If you’re dialed into the cannabis world, even just a teensy bit, you’ve likely seen hemp oil beginning to dominate the conversation. Finally! As we explained recently in our what is turnhemp? post, hemp is another name for the plant you already know — the cannabis plant.
“Hemp” refers to the commercial variant containing 0.3% or less THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). When you take commercial hemp and concentrate it into an oil for vaping, you can enjoy a more moderate experience. That’s great news for folks who find “traditional” cannabis products overwhelming.
When we say 0.3% or less THC, we mean Delta-9 THC. That’s the cannabinoid (chemical substances in the cannabis plant that can be psychoactive) many of us are familiar with.
However, there are over 100 other natural cannabinoids with different effects, aromas, and flavors. One that’s making waves right now? Delta-8 THC.
wtf is delta-8 THC?
This naturally occurring cannabinoid has similar psychoactive properties to Delta-9 THC — but with more manageable effects and a different chemical structure.
what is delta-8 hemp oil?
We can only speak for ourselves here, but turnhemp Delta-8 oil is a hemp-derived oil containing a synergistic blend of cannabinoids — predominantly Delta-8 THC.
So far, research on Delta-8 is promising. There have been reports of benefits like reduced anxiety and inflammation, pain relief, and improved sleep. Studies are ongoing, and we have more to learn about the effects of Delta-8.
Regarding experience, turnhemp’s Delta-8 contains our in-house botanical terpene blends curated to offer delectable flavors and a relaxed, fuzzy, mellow disposition.
the difference between delta-8 and delta-9 THC
Both are forms of THC. While it doesn’t produce as intense an effect as Delta-9, Delta-8 can still be mildly psychoactive and affect mood, thoughts, emotions, and actions. Other side effects reported with Delta-9, like paranoia, anxiety, and sleepiness are also less potent with Delta-8.
delta-8 vs CBD
Like Delta-8, you can get CBD from hemp plants. Unlike Delta-8, CBD doesn’t have psychoactive effects.
The FDA has approved CBD as an anti-seizure drug for people with epilepsy. CBD is also being studied as a treatment for health issues like anxiety, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and schizophrenia. Research on Delta-8 is more preliminary.
will delta-8 show up on a drug test?
The short answer — probably.
Drug tests don’t often single out specific THC compounds. Rather, they test for the metabolites the body produces to break down and remove the compound from the system. A high enough concentration of these metabolites flags drug tests.
Because Delta-8 THC is chemically close to standard Delta-9 THC, our bodies use similar methods to process both.
In a nutshell, most drug tests won’t be able to tell if your hard-working metabolites came to crush federally legal Delta-8 OR Delta-9.
other concerns with delta-8 THC
delta-8 THC products can involve the use of potentially harmful chemicals
The natural amount of Delta-8 THC in hemp is low, meaning manufacturers need to use an extraction process to isolate it in the amounts high enough to produce effects. That can include the use of potentially unsafe household chemicals.
Additional chemicals can also change the color of the final product, while manufacturing Delta-8 THC products may occur in uncontrolled or unsanitary settings.
what to do:
Unsafe household chemicals, contaminants, and unsanitary processing conditions are not necessary to create a Delta-8 THC product.
It is critical to source Delta-8 products from reputable companies that use sanitary, sterile processing facilities and provide transparent lab results to show you EXACTLY what’s in your hemp oil. (Like we do.)
the FDA doesn’t regulate the chemical process to make delta-8
This isn’t unheard of. Herbal supplements, vitamins, certain personal care products, tattoo ink, pet products, and more are not regulated or approved by the FDA.
what to do:
You already know! Research, research, research, and vet your manufacturers. Some industries do not fall under the FDA’s purview, which means the onus is on the consumer to favor brands that create their products transparently and ethically.
delta-8 THC products must be kept out of the reach of children and pets
Companies put a lot of effort into making their packaging and products appealing to you, an adult. But what can appeal to an adult can also entice a child or pet, especially if the product is appetizing, like a gummy candy or brownie.
what to do:
Like any substance intended for adults, keep Delta-8 products securely stored away and out of reach of curious children and pets. Be aware of convenience stores and gas stations that allow underage purchases of these products so that no one in the family accidentally brings them into your home.
And there you have it, folks. Those are the fast facts about Delta-8 THC. What a time to be alive!
