Delta 8: What Is It, Potency, & Legality FAQs

Between 2020 and 2021, the worldwide rate of Google searches mentioning Delta-8-THC increased by 705%. Wow.

What was once a little-known cannabis term exploded in popularity just a few years ago, and it’s still a hot topic. Maybe you wandered into our little corner of the internet because you’re looking for more info on Delta-8 yourself.

You might have seen Delta-8 THC products advertised on the windows of your local gas stations and convenience stores, or maybe you’re a cannabis lover who’s looking to experience something new. Either way, we’re here to fill you in on everything you need to know about Delta-8.

Here are the answers to common questions about Delta-8 THC.

Visit the Mood Shop to browse our full selection of premium cannabis products, including edibles, concentrates, and more made with Delta-8 THC. Subscribe to save 15% on your order.

Table of Contents

• What Is Delta-8 THC?

• Is Delta-8 THC Legal?

• Does Delta-8 Show Up on Drug Tests?

• Is Delta-8 THC More Potent Than Other Cannabinoids?

• How Long Do the Effects of Delta-8 THC Last?

• Delta-8 Safety and Side Effects

• FAQs About Delta-8

• Where Can I Buy Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 THC: A Unique Chemical Compound

Delta 8 Tetrahydrocannabinol (or Delta-8 THC for short) is one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis sativa plant. This cannabinoid’s structure differs from Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-9 THC), which is the primary psychoactive compound in weed.

Chemical Synthesis and Potency of Delta-8 THC

Delta-8 THC is typically synthesized from cannabidiol (CBD) extracted from hemp plants through a natural process. This intricate process involves the use of various chemicals and catalysts to convert CBD into Delta-8 THC.

The resulting product is a potent cannabinoid with a unique chemical structure that sets it apart from Delta-9 THC, the primary psychoactive compound found in marijuana plants.

The potency of Delta-8 THC can vary depending on the method of production and the quality of the starting materials. Generally, Delta-8 THC is considered to be less potent than Delta-9 THC, offering a milder euphoric effect.

However, the exact potency can differ widely based on the specific product and the individual’s tolerance. This makes Delta-8 THC an appealing option for those seeking a more subdued experience compared to the intense high of Delta-9 THC.

Is Delta-8 THC on the List of Controlled Substances?

The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 — commonly referred to as the Farm Bill — changed the game for cannabis fans across the country. Thanks to this bill, you can legally order Delta-8 THC products online or pick them up locally in some parts of the US.

Under the Farm Bill, hemp products are now defined as cannabis products containing less than 0.3% of Delta-9 THC by dry weight. Because of this change, Delta-8 THC products that meet this Delta-9 THC limitation are now federally legal and available in many states. Cannabis plants play a significant role in this regulatory landscape, as Delta-8 THC is derived mainly from hemp, which is closely related to marijuana.

While the Farm Bill has often been referred to as creating a “legal loophole,” there’s really no ambiguity concerning the legality of hemp-derived cannabinoids.

That means you don’t have to worry about ordering Delta-8 online or grabbing some from a local dispensary as long as you know your state’s specific laws related to the cannabinoid.

Learn more about the legal status of cannabis from the Mood Blog.

Is Delta-8 THC Regulated by the FDA?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can regulate individual products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds.

While the FDA has not approved the cannabis plant for any medical use, it has approved multiple cannabis-derived and cannabis-related drug products that licensed healthcare providers can prescribe.

The Delta-8 products in the Mood Shop are not intended for medical use and are not regulated by the FDA. However, all of the Delta-8 goods we sell are Farm Bill-compliant and meet the federal criteria for hemp. We also use measures like age restrictions to stay compliant with state laws and keep Mood 21+.

Does Delta-8 Show Up on Drug Tests?

Delta-8 THC can show up on drug tests up to 90 days after use.

Drug tests typically look for metabolites of THC, the active compound in cannabis that produces psychoactive effects. Since Delta-8 is a form of THC, a standard urinalysis test can pick it up the same way the test would recognize Delta-9.

