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Forms of Delta 8
Medically reviewed by Alexander Tabibi, MD
October 31, 2020
Table of Contents
What Forms of Delta 8 are available?
Delta 8 is the new buzzword that has gotten every hemp enthusiast buzzing, and it’s more widely available than ever before. There are, understandably, a lot of questions being asked about it, including whether or not it’s safe or legal, and how it’s supposed to be taken to produce the most desirable results.
Delta 8 shares a lot in common with cannabidiol, so it’s natural that CBD enthusiasts want to know whether or not they can take delta 8 in a similar manner.
How Delta 8 Differs from CBD
Delta 8 and CBD are both cannabinoids that naturally occur in the hemp plant. But they are quite different from each other in a number of ways. While the hemp plant naturally contains about 20 or so percent CBD, there’s only around 0.1 percent of delta 8.
The major difference between these two cannabinoids is that delta 8 is psychoactive. This means that taking delta 8 products derived from the hemp plant will get you high. Delta 8 products use a concentrated delta 8 extract, which is why the effects are noticeable despite the fact that many of the CBD products we take contain a trace amount of the compound. Also, there might be some effects between delta 8 and blood pressure.
Delta 8 and CBD both bind to cannabinoid receptors in the body, being cannabinoids, which means that they may offer a wide range of regulatory effects that are particularly desirable in terms of how they make us feel. Delta 8 specifically undergoes a double-binding process with CB1 receptors in the nervous system, which is why its properties relate to pain and mood, among other things.
How Delta 8 is Made
Before we get into the various forms of delta 8, we need to quickly go over the process of making delta 8 products. First, of course, the hemp plant material must be put through an extraction process, which usually relies on the use of CO2 to separate the desirable compounds from the general plant material. This produces an oily concentrate that’s rich in the cannabinoids and other compounds found in the hemp plant’s flowers.
From there, delta 8 must be isolated. We said that delta 8 occurs in trace amounts in the hemp plant, so isolating it is no easy task. Besides the logistical challenges involved, a lot of plant material must be used to produce an ample amount of pure delta 8, compared to that of pure CBD, for instance.
An option being used by more and more companies is based on the fact that CBD and delta 8 are isomers, meaning that they share the same atoms, but in different arrangements. Companies can take the CBD compounds and rearrange them atomically to convert cannabidiol into delta 8. This is becoming one of the most common methods for producing delta 8, as it still yields a clean and legitimate product, while keeping manufacturing costs down.
Delta 8 and Different Delivery Methods
Anyone who has taken CBD before knows that different delivery methods can produce a different experience. Delta 8 is the same way. How the compound absorbs into the body dictates how quickly you’ll feel the effects, how long they will last and how strong they are. Some say that different delivery methods enhance different properties of the compound as well.
We said that delta 8 is a psychoactive compound, so when choosing a delivery method, keep this in mind. For instance, we know with CBD that edibles produce longer-lasting effects than vapes. This is no big deal, because CBD doesn’t get you high, so if CBD is active in the system for several hours a person won’t be that affected. But, with delta 8, how long the effects last can determine how long the psychoactive properties will be active in the system.
Most Common Delivery Methods for Delta 8
Now, we can get into the most common delta 8 delivery methods. You’ll see that they’re basically the same as CBD delivery methods, only they rely on a different cannabinoid as the active ingredient.
Gummies
Delta 8 gummies are very popular, as are gummies in general, due to their delicious taste and long-lasting yet more subtle effects. Delta 8 gummies can take between one to two hours to peak in the system, because of the need to slowly travel through the digestive tract. The effects tend to be felt in a more widespread manner throughout the body, and are gentler than, say, smoking delta 8 flower, which is another delivery method we’ll be getting into shortly.
delta-8-thc" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Delta 8 gummies, like CBD gummies, come in various strengths and flavors, and you can choose a flavor that appeals to you as many are available.
Vape Carts
Possibly the most popular form of delta 8 is the vape cart, as these products are very easy to use and come in a wide array of strains, flavors and strengths. Delta 8 vape carts use delta 8 extract as their primary ingredient and may or may not include other hemp compounds like cannabinoids and terpenes. They have a universal 510-threaded connection that allows them to easily attach to any standard CBD vape pen and can easily be replaced when the e-liquid runs out.
Vaping delta 8 allows for the fastest-acting and most potent effects, but they are more short-lived. Typically, the delta 8 peaks in the body within several minutes and dies down within an hour or so.
Vape Pens
Delta 8 vape pens are also user-friendly means for inhaling delta 8. These are all-in-one systems consisting of a battery and cartridge, with the whole setup being ready for use as soon as it is taken out of the box. Vape pens are disposable, and come in many flavors and strengths, just like the ones that we see on the CBD market.
E-Liquids
Delta 8 e-liquids are designed for refillable systems, which use a tank or cartridge that must be refilled. Again, delta 8 e-liquids come in many different flavors, strengths, and strains, and you can choose from a generous array of choices.
Flower
Delta 8 flower is an up-and-coming trend in the hemp industry, and it’s highly unique. It’s simply CBD flower that has been infused with delta 8 concentrate, so that you’re smoking the whole hemp plant’s chemical composition with extra delta 8 at the same time. This allows you to experience the entourage effect for which hemp is known, while also experiencing the psychoactive properties of delta 8 simultaneously. Delta 8 flower typically comes in a wide range of strains and quantities.
Capsules
Delta 8 capsules are pretty straightforward. They’re capsules that use delta 8 as an active ingredient. Some may contain other hemp compounds, and some may contain plant compounds derived from other plant material that is not related to the cannabis family. Capsules tend to peak in about an hour and offer subtler effects for a number of hours.
Tinctures
Delta 8 tinctures are just like CBD tinctures. They take a delta 8 extract and dilute it in a carrier oil, and the formula is meant to absorb beneath the tongue. They tend to peak within 30 to 45 minutes and stay active for a couple of hours. They come in various flavors and strengths.
Taking Multiple Delivery Methods
Just like you can take different CBD delivery methods in one day, you can do the same with delta 8. But again, remember that the psychoactive effects of delta 8 mean that taking two products around the same time will make you feel more high.
Taking Delta 8 with CBD
Lastly, you can absolutely take delta 8 with cannabidiol. These two compounds belong to the same plant, and work together synergistically and harmoniously.
Final Thoughts
Delta 8 comes in many forms, just like CBD, and all of these forms are user-friendly and useful in their own way. So, when shopping for delta 8, consider the delivery method that will be preferable to you according to your goals and needs.
