Those in the know about cannabis news may have heard some controversy surrounding Delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol, a psychoactive compound found in marijuana. Those new to THC and cannabinoids can be confused enough even without controversy. So, let’s start unpacking Delta 8 THC oil.
One of the most asked questions with Delta 8 THC oil is this: how on earth am I supposed to find the best one for me?
Okay, so that’s a slight elaboration, but you get the point.
Bottom line up front: Delta 8 THC is a psychoactive compound that acts similarly to Delta 9 THC, without the intense psychoactivity.
Delta 9 THC is the primary psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant, and it is also the main compound responsible for making people feel high.
But we’re not here to talk about Delta 9 THC! Delta 8 tincture is quite similar but has a different chemical structure to Delta 9, making it less psychoactive.
And this slight chemical difference is precisely what sets this cannabinoid apart and makes it so attractive to many users because it can offer benefits without the psychoactive effects of regular ol’ THC.
Finding the best Delta 8 Oil is more straightforward than it seems, but the most important thing to remember is to ensure you purchase from a reputable company that you can trust. But how do you know which company to trust? Well, I have a few tips for you, so let’s dig in.
My Top Pick: Finest Labs Premium Delta 8 THC Oil for their quality and trustworthiness.
Who Should use Delta 8 Oil?
Delta 8 THC is a less potent form of THC that produces a mild high and benefits the body in several ways. So people that would like to experience the benefits of THC without the high would be eager to try this Oil.
However, I also have to add that this product is not for those who need to pass a drug test. If you know that you have a drug test coming up or are subject to regular drug tests, then CBD oil without any THC at all would be right up your alley.
Some people use it to remain more productive throughout the day; others use it to stimulate their appetites or maintain better focus. But we will get to the benefits next.
Delta 9 vs. Delta 8
Delta 8 THC is a lot different than Delta 9 THC.
Delta 9 THC is the type of THC that produces feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and potential pain
relief. It’s also responsible for the “high” that marijuana users experience.
The problem with Delta 9 THC is that it can be easy to take too much or easy to underestimate how much you can handle and accidentally take too much.
Luckily, there’s Delta 8 THC: It’s less potent than Delta 9, so some people call it “diet weed.”
So if you don’t want a pronounced “high,” or if you have a lower tolerance for weed and don’t want to feel too stoned, then Delta 8 could be better for you.
Just remember: Delta 8 has less research behind it than Delta 9 does. So, although experts have found there to be less psychoactivity associated with Delta 8. There still seems to be plenty we will find out about the cannabinoid creating all this buzz.
Delta 8 Oil Benefits
Each day, a slew of new products hit the market. Many of them are helpful to our health; some of them are not. So how do you know which products are worth your time and money?
You’ve probably heard of CBD and THC or Delta 9, but how does Delta 8 fit into the equation. Delta 8 THC is the middle ground between Delta 9 and CBD.
It will give you a milder psychoactive high while still providing the same benefits as CBD. More specifically, Delta 8 activates CB1 and CB2 receptors in the central nervous system. These receptors are responsible for regulating things like:
- Pain sensation
- Appetite
- Mood
- Memory
- Inflammation
Delta 8 THC is different from Delta 9 THC and CBD, but it still has similar health benefits. I’m not trying to be overly complicated here, but there are some differences between these cannabinoids that you should be aware of as you explore Delta 8’s potential medical benefits.
For example, Delta 8 THC interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body like both Delta 8 and CBD. However, the interaction is unique and affects cognition and perception differently.
You can also use Delta 8 with other cannabinoids to achieve specific effects that may not occur by using one cannabinoid alone. This is called the entourage effect, and it means that each cannabinoid plays a hand in influencing how every other cannabinoid works.
Here are a Couple of Ways People Have Been Using Delta 8 to Improve their Overall Experience:
Reduced Psychoactive Effects with all the Associated Benefits
I’m going to be honest: I love marijuana. Not for the THC, though-I love it because of the potential health benefits from cannabinoids like Delta 8 and CBD.
If you’ve ever used THC and felt anxious or paranoid, that’s because of Delta 9 THC, which is responsible for psychoactive effects. Delta 8 THC is a safer alternative to Delta 9 THC.
