Delta 8 THC is one of the most talked-about hemp products on the market today. It has experienced a sharp rise in popularity because it is a psychoactive cannabinoid that is federally legal.

Cannabis consumers are enjoying the effects of THC’s cousin in many different forms. Some of the most popular ways to consume Delta 8 THC are through gummies or vaping.

So that begs the question: if you can vape Delta 8 THC, can you dab it too? The answer is yes, you can!

If you’re unfamiliar with either Delta 8 THC or dabbing, fear not. We’ll explain the details of both in this helpful guide.

What Is Delta 8 THC?

Delta 8 THC is a minor cannabinoid. Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the plant. That means that every cannabis plant produces small, sometimes negligible, quantities of Delta 8 THC.

You’re probably familiar with the cannabinoids THC and CBD. When people talk about THC they’re actually talking about Delta 9 THC or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol.

This is the main psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. In other words, it’s the chemical that makes you feel high.

CBD, or cannabidiol, is another important chemical component. It makes up about 40% of the plant’s resin extract. Isolated CBD has been studied for the medical treatment of cancer, diseases involving chronic pain, and other illnesses.

The thing that makes CBD so useful in both the medical and commercial world is that it provides many of the benefits of cannabis consumption without getting the user high. These benefits can include pain relief, relaxation, anxiety relief, anti-inflammatory properties, and more.

So What Does Delta 8 Do?

Delta 8 THC produces a similar psychoactive effect as Delta 9 THC. Users report that the “high” they feel is about 70% less strong than a Delta 9 high. Some people call it “Weed Light.”

Using Delta 8 THC still produces many of the positive effects associated with Delta 9. It causes the user to feel euphoric and induces a heady psychoactive experience.

Some strains, depending on their turpentine and cannabinoid profile, can make their consumers feel energized and creative. While others increase the feelings of relaxation and are popular for stress-relief.

The biggest difference between Delta 8 and Delta 9 highs is that the effects of Delta 8 are less intense. Users report experiencing a clearer and more functional high compared to using Delta 9.

Some strains of Delta 9 are notorious for inducing “couch-lock” in their consumers. Delta 8 highs are significantly milder. This makes Delta 8 THC ideal for consumers who want a little boost while doing chores that won’t leave them couch-locked for the rest of the day.

Reducing Overconsumption Side Effects

The lower intensity of Delta 8 highs also reduces some of the negative side effects that can come with traditional THC consumption. Many users report feeling anxiety and paranoia from getting too high. If you’ve ever “greened out,” you know just how unpleasant this can be.

Delta 8, by contrast, is mild enough that even if a user were to overindulge, their side effects are going to be significantly milder than with Delta 9. This is because Delta 8 THC reacts to your endocannabinoid system differently than Delta 9 does.

Greening out occurs when your CB1 receptors become overloaded with THC. While Delta 9 only binds to your CB1 receptors, Delta 8 binds to both the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Because two different receptors are absorbing the chemical, it is significantly harder to overwhelm them.

This is why Delta 8 THC is ideal for first-time consumers and people with low tolerance. If you are looking to explore a higher-potency method of consumption, such as dabbing, starting with Delta 8 is a great way to make sure you don’t overwhelm your body.

The Legality of Delta 8 THC

So let’s get real for a second, just how legal is Delta 8?

In the United States, the 2018 Farm Bill declassified hemp as an illicit substance. Hemp is defined as a cannabis plant that contains no more than 0.3% total THC.

Thanks to this bill, people can now legally grow, purchase, and consume hemp products in all 50 states. This includes extracts and concentrates of its individual compounds.

This bill is the reason you’ve probably seen several hemp shops pop up in your neighborhood. It’s why CBD has become so popular and profitable in the last three years.

So because it is derived from hemp, Delta 8 THC is a federally legal substance. However, state laws can override federal laws. While Delta 8 is legal federally, it has been criminalized in 11 States.

Delta 8 THC is illegal in:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Delaware,
• Idaho
• Mississippi
• Montana
• Rhode Island
• Utah

If you live in one of these states or are planning to visit, keep this in mind.

Another thing to consider about using Delta 8 THC is that it will cause you to fail a drug test. Most drug tests check for THC in general, not the specific compounds.

Employers can legally deny you employment or fire you for failing a drug test. It doesn’t matter if the THC was consumed legally or not.

It’s important to consider things like this before deciding to consume Delta 8 THC. Make sure you know if purchasing Delta 8 is prohibited by your state or local laws. And if you have a drug test coming up, better skip it.

Once you know all these things, you can make informed decisions in regards to your health, wellbeing, and cannabis consumption.

Where Is Delta 8 THC Available?

If you live in a state where cannabis is fully legal, you might be able to find Delta 8 at your local dispensary. As its popularity grows, more and more brands are making Delta 8 THC products. And more and more retailers are stocking them.

If THC is illegal in your state, check your local hemp store. Since Delta 8 is legal in most states, many stores that sell hemp products are starting to stock Delta 8 as well.

