its effects and safety is still limited.
Delta-8 THC is one of over 100 cannabinoids produced naturally by the cannabis plant in trace amounts. It is an isomer of CBD and delta-9 THC but produces milder psychoactive effects. Hemp-derived delta-8 THC products have surged in popularity thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp containing less than 0.3% delta-9 THC. However, delta 8 has not evaluated by the fda or approved delta-8 THC products.
Hemp-derived products like delta-8 THC exist in a legal gray area. The 2018 Farm Bill provides protections but some states have banned or restricted delta-8 THC. Additionally, the FDA has cautioned that delta-8 THC products have not been evaluated for safety or quality, so consumers should exercise caution. Products marketed as dietary supplements or delivered to children have a higher risk of unsubstantiated claims or unsafe ingredients.
Research into delta-8 THC is also still very limited compared to CBD and delta-9 THC. Early studies suggest delta-8 THC may produce some similar therapeutic effects to delta-9 THC, but with less psychoactivity.
However, potential side effects and long-term risks are unknown. Consumers should use caution with delta-8 THC products as effects can vary drastically depending on quality, dosage, and individual biology. Responsible use is advised.
While intriguing, hemp-derived products exist in a complex regulatory gray area. These products should be used only at 21 years and older. Consumers should research state laws, purchase from transparent brands providing Certificate of Analysis, start low and slow with dosage, and consult a doctor before using delta-8 THC products - especially if taking other medications. As with any hemp-derived product lacking FDA oversight, risks remain regarding quality, safety, and claims.
Potential Effects Delta 8 THC
Delta 8 THC stimulates the endocannabinoid system differently than THC. Many find its effects less intense and more manageable. However, users should still monitor for potential side effects, including:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Changes in appetite
- Gastrointestinal distress
- Dry mouth
- Anxiety or paranoia if over-consumed
Delta 8 THC can impact motor skills and cognition, especially at high doses. It may cause drowsiness, so avoid operating vehicles or machinery when using delta 8 products. Those with sensitivity to THC or other cannabis compounds should use extra caution with delta 8 distillate. Start will an extremely low dose to assess your tolerance.
Delta 8 THC can interact with other substances and medications. It's best to avoid combining it with other intoxicating substances, including alcohol, prescription medications, OTC drugs, and illicit drugs. Those currently using prescription medications should discuss delta 8 use with their doctor.
While generally well tolerated when used responsibly by healthy adults, high doses of delta 8 could potentially produce serious side effects like vomiting, nausea, dizziness, anxiety, changes in heart rate and blood pressure, headaches, and loss of consciousness. If you experience any concerning reactions, discontinue use and contact your doctor immediately.
Delta 8 THC Takeaways
Delta 8 THC distillate offers intriguing new possibilities for those seeking the therapeutic properties of cannabis. When sourced from legal hemp and used responsibly, delta 8 can provide a milder high comparable to delta 9 THC, with potential benefits like pain relief, appetite stimulation, reduced nausea and anxiety.
However, the largely unregulated delta 8 market carries risks when purchasing untested products of subpar quality. Following state laws, carefully screening brands, reviewing COAs, and using proper dosing guidelines can help minimize those risks. While more research is still needed, delta 8 presents an interesting new option in non-intoxicating cannabinoids for health and wellness.