In your search for the next weed to try, you might have come across the term “Delta-8 THC flower.” It’s not a coincidence. Delta 8-rich strains have been a thing since coming onto the scene in 2016. It has the same benefits as traditional weed yet offers a gentle high.
The rapid popularity of Delta 8 flower has produced several varieties and information online. To help you digest information better about Delta 8 flower online, this guide will serve as your handbook.
🔑 Key Takeaways
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Delta 8 flower refers to the cannabis buds with high concentrations of the psychoactive cannabinoid—Delta 8 THC.
As a less intense version of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Delta 8 flowers are popular because of their mellow take on getting high. They’re also supposed to not give anxiety spikes and/or paranoia when taken at the right amount.
| 🗒️ Note The term “flower” in this case doesn’t refer to botanical flowers you see in gardens. Flower refers to the female flowering head of cannabis plants which is thick in cannabinoids, terpenes, and more. |
Delta 8 THC is found in trace amounts only. Extracting a meaningful amount of the compound would mean tons of raw cannabis plant materials. In short, Delta 8 is rare and costly to produce.
Through cross-breeding, farmers are trying to produce cannabis strains naturally endowed with Delta 8 THC. This has had successful results, however, cannabis strains with little Delta 8 THC are still rampant in the market.
To remedy Delta 8’s rarity in flowers, manufacturers devised ways to externally add the compound to the buds.
Some of the methods used are dipping buds with distillate Delta 8 or spraying a Delta 8-rich solution on top of the buds. This way, consumers can still get the full potential of Delta 8 even if the plant wasn’t naturally cultivated to have a significant amount of the compound.
Knowing how Delta 8 flower is usually made, others might raise an eyebrow at this, arriving at the question: Is Delta 8 flower synthetic?
You have to understand that Delta 8 THC is not synthetic. It’s a naturally occurring compound found in small traces within parts of the cannabis plant.
Delta 8, however, can be replicated through the process of isomerization using organic compounds, Delta 9-THC and cannabidiol (CBD). This is how manufacturers can come up with Delta 8 distillates and spraying solutions.
The second thing to understand is that not all chemical processes are deemed “synthetic.” Yes, there are chemical changes, but the original compound and process are entirely natural.
The issue therein lies in the variance of processes cannabis companies employ to produce their version of Delta 8 flower.
Delta 8-rich flower can get you high but the effect is significantly milder compared to smoking traditional weed. Depending on the type of strain smoked, some could induce sleepiness (mostly indica strains). Others get an energizing experience (sativa strains).
Chemically, Delta 8 is similar to Delta 9. The only difference is the location of the bond between their two carbon atoms. This variation in molecular structure explains why Delta 8 has lesser psychoactive effects. It has a lower binding affinity with the ECS receptors compared to Delta 9.
| 📑 Definition The Endocannabinoid System or ECS is a network of cell signals throughout the body that regulates several processes such as appetite and sleep. As part of the ECS, CB1 receptors, help control events and make some adjustments in your central nervous system. Delta 8’s molecular structure is drawn to CB1 receptors but not as strong as that of Delta 9. This attraction, however, is enough for Delta 8 to influence brain cells and give you that less intense high. |
If you want to temporarily avoid an intense type of high or are still easing from the psychoactive effects of THC isomers, smoking Delta 8 flower is a great option for you.
Yes, Delta 8 flowers can still smell like regular weed in raw form or when smoked. Up close, the aroma would differ according to the flower’s cannabis strain genetics. Some Delta 8 flower have pepper-based notes while others emit sweeter notes.
Once Delta 8 flowers are lit, the smell will hit even harder. Heat releases the smell from the aromatic terpenes and cannabinoids present in trichomes.
| 💁🏻♀️ Helpful Article Learn how to lessen or eliminate the smell of weed from your clothes or inside your home by three methods: masking, sanitizing, and purifying. If you want to get the same benefits from Delta 8 without the smell, opt for Delta 8 tincture types and gummies. |
The safety profile of Delta 8 flower has not been thoroughly documented or researched. Most of what the online community knows are reports from anecdotes and real-life experiences from buyers.
