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Chances are you’re already familiar with the contemporary slate of common cannabinoids: THC gets you high, CBD is therapeutic, CBN makes you sleepy and CBG is the mother cannabinoid from which all known cannabinoids are derived. The more we learn about cannabis, the more specialized and unique the cannabinoid database becomes, and now more than ever, cultivators are encouraged to experiment with the genetics of their crops beyond therapeutic or recreational uses.
Which brings us to delta-8, or Δ8, the newest of the outlier cannabinoids to become a hot commodity.
THC is shorthand for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, which we all recognize as the primary intoxicant in cannabis. But delta-8 is also a tetrahydrocannabinol. And though the two are chemical cousins, their effects on the endocannabinoid system are different enough to require distinct classifications.
Delta-8′s effects are milder iterations of those made famous by the more familiar delta-9 THC: Euphoria, contentedness, relief from stress, pain and anxiety, and even dry mouth, bloodshot eyes and munchies are commonly described by enthusiasts. Essentially, delta-8 is a great intro to the most attractive effects of cannabis—an easy way to reacquaint yourself with contemporary herb without getting high out of your mind, and a solid crutch for a varsity-tolerance break. Check out these delta-8 products for yourself and see just how similar, and disparate, two THCs can be.
Plain Jane Delta 8 Cigarettes
(3-6% Δ8)
Medford’s Plain Jane has a number of delta-8 products, including gummies, pre-rolls, tinctures and carts, but its cigarettes are probably its most unique alternative product. These are visually indistinguishable from a regular pack of cigarettes, and relatively discreet smokes, the look and feel of which make them a great tool for quitting tobacco and keeping your withdrawals in check via some low-stakes THC action. While Plain Jane’s delta-8 hemp cigarettes can be game changers for low-tolerance consumers and users who like to consume in safe public spaces, Plain Jane’s delta-8 flower is also a notable stash box addition. The nugs are just as dense, sticky, and fragrant as any popular dispensary strain, which makes them extra fun to receive via USPS.
Get it from: plainjane.com
Smokiez Sour Green Apple Gummiez
(25 mg Δ8 per serving)
West Coast fave Smokiez has an expansive line of confections, including a pucker-inducing sour apple delta-8 gummy. These candies are made with a delta-8 distillate, resulting in a candy that is free from any skunky suggestion of potent cannabis. Instead, users describe a mild edible experience that’s far more manageable than those of even the lowest-dose dispensary counter edibles. Users also report several therapeutic uses for these gummies, not limited to anti-anxiety, anti-nausea, and even mild pain relief. For consumers already using CBD therapeutically, integrating a daily delta-8 gummy could provide additional value to an established plant-wellness routine, while keeping your vibes notably euphoric and/or mellow. But, seriously, who needs an invitation to eat miracle medicine?
Get it from: AmericannaRx, 8654 NE Sandy Blvd., 971-254-4581, americannarx.com.
Oregon Hemp Flower Moon Rocks
(50% Δ8)
Moon rocks are typically designed for maximum impact with minimum consumption, and that concept extends to Oregon Hemp Flower’s delta-8 versions. Each nug is soaked in delta-8 oil extract and then dusted with CBG isolate and hemp kief. There is a certain novelty to these moon rocks. Consuming one isn’t likely to inspire any deep space astro traveling, but the effects are certainly reminiscent of highs spent on the edge of the universe, which has a certain value unto itself. The complexity of this moon rock’s combined elements is totally manageable for amateur cannabis users, but nuanced enough to be appreciated by high-dose smokers as well. Let’s be frank, if you’ve already got a predilection for moon rocks, a fat hemp nug drenched in delta-8 is probably deserving of your attention as well. Plus, imagine smoking one of these before a PTA meeting and just vibing while everyone else discusses the bake sale.
Get it from: oregonhempflower.org
TKO Delta 8 Infused Blunt
(9.9% Δ8)
Even when a tolerance withers, the appetite for a slow-burning, earthy-smelling, sweet-flavored blunt is hard to shake. For seasoned stoners, the impact of a blunt is irreplaceable. No pre-roll, vape, or edible can replace the deep, engulfing high of the all-time classic, but TKO’s infused delta-8 variety walks the line between mellow psychotropic headscape and heady contentment with toothsome ease. Brands like TKO are moving perceptions of hemp and cannabis back toward their common center, offering hemp flowers as finely cultivated as any of Oregon’s other top-shelf cannabis products. As the line blurs between recreational and therapeutic cannabis, products like TKOs will continue to stand out for offering both therapeutic efficacy as well as the mildest of trippy vibes.
Get it from: Tetra Cannabis, 4011 SE Belmont St., 503-206-7559, tetrapdx.com.