For traditional cannabis users living in a state where marijuana is illegal, it can be very frustrating. For those seeking cannabis as a medical option, it can feel downright hopeless. Fortunately, there are now options for cannabis users as a result of the 2018 Farmers Act. Hemp derived Δ8 THC (pronounced “delta 8”) is a cannabinoid gaining popularity in recent years. Its increasing popularity due to wide-spread availability (from the emergence of the hemp derived industry) coupled with the positive attributes people have reported.

Why would someone want to try Delta 8 THC?

Many now prefer D8 THC over D9 THC ( D9 being the psychoactive cannabinoid found in marijuana.) From a chemical perspective, the difference between the two THC’s is marked by a single misplaced double carbon bond which is why there are slight differences in how it makes someone feel.  

Here are some of the Top Reasons to try Delta 8:

D8 is legal in most states and less stressful to buy.

For those in states where marijuana is illegal, hemp derived cannabis products may be legally accessible at local smoke shops or from online brands. If you’d prefer to skip the risk of obtaining cannabis from the blackmarket through drug dealers or your friend who knows a guy…switching to hemp derived THC products such as D8 could actually result in financial savings, plus the reduced anxiety of having a connection to illegal activity.

Knowing what you are getting, Hemp derived products provide more insight

Although the hemp industry is still highly unregulated, there are some very transparent brands out there providing lab testing behind all of their products. Unlike going through the black market, where you are trusting someone at their word, with hemp derived products, the option to do product research and find products that you are comfortable purchasing with confidence is a huge benefit.

As mentioned, there are still issues with the lack of regulatory oversight in the hemp industry. All lab tests are not equally informative and its actually common place to see less transparent brands forging COAs (Certificates of Authenticity). For this reason, it is very important to deep dive on researching the hemp derived products you are interested in and learn how to decipher what a lab test is actually showing you. Some lab reports might be very legitimate, but still show reading that are not aligned with what you want to consume. At the end of the day, it might take some effort, but at least you have the option as a consumer to make the purchase with research to back it up. Unlike the blackmarket where lab tests and COAs are non-existent.

D8 can provide positive effects, without risk of paranoia

A common negative side-effect reported by marijuana users is paranoia and increased anxiety. While proponents of D8 frequently report D8 consumption does not produce those types of feelings and is actually a milder less intense experience that provides positive effects with little negative side-effects.

For some the benefits are substantial. While these reported effects are not backed by any major study, the feedback from real users has been notable. In our testing program, one tester reported: “Helps with sleep, pain management, and anxiety. Helps cut back on smoking cigarettes and taking pain medication. You can smoke and still function at a job.

Give hemp derived products with D8 a try to feel for yourself

Delta 8 products, when sourced from a high-quality manufacturer, provide consumers with a formidable alternative to Delta 9 THC that has the testing and quality controls in place to help you make the best decision for what goes in your body. 

As always, please don’t drive or operate heavy machinery while using Δ8 THC in any form. The safety of using while pregnant or breastfeeding is unknown, so use with caution.