If you know anything at all about vaping, you’ve likely heard of delta 8 THC—a style of cannabis extract that is known for its potency. When delta 8 infused hemp flower hit the market, it became one of the most popular cannabinoid strains in circulation.

This blog post will tell you everything there is to know about this potent style of weed leaf, from what it is and how it’s made to its effects on mind and body.

What Is Delta 8 THC?

Delta 8 THC is a cannabis extract that contains high concentrations of the delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that’s typically associated with sativa strains.

Cannabis plants are made up of at least 100 different cannabinoids, including THC and CBD. These cannabinoids interact with receptors throughout the body, influencing everything from mood to appetite to memory. The cannabinoids that give cannabis its psychoactive effects are called “phytocannabinoids.” Delta 8 THC is comprised of a cannabinoid known as cannabidiol (CBD), which is not psychoactive at all and has even been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Delta 8 was made by extracting specific cannabinoids from the plant, allowing cannabis breeders to isolate desired effects and composition in a way that was previously impossible, explains Cole Cacciavillani, founder of San Francisco Bay Area-based Scientific Hemp.

How Is Delta 8 Made?

Delta 8 is made by combining two cannabinoids—CBD and THC. The CBD molecule cannot be converted into THC, so the first step in creating this new style of cannabis extract is to isolate it from the plant. Cannabis breeders then combine CBD and THC (which is isolated from a sativa strain) and mix them in an ethanol or carbon dioxide extraction solvent. The solvent dissolves the cannabinoids, which are then separated from one another by filtration or other methods and condensed into a concentrate.

How Is Delta 8 Used?

Delta 8 THC is usually used in vaporizer pens and dabbing rigs. It can also be smoked or vaporized in a glass pipe.

How Does Delta 8 THC Work?

Delta 8 THC acts on the body’s endocannabinoid system (or ECS), a collection of cannabinoid receptors located throughout the brain and central nervous system that affects nearly every cellular process.

What Are the Effects of Delta 8 THC?

Delta 8 THC has a sedative and calming effect with clear-headed mental effects, which are similar to those produced by sativa strains of cannabis. This makes it ideal for treating symptoms of attention deficit disorder (ADD) and known to improve focus and mood.

What Are the Benefits of Delta 8 THC?

Studies have shown that delta 8 THC has anti-inflammatory, anti-pain and anti-anxiety properties, making it an ideal treatment for patients with a range of conditions.