Overall, Delta 8 flower poses little risk to consumers once smoked responsibly. Its safety level significantly rises once the following conditions are met:
Based on accounts, Delta 8 is said to have a lower risk for side effects associated with paranoia, and anxiety, among others. However, more research is needed to confirm these claims.
For beginners who don’t know their ideal Delta 8 flower dose, it’s crucial to start with the lowest dose possible. Observe the effects after one to two puffs for 15-30 minutes before inhaling another. Then, increase the smoking frequency gradually as needed.
Before comparing Delta 8 flower with weed, it’s important to define “weed” as it can mean several things. Under industry terms, weed is the colloquial term for marijuana or cannabis buds. It’s a flower that holds more than 0.3% Delta 9 THC.
Weed and Delta 8 flower are alike in the sense that both are flowering heads of the cannabis plant. The main difference between them is the cannabinoids present in each bud.
A Delta 8 flower is rich in the cannabinoid Delta 8 with less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC content. It can contain other cannabinoids like CBD. On the other hand, weed has more than 0.3% Delta 9 THC.
Another big difference to note is their legality. Since Delta 8 flower technically has no more than 0.3% Delta 9 THC, it’s widely available in several states.
Meanwhile, since weed has more than 0.3% Delta 9 THC, it’s illegal at the federal level. It may be available in certain states with special protocols allowing it.
Lastly, weed and Delta 8 flower would differ in terms of effects. Once you smoke weed, the effects will most likely be more slightly intense than Delta 8 flower.
The cost of Delta 8 flower today varies depending on factors such as the brand source, premium level, potency, and any additional ingredients. Either way, expect to shell out at least $20 to buy quality Delta 8 flower products.
It’s possible to get quality Delta 8 flowers at an affordable price. Here is a rundown of the cheapest yet premium Delta 8 flowers to buy online:
Bearly Legal Hemp Co Delta 8 THC Moonrocks with CBD CBG Kief | ||
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| Price: $21.99 Weight: 3.5 grams Effects: Relaxed, functional, and happy COA: Certificate link | ||
| SHOP IT HERE | Final Verdict: Bearly Legal presents us with this super gooey and potent Delta 8 moonrocks. It’s also coated with a proprietary blend of CBD, CBG, and other minor compounds. | |
Blue Moon Hemp Delta 8 Flower – Bubba Kush | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type: Indica-dominant Price: $24.99 Weight: 7 grams Effects: Relaxed yet functional Variant: Space Candy | ||
| SHOP IT HERE | Final Verdict: Get the best of both worlds by trying Blue Moon Hemp’s flower with a 20% Delta 8 and 12% CBD cannabinoid concentration. The combination leaves you feeling relaxed yet productive throughout the day. | |
Blue Moon Hemp Delta 8 Flower – Cowdaddy Crush | ||
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| Type: Sativa Price: $25.99 Weight: 7 grams Effects: Alert and productive | ||
| SHOP IT HERE | Final Verdict: Blue Moon Hemp’s Cowdaddy Crush Sativa is coated in 20% Delta 8 and 12% CBG. The unusual combination of Delta 8 and CBG makes an interesting case of a unique high that’s great for daytime use. | |
Delta Extrax HXY-11 THC + D8 + D10 Hemp Flower – Lemon Meringue | ||
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| Type: Sativa Price: $26.99 Weight: 3.5 grams Effects: Uplifting and euphoric Variants: Space Candy, Strawberry Lemonade, and Blue Dream | ||
| SHOP IT HERE | Final Verdict: Delta Extrax’s Lemon Meringue has an intense uplifting high with notes of delicious citrus and nuttiness. For its price, this Sativa flower has a generous amount of Delta 8 and other cannabinoids like HYX-11THC and Delta 10. | |
Delta 8 flower strains differ in potencies because of their genetic variations. Delta 8 flower would contain at least 5% Delta 8 while the highest realistic percentage for Delta 8 could reach as high as 30%.
