Where to Find Delta 8 (Δ8-THC) Near Me
Delta 8 is popular but you need a legit source. Learn to safely find it, track shifting laws, and understand D8 benefits and risks.
Delta-8 THC (Δ8-THC) is a cannabinoid naturally occurring in tiny amounts in cannabis.
Various synthesis methods have been developed, but today, essentially all D8 on the market is extracted from hemp plants via cyclization of CBD. This chemical process rearranges the atoms of CBD into delta 8.
Delta 8 (Δ8) is about half as potent as delta 9 (Δ9), which can be a positive or a negative, depending on who you talk to. Some scoff at D8 as merely diet weed or THC lite, but for people with low tolerance or who don’t want strong effects, Δ8 can be perfect.
We have created this guide so you can find delta 8 near you, navigate local regulations, and understand consumption methods like concentrates, vapes, gummies, and good ol’ flower.
Recommended Brands: Area 52 | Tre House | Moonwlkr | Koi CBD
Different Types of Delta 8 THC Products
Delta 8 THC can be infused into just about anything. Here are some of the most common product types you’re likely to find for delta 8.
1. Delta 8 Gummies
Delta 8 gummies are quickly becoming one of the more popular methods of consumption for delta 8 THC. Gummies can range from 1mg to over 40 mg, with most being around 5 or 10 mg.
Online dispensaries have turned into literal cannabis candy stores with a huge variety of flavors. Many are organic, vegan, and gluten-free.
While trying all the different products is good fun, keep track of how potent your gummies are and always wait several hours for your last dose to kick in before redosing.
Related Guides: Delta 9 THC Gummies | Amanita Muscaria Gummies | Legal Weed Edibles | THC Gummies
2. Delta 8 THC Carts
Delta 8 cartridges are a close second behind gummies in terms of popularity.
With disposable carts, delta 8 pods, and a few refillable products, there is no shortage of flavors and futuristic electronic devices.
Nicotine vapes are deemed less harmful than cigarettes, but due to a lack of research, the picture is less clear with D8 vapes. Inhaling anything, even aerosols from a vape, comes with risks.
The dose a delta 8 cart delivers per puff depends on the atomizer, settings, length of inhale, and the concentration of e-liquid. Take a small, one-second puff and wait a few minutes before taking more. Like candy, it can be easy to get carried away with vaping, so go slow.
Related Guides: Best Vape Carts | Best HHC Carts | 1-Gram Carts | THCA Carts | Distillate Carts
3. Delta 8 Concentrates & Oils
The purest and strongest form of delta 8 money can buy are distillates. This concentrated form of delta 8 can be added to refillable vape pens, mixed into DIY gummies or tinctures, or smoked using a dab rig.
If you prefer dabbing, delta 8 concentrates can be found as waxes, sauce, shatters, crumble, budder, resin, and rosin.
Depending on the quality of extraction, it’s possible some concentrates could contain delta 9 THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids. Careful extraction can get levels of delta 9 below 0.3%, and terpenes may be added after the fact for additional effects and flavors.
4. Delta 8 Flower & Pre-Rolls
Cannabis produces very tiny amounts of delta 8, and there are no strains we are aware of that create a dominant delta 8 cannabinoid profile.
You will find delta 8 flower on the market, though. These are hemp flowers infused with delta 8 oil and sometimes other terpenes or cannabinoids.
Delta 8 flower can be smoked however you wish.
Related Guides: Delta 8 Pre-Rolls | THCA Flower
Buy Delta 8 in The United States
Delta 8 THC is very popular in the US because delta 9 and conventional cannabis products are illegal. Here, it serves as a cheeky way to sidestep federal law.
So far, about half of the United States have passed bills that ban delta 8 (thus overriding federal law).
Recommended Brands: Area 52 | Tre House | MoonWlkr | Koi CBD
Delta 8 Laws USA
In the United States, delta 8 is a bit more complicated. At the federal level, there is no explicit law for delta 8, while delta 9 is a Schedule I drug. In states where cannabis is legal, delta 8 is usually easy to obtain online or in dispensaries.
