Lifestyle
Delta 8 THC: Your New BFF for Fighting Stress and Finding Zen
Cannabis and hemp contain hundreds of cannabinoids responsible for the plant’s psychoactive and therapeutic effects. Delta-8 THC is one of them. A cousin to the famous Delta-9 THC (regular THC), Delta-8 induces a mind-altering high.
Delta-8 shares many qualities with “regular THC,” including psychoactive effects and pain-relieving qualities. However, Delta-8 is slightly milder, making it ideal for fighting stress and promoting relaxation. Derived from federally legal hemp, this compound comes in various products like Qwin’s Delta 8 Selection of candies, cookies, and disposable vape pens.
This article explores Delta-8’s effects, therapeutic potential, and top products for fighting stress and finding zen.
What is Delta-8 THC? What Effects Does It Have?
Delta-8 THC is a minor cannabinoid, meaning it exists in cannabis and hemp plants in trace amounts compared to major cannabinoids like Delta-9 THC and CBD.
Chemically, Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC are almost identical. Both compounds have a molecular structure with a double-carbon bond. However, the bond exists in different places on their atom chains. Delta-9 has a bond on the 9th chain, while Delta-8 has one on the 8th (hence their names).
Like its famous relative, Delta-8 has psychoactive effects that can make people feel “high” and provide many known benefits, including relaxation, euphoria, and nausea relief. However, the slight chemical variation leads to changes in Delta-8 vs. Delta-9 effects, giving Delta-8 some unique characteristics.
Milder experience: Delta-8 has a lower binding affinity for CB1 endocannabinoid receptors. CB1 occurs primarily in the brain and central nervous system, regulating processes like pain sensation, mood, and memory when activated by cannabinoids like THC. As a result of its diminished CB1 action, Delta-8 produces a milder psychoactive experience with a less “heavier hit” compared to Delta-9. Most people describe Delta-8 as smooth, subtle, calming, euphoric, and uplifting.
Fewer side effects: THC in any form can cause side effects, ranging from dry eyes and impaired vision to the potential for increased anxiety and paranoia. According to an extensive study on Delta-8, many people said it made them happy and relaxed without causing intense side effects, describing it as Delta-9’s “nicer, younger sibling.” This type of experience can provide peace of mind, especially for those looking to reduce anxiety.
Maintains focus: On top of a smoother, less anxious psychoactive experience, Delta-8’s lower potency reportedly comes with less brain fog and fatigue, keeping people more clear-headed.
Medical benefits: Delta-8 shares many of Delta-9’s health benefits, such as helping with pain and insomnia. In a 2021 study, about half of the respondents took Delta-8 for medical reasons related to anxiety and mental health, including:
- Panic attacks
- Stress
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Chronic pain
Availability: Delta-8 THC exists in cannabis and hemp plants in super-small quantities, so manufacturers commonly synthesize the compound from hemp-derived CBD. The U.S. government legalized hemp products containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC in 2018, making Delta-8 THC available in many states nationwide. Most people consume Delta-8 in edibles, such as gummies or candies, or by vaping.
QWIN’s Delta 8 Selection
Qwin’s Delta 8 Selection allows consumers to tap into the compound’s soothing, euphoric, uplifting effects. QWIN’s Delta-8 products feature three types of edibles–taffies, syrups, and cookies–and disposable vape pens. All are convenient to use, easy to dose, and pack delicious flavor into the Delta-8 experience.
Delta 8 Taffies
QWIN Delta-8 hemp-compliant “Sweet Life” taffies come in four fruity varieties: blue raspberry, banana, lemon, and melon, and two distinct types. One line blends hemp-derived Delta-9 with Delta-8. The other contains Delta-8 only.
The Delta-9 + Delta-8 taffies each contain:
- 20 mg of Delta-9
- 30 mg of Delta-8
QWIN’s pure Delta-8 taffies each contain
- 20 mg of Delta-8 only
Consumers love the authentic taffy taste and fruity flavor of these vegan, Farm Bill-compliant candies, which are sweet and just a bit tart. Fans also note these candies are free from the funky aftertaste that some other Delta-8 edibles contain.
But the main draw is these taffies pack a punch. The effects, which last up to six hours, come on slowly but can hit hard, depending on the dosage. People say the smooth, mellow buzz and modest, uplifted feeling are perfect for taking the edge off after a long day. Be ready to hit the pause button and feel relaxed.
Delta 8 Syrups
QWIN Delta-8 Sweet Life syrups come in three flavors:
- Blueberry
- Nectaberry (peach and nectarine with a hint of strawberry)
- Tropical strawberry mango.
Each bottle packs 200 mg of Delta-8 for ten manageable 20 mg doses. Fans say the syrups, which feature purified water, cane sugar, and natural flavors, are fruity, sweet, and potent, with only a few sips needed to feel the effects.
Some use the Delta-8 syrup for therapeutic purposes, saying it helps with arthritis and getting through the day without pain. Others enjoy these formulas for intense relaxation to get a peaceful night’s sleep. Consumers also note that the measurement markers on the side of the bottle make dosage easy.
Delta 8 Cookies
QWIN Delta-8 Super Blend Cookies feature cannabinoid-rich formulas that mimic today’s most popular strains.
Each individually wrapped cookie contains a 100 mg blend of:
- Delta-8 THC
- Delta-9
- THC-O
- THC-P
- HHC
Super Blend cookies come in two tasty flavor profiles: Coconut Dragon Fruit, featuring Red Dragon fruit jam, vanilla coco flakes, and a powdered sugar sprinkle, and Dark Chocolate Cappuccino, filled with dark chocolate powder, espresso shots, and oatmeal.
Fans say the cookies taste great and love the soft texture with a little crunch. The effects are also strong, with a “long-lasting, euphoric sensation” that keeps them “focused and helps the creativity flow.” The 100 mg dosage “gets the job done,” making these cookies a great treat to enjoy while watching a movie.
Delta 8 Disposables
QWIN Puffy disposables pack 1,100 mg of Delta-8 THC in two flavor profiles:
- The Blue Dream vape is a balanced sativa with a sweet aroma and flavor.
- The Brotha Louie variety is a heavy-hitting indica with King Louie genetics, blending sweet and sour berry notes.
Both are disposable vape pens featuring clean-burning ceramic coils, rechargeable 280 mAh batteries, and micro-USB ports.
Fans rave that these disposables are ideal for pain relief, working to relax muscles, and helping with arthritis and fibromyalgia. The Blue Dream strain is energizing and quickly eliminates anxiety. Brotha Louie offers more sedating effects that people describe as the “go-to way to fall asleep at night” or perfect for “before bed or just relaxing on the couch.”
The Bottom Line
Delta-8 THC checks many of Delta-9’s boxes for anxiety and pain relief, with fans saying it helps them feel calmer and more focused. Most say Delta-8 is like 9 THC’s “more laid-back cousin,” and they can perform daily activities without experiencing some of the adverse side effects associated with regular THC, such as increased heart rate and paranoia. Delta-8 is currently available in a wide range of products that are easily accessible online and in stores, like QWIN’s line of Sweet Life taffies, syrups, cookies, and Puffy disposable vapes. For those looking for a milder, more relaxing THC experience, Delta-8 could be just the ticket.