There are also dozens of online retailers that are making Delta 8 products like vapes, oils, gummies, tinctures, and even Delta 8 infused hemp flower. Make sure to review the company and its extraction processes before purchasing from them.

An Overview of Dabbing

We’ve covered just about everything there is to know about Delta 8 THC. But what is dabbing? And can you dab Delta 8?

Dabs are concentrated does of cannabis. They are made by extracting the intended cannabinoid from the plant and concentrating it. Common extraction methods include ice water extraction, using a solvent like butane or carbon dioxide, or with the proper application of heat and pressure.

The result of this extraction is a variety of sticky oils that are then used for vaping or dabbing.

Dabs are typically heated on a hot surface made of quartz or metal called a nail. Once the oil hits the nail it vaporizes. It is then inhaled through a dab rig.

Dab rigs are the chamber into which the vapor is inhaled. Most have water elements like traditional bongs or water pipes do. This is to cool off the smoke before it enters the consumer’s lungs.

The purpose of dabbing is to consume higher concentrations of the cannabinoids you want to use. Consumers love dabs because of their swift onset and powerful effects.

The Steps to Dab Delta 8 THC

So let’s walk through these important steps of dabbing Delta 8 THC.

What You Need

A dab rig

This is the very first thing you’ll need to acquire. It is the container that you will use to inhale the vapor. They are very similar to bongs but are used to smoke oils instead of flower.

Rigs come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Some are self-heating. Some are portable. Some are gigantic and unwieldy.
If you’re a first-timer, do some research into the different kinds of rigs available to figure out which ones best fit your style and budget.

It’s also a good idea to start with a smaller rig because it preserves the flavor of the dab and makes it easier to start with appropriately-sized doses.

A nail

The nail is the heated piece on which the concentrate is vaporized. They are small, bowl-like attachments made out of titanium or quartz. They are also called bangers.
Compared to rigs, nails are relatively inexpensive. Your local smoke shop most definitely has some in stock. Just make sure you buy a nail that is the same width as the intake hole on your rig.

A torch

Torches are used to heat up the nail before the dab is applied. The most popular are butane torches.

These typically cost around $40 and can be found at almost any smoke shop or grocery store. If you’re on a budget, this may be the most expensive part of your setup.

If you don’t want to mess around with a loud butane torch, there are self-heating rigs available. These are usually referred to as e-nails or electric nails.

E-nails heat up when plugged into a power socket. If you are looking to invest a little more money in your dabbing setup, an e-nail might be a great choice for you. Consumers praise their quick heat-up time and easy temperature control.

A dab tool

You place the concentrate on the hot nail with a dab tool. They are thin, heat-resistant pieces of metal or a non-conductive material like glass.

Dab tools are typically about the length of a toothbrush and will have one side flattened out for convenient scooping. They are usually the least expensive part of a dab setup.

Carb cap

Carb caps are small glass or metal domes that are used to cover the top of your nail or banger once you’ve dropped the dab onto it. They help trap the heat and create better convection as the oil vaporizes.

How to Dab Delta 8 THC

1. Gather all your materials. This includes your Delta 8 THC concentrate, dab rig, nail, torch, dab tool, and carb cap.
2. Heat the nail. Use your torch or another implement to heat the nail. Wait until it cools to a temperature between 350°F and 400°F. This is the safest temperature to take dabs at.
3. Use your dab tool to scoop up a small dosage of Delta 8 sauce.
4. Apply the concentrate to the heated nail while inhaling gently on the mouthpiece of the dab rig.
5. Place the carb cap on the nail and rotate it slowly to spread the oil around the entire surface of the nail.
6. Inhale gently until smoke fills the dab rig.
7. Remove the carb cap and inhale the vapor deeply.
8. Continue to inhale and rotate the carb cap until the oil has been completely vaporized.

The Cleanup

This final step of the dabbing process is often overlooked. Cleaning your dab rig is more than a matter of tidiness. Proper upkeep will help you preserve your concentrates and increase the lifetime of your setup.

You should have Q-Tips and cotton swabs on hand to wipe the residue from your dab nail after every hit. First, soak them lightly in isopropyl alcohol. Then swab away the mess.

This not only keeps these pieces clean and helps them last longer, but it also preserves the flavor of every dab. Reheated oily residue makes dabs taste burnt and disgusting.

You should also clean the rig itself. A buildup in the smoke chamber makes your hits taste bad. Severe buildup might even hamper the flow of air through the piece.

To combat this, use cleaning supplies like Grand Master Smoke or Resolution Colorado cleaning solution. You can also make your own at home using isopropyl alcohol and salt. Fill the rig with this solution and shake forcefully until all the residue is gone.

Dab Like a Pro

So can you dab Delta 8 THC? Yes, you can, as long as you live in a legal state.

There are tons of dabbing products on the market. Some are chic and classy, while others are small and simple. Brands have reenvisioned dabbing from an inconvenient and time-consuming process to something easy, cool, and fun.

There are also lots of hemp companies shipping concentrated Delta 8 THC to consumers in legal states. If you’re ready to try dabbing Delta 8, take a look at your local hemp shop or online retailer today. 

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