If you know you have a drug test coming up, we recommend steering clear of all cannabis products for at least three months. Better safe than sorry.

Is Delta-8 THC More Potent Than Other Cannabinoids?

Not all cannabinoids are the same.

Some have psychoactive effects, some don’t, and some produce stronger psychoactive effects than others. The difference between delta-8 and delta-9 THC lies in the location of a bond between two of its carbon atoms, which affects how strongly delta-8 interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the body, leading to a milder high compared to delta-9 THC.

Here’s where Delta-8 THC falls on the potency spectrum: Delta-8 THC acts as a partial agonist at CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, influencing various physiological effects and its psychoactive properties, which are similar to those of delta-9-THC.

Delta-8 THC vs. CBD

Although cannabidiol (CBD) and Delta-8 THC are both well-known cannabinoids, they’re very different when it comes to potency and effects.

CBD is non-psychoactive and known for bringing on feelings of relaxation and soothing the body and mind. This cannabinoid can help you loosen up, ease tension, and generally chill out.

Given that Delta-8 THC is psychoactive, it’s significantly more potent. However, it may not be quite as powerful as Delta-9 THC.

Delta-8 THC vs. Delta-9 THC: Does It Get You As “High” as Synthetic Cannabinoids?

While Delta-8 THC can create a similar high to Delta-9 THC, some cannabis users believe that it’s milder.

Delta-8 THC is sometimes referred to as "diet weed" due to its milder psychoactive effects compared to Delta-9 THC, making it appealing to those seeking a less intense high. However, it's worth mentioning that THCv, a cannabinoid with appetite-suppressing effects, is sometimes called diet weed as well.

You may find that your experience using Delta-8 THC is more subdued and pleasant than getting high using Delta-9 products. Keep in mind, though, that Delta-8 still produces intoxicating effects that can be overwhelming when you use too much at once.

How Long Do the Effects of Delta-8 THC Last?

The effects of Delta-8 THC products can vary depending on the amount you smoke or ingest, your individual metabolism, and the method of consumption that you choose.

When you inhale Delta-8 through vaping or smoking, you’ll feel the effects within minutes, and the high might last for three to four hours.

However, if you ingest Delta-8 THC via edibles, the onset of effects can take longer — usually 30 minutes to 2 hours—but the effects can last longer as well. Edibles generally produce a high that can last for 6-8 hours.

If you’re new to Delta-8 and cannabis in general, start with a small amount and see how your body responds before trying more.

Learn more about how it feels to be high from the Mood Blog.

Effects and Benefits of Delta-8 THC

Delta-8 THC is known to produce a range of effects, including relaxation, tranquility, and an improved mood. Some users also report increased focus and creativity, as well as relief from tension. While the benefits of Delta-8 THC are still being researched, it shows real promise for potential therapeutic applications.

One of the key benefits of Delta-8 THC is its potential to provide a milder alternative to Delta-9 THC, which can be overwhelming for some users. Delta-8 THC is also believed to have a lower risk of adverse effects, such as paranoia and anxiety, which are commonly associated with Delta-9 THC. This makes it an attractive option for those looking to enjoy the benefits of THC without the intense side effects.

Delta-8 Safety and Side Effects

While Delta-8 THC produces a milder high compared to Delta-9 THC, it’s still smart to be safe and limit your intake to a moderate amount to avoid uncomfortable side effects.

Like any cannabinoid, Delta-8’s effects vary from person to person due to body chemistry, intake, and frequency of use. You might not experience any of the side effects listed below based on your unique makeup and tolerance, but be on the lookout for them just in case:

• Dry mouth and dry eyes: Like other cannabinoids, Delta-8 can reduce saliva production and cause some mild dryness in your eyes.

• Dizziness or lightheadedness: If you’re new to THC, Delta-8 might make you feel a bit lightheaded and dizzy. These side effects are especially common with high-potency products.

