More hemp enthusiasts are finding ways to incorporate delta 8 THC into their routines, being dazzled by the unique properties of this newly isolated hemp-derived compound. Still, a lot of people out there do not understand what delta 8 is, including those who use other hemp products like CBD daily.
What is Delta 8?
So, what is delta 8 THC? Delta 8 is a cannabinoid in the hemp plant, and it occurs in only 0.1% of the plant’s full chemical composition. A natural derivative of delta 9 THC, delta 8 is the result of the delta 9 compound oxidizing in the plant material, taking on a new molecular structure that adopts new properties as a result.
Note that delta 8 products on today’s market are made with an isolated form of delta 8 THC that has been concentrated. In its natural state in the hemp plant, it’s only present in a trace amount that’s so low we can’t feel its effects. Products on the market labeled as delta 8, such as delta 8 gummies and vapes, offer potent delta 8 effects due to containing a concentrated extract of the compound.
Are Delta 8 and CBD the Same?
Because delta 8 is a cannabinoid, many people compare it to cannabidiol (CBD), the dominant cannabinoid of the hemp plant. They do share certain things in common, including specific properties, which we will be getting into more later on. This is because all cannabinoids, like CBD and delta 8, operate the same in the body. Their job is to bind to cannabinoid receptors in various bodily systems to regulate specific actions about our general functionality.
CBD binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors, with the former category about functions of the brain and nervous system primarily, and the latter category focusing more on the immune and digestive systems. Delta 8 is different in that it almost solely works on CB1 receptors, thus potentially offering stronger effects to the nervous system and brain.
More notably, delta 8 is a psychoactive compound, and CBD is not. Delta 8 is about 70% as intoxicating as the delta 9 THC found in marijuana, and so its high is considered mild. But, ultimately, taking delta 8 will get you high.
Is Delta 8 Legal in All States?
Many people are surprised to learn that delta 8 is federally legal despite being psychoactive. This is because the Farm Bill of 2018 declared that the hemp plant is fully legal, as are its derivatives, with the one stipulation being that hemp products cannot contain more than 0.3% delta 9 (not delta 8) THC.
Despite federal law permitting the use of delta 8 in the country, some states have banned the compound, as is their legal right. As of now, you cannot legally purchase or possess delta 8 THC products in the following states:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Rhode Island
- Utah
Keep in mind that hemp-related laws seem to be changing quite a bit as the industry continues to evolve, so always check with your state’s laws on hemp to make sure that you have the most up-to-date information. You can be legally penalized for using delta 8 in a state in which it’s illegal.
Does Delta 8 Have Carts?
Like CBD, delta 8 comes in many delivery methods including gummies, disposable vapes, tinctures, and even topicals. It is clear though that the majority of delta 8 enthusiasts prefer delta 8 THC carts, which are vape carts containing a delta 8 e-liquid. Vape carts are easy to use and come in a large array of popular strains, which means that they are enhanced with terpenes. Users like having this wide selection along with the convenience of using a disposable cart.
So many people prefer carts because vaping the cannabinoid offers the fastest-acting and most potent effects out of all of the delivery methods. The effects are also short-lived compared to other methods, typically lasting for about an hour.
Delta-8: Where to Buy
Delta 8 is easier to find than before as it has become immensely popular in just a year. 
The best place to buy delta 8 THC is from an online retailer since you’ll find a larger selection of products than you would in a store and have access to information that verifies the quality of the product being sold, including third-party lab reports.
Delta 8 Benefits
So, what can delta 8 THC offer in terms of its properties? Because the isolated form of the compound is so new, there aren’t countless studies on its effects like there are for cannabidiol. Still, research has been done recently that has given us some insight into what it can do.
Does Delta 8 Help with Pain?
Delta 8 seems to offer both anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, meaning it may be a useful option for those dealing with pain. Analgesics help desensitize pain receptors belonging to the nervous system, and anti-inflammatories bring down the inflammation that can cause pain to occur.
Does Delta 8 Help You Sleep?
Studies have also found delta 8 THC to offer potential anxiolytic properties, meaning that it may offer some sort of sedating capability. Typically, anxiolytics are associated with anxiety, and they do offer this effect. 
However, they can also help calm the nervous system in a way that promotes more obtainable sleep.
Does Vaping Smell Up a Room?
When investing in a delta 8 vape cartridge, you may want to be able to use it in a discreet way. Therefore, it is not surprising that many people are worried that vaping the cannabinoid will produce a conspicuous smell similar to marijuana. The smell of hemp products comes from the terpenes in hemp rather than the cannabinoids, as terpenes determine the aroma profile of the plant. So, any delta-8 cart made with terpenes, as most are, will produce a smell.
However, the smell is not a strong one, especially when compared to the smell produced by smoking the raw plant. Why? Because vapor is lighter than smoke, having a higher water content, which allows it to dissipate quickly and not cling onto fabrics. In other words, vaping delta 8 THC should not smell up a room as it dissipates too quickly to have this kind of effect.