One of the biggest new THC trends in the US, isn’t necessarily a global fad just yet, but that doesn’t mean it’s not on its way there. The US has been the starter for many cannabis-smoking trends over the years, and this happens to be the newest one. So, let’s take a look at who in the world is smoking delta-8 THC.
Delta-8 THC is becoming a very big deal in America, but who in the world is smoking delta-8 THCoutside of the States? Well, a lot of people, but it’s still just spreading. And it’s definitely a trend worth checking out now. We can help you do that with some of the best delta-8 THCdeals anywhere in the world!
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What is delta-8 THC?
The main question, is what is this delta-8 THC, and why is it anything to get excited about anyway? Delta-8 THC is a naturally occurring derivative of delta-9 THC, the standard THC associated with cannabis. Delta-9 THC doesn’t occur in large amounts in fresh flowers – a common misconception about cannabis. Instead, it’s precursor THCA, a non-psychoactive compound, is actually what is found in live plants. THCA decarboxylates into THC on its own by way of time and sunlight, but the process can be substantially speeded up by applying heat. In the process of decarboxylation, a C02 molecule is removed, creating the psychoactive delta-9.
Of course, we’re not talking about delta-9, we’re talking about delta-8 THC. When delta-9 THC comes into contact with oxygen, very small amounts of it oxidize to form delta-8 THC, making delta-8 THC a naturally occurring compound. The oxidation process involves electrons being removed, which actually ends up making delta-8 THC a far more stable compound than delta-9. This can be useful in terms of maintaining the composition of the molecule over longer periods of time.
Chemically, delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC are nearly identical. They both have the exact same chemical makeup of: C21H30O2, and the only actual difference is a double carbon bond, which is located in different places for the different compounds. For delta-9, it’s on the 9th carbon atom, and for delta-8, it’s on the 8th. Want to guess where it is for the synthetically made delta-10 THC? If you guessed the 10th atom on the chain, you’d be correct.
This minor difference doesn’t go unnoticed, although in many ways the compounds are more similar than different. Both delta-8 and delta-9 have been shown to help with nausea and vomiting, particularly associated with cancer and AIDS treatments, as well as appetite stimulation. Both have anti-inflammatory properties, have shown usefulness with neurodegenerative diseases and spastic disorders, and can benefit anxiety and insomnia issues.
In fact, it is here that delta-8 really shines, being associated with less anxiety and paranoia than standard delta-9, which makes it a better option for those who have issues with delta-9 anxiety. Delta-8 also supposedly produces a more clear-headed high than its counterpart, making it better for athletic activities. Another benefit for some, is that delta-8 THC comes with less psychoactive effect, which is beneficial for people looking for medical treatments, who don’t want to be out of their heads.
Is delta-8 THC illegal like delta-9?
This is a tricky question, and realistically, no matter how much its discussed and debated, there isn’t an official answer. There are a few things to consider though. And the first is that this debate wasn’t a debate at all, until the application of the 2018 US Farm Bill.
Up until that bill, hemp production and manufacturing was illegal in the US, having been the product of large-scale smear campaigns, which, while actually focusing the attention of the population on the smokable aspect of cannabis, were really targeting the industrial hemp industry which threatened other large-scale enterprises, like paper industries (Hearst), plastic/chemical industries (Dupont), and as always, pharmaceutical industries, which are still fighting large-scale cannabis legalization today.
The 2018 US Farm Bill essentially reinstated an industry that had not only previously existed in the States, but which had been so important to the economy, that actual grow laws had been instituted back in colonial times, and by the time cannabis was illegalized, it was found in tons of medications on pharmacy shelves. The Farm Bill didn’t actually fully reinstate these things, but it did open the door for industrial hemp to be grown again, and for hemp products to be produced.
And that’s where delta-8 comes in. Delta-8 is a product of delta-9 THC, and can be sourced from any delta-9 THC, whether its in high-THC marijuana plants (.3%+), or low-THC hemp plants (.3%-). By using the THC in hemp plants, delta-8 THC can be synthesized within a legal loophole.