Delta 8 THC, also known as tetrahydrocannabinol, is a naturally occurring cannabinoid in cannabis (both hemp and marijuana). It is also known as 8THC, D8, D8 THC, D8, and D8THC. It shares the chemical formula C21H30O2 and a molar mass of 314.46 g/mol with cannabidiol (“CBD”) and Delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol (“D9THC”). It can be made by converting CBD or Delta 9 THC through a chemical reaction that often involves heat, catalysts, changing pH conditions, and solvents.   

Delta 8 THC is a viscous oil that exists in an “activated” state similar to Delta 9 THC, which means it does not need to be decarboxylated to have an effect.

Many people want to call Delta 8 “synthetic,” but it is not the correct term. The term “conversions” or “derivatives” is more accurate because not only do these compounds occur naturally, but many of them will naturally convert into each other when exposed to heat, time, and light. It’s assumed that all cannabinoids begin as CBGA and spontaneously transform into other cannabinoids as the cannabis plant matures. And everyone who smokes marijuana can convert THCA to Delta 9 THC with heat at home.   

All of this is to say that conversions are a natural aspect of cannabis and the cannabis industry, and they should not be feared in general. These reactions can also make additional rare cannabinoids, including cannabinol (CBN), cannabichromene (CBC), Delta 8 THC, and plentiful cannabinoids like Delta 9 THC that are more cost-effective than extraction.

H.R. 2: The 2018 Agricultural Improvement Act, known as the Farm Bill 2018, makes D8 THC lawful. When hemp was legalized, all isomers, cannabinoids, and hemp compounds that were not Delta 9 THC were allowed. Delta 8 THC is legal in the United States and most states, but not all of them.  

The general effects of this THC vary with different individuals. However, the individual experience can adequately be described by simply combining the best features of Delta 9 THC and CBD. It’s described as calming, mood-boosting, and pleasantly uplifting but not intoxicated. Some individuals find it energizing/motivating, especially at lower dosages, while others find it sleep-inducing, especially at greater levels.   

D8 THC veteran users report the feeling of being significantly more active and functional than the D9 THC when dosed correctly. Given its collective actions on CB2 and CB1 receptors compared to D9 THC and CBD, Delta 8 THC may have medical implications (pending additional research).  

Effects of Delta 8 THC on Consumers  

• Happy Calming/Mood Boost  
• A pain reliever  
• Motivating  
• Sleeping better  
• Increased motivation  
• Food cravings have increased.     

The duration of the Delta 8 THC varies highly among individuals. Vapes with high purity last 1-5 hours on average, whereas consumables and tinctures last 3-12 hours. Greater doses, especially in foods and tinctures, produce effects that will stay for long. Because D8 THC has a pretty natural fall down and onset, it can be quite hard for an individual to grasp where their “baseline” is/was after and before ingesting D8 THC.   

This is true for individuals who get mood lifts instead of a “high” directly from D8 THC. Due to the natural start, this typical mood alteration may go unnoticed by the person, leading the major user to that to believe that THC had no impact. We’ve seen this many times in sampling periods where individuals say they don’t feel anything. However, another individual tells them how much better they’ve become in the last few minutes.