The potency of this cannabinoid has been measured at 50-70% of the strength of Delta 9 THC. Like Delta 9 THC, this cannabinoid can cause anxiety and paranoia in high doses, but not everyone reacts the same way to THC.
If you’re pretty sure that you’re not the type to handle intense highs, then Delta 8 THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) might be a better fit. Because of its lower percentage and difference in how it interacts with the CB1 & 2 receptors, many users claim this cannabinoid makes them feel relaxed without feeling too out-of-this-world.
Need Some Help Falling Asleep?
Delta 8 could reduce stress and anxiety, enhance sensory experiences, and provide feelings of euphoria and sedation. People who use Delta 8 regularly claim they enjoy enhanced relaxation while maintaining mental alertness and thus find this a beneficial compound for managing insomnia.
I find that Delta 8 is a cannabinoid that can help me tackle a stressful day filled to the brim with tasks I need to accomplish, while at the same time it helps my mind to wind down at the end of the day so I can fall asleep without too many thoughts keeping my mind alert.
Could Help with Appetite Regulation
Ask anyone who has ever smoked cannabis, and they will tell you that it dramatically increases their appetite. You’re probably familiar with this phenomenon as “the munchies.” But did you know there is a different cannabinoid, yes, our Delta 8 THC, that can make the munchies twice as effective?
This is because Delta 8 works differently on the body than Delta 9. While Delta 9 has strong cognitive effects, Delta 8 seems to be geared more toward boosting your hunger. With this form of THC, you’ll get all the munchies without worrying about impairing your ability to function.
If you struggle with low appetite or an eating disorder, you may want to give Delta 8 THC a try.
Not only will it boost your appetite, but it will also make sure you are getting all of the nutrients that your body needs to stay strong and healthy.
It Might be a Good Anti-nausea Treatment
Up until now, patients have had to choose between effective nausea treatment and their comfort. They have had to choose between nausea caused by chemotherapy and the anxiety that comes with it. But now, nature might have an alternative:
cannabinoids like Delta 8 THC.
Delta 8 THC is a compound found in cannabis that can be an effective antiemetic. That means that it can help prevent nausea, vomiting, and other forms of acute sickness.
Why do we get nauseous in the first place? It’s when our brain gets confused by sensory input it doesn’t expect-like a significant change in altitude or smell, or when our stomach is empty, so we have to wait a little while before eating again. Delta 8 THC can stop all of that from happening because it interacts with receptors in the brain and helps control nausea, vomiting, pain response, anxiety, and stress.
Boost Brain Health
When new neurons are formed, it helps keep our cognitive function on the right track- and this is precisely what researchers found that Delta 8 seems to do.
Delta 8 THC has an interesting effect on the brain. Researchers are investigating the cannabinoid’s neuroprotective qualities. This is what we know so far:
- inhibits the release of adenylyl cyclase
- regulates potassium and calcium in the nervous system
- Let’s cut to the chase: these above points help to keep your brain in a healthy state.
Delta 8 has also shown signs that it can increase choline and acetylcholine, which helps treat disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
There are many potential benefits that Delta 8 can offer, including others that I have not elaborated on, such as relaxation and even anti-inflammatory. If you want to know more about the benefits of Delta 8, why not check out my article on the Benefits of Delta 8?
But what about the benefits of using Delta 8 in oil or tincture form over other delivery methods like topicals?
What are the Benefits of Using Delta 8 Tincture Instead of a Different Product Type?
Oils and tinctures are some of the most favored products- especially because they are so simple and easy to use. Oils can be added to beverages or ingested orally. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of Delta 8 oil as a delivery method?
Pros
- It comes in a variety of flavors (especially significant if you aren’t a fan of the natural cannabis flavor)
- Easy enough to dose as they other come in a convenient dropper bottle
- There are different concentrations to choose from, so you can choose the potency that suits you best!
- Oils are among the most commonly produced cannabis products, which means you are spoilt for choice.
Cons
- If you ingest the Oil orally, you could compromise the bioavailability
- Again, because of oral consumption, it does take longer than tinctures to have an effect
- Not as convenient or inconspicuous as capsules
- It might have a strong, ‘earthy’ taste if you do not have a flavored product
- Additives are unfortunately quite common- but you simply need to ensure you find the product that suits you best.
