In recent years, the hemp market has found its stride, introducing us to new products, new cannabinoids, and new ways of enjoying this age-old plant. Now, we can experience various shades of “high” from hemp-derived products like gummies, vapes, tinctures, and syrups.
One such shade that offers a pleasantly unique, grounding experience is delta-8 THC. Maybe you’ve already fallen in love with delta-8 THC; maybe it’s on your hemp wishlist. Delta-8 THC is a form of THC that offers a similar experience to its cannabinoid cousin, delta-9 THC––an experience many adults find slightly less intense. This is why we refer to delta-8 THC as the “nicer sibling.”
But what lies under delta-8 THC’s molecular hood? What makes it dissimilar to delta-9 THC and other novel cannabinoids like HHC, THC-P, and delta-10 THC? And, perhaps the most important question of all, should you try the “nicer sibling”?
Within the last few years, we’ve seen a seismic shift in the hemp marketplace––largely thanks to the public’s renewed interest, advancements in scientific research, and hemp-friendly legislation. Now, many companies are debuting products that boast effective doses of delta-8 THC. But not all of these companies are reliable. Some are just trying to capitalize on the market, producing untested and unproven products.
So, we’ll introduce you to the companies known for their high customer satisfaction and even higher-quality products––that get you, well…that get you high…
What is Delta 8 THC?
To understand what delta-8 THC is, we need to rewind the clock back a couple of decades. Think about your parents’ or grandparents’ era. The cannabis they smoked (or didn’t smoke, wink, wink) carried potent amounts of delta-9 THC.
THC is a special cananbinoid. Like other cannabinoids, THC interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system is a network of receptors uniquely equipped to maintain balance within your mind and body.
Other cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) interact with these receptors and elicit non-intoxicating, therapeutic effects. THC, on the other hand, is the only cannabinoid to produce a psychoactive response in your ECS, creating cannabis’s notorious “high” sensation––uncontrollable giggles, munchies, heightened creativity, etc.
Here is where we get a little technical. It’s cannabis science, though––the field that matters most, right?
Along THC’s chemical structure, delta-9 THC is the most abundant molecule. Delta-9 THC is so abundant that when we talk about THC, we’re typically referring to delta-9 THC. But other naturally occurring THC molecules are along this chain, playing softly in the background; delta-8 THC is one of them.
D8 Extraction
Hemp and cannabis plants naturally have low levels of delta-8 THC. Companies extract delta-8 THC by first extracting CBD from hemp plants. They then run these cannabinoids through a chemical process, whittling away unnecessary plant matter and bringing delta-8 THC into the chemical spotlight. The result is a honey-hued, viscous oil rich in delta-8 THC.
Types of Delta-8 THC Products
Companies take this delta-8-rich oil and infuse it into a variety of products. Each product filters through the body differently, creating various intensities and duration of effects.
Delta 8 Vapes
Delta-8 vapes are pocket-sized vaporizers that produce a D8-rich vapor. Many companies pack two grams of vape liquid into their pens, lasting around 800 enjoyable puffs.
When you inhale D8 smoke, the cannabinoids filter through your lungs, enter your bloodstream, and go on to engage your ECS receptors. All of this happens in seconds, causing a quick onset of effects. Compared to the other products listed below, effects from vapes set in the fastest.
But they also fade the fastest too. Because the cannabinoids process through the body more rapidly, their effects are immediate but short-lasting.
Delta 8 Edibles
D8 edibles are also a popular way to enjoy delta-8 THC. Companies make edibles like gummies, brownies, cookies, and many more. Cannabinoids from edibles enter the bloodstream by way of your digestive tract.
When you eat a D8 gummy, for instance, the cannabinoids travel along your digestive system, en route to your liver. Here, they absorb into the bloodstream and are ushered toward your ECS receptors, where they go on to create their patented euphoric effects.
Unlike vapes, edibles take a while to absorb into the body, so their effects are more gradual. But because they take longer to process, edibles create longer-lasting effects––ones that can keep you feeling elevated for hours!
Delta 8 Tinctures
Delta-8 THC tinctures are psychotropic oils that go under your tongue. This is called sublingual administration. When you hold the D8 oil under your tongue for around a minute, the cells in your mouth absorb the cannabinoids and filter them directly into your bloodstream, leading to a quick onset of effects.
These effects set in faster than edibles but slower than vapes. But, like with vapes, effects from tinctures don’t last as long as those from edibles. So, deciding between these products really comes down to own personal preference.
Delta 8 Drinks
Another popular way many adults enjoy delta-8 THC is with D8 drinks like syrups and drink additives. These liquids are infused with D8-rich oil and come in various flavors. They process through the body like edibles, so their effects set in gradually and last longer than vapes or tinctures.
Why Choose Delta-8?
So, why do many adults prefer D8 over other novel cannabinoids? It all boils down to delta-8’s subtle effects. For some, psychoactive compounds like delta-9 THC are a little too strong, requiring a microdose or a tiny puff of a D9 pen for a desired experience.
The line between feeling too elevated and feeling “just right” is slim for these adults. So, it’s easy to overdo it and take too many gummies, inhale too much vapor, or gulp down too much syrup.
Delta-8 THC, instead, creates effects that many say are weaker and less intense than its cannabinoid cousin, delta-9 THC. This could be advantageous for those with lower tolerances who just want to roll through their day with a minor buzz.
Notable Delta 8 Brands
If you’re new to the world of delta-8 and novel cannabinoids, finding the best brands on the market is the first place to start. The best brands have a few things in common. They use high-quality hemp, CO2 extraction methods, and top-tier ingredients––and they prove it all with a Certificate of Analysis. This third-party lab result shows the complete list of ingredients and compounds inside a product. All the brands we carry routinely submit their products for lab testing, giving you an unprecedented layer of transparency.
Three notable brands known for their D8 products include TRĒ House, Two Hawk Hemp, and MoonWlkr.
TRĒ House
Birthed in the sunny, beach locale of SoCal, TRĒ House is a significant player in the hemp marketplace. They offer high-quality vapes, infused gummies, potent cookies, and decadent syrups. Their collection of psychedelic products is unmatched, and their commitment to excellence makes them a go-to for many of our users.
Typically, we point beginners to TRĒ House. Their products mix an assortment of novel cannabinoids like delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC, and THC-P, to create an experience all its own.
Two Hawk Hemp Co.
Another notable brand, known for its delightful D8 goodies, is Two Hawk Hemp Co. With a collection of products that include gummies, vapes, and carts, Two Hawk Hemp sits among the best of the best. Their products are potent and effective at elevating the mind while keeping the body here on Earth.
MoonWlkr
MoonWlkr is an OG. Their gummies come in a wonderful range of flavors and boast an effective dose of delta-8 THC. Along with their delta-8 gummies, their delta-9 gummies are a staple on many people’s shelves.
Final Thoughts
So, what makes delta-8 THC so special? This novel cannabinoid provides gentler, more subtle effects compared to its iconic cannabinoid cousin, delta-9 THC. If you’re interested in adding delta-8 THC to your stash, check out our entire collection of delta-8 THC products!
