What is Delta 8 THC

By James Smith | November 13, 2023
What is Delta 8 - Discount Vape Pen

What is Delta 8?

Delta 8 THC, or more formally known as delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. It’s often referred to as a “cousin” of the more well-known delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9 THC), which is the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana. Delta-8 is like the chill cousin of Delta-9-THC, the stuff that makes you feel high when you smoke weed. It’s another compound you can find in the cannabis plant, but it’s a bit less intense.

The name comes from the fact that Delta-8 has a double bond on the eighth carbon atom (while delta-9 has it on the ninth carbon atom). This tiny difference can make Delta-8 less of a wild ride for some folks. It can still give you a bit of a high, but it’s often described as milder, which can be easier for those who get anxious or paranoid with regular THC.

Delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid naturally occurring in cannabis plants. Cannabis plants include both marijuana and hemp varieties, which are used to extract Delta 8 from.

What are the Benefits of Delta 8?

The positive side effects of Delta 8 can include improved mood, creativity, pain relief, and feeling relaxed. Here’s a list of the potential benefits of Delta-8 THC;

  • Smooth High: Delta-8 can give you a buzz, but it’s like the “easy listening” version of THC. You might feel a bit lifted, but not blasted into outer space. It’s perfect for those who want to take it slow.
  • Anxiety Aid: Some folks say delta-8 is their buddy when it comes to taking the edge off anxiety. It can bring a sense of calm without the paranoia sometimes associated with delta-9 THC.
  • Creativity Boost: Some users report that delta-8 sparks their creativity. So, if you’re an artist or just want to feel more imaginative, it could be your muse.
  • Appetite Awakener: Want the munchies? Delta-8 might give you that appetite boost, making food taste oh-so-good.
  • Sleepy Time Aid: Some users say delta-8 helps them catch those Zzz’s. It’s like a lullaby for your brain.
  • Social Smoothness: It can make social situations more fun and less awkward. You might find yourself the life of the party.
  • Nausea Neutralizer: Are you prone to feeling queasy? Delta-8 can help settle your stomach and bring back your appetite.
  • Mood Lifter: Delta-8 can put a smile on your face. It’s like a little mood boost when you need it most.

But here’s the deal: it’s not a guaranteed thing, and everyone’s body is different. Some people might not feel much at all. Like anything else, moderation is key – don’t overdo it.

Potential side effects of Delta 8

The side effects of Delta 8, particularly if you take too much, can include paranoia, dizziness, nausea and red eye. Here’s a list of the potential side effects of Delta-8 THC;

  • Paranoia and Anxiety: Some folks get a bit jittery and paranoid, especially if they’re already prone to anxiety. If that’s you, start with a low dose.
  • Dizziness and Nausea: You might feel a bit woozy, like you’re on a merry-go-round. Sit down and take it easy if that happens.
  • Memory and Concentration: Delta 8 can mess with your short-term memory and focus. So, maybe don’t try to solve complex math problems while you’re on it.
  • Cottonmouth: You might get a dry mouth, like the Sahara Desert in your mouth. To fix it, drink water like it’s your job.
  • Red Eye: Your peepers might turn bloodshot. No worries, it’s temporary and can be fixed with some eye drops.
  • Increased Heart Rate: Your ticker might start racing a bit. If you’re chillin’ out, it’s not usually a big deal, but if you’re prone to anxiety or heart issues, be cautious.
  • Hangover: You might feel a bit groggy the next day, like you had one too many drinks. But it’s usually not as bad as a full-blown alcohol hangover.
  • Lung Issues: If you’re smoking D8, there’s the usual risk to your lungs, like with any kind of smoke. Vaping might be a bit gentler on your lungs.

Compare Delta 8 with Delta 9, Delta 10 & THCA

Delta 8 Delta 9 Delta 10 THCA
• Milder high than Δ9 • Strongest psychoactive high • Balanced, subtle high • Becomes Δ9 THC when heated
• Improved mood • Most potent THC type • Gentle energizing buzz • Mood boosting
• Creativity boost • Altered sensory perception • Feelings of clarity • Munchie inducing
• Reduced anxiety • Euphoria + relaxation • Social ease • Sleep support
• Relaxation aid • Can trigger paranoia • Reduced anxiety • Settles spasms
• Appetite booster • About Δ9 THC • About Δ10 THC • About THCA

How is Delta 8 taken?