Take a look at the cannabis strains with the highest Delta 8 percentages:
| Strain | Delta 8 THC Percentage | Type | Effects |
| Sour Special Sauce | 26% | N/A | Calm, focused, and creative |
| Sour Jack | 24% | Hybrid | Uplifting that puts you in a good mood |
| Bubba Kush | 24% | Indica | Body-high, motivated, and sustained energy |
| Cherry Diesel | 21% | Sativa-dominant | Motivated and uplifted |
| Raygun | 19% | Indica-dominant | Immediate onset of relaxation |
| White Cap | 15% | Sativa | Uplifting and euphoric cerebral high |
| Sour Space Candy | 8% | Sativa | Euphoria |
| Sour Diesel | 7% | Sativa | Energy boost, clear-headed, and focused |
| Lifter | 6% | Hybrid | Soothing relief and clarity |
| Hawaiian Haze | 6% | Sativa | Uplifting |
| OG Kush | 6% | Sativa-dominant | Intense body buzz and relaxation |
| Skywalker OG | 5% | Sativa-dominant | Calming and thoughtful |
| Northern Lights | 4% | Indica-dominant | Peace and relaxation |
Buying bulk or wholesale prices can save you a lot of money. This especially works well for frequent smokers and those who want to put up a cannabis business.
Finding Delta 8 companies to buy your flowers from is easy. Just follow the steps below:
Step 1: Ensure that Delta 8 is legal in your state and area
Find out the unique protocols of your area or state about Delta 8 and cannabis. There’s nothing more heartbreaking than having your buds stay undelivered because Delta 8 is not allowed in your area.
Step 2: Research Delta 8 flower suppliers
Once you’ve cleared out the legality of Delta 8 and cannabis, it’s time to look for reputable wholesale suppliers of Delta 8 online. You’ll find plenty of them on the first page of results when you type relevant keywords like:
Step 3: Check for quality and compare prices
Gather as many credible cannabis suppliers as you want and check for the quality of their products. Two reliable quality indicators are COAs and real-buyer reviews often found on the product page.
| 📑 Definition COA, short-term for Certificate of Analysis, are documents accomplished by third-party laboratories. The document details an analysis of the product, examining cannabinoid content, terpene profile, heavy metals, pesticides, mold, etc. |
Once you’ve shortlisted companies according to COAs and overall reception online, compare their prices. Pick the best deal, not the cheapest.
Step 4: Order from your supplier of choice
Now, all there is left to do is to order, pay, and wait for the delivery man to show up on your doorstep.
The legality of Delta 8 flower in the US is complicated with federal and state regulations clashing rules. At the federal level, Delta 8 flower with less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC is currently legal but unregulated.
Meanwhile, states have different regulations concerning Delta 8 flowers. Some actively ban any products with the compound regardless of Delta 9 percentage. Others allow the proliferation of Delta 8 flowers as long as it is under the definition of “hemp” set by the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018.
Since Delta 8 legality varies by state, age limits and other purchasing restrictions differ as well. This is why acquainting yourself with your state’s provisions on Delta 8 is important to maintain lawful consumption.
Delta 8 is legal in the following states:
Now that you’re equipped with the right knowledge for your first Delta 8 flower purchase, it’s time to try them and judge for yourself whether the stuff is good. It all comes down to preference.
Where to find free Delta 8 flower?
Some online stores and dispensaries offer free samples of Delta 8 flower.
Can you grow Delta 8 flower?
Even if your state allows you to cultivate Delta 8 flower at home, you wouldn’t be able to grow cannabis that’s naturally rich in Delta 8. You could grow a cannabis strain but then spray it later on with Delta 8-rich solution.
What does the Delta 8 flower look like?
Delta 8 looks like any other hemp flower. It’s in a green shade, clumpy, covered in hairs, and thick in trichomes.
How to smoke Delta 8 flower?
You can smoke Delta 8 flower in several ways. One of the most common methods is by smoking nugs in a joint. Other ways include smoking through a bong or pipe.
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