And that brings me to the next point: how to find the best Delta 8 Oil for you?
Factors to Consider when Finding the Best Delta 8 Oil
Brand Reputation
When you are sifting through the sea of Delta 8 oils or any product derived from cannabis, you must check the reputation. One thing to cross-reference is if they have any official FDA complaints filed against them. Some brands even have a line of lawsuits lined up against them- so be sure to sift through the internet to find anything that paints a different picture to what the company’s marketing team will have you believe.
If you’re looking for the best CBD oil, there are plenty of companies to choose from. And while these brands may have many positive reviews on their websites, you can’t always trust them. There are many companies out there with many positive reviews on their own websites, but when you check with third-party sources or expert blogs, you’ll see that they’re possibly biased.
It’s hard enough to find an honest review source for products in general! Companies get a lot of money when they sell their products, and they don’t want to lose the profit or have their sales numbers go down by negative reviews.
For example, if you look at CBD oil rankings online, you might find that a particular brand is rated very high overall. On closer inspection, though, you might notice that this company has only been reviewed by other people who are part of the company’s compensation plan. This means that they have little incentive to give the product a negative review because they would lose all commission opportunities and other perks if they did so.
By taking this extra step to find reliable information sources, you can avoid being tricked into buying brands.
Every company will have some sort of complaint filed against them- it’s just the way things are because no company is perfect, right? The thing is not to check if they have any complaints at all; it’s more important to see if it is a recurring issue and what the company proactively does in response to complaints. Use your discretion here and your common sense as well.
Ingredients and Third-Party Testing Results
Always, always, always check the third-party test results! These are from an independent testing center and will tell you everything you need to know about how clean the product is.
And by clean, I mean whether or not it has harmful pesticides or chemicals. Additionally, you can check the third-party reports to ensure they have the same cannabinoids that they are advertising.
If a company is not transparent with these results, it might be a sign you need to take a look at a couple of other brands before choosing your Delta 8 THC oil.
As for other ingredients, make sure you choose the correct potency. If you are a beginner, opt for a lower potency, such as 300mg. Another thing to point out is that you should consider oils that offer a broad spectrum so that you can take full advantage of the entourage effect offered by the full cannabinoid and terpene range found in the cannabis plant.
Product Quality
Assessing the product is pretty much exactly what all these points are about. But let’s just get a final word in about product quality. Use the above points when assessing product quality, especially when you go through the lab reports.
There could be many brands that want you to purchase their Delta 8 THC tincture; make sure you do your homework. For example, how knowledgeable is the company about cannabinoids, and do they offer resources for the public to learn more about their product?
While this may not be as obviously tied to product quality as much as ingredients and third-party testing, it goes a long way to show a brand’s commitment to their product and, as such- the effort they put into creating their product.
Cost
Remember Goldilocks? Choosing a Delta 8 THC product based on price is not too different. Many products come way under the average price line, but this is a red flag to me. There are certain costs when it comes to manufacturing a quality product.
And if a product comes in way under the average, it shows they might be cutting corners to save production costs to make more profit. On the other hand, you get way higher-priced products on the market, which we often see with boutique brands.
Check your budget, and then find the best quality product within that range using the guidelines I gave you.
And lastly, remember that quality over quantity- always!
How I Picked These Products
Firstly, I decided what was important to me- so remember that this is subjective. But what is not subjective is how I decided what matters to me!
So here are the questions I asked before settling on my favorite Delta 8 THC oils:
- What other cannabinoids do I want?
- What other terpenes do I want?
- Where is the cannabinoid sourced from, and is it organic?
- Can I quickly locate the third-party reports?
- Does the company make any outlandish statements that raise red flags?
- Is the product within my budget?
- What are the company’s ethics and mission statement? Do they align with my own, and are the values I want to invest in?
- Do I think the company has the public’s best interests at heart?
My Favorite Delta 8 THC Oils
Using the above selection criteria, I decided on the following Delta 8 THC oils.
Finest Labs Premium Delta 8 THC Oil
Pros
- Premium quality that I am confident I can trust
- They often have specials on their products
- Their products are organic
- They include a range of terpenes in their ‘recipe’
- I appreciate they, as a company, are committed to excellence and upholding the integrity
Con
- They are a little higher on the price point.
