First-Time Buyer's Guide: THC, Delta-8, and More

So you’re the new kid on the block when it comes to cannabis. You may have some idea of what to buy and how to use it, but you might get quickly overwhelmed by the sheer mass of product options available. And what’s with all these letters and numbers? Do you need a science degree to understand what’s going on here? You’re certainly not alone if you’re feeling a bit lost. Today’s market is more complex than ever, which raises many questions for shoppers. Where is delta-8 available? What even is delta-8? Does it matter?

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Luckily, we’ve got all the answers you need to make a smart choice for your first purchase. Below, we’ll break down some of the key cannabinoids to be aware of, how to buy products, and tips for making an informed decision as you shop.

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First, a Note on THC Types

While it’s often used to describe any psychoactive compound in cannabis, THC is really a term used to describe chemical molecules that come in all forms. Think of it as a family name rather than an individual one. 

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Slight differences separate THC types, but these little tweaks can lead to some wildly different results.

What is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 THC is the less famous sibling of delta-9 THC, the cannabinoid commonly associated with marijuana. While it’s still not as widely recognized as delta-9 THC, delta-9 is one of the four most common cannabinoids found in cannabis plants.

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Its chemical makeup is very similar to that of delta-9, which means it can easily be created by altering CBD or other THC molecules. 

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As a result, products high in delta-8 THC are hitting the market at increasingly fast rates. 

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Delta-8 can offer many of the positive effects of delta-9 THC without as many drawbacks. It’s also not considered a controlled substance, meaning it does not violate federal laws surrounding marijuana use.

What is Delta-9 THC?

Delta-9 THC, often referred to as just “THC,” is a cannabinoid found in high levels in marijuana plants. It’s responsible for producing the psychoactive effects that come with a cannabis-induced “high.”

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When most people talk about THC, they’re talking about delta-9. It’s well known as a remedy for many health symptoms, including chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety, and more.

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While delta-9 is a controlled substance, it’s becoming legal in more and more states across the U.S. Products with delta-9 THC are more accessible than ever, whether through medical or recreational marijuana laws.

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Benefits and Effects of Different THC Options

While each cannabinoid can have its ups and downs, delta-8 THC is generally less likely to cause adverse side effects. It doesn’t pack quite the same punch delta-9 does, making it an ideal option for beginners.

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Some of the benefits associated with each form of THC are as follows:

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• Delta-8 THC: Can help treat anxiety, reduce inflammation, and stimulate the appetite or eradicate nausea. Federally legal. Generally more tolerable.

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• Delta-9 THC: Powerful effects, potentially longer-lasting high. Can also be used to manage anxiety, pain, etc.

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Meanwhile, some potential downsides to consider include the following:

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• Delta-8 THC: Less potent than delta-9. Generally unregulated and under-researched, which means you should take care to only purchase reputable products.

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• Delta-9 THC: Federally illegal above a certain percentage. Can only be legally purchased in states where marijuana is legal for recreational and/or medical use. If a product has under 0.3% Delta 9 in it, you can purchase it in most of the same states as Delta 8. Delta 9 is more likely to cause paranoia or anxiety.

How to Buy Delta-8 Products

If you’d like to get your hands on top-quality delta-8 products, you’ll first need to consider what kind of product you want and where you live. It’s typically easy to find delta-8 products at stores, on the web, and in some dispensaries, but it’s important to be careful when you make your selections.

Where is Delta-8 available?

Since it’s not federally illegal, you can find delta-8 in most stores that sell CBD and other hemp products. This includes your standard brick-and-mortar stores, gas stations, dispensaries, and online sellers. 

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Not all delta-8 sources are created equal, though. Because it’s not regulated by the FDA, delta-8 THC has been linked to increased safety risks. Many manufacturers and sellers cut corners to get products on shelves quickly at the expense of their consumer’s well-being. 

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They might mislabel how much of a cannabinoid is present, add cheap or harmful ingredients to formulas, or source their products from questionable places.

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This isn’t to say that you should avoid buying delta-8 THC, only that you should be careful when you do. Always be sure to shop with trusted sellers who make an effort to make all product information transparent. 

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At The Green Dragon CBD, we work hard to provide our clients with all the details they need to make an informed choice. You can access third-party lab results, dosing information, product specifications, and more before you even click “add to cart.” 

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Can I order delta-8 online legally?

Yes, you can legally order delta-8 THC products online, at least as far as federal law is concerned. Just over a dozen states have laws that specifically address delta-8 regulations, so it’s not a bad idea to double-check the expectations for where you live.

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In general, though, you can purchase delta-8 online because it and other hemp-based cannabinoids were made legal by the 2018 Farm Bill. The only cannabinoid not protected by the Farm Bill is, you guessed it: delta-9 THC.

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So unless you happen to live in a state that explicitly outlaws delta-8, online shop to your heart’s content!

What are the best delta-8 products to try?

Below are some of the most popular options for delta-8 products that you might want to consider:

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• Vape cartridges
• Gummies and edibles
• Delta-8 flower
• Dabs and concentrate
• Prerolls
• Tinctures
• Moon rocks (pieces of flower coated in concentrate and kief)

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Overall, the answer to this question boils down to personal preference. Some people prefer products that deliver instant, albeit shorter-lived, results, while others might want to feel the waves of their high for hours at a time.

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Generally, products that you inhale enter your bloodstream within minutes, leading to fast-acting payoffs. Options meant to be orally consumed can take longer to do their thing, but their results are usually stronger and last for significantly more time.

How to Buy Other THC Products

Delta-8 isn’t your only option if you want to dabble in THC. While you can only buy delta-9 products where they’re legal, you can opt for other choices like delta-11, delta-10, and others. 

Where can I get THC products?

If delta-9 THC is legal in your state, you can purchase products at your local dispensary. Otherwise, you’ll need to count on hemp-derived delta-9 and other THC products like those available right here at The Green Dragon CBD. 

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We work closely with leading brands to ensure our product offerings are up-to-date and feature the hottest new finds. No matter what you’re looking for, we’re here to help you make the right choice.

Tips to Score High-Quality Delta-8 and Other Products

Below are some final quick tips to keep in mind as you seek out the cannabis products of your dreams. 

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• Shop Smart. The seedy gas station owner who sells products you’ve never heard of probably isn’t the person to turn to for safe, top-notch THC. Neither are brands who don’t or refuse to share detailed information about what’s in the product you’re buying.

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• Look Out For Other Terpenoids. THC isn’t the only compound that affects your experience – products with CBD, CBG, and other cannabinoids or terpene profiles can each lead to unique results. 

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• Consider Your Needs. Do you need something quick and easy, or are you looking for more of a rollercoaster ride? Think realistically about how you’ll use your product to get the most value for your money.

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• Check In With Your Doc. It’s always a good idea to speak with your doctor before starting or stopping any medication plan, including one that features delta-8, delta-9, CBD, etc. Don’t let the fear of judgment hold you back. Doctors are professionals, and it’s way more important to avoid unnecessary safety risks than to avoid a potential side-eye. 

Wrapping Up

You’re probably already a somewhat savvy shopper; the ability to purchase just about anything online has made many consumers more conscious about how they spend their money. 

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Use this skill to your advantage and apply it to your cannabis hunt, too. Think about what you want, what your limitations might be, and what to avoid. 

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Investing some time and thought into this process is all you need to nail your first cannabis purchase and many more to come. 

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Feel free to reach out to us to learn more about your options. We’re passionate about educating and assisting people just like you. Contact us today for a consultation or to find out more about our offerings!

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