What is Delta 8?

Delta-8-THC is the lesser-known cousin of Delta-9-THC –  the psychoactive cannabinoid in your weed that gets you high. Delta-8 is extracted from hemp-derived CBD. Far less information is readily available about this cannabinoid, but that’s about to change! Since the enactment of the 2018 Farm Bill, Delta-8 has become widely available legally throughout the United States. (1) And, it has become a far more common sight in dispensaries in California. Sometimes nicknamed “weed light,” Delta-8 is considered less potent than Delta-9. Though Delta-8 produces a milder high, it’s just as relaxing as regular THC. Users report feelings of intense euphoria and relaxation. And, like CBD, Delta-8 can be used to relieve pain. However, unlike Delta-9-THC, Delta-8 is rarely smoked. It’s most commonly found in tinctures, vape juice and edibles. 

Providing our customers with different ways to enjoy premium cannabis is a top priority at Laughing Gas! However you choose to use it, cannabis should be an enjoyable, unique experience for all responsible adults. We ensure your satisfaction with a range of products stamped with comedy legend Joey Diaz’s personal seal of approval. Be sure to check out the full, vibrant range of product and merch on our website. You can also find the nearest place to pick up Laughing Gas products with our interactive map!

Cannabinoids Deep Dive

Are you ready to become a Delta pro? Hold on to your grinder. There are 113 identified cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. (2) THC, or Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is just one of them, but it’s an important one. It’s the primary psychoactive component of cannabis flower and its derivatives. THC binds to receptors CB1 and CB2 in the body’s endocannabinoid system, producing the effects that cannabis is known for; deep relaxation, euphoria, increased appetite, and pain relief. (2)

Facts About Cannabinoids

  • Naturally-occurring chemical compounds found cannabis
  • Earliest known use of cannabinoids was over 5000 years ago (3)
  • Can be psychoactive or non-psychoactive
  • Cannabigerol (CBG) is the precursor “mother” cannabinoid that is the basis for THC and CBD (4)
  • 4 major cannabinoids identified as : Delta-9, CBD, Delta-8, and cannabinol (CBN) (5)
  • 0.3% THC or higher plants classified as cannabis, not hemp (6)
  • Cannabinoids can also be synthesized to produce therapeutic medications 

About Delta-8-THC

Cannabis has small amounts of naturally-occurring Delta-8-THC. It is estimated that dried cannabis flower contains between 0.1-1% Delta-8. Therefore, the most effective way to get it is through extraction in a laboratory. Whereas the intensity of Delta-9-THC can leave some people feeling like they “took too much”, Delta-8 offers a less intense version of its effects. One study showed that 57% of Delta-8-THC users opted to keep using it instead of Delta-9, and 59% substituted it for prescription drugs. (1) Users have reported the following effects:

  • Increased Appetite
  • Intense Relaxation
  • Decreased Anxiety
  • Relief from Pain
  • Enhanced “Euphoric” Mood
  • Help Getting to Sleep
  • Antiemetic Properties (Reduces Nausea)

Ways to Use Delta-8

Vape Cartridges

Delta-8-THC vape cartridges contain vape juice extracted from hemp. For quality products, be sure to check the packaging for the “full spectrum” labeling. Just like THC vapes, you can find Delta-8 carts in a variety of delicious flavors!

Tinctures

Tinctures contain concentrated Delta-8 extract dissolved in a body-safe solvent. They come with a dropper so you can measure your dose appropriately according to your needs. Placed under the tongue, tinctures act a lot faster than edibles, absorbing directly into the bloodstream.

Gummies

The edible cannabis industry has exploded in recent years. It’s great! And, just as you can buy gummies with THC, CBD, and CBN, you can also find sweet treats with Delta-8. Standard dosage per gummy is usually 25mg, but check your packaging or speak to your budtender to check the specifics of individual products.

Crumble

Think you can’t use this versatile cannabinoid in a rig? Think again. Hemp-derived Delta-8 is officially dabbable! With a highly concentrated crumble, you’re getting an intense smoking experience. Be sure to check your product has been lab-tested by a third-party for purity and quality assurance.

Flower & Pre-Rolls

Cannabis sativa is the standard for grows across California, but an increasing number of farms are cultivating hemp flower for smokable Delta-8. See how you like it by buying pre-rolls, or roll your own!

Capsules

If gummies are a little too sweet for your tastes, Delta-8-THC is available in capsule form. High potency gel capsules are a portable, straightforward way to get all the goodness out of your Delta-8.

