Delta-8 THC is the hot new cannabis product that everyone seems to be trying right now, and its benefits are pretty appealing. While results are subjective, many enjoy a clear headed feeling of euphoria, along with a deep sense of relaxation. And what’s more, you don’t even have to leave your house to get delta-8 vapes delivered straight to your door from tried and true brands with outstanding track records, like Bonata.
Considering how quickly delta-8 has risen in popularity, you may still have some questions before you give it a try for yourself, and we’re here to help! Keep reading to discover what delta-8 THC is and where it came from, how to make sure you are getting a safe, pure product, and more.
What is Delta-8 THC?
Delta-9 THC is most abundant in marijuana and is Federally illegal. So, what’s with delta-8 THC and how are they selling it at the corner store?
Delta-8 THC is usually derived from industrial hemp, which is legal to grow in all 50 states and at the Federal level. Industrial hemp may only contain up to 0.3% THC when it is harvested, but the CBD extracted can then be run through another step in processing and turned into delta-8 THC.
Is Delta-8 THC Legal?
Cannabis derivatives often sit in a legal gray area in their early stages on the market. States generally take time to flesh out the laws they want to govern the substances that are part of a rapidly changing legal landscape. Here’s where we are currently at with delta-8:
Despite the fact that marijuana (and therefore THC) is legal at some level in most US states as of 2022, it is still Federally illegal. Additionally, products containing THC are highly regulated by the states, and each state has a different set of laws governing who can get these products and how they can be obtained.
So How is it So Easy to Get Delta-8 THC?
The catch with delta-8 is that it is derived from a Federally legal plant. Industrial hemp has been legal to grow and process since the 2018 Farm Bill was passed.
This is where things get complicated, and state and Federal lawmakers are debating how to regulate delta-8. On one hand, it is THC, which is illegal at the Federal level and highly regulated at most state levels. On the other hand, it is derived from industrial hemp and usually starts out as CBD first.
Some states have put restrictions on delta-8 products, making them harder to sell. However, as with CBD in its early days, you can still get delta-8 products sold under the radar at your local smoke shop or convenience store. Unfortunately, these products are often not what you think you are getting, and they can be contaminated with impure and unsafe toxins if you are not careful about what you buy.
How to Find High-Quality Delta-8
Fortunately, you don’t have to feel like you are committing a crime and shop at a seedy smoke shop to get the feel-good benefits of delta-8. You can take your time to shop and do your research when you buy your delta-8 products online through a trusted brand.
Many CBD brands are also adding delta-8 THC to their inventory of cannabis products as a logical complement to what they already have. The trick is to look for the same things you would look for in a high-quality CBD product:
- Organically-grown hemp
- Good reviews
- Transparency
- Third-party lab results
Alternatively, you can look for different CBD products to buy, or even grow them at home. To grow your own, start by finding a reliable seed supplier like Zamnesia, and pick a CBD seed that suits your needs.
Organically-Grown Hemp
As with any cannabis product, the quality of the plant used to make the extract sets the standard for the entire rest of the process. Since hemp is a bioaccumulator, which means that it has a tendency to absorb everything in its environment, you need to make sure your chosen brand works with growers using responsible, sustainable cultivation practices.
Organically-grown hemp ensures that there are no contaminants in the plant, such as agricultural runoff, pesticides, and chemical fertilizers.
Good Reviews
If a brand is not living up to its promises, internet users will not hold back on calling that brand out. So it’s pretty easy these days to tell if a brand you are considering making a delta-8 purchase from is worthy of your trust and money.
Do a search for the brand and make sure there are good reviews indicating that customers are happy with their products before you make a purchase for yourself.
Transparency
Is the information you are looking for readily available and easy to find on the brand’s website? Companies that make and sell cannabis products know what’s important to consumers. If they are using disreputable practices, you may have to dig to find what you’re looking for. However, if your brand is employing best practices, then this will be displayed proudly.
Third-Party Lab Results
Third-party lab results provide a safeguard against fraudulent labeling. Insisting on seeing third-party lab results guarantees that your delta-8 is free of heavy metals, mycotoxins, pesticides, solvent residue, and other harmful substances that could be present if not monitored.
Buying Safe Delta-8 Vapes
One of the most popular ways to use delta-8 is in a vape form, and there is one more consideration to keep in mind when making sure your delta-8 vape is safe:
Look for delta-8 vapes that are free of propylene glycol or vegetable glycerine (PG/VG).
Many brands add PG or VG in order to make the vaping experience smoother and more consistent when they are using a lower-quality extract to begin with. However, these have shown to have potentially negative health consequences.
Make sure you are getting your delta-8 vape from companies that use only pure extracts from organically-grown hemp, and you can be confident that you are getting a safe, pure product.