Area52 Delta 8 THC Oil
Pros
- I’ve said it before: quality over quantity! And yes, I feel like this brand ensures they offer the highest quality Delt 8 oil on the market
- They are committed to diminishing the stigma of cannabis, making people’ dazed and confused’
- Their products are organic
Cons
- As a very picky person when it comes to marketing, I am not a massive fan of how they market their products and their brand as a whole. That is not to say anything in particular that bothers me, but it serves as a reminder that you need to get a feel of the product by analyzing their website and how the company punts their product and their brand image.
- They batch-test their products, but it isn’t all that easy to locate the test results on the product page.
- The products are priced higher than average.
Exhale Wellness Delta 8 THC Oil
Pros
- Made from non-GMO hemp
- Made from organic hemp
- Broad selection of products (I know we talking about oils here, but I do like the fact they offer extra choices- including edibles and even pre-rolls)
- Perfect for people wanting to micro-dose their Delta 8 THC
- Great option for beginners (low potency)
- 600mg per 60 ml bottle
Cons
- No option with a stronger potency
- The oils only come in one size (60ml bottle)
- Do not have a broad array of flavours
3Chi Delta 8 THC Tincture
Pros
- Wide range of products if you want something other than an oil
- Different formulations with ingredients to target specific needs
- Made with MCT coconut oil
- Potent formulations- 40mg CBD per milligram
Cons
- Their return policy is pretty rigid compared to other brands, and only unopened products may be returned.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How Does Delta 8 Make you Feel?
Answer: Imagina the perfect mixture of THC and CBD, and you have yourself Delta 8! It will leave you feeling a little bit like you’re floating on a cloud, but without the mental haze that’s sometimes associated with high-THC products. It’s a great balance between CBD and THC.
Question: Is Delta 8 THC Legal?
Answer: The short answer is yes, Delta 8 THC is legal in the US, but not without some complications. Delta 8 THC was legalized by a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill. While Delta 9 THC is still illegal at the federal level, the bill legalized hemp and hemp-derived products. Delta 8 THC is one of these legal hemp-derived products.
However, some states prohibit Delta 8 THC, so it’s essential to check your local laws before purchasing any Delta 8 THC products.
Question: How do I Dose Delta 8 THC?
Answer: When you’re new to THC, it can be hard to find the correct dose of Delta 8. There are a lot of factors that determine what dose you should use.
But don’t worry! There are easy ways to figure out how much Delta 8 to use. First, you need to consider your size, experience with Delta 8 or other forms of THC, age, and individual metabolic factors.
The best way to find the correct dose for you is to start with a low amount and work your way up. You can also try different products and compare their effects on your body.
If a low dose doesn’t work, or if it’s not to your liking, then try a higher one. The most important thing is to listen to your body and be patient with yourself!
Bottom line
Delta 8, also known as THC-isomer tincture. This is a new type of cannabinoid that’s making waves in the medical marijuana community. Aside from the medical marijuana community, it also gets recreational enthusiasts excited. And for good reason!
Delta 8 THC is an alternative to traditional THC. It’s a special type of isomer – meaning its molecules are arranged in a specific order and formation. The “8” in the name refers to the number of carbons in the molecule (and the number of double bonds).
The main reason people are interested in Delta 8 is that it’s legal. THC is still illegal to use for most people, and so this new alternative gives them legal access to the same kinds of effects they might get from THC.
But there’s also much more to this cannabinoid than meets the eye. It has several other valuable properties too. For example, it’s less likely to make users feel anxious, which is one of the side effects often reported from using other THC products.
The reason it’s growing in popularity (besides the legal status) is because Delta 8 has a lot of cannabinoids that make it perfect for medicinal use. For one thing, it’s less likely to cause anxiety than regular THC. It’s also a stronger sedative and muscle relaxant than the standard marijuana product and can be an even better anti-nausea treatment for people who need it.
The future for the development of cannabis products looks bright, and Delta 8 oils are part of that. This is an exciting moment in cannabinoid development!
Further readings:
How to Find the Best Delta 8 Syrup