Is Delta-8 Legal?

Well, it depends where you are. It’s federally legal to consume Delta-8 thanks to a unanimous state federal appeals court ruling filed in May 2022 under the Farm Act of 2018. As California has no laws that contradict this federal ruling, Delta-8 is completely legal here. However, tourists beware; this may not be the case if you live outside the Golden State. 

In fact, 14 U.S. states have blocked the sale of Delta-8-THC due to its psychoactive properties, and the lack of research into the cannabinoid. (1) The good thing for our out-of-state friends is that, year by year, studies into the lesser -known cannabinoids are happening more frequently. 

Advice for Enjoying Delta-8

  • Trust Your Licensed Dispensaries – We all know that there are way more shady dispensaries in and around the Golden State than we’d like to admit. With this in mind, if you’re looking for Delta-8 products, or any cannabis products for that matter, choose a licensed dispensary with products that have the CA-certified symbol. Lab-tested, premium products ensure you get top-shelf products without harmful adulterants that could cause you harm. If you’re in Los Angeles or the San Fernando Valley, let the experienced staff at Ice Kream help you find the Delta-9 cannabis product you’re looking for. You won’t be disappointed!
  • Consult Your Budtender – If you’re unfamiliar with Delta-8 and don’t know where to begin, your budtender will be more than happy to provide some friendly guidance. Discuss the way you’d like to use Delta-8 and go from there. You can ask about dosing, and discuss which products would be best for your specific needs.
  • Enjoy Your Delta-8 Products Responsibly – To keep you and the people around you safe, the same sensible tips apply to using Delta-8-THC products as they do with Delta-9. Don’t even think about getting into the driver’s seat of a vehicle, and remember there’s a time and a place for everything. Whether you’re using Delta-8 products for the first time, or it’s not your first rodeo, pay attention to dosage, be aware of your own tolerance, and look out for your friends!

The Future of Cannabinoids

Those in-the-know know that we’re on the precipice of an exciting new era of lesser-known cannabinoid products. As it’s so common and well-known, there are limited “new” experiences cannabis users can have with Delta-9-THC products (even though we can’t get enough of them). As more and more research comes out about the benefits of Delta-8, the more we’ll see them line the shelves of our local dispensaries. So, if you’re in the market to try something new, why not start with Delta-8?

Delta-8 & Laughing Gas

Laughing Gas produces some of the strongest flower strains and highest quality cannabis products for our loyal customers. We want you to be completely satisfied with your purchases, and we’re constantly on the look-out for new innovations in the colorful world of cannabinoids. So trust us to give you a unique experience and be sure to try our premium flower, and our amazing new line of Delta-8 products.

Stay connected with the latest Laughing Gas stockists on our website, find upcoming events, and don’t forget to check out our killer merch online. You can also join us on our socials to see what Joey and his crew are up to.

FAQ

Does Delta-8 get you high?

Like Delta-9-THC, Delta-8-THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid that affects our endocannabinoid system. It’s described by many as a lighter version of Delta-9 which has earned it the nickname “weed-light”. Bear in mind, everyone’s tolerance of cannabinoids are different, so be sure to use common sense when you partake!

Can you smoke Delta-8?

Although Delta-8 is most commonly used in edible form, you can smoke it! Delta-8 flower is readily available at many dispensaries, and other solid forms, like shatter, are becoming more common.

Can I take Delta-8 products across state lines?

Be very careful! Although Delta-8 products are legal on a federal level, it’s restricted by a number of state laws. As of October 2022 the following states have an outright ban: Alaska, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Vermont.

References

  1. Kruger JS, Kruger DJ. Delta-8-THC: Delta-9-THC’s nicer younger sibling? Journal of Cannabis Research. 2022;4(1). doi:10.1186/s42238-021-00115-8 https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-021-00115-8 
  2. Ng T, Gupta V. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563174/ 
  3. Sheikh NK, Dua A. Cannabinoids. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556062/ 
  4. Nachnani R, Raup-Konsavage WM, Vrana KE. The Pharmacological Case for Cannabigerol. The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. 2021;376(2):204-212. doi:10.1124/jpet.120.000340 https://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/376/2/204.long 
  5. Atakan Z. Cannabis, a complex plant: different compounds and different effects on individuals. Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology. 2012;2(6):241-254. doi:10.1177/2045125312457586 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3736954/ 
  6. Centers for Disease Control. Frequently Asked Questions. CDC. Published 2019. https://www.cdc.gov/marijuana/faqs.htm