In 2018, the passing of the Agricultural Improvement Act, better known as the Farm Bill, allowed for the cultivation of hemp throughout the United States. The law defines hemp as cannabis with 0.3% THC content and marijuana as cannabis with more than 0.3%.
In the following years, many producers began creating various THC concentrates by extracting cannabinoids from legally grown hemp plants and marketing them with products like gummies, carts, and enhanced flower.
Not every state has warmed to the influx of unregulated products, with several banning the sale of THC products like Δ8.
States That Have Banned Delta 8:
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nevada
- New York
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Utah
- Vermont
- Washington
- West Virginia
Buy Delta 8 in Canada
Delta 8 THC is highly regulated in Canada. This doesn’t mean it’s illegal; it just means only certain manufacturers can make it, and certain retailers can sell it. You have to buy delta 8 from the same places you would buy regular cannabis or delta 9 THC.
A few companies in Canada specialize in delta 8, but most companies stick to delta 9 because it’s cheaper to make and stronger overall.
Recommended Brands: Left Coast Gummy Co. / Twisted Extracts / Boost
Delta 8 Laws Canada
Delta 8 is legal and treated like Δ9 THC in Canada. Health Canada has put Δ8 in the category of ‘intoxicating cannabinoids,’ along with other types of THC.
Even though delta 8 and other cannabinoids have different potency and effects than delta 9, intoxicating cannabinoids are lumped together for regulations on the allowable amounts, such as Canada’s 10 mg limit on edibles.
Buy Delta 8 in Europe
Within the European Union, the situation is similar to the United States. There will be no restrictions on packaging, and products will mostly not have undergone testing, with distributors working in a gray area.
Europe has a patchwork of shifting regulations, so it’s best to check local laws and stay current on the legal situation.
Delta 8 Laws Europe
Much like in the United States, delta 8 in the EU is sold outside of cannabis-specific laws when derived from hemp and is instead classified as a ‘Novel Food.’
Some European countries have specific bans on delta 8, while others lack specific laws and have bustling gray markets.
Malta notably has legal cannabis, which seems to allow delta 8 products. In much of Western Europe, cannabis won’t lead to serious criminal offenses, and a fair amount of countries have decriminalized small amounts.
Tips for Buying D8 Locally & Online
Regardless of where you live, some things remain constant, like how to tell if a brand is good or not. We’ll go over some things to look for so you don’t have to guess. You can apply these whether you buy from a local shop or online, though it’s easier to do online. Remember, your health is on the line!
1. Analyze the Third-Party Lab Tests
If you’re in a shop, this is much harder to do. Online vendors will post the lab results online or at least make them available on request. It’s great to see a vendor doing this, but it’s not enough. These certificates of analysis can be faked or out-of-date, so look them over.
If the brand doesn’t say anything about lab testing or they don’t share the results, move on. Don’t even bother.
2. Find Customer Reviews
Some might be fake, so take them with a grain of salt, but reviews are a good way to get to the truth. Reddit, TrustPilot, and others are full of opinions that you can usually trust.
Scan a company’s social media for a good feel of who they are. A ton of followers doesn’t mean a lot these days, but the interactions, posts, and feedback can.
3. Look At the Website/Packaging
Sometimes, the truth is in the details or the lack of them.
Vague wording, grammatical errors, gimmicky terminology, and a lack of information about the ingredients are clear signs to avoid a brand. This lack of effort likely carries over into its products.
What Does Delta 8 THC Feel Like?
Delta 8 feels like a gentler version of delta 9, being roughly half of delta 9’s potency (although one study says two-thirds to get technical) [1].
Delta 8 is often described as a clearer high, but specific effects of cannabinoids can be tricky to predict, as people react so differently to cannabis.
So, take this list with a grain of salt, but here are some standard effects:
- Anxiety (depending on the dose)
- Confusion
- Dream-like quality
- Euphoria
- Novel Ideas
- Relaxation
- Self-reflection
- Time distortion
Delta 8 vs Delta 9 THC
Delta 8 and delta 8 THC are very similar compounds, considered isomers, meaning both have the same amount of atoms for each element, but the atoms have different arrangements.