• Increased heart rate: Some users might experience a temporary increase in heart rate while high.

• Overwhelm: Though less intense than with Delta-9 THC, some users might feel a bit overwhelmed while using Delta-8. Combining Delta-8 THC with CBD can mitigate this feeling in some cases.

FAQs About Delta-8

Q: What’s the best way to try Delta-8 for the first time?

A: If you’re new to Delta-8 products, we recommend starting out with Delta-8 THC gummies. These tasty cannabis-infused candies are easy to split up into smaller servings, which can be helpful if you’re not ready for a more intense high.

Delta-8 THC is a chemical compound found in cannabis plants, known for its unique properties and effects. In addition, ingestion of Delta-8 usually leads to a slower onset of effects compared to smoking. That means that when you eat a gummy, you’ll have some time to adjust to the high and see how a certain amount of THC makes you feel.

Q: Can I order Delta-8 online?

A: Depending on where you live, you can get high-quality Delta-8 products delivered to your door from Mood.

We ship to many parts of the US, and as policies change, we’ll continue offering our selection of premium cannabis goods to even more parts of the country.

If we don’t currently ship to where you live, keep an eye out for changes in state legislation as time goes by. It’s possible that you might have access to hemp in the future.

Q: Do Delta-8 gummies taste like weed?

A: Lower-quality gummies can sometimes have a weed-y taste that you might not like if you aren’t a fan of the flavor of cannabis. That’s why we recommend getting your gummies from the Mood Shop instead of the convenience store down the street.

We carefully test our gummies for flavor, quality, and consistency and use delicious ingredients and natural flavors to make our gummies taste amazing.

Where Can I Buy Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 is available in many states in spots like convenience stores and gas stations, but you can also grab some online from Mood.

Always pick up your Delta-8 products from reputable sources to guarantee quality and safety. The Delta-8 goodies in the Mood Shop are third-party tested for quality, consistency, and safety, and you can count on them for a satisfying high every time.

Here are some of the highlights of our selection:

50mg Delta-8 Gummies

These tasty gummies combine Delta-8 and CBD for a powerful wave of relaxation. With effects that you’ll feel within 45-120 minutes, they’re ideal for experienced cannabis users with a higher tolerance.

If you’re new to cannabis and still want a more intense psychoactive experience, consider cutting one of these gummies in half and seeing how a partial serving makes you feel.

Pick up a 10-count of 50mg Delta-8 Gummies for just $39. Subscribe to save 15%.

Chillout 25mg Delta-8 THC Gummies

With medium-potency effects and a relaxing combo of Delta-8 and CBD, these are beginner-friendly gummies that we recommend for just about anyone. The 1:1 ratio of cannabinoids makes your high balanced and centering — perfect for PM use.

Save $20 or more when you grab a 30-count of Chillout 25mg Delta-8 THC Gummies for just $65. Subscribe to save 15%.

25mg Delta-8 THC Gel Caps

These gel caps provide a precise portion of Delta-8 in a convenient, compact form, making them perfect for all experience levels and tolerance levels. Reach for one when you want a long-lasting high that makes you feel blissfully chilled out.

Get a bottle of 30 Delta-8 THC Gel Caps for just $49. Subscribe to save 15%.

Conclusion

Delta-8 THC is a unique and promising cannabinoid that offers a range of potential benefits and effects. As research continues to uncover its properties and potential applications, it's becoming an ultra-popular choice for folks looking for a milder cannabis experience.

Looking for something else? Head to the Mood Shop to browse our full selection of premium cannabis products, including vapes, concentrates, and more.

Prices subject to change.

Sources:

1. Δ8-Tetrahydrocannabinol | American Chemical Society

2. Public interest in ∆8-Tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-THC) increased in US states that restricted ∆9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC) use | International Journal of Drug Policy

3. 5 Things to Know About Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol: Delta-8 THC | National Institutes of Health (NIH)