Delta 8 vapes are a hot new cannabis product that is taking the industry by storm. They have become widely available, even in states without legal marijuana, thanks to the fact they can be made from industrial hemp.
Starting with non-intoxicating CBD, clever manufacturers create delta 8 via a complex chemical reaction. The result is a psychoactive hemp extract that can be used to make vape pens, gummies, and more.
Those who have tried Delta 8 say they love it, but there are some facts you should be aware of before trying it for the first time. Here are some key considerations when buying a Delta 8 vape pen.
Things to Consider About Delta 8 Vapes
Delta 8 Vapes Give a Relaxing, Euphoric Buzz
One of the main reasons so many people want to try Delta 8 vapes is to experience a high that isn’t quite the same as what they get from marijuana. According to most users, there are subtle differences between the high from D8 and D9.
Delta 8 users describe its effects as relaxing, euphoric, and clear-headed. They love that they can remain functional while still enjoying the many benefits of cannabis.
Many use it to relieve pain, improve their mood, and aid restful sleep.
Vapes are among the most popular products due to their rapid onset of effects. It can take up to two hours to feel the effects of a THC edible.
Those who use tinctures may experience a high in 20-30 minutes. However, when you vape D8, it is possible to feel the effects within seconds.
This is because the cannabinoid goes to the bloodstream via the lungs, avoiding the digestive system. Not only do you benefit from faster effects, but you also consume a higher amount of Delta 8 because vaping offers a far greater level of bioavailability than an orally or sublingually consumed substance.
Vaping also offers an experience that is somewhat similar to smoking natural weed. However, there is evidence that vaping marijuana compounds is less harmful than smoking them.
Moreover, vaping produces minimal odors, which dissipate rapidly. In comparison, you can smell the pungent scent of smoked weed a mile away, and smoke-stained clothing smells truly disgusting the following morning!
Delta 8 Is Milder Than Delta 9 THC
One of the main advantages of Delta 8 is that it is milder than Delta 9 THC, the primary intoxicating compound in marijuana. It is around half as strong and less likely to cause side effects, such as anxiety and paranoia.
Therefore, Delta 8 vapes are an excellent choice for anyone who wants to enjoy cannabis but is overly sensitive to Delta 9. However, new users should still exercise caution and start with a low dose until they know how Delta 8 affects them.
Not All Delta 8 Vapes Are the Same
Some manufacturers have created Delta 8 vape pens with flavors and effects that mimic popular cannabis strains. They use natural terpenes, the aromatic compounds found in cannabis plants, to imitate sativa, indica, and hybrid varieties.
Consumers can choose between an energizing high, a chilled-out buzz, or a balanced experience with the best of both worlds.
This means you can genuinely enjoy it on your terms. For instance, you can take a few puffs from your Delta 8 vape in the morning if you need help getting started.
Alternatively, you can use D8 to sharpen your focus in the afternoon. Pick the right product, and it’s capable of helping you wind down in the evening.
However, please remember that D8 is an intoxicating substance. Therefore, you should not consume it if you plan to operate heavy machinery later that day.
Also, don’t use it before or during work hours, as your employer could potentially terminate your contract if they believe you’re high in the workplace.
Delta 8 Vapes Are Legal, But Not Everywhere
There remains a degree of confusion relating to the legality of D8. Since it is possible to make Delta 8 vapes using CBD from hemp, they were widely considered legal thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill.
This legislation legalized the cultivation of hemp plants containing a maximum of 0.3% Delta 9 THC. It paved the way for a new wave of cannabinoid products that were available throughout the United States.
However, there were claims that because D8 is so similar to D9, it was technically an illegal substance too. Consequently, no one was entirely sure whether the cannabinoid could be legally purchased in the United States.
Manufacturers and sellers who decided to proceed in selling delta 8 vapes knew there were risks attached.
Fortunately, an important ruling by a federal court eliminated the complexity surrounding D8’s legality, at least at a federal level. In May 2022, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Farm Bill did indeed permit the sale of D8 products as long as they fit within the definition of “hemp.”
Alas, a growing number of states have banned the cannabinoid, saying it is a THC analog and, therefore, illegal. Others have expressed concerns about the safety of Delta 8 vapes, as we will explain below.
The list of states that have restricted, controlled, or banned the sale of D8 include, but are not limited to:
Alaska
Arizona
California
Colorado
Idaho
Iowa
Minnesota
Montana
New York
North Dakota
You’ll notice that D8 is illegal in some states that permit recreational marijuana. Before you consider buying Delta 8 vapes, please check your state’s laws.
Safety First
Vaping is often a safer alternative to smoking. However, inhaling anything can damage the lungs, especially if you use low-quality vape products. Some items contain harmful thinning agents that become carcinogenic when heated.
Ideally, the product you buy contains minimal additional ingredients. For instance, top brands tend to include little more than Delta 8 distillate and botanical terpenes in their products.
As a result, you know you’re receiving a high percentage of D8 and natural hemp compounds and little else.
Therefore, it is essential to buy Delta 8 vape products from a reliable supplier. Here’s how to find a company that fits the bill.
Where to Buy Delta 8 Vapes
The best place to purchase Delta 8 vapes is online. You will find a greater variety than in physical stores and likely more reasonable prices.
However, the real advantage of buying online is that you can research a company thoroughly and ensure its products are legit.
Look for a well-established brand with plenty of positive reviews. Check that they are open about where they source their hemp and how they manufacture their products.
It is best to choose items made from American-grown hemp that have undergone clean CO2 extraction rather than using solvents.
The top brands in the niche provide third-party lab reports for their Delta 8 vape products. These documents show that they contain as much D8 as they should and are free from dangerous impurities. It should be possible to find the reports online, showing a high level of transparency.
Before making a purchase, check that D8 is legal in your area, as the laws constantly change. Consult a physician before trying Delta 8 vapes for the first time, and always use cannabis products responsibly. And consider CBD as another method for your needs.