The effects of delta 8 and 9 are similar because they interact with the endocannabinoid system. delta 8 binds to the CB1 receptor in the endocannabinoid system just like delta 9, but at a lower rate, creating fewer psychoactive effects.
Understanding the Risks of Delta 8 Products
While delta 8 is widely available, quality varies, and some products pose risks. Gray market delta 8 can be bought from dispensaries alongside legal products. Some producers have safe and effective products, but it can be tough to know which brands to trust.
Depending on how the cannabis was grown and the D8 is extracted, there could be contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, or mold. Although, these risks have always existed with cannabis products and are not unique to delta 8.
Some companies use third-party lab testing, but the frequency and legitimacy of tests have been questioned.
It is often unclear if every production run is tested. There are confirmed reports of fake tests and lab shopping for desired results. Some tests have even revealed other cannabinoids than advertised in the products [2].
Additionally, not all tests run a detailed analysis of contaminants, only testing for THC. Some reputable products will have certificates of analysis (COA).
Regulations on testing vary across regions. Some tests exist in Canada’s legal market but have been criticized for their poor quality for some products, like vapes. The United States has no formal testing for delta 8 products.
You’ll need to do some research. It helps to check out brand reviews on social media and the website and ask around within your community. If buying online, verify if a site is legit by Googling whether a site is a scam, or check out services like Trustpilot.
How Does Delta 8 Work?
Delta 8 works in a similar fashion to delta 9 by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, specifically the endocannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2.
Delta 8 is generally regarded as about half the strength of delta 9, which is likely from lower binding efficacy to the CB1 receptor, which is responsible for psychoactive effects, among other things.
Delta 8 also interacts with the CB2 receptor, which is often associated with the immune systems, where it has many receptor sites.
The body also changes delta 8 into the metabolite 11-Hydroxy-delta-8-THC (11-OH-Δ8), although the psychoactive effects of this metabolite are unclear. 11-OH-Δ8’s metabolite, 11-OH-Δ9, does have psychoactive effects [3].
Detecting these metabolites could become an essential tool for distinguishing between legal and illegal cannabis use.
There seems to be a cross-tolerance between delta 8 and delta 9, but no studies have shed light on this.
Delta 8 Medical Benefits
While delta 8 isn’t as deeply studied as delta 9, some research (mostly in animal studies, not humans) shows potential benefits.
Some examples of potential delta-8-THC medical benefits are:
- Stimulation of appetite [4]
- Decrease in seizures [5]
- Prevent nausea and vomiting [6]
- Reduced pain and inflammation [7]
- Antidepressant effects [8]
- Anti-cancer effects [9]
- Reduce intraocular pressure [10]
- Reduced nicotine consumption [11]
Delta 8 Side Effects
Like any substance, delta 8 comes with some side effects, and while weaker than delta 9, it should be treated with the same caution.
People with the following should avoid or consult with a medical professional before consuming delta 8 THC:
- History of serious mental health issues
- Liver or kidney issues
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Serious heart conditions
- Taking other medications
Some specific products are associated with headaches and body aches more than others. This could be a result of different extraction methods and impurities.
Generally, common side effects of delta 8 include:
- Changes in heart rate
- Changes in blood pressure
- Nausea
- Lethargy
- Poor coordination
- Memory problems
- Paranoia
According to the CDC, difficulty breathing and coma have been reported.
The FDA has documented one death of a child after they unknowingly consumed a jar of delta 8 gummies.
FAQ: Delta-8 THC Products
Here are some of the most common questions we get asked about delta-8 THC and where to buy it.
1. What’s the Difference Between CBD & Delta 8?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid but lacks psychoactive effects. CBD interacts with CB1 receptors of the endocannabinoid system but not CB2. Meaning pure CBD won’t get you high.
The law also treats CBD and delta 8 differently. CBD is generally more accepted with specific legislation allowing its production and sale.