Delta 8 THC can be consumed in a variety of ways. It can be smoked in blunts or joints, vaped in disposable weed pens or oil cartridges, or eaten in edibles and gummies. Explore our full range of Delta 8 products here. Or see which method will suit you best;

Delta 8 Disposable Weed Pens

Disposable weed pens contain a Delta 8 distillate oil, which you vape. Vaping your delta 8 oil is easier on your lungs than smoking, since no combustion is involved. So rather than inhaling smoke, you’re inhaling vapor. The effects are fast-acting with vaping. Weed pens are available in a whole range of juicy flavors, strains, and device colors and designs. The devices themselves are usually sleek, small and easy to conceal.

Disposable weed pens are extremely convenient. They come pre-filled, charged and ready-to-use. You take a puff whenever you want, and when you run out of oil, you simply buy a replacement. The drawback is that each time you dispose of a used weed pen, a battery is thrown in the trash. Buy Delta 8 Weed Pens here. Or for the very best picks – Check our Best Delta 8 Disposable shortlist!

Delta 8 Vape Cartridges

Vape cartridges are tanks that come pre-filled with Delta-8 oil. They have a mouthpiece at one end, and a 510 threaded screw piece at the other end. To vape your cart – Simply screw the cartridge into a 510 cart battery which delivers the power to heat the oil in your cartridge, converting it to vapor which you inhale. The effects of Delta 8 are fast-acting with vaping. For the very best picks – Check our Best Delta 8 Carts shortlist!

Vaping using a cart battery gives you much more control over the strength, potency, and flavor of your vapor. You can also explore device designs, battery life, and clever features like digital display screens. As well as pre-filled Delta 8 carts, you can also buy empty vape cartridges and fill them with oil yourself! But for ultimate convenience – Buy Delta 8 Dispo Carts here.

Delta 8 PreRolls

If you’re a purist, you might want your Delta-8 THC rolled into a joint or pre-roll blunt. Light it up like Bob Marley used to. Smoking a blunt is one of the oldest and most well-known ways to ingest your Delta-8 THC – Just spark up and inhale!

Smoking can be harsher on your lungs than vaping, and since there is combustion involved, there are many well documented health-risks associated with smoking, too. The smoke will have that sticky-icky smell to it, so it isn’t a discreet or stealthy method. But if you’re with friends, a social puff-puff-pass can be great fun. Buy Delta 8 PreRolls here.

Delta 8 Edibles

If you want to spare your lungs the effects of smoking or vaping – Then edibles are for you. Simply pop an edible in your mouth, chew and swallow. Simple! They come in a variety of juicy flavors, and taste absolutely wonderful.

Since edibles will be tested to an extremely accurate strength value – it makes precision dosing simple. But note the effects will take longer to hit you than smoking or vaping Delta 8. So make sure you are patient. It’s easy to get impatient and take too many, especially since gummies taste so good. So be careful and don’t overdo it! Buy Delta 8 Edibles here.

 

Best Delta 8 Disposable Shortlist

As you can see – Delta 8 comes in a variety of forms and strains. One of the most popular ways of enjoying Delta 8 is in disposable vape pens. But which should you choose? For our very top picks of award winning Delta 8 disposables – Explore our Best Delta 8 Disposable vape shortlist!

Best Delta 8 Carts Shortlist

If you prefer having much more control and precision over vaping your Delta 8 – Then you can’t beat vaping using a Delta 8 cart, hooked up to a premium 510 vape battery. But which cartridge should you choose? For the very best picks – Check our Best Delta 8 Carts shortlist!

Related Articles

Thanks for reading the first article in our ‘What is…’ series! These questions are some of the most commonly asked questions we get asked. If you’re interested in learning about the other types of THC – Check the other posts in our series, below!

 

James Smith - Author at Discount Vape PenWritten by James Smith

James is our Head of Vaping Community. He’s a crucial part of Discount Vape Pen team – he listens to our customers and acts as the voice of the people. James is a proud advocate of CASAA, and is a top online contributor on the Vaporents subreddit – Which is Reddit’s largest flower vaping community.

Away from his keyboard – James will be listening to EDM music or walking his dog, Winnie! Meet all our Discount Vape Pen Authors here.

Posted in About THC, General Questions, Learning Center