Have you tried marijuana products in the past for the health benefits, only to give up because they made you paranoid? Do you often find yourself wondering if an alternative exists on the marketplace yet?
Delta-8 created a stir and has increased in popularity because users started reporting less paranoia with a less significant psychotropic effect.
Does it sound like the THC products you’ve been looking forward to are finally made their way to you? How much could these hemp derivatives change your life, or a loved one’s, for the better?
By the time you’re done reading this article, you’ll know if Delta-8 is right for you and how to find your preferred method of delivery. Find out the essentials and everything else a beginner should know by reading this article today.
What Is Delta-8?
Delta 8 THC (delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol) is one of the active compounds called cannabinoids from cannabis plants. As opposed to cannabidiol, or CBD, this is a psychoactive element found in marijuana products.
How Is Delta-8 Different From Delta-9?
The difference between Delta-8 and the common Delta-9 exists in variations of carbon bonding. While the latter has a double carbon bond at the 9th position, the former has one at the 8th.
This subtle difference may provide the same therapeutic benefits as traditional marijuana products with less likelihood of paranoia symptoms. Research suggests that this might be the result of Delta-8 coming from hemp products.
How Does THC Work?
Most of the psychological effects of marijuana are the result of a chemical called THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol. This compound in cannabis products attaches itself to parts of the brain that control pleasure, memory, and other functions.
Most people may have familiarity with this in regards to the resin from marijuana plants. Cannabinoids unique to the plant can have psychoactive effects, except for CBD.
Related: How CBD Works For Senior Citizens
What Is CBD?
Most CBD products get created from the hemp plant, a cousin to the marijuana plant that doesn’t get people high. Avoiding euphoric feelings while enjoying the health benefits can improve the quality of life for particular individuals.
If you or a loved one have epilepsy, cancer, or other serious maladies, CBD can lessen some of the worst symptoms. People with anxiety tend to avoid marijuana because it can produce paranoid feelings, which provides an excellent option for them.
Is Delta-8 Legal?
As with most new products related to the marijuana plant, the legality is complicated. As of January 2021, Delta-8 products can find their way to retail shelves in 38 states.
Hemp products have traditionally enjoyed some level of legality because they didn’t offer psychotropic effects. Hemp necklaces, rope, etc., do not attract the same attention from law enforcement because it’s significantly less controversial.
The passage of the 2018 Farm Bill permitted farmers to create hemp products that contain less than 0.3 percent THC. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration states that federal authorities will not pursue action against the marketing and production of hemp within these boundaries.
The government approved these changes because these products made from this type of activity can benefit individuals with AIDS, multiple sclerosis, or cancer. Research continues to surprise scientists regarding the health benefits it provides for a wide range of terrible conditions.
Related: 5 Simple Ways CBD Oil can Soothe anxiety
What Are the Benefits of Delta-8?
It’s important to remember that not everyone responds the same way to cannabis products. Before you consider the benefits of taking a Delta-8 product, think about the consequences first. No one should make a major change in their health habits before consulting a physician.
With that said, exciting research and word of mouth about Delta-8 suggests the following potential benefits:
- Less likely to produce paranoia side-effects
- Appetite stimulation while on chemotherapy
- Alleviation of severe symptoms of cancer, like vomiting
- Better control over frequency and severity of epileptic seizures
If you’re interested in a marijuana product that doesn’t have the same level of high as Delta-9 but keeps the health benefits, this might be a great option. Users may find that this has more relaxing effects than they’ve experienced in the past.
What Does It Feel Like to Use Delta-8?
Your results might be completely different than another, so take any comparisons with a grain of salt. With that disclaimer out of the way, most users describe the sensation as a lighter high than with Delta-9 products.
If you prefer to have more clarity while using cannabis products, this is a solution that fits your needs. Whether you’re planning to use Delta-8 for the short or long term, having less “groovy” effects can help enhance the experience of using cannabis.
Can You Overdose on Delta-8?
It’s possible to have significantly negative effects while abusing any drug. With that said, Delta-8 seems to offer an even safer way for individuals to introduce themselves to cannabis. Take reasonable precautions and try this for the first time with a friend. You may have a safe and enjoyable experience.
The highest risk of overdose tends to occur with people who ingested more edibles than they were prepared to handle.
While it might feel odd to stop eating a cookie or brownie halfway through, that’s a good practice when trying edible products for the first time. You might even try a quarter of something and give yourself an hour to two before continuing to eat something with Delta-8 THC.
What Are the Best Delta-8 Products for Beginners?
When you’re trying a Delta-8 product for the first time, the most important factor is your comfort. If you’re unsure of how you’ll react, don’t try it alone the first time. Find a friend or loved one who will ensure that you’re safe at all times.