2. When Was Delta 8 Discovered?
Roger Adams discovered delta-8-THC in 1941 at the University of Illinois [12]. Adams and his team initially called the compound delta-6-THC (Δ6-THC) and began researching psychoactive effects in humans the following year [13].
In 1965, Israeli Chemist Raphael Mechoulam (also known as the godfather of cannabis research) synthesized the compound [14].
3. Will Delta 8 Show Up On a Drug Test?
Yes, Delta 8 will show up as cannabis on drug tests.
Current testing does not yet distinguish between delta 8 and delta 9, although this could change in the future.
4. Is Delta 8 Safe?
Yes, for healthy people, delta 8 is safe. Check above for who should avoid delta 8, and always consult with a medical professional before taking a new substance.
Most of the risks from consuming delta 8 THC come from how specific products are produced or the quality of extraction.
References
- Hollister, L. E., & Gillespie, H. K. (1973). Delta‐8‐and delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol; Comparison in man by oral and intravenous administration. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 14(3), 353-357.
- LoParco, C. R., Rossheim, M. E., Walters, S. T., Zhou, Z., Olsson, S., & Sussman, S. Y. (2023). Delta‐8 tetrahydrocannabinol: a scoping review and commentary. Addiction, 118(6), 1011-1028.
- Tagen, M., & Klumpers, L. E. (2022). Review of delta‐8‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8‐THC): Comparative pharmacology with Δ9‐THC. British journal of pharmacology, 179(15), 3915-3933.
- Avraham, Y., Ben-Shushan, D., Breuer, A., Zolotarev, O., Okon, A., Fink, N., … & Berry, E. M. (2004). Very low doses of Δ8-THC increase food consumption and alter neurotransmitter levels following weight loss. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 77(4), 675-684.
- Dwivedi, C., & Harbison, R. D. (1975). Anticonvulsant activities of Δ-8 and Δ-9 tetrahydrocanabinol and uridine. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, 31(3), 452-458.
- Abrahamov, A., Abrahamov, A., & Mechoulam, R. (1995). An efficient new cannabinoid antiemetic in pediatric oncology. Life sciences, 56(23-24), 2097-2102.
- Thapa, D., Cairns, E. A., Szczesniak, A. M., Toguri, J. T., Caldwell, M. D., & Kelly, M. E. (2018). The cannabinoids Δ8THC, CBD, and HU-308 act via distinct receptors to reduce corneal pain and inflammation. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 3(1), 11-20.
- El-Alfy, A. T., Ivey, K., Robinson, K., Ahmed, S., Radwan, M., Slade, D., … & Ross, S. (2010). Antidepressant-like effect of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and other cannabinoids isolated from Cannabis sativa L. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 95(4), 434-442.
- Semlali, A., Beji, S., Ajala, I., & Rouabhia, M. (2021). Effects of tetrahydrocannabinols on human oral cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, oxidative stress, and DNA damage. Archives of Oral Biology, 129, 105200.
- Elsohly, M. A., Harland, E. C., Benigni, D. A., & Waller, C. W. (1984). Cannabinoids in glaucoma II: the effect of different cannabinoids on intraocular pressure of the rabbit. Current eye research, 3(6), 841-850.
- Xi, Z. X., Muldoon, P., Wang, X. F., Bi, G. H., Damaj, M. I., Lichtman, A. H., … & Gardner, E. L. (2019). Δ8‐Tetrahydrocannabivarin has potent anti‐nicotine effects in several rodent models of nicotine dependence. British journal of pharmacology, 176(24), 4773-4784.
- Adams, R., Cain, C. K., McPhee, W. D., & Wearn, R. B. (1941). Structure of cannabidiol. XII. Isomerization to tetrahydrocannabinols1. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 63(8), 2209-2213.
- Tagen, M., & Klumpers, L. E. (2022). Review of delta‐8‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8‐THC): Comparative pharmacology with Δ9‐THC. British journal of pharmacology, 179(15), 3915-3933.
- Mechoulam, R. (1970). Marihuana Chemistry: Recent advances in cannabinoid chemistry open the area to more sophisticated biological research. Science, 168(3936), 1159-1166.