Another crucial factor for improving your comfort is to decide how you prefer to start. Consider the following popular options for beginners to start:
1. Delta-8 Gummy
If you’re not a fan of fire or inhaling smoke, a gummy might provide the perfect introduction. You’ll find a wide variety of flavors that can help significantly if you’re not a fan of the earthy taste of hemp.
While these are potentially delicious options, you have to moderate yourself and understand the dosage. While some individuals do not get the same effect from ingesting THC, others may have a strong sensitivity.
It’s important to note that edibles can get a bad reputation because individuals can have negative experiences if they’re not careful as long as you feel comfortable with the effects and understand your tolerance, which keeps most users reasonably safe.
2. Delta-8 Tincture
When you’re trying Delta-8 for the first time, a convenient delivery system that gives you control of the dosage can go a long way. First-time users can buy tinctures and take them sublingually or drop some into food.
If you’re unfamiliar with your tolerance to THC, take care when trying this method of delivery. The human body can have a wide range of responses to ingesting cannabis. Don’t hesitate to take the time to do your homework, like reading this how-to from 3chi.com.
Don’t become impatient, either. A beginner’s mistake is to continue adding more drops to something before it’s had time to take effect. You could find yourself experiencing heavier psychotropic effects than intended this way.
3. Disposable Vape
If you’re already familiar or comfortable with vaping, you may enjoy trying a Delta-8 vape pen. This can work perfectly for beginners, especially since there’s not much fuss with disposable options. You can even find different flavors that can help if you’re not initially a fan of the taste.
4. Pre-Rolled Joint
You might be more familiar with joints from characters like Cheech and Chong in the movies, but they’re also a great option for beginners. Assuming that you’re not trying to roll your own for the first time, anyway.
When you purchase a pre-rolled Delta-8 joint, you only have to worry about how you enjoy the experience. First-timers should always take advantage of the buddy system because even hemp flowers can have intense effects.
How Should You Try Delta-8 for the First Time?
Trying a new drug for the first time can feel like a scary experience. If you prepare yourself and set proper expectations, you may find that your fears disappear quickly. With the right friends by your side, you might even have a life-changing experience.
To ensure that you get started the right way, consider taking the following steps:
1. Take It Easy
If you haven’t received the message yet, now is the time. Do not push yourself too far with your first Delta-8 THC experience. If you try something you’re not ready for; you could sour yourself toward something that could have tremendous health benefits.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions about what you’re buying. If you’re trying an edible, consider taking it with food, even if you’re experienced with marijuana.
2. Don’t Assume You’ll Experience “The High.”
Don’t build up your expectations too much for trying Delta-8 THC. The effects of these products can vary for new and old users alike. Take a few deep breaths, organize your snacks, and let the first time be what it is and nothing more.
3. Take Your Time
You don’t want to rush your first experience with a new cannabis product. Since there’s no telling how you may react, don’t play to take anything, even a few hours before work or to operate a vehicle.
Any experience with Delta-8 THC might become enhanced by the simple pleasure of knowing you don’t have to go anywhere. Depending on how your body responds, you may find yourself getting sleepy early in the night. Sleeping late might become a common side-effect of using this type of product, so it’s best to prepare yourself accordingly.
4. Prep for “The Munchies”
If you’re not familiar with this common side-effect of using cannabis products, you may understand “the munchies” better soon. Download a food courier app or stock your fridge with your favorites. You don’t want to try a product with THC for the first time and find yourself with a grumpy, empty stomach.
5. Inhalation Is Critical
The most effective means of delivering THC to your body is by smoking it. If you’re not ready for how hash inhalation can feel, it may prevent you from getting the most out of the experience.
Coughing is natural after smoking any cannabis product. Don’t panic, and allow your body to release the irritation in your throat. This feeling may take some time to get used to, but you can build a tolerance to this type of effect over time.
Coughing is natural after smoking any type of cannabis product. Don’t panic, and allow your body to release the irritation in your throat. This may take some time to get used to, but you can build a tolerance to this type of effect over time.
A common beginner’s mistake is to take in smaller puffs without inhaling the smoke into their lungs. Keep some cough drops by for the first time if you wish, but you may want to prepare to push yourself through the first few attempts.
Need More Information About Delta-8?
You may not have learned everything that will make you comfortable with Delta-8, so where do you go with more questions? Consider having a conversation with your doctor first because they will tell you about any concerns directly related to your health.
As long as there’s no medical reason to avoid THC, start a conversation with friends or family familiar with cannabis. Seeking advice from the closest may give you the clarity and confidence you need to try Delta-8. If you avoid something that you’re not ready to try, then that’s all the better for your goals and health.