July 22, 2022 - San Francisco Post

Are Delta-8 Gummies Safe? Here’s All You Need to Know

San Francisco Post Staff on July 22, 2022

Alt tag: delta-8 gummies

Delta-8 is a relatively new product that has been receiving a lot of attention lately. Many swear by delta-8 gummies, claiming that they’ve helped with everything from stress relief to pain management. Others are hesitant, wondering if delta-8 is safe or if it even works. As with any cannabis product on the market, there seem to be a thousand questions and not enough answers. Fortunately, research and science are starting to catch up with the popularity of delta-8, and we now have a better understanding of how this cannabinoid works.

If you are curious about delta-8 gummies, their safety, and what they can do for you, this article will give you all the information you need to make an informed decision.

What Are Delta-8 Gummies and How Are They Made?

Delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid that occurs naturally in the hemp plant, and it is an isomer of delta-9 THC, the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana. In other words, delta-8 and delta-9 have similar chemical structures but with some subtle differences. These small changes result in delta-8 having slightly different effects than regular delta-9 THC when consumed. It’s also worth mentioning that CBD and THC compounds are isomers of each other since they share the same chemical formula, and the only difference is in how the elements in each compound are connected.

Delta-8 gummies are made by extracting delta-8 THC from hemp plants and infusing it into gummy candies such as gummy bears. The resulting product is a delta-8 THC-infused gummy that can be used for both therapeutic and recreational purposes.

So Are Delta-8 Gummies Legal?

Yes! In fact, one of the main reasons delta-8 gummies have become so popular is because they are legally more accessible than other cannabis products. This is because delta-8 is usually obtained from hemp, which became legal at the federal level in 2018 due to the Agriculture Improvement Act passed that same year. The act defined hemp as cannabis plants that contain less than 0.03% delta-9 THC by dry weight, while marijuana is defined as cannabis plants that contain more than 0.03% delta-9 THC by dry weight.

This means that delta-8 gummies made from hemp are legal at the federal level, as opposed to typical marijuana edibles. However, it is important to note that individual jurisdictions can place restrictions and bans on hemp and delta-8, so it’s crucial that you check your local laws before purchasing any hemp-derived products.

How Safe Are Delta-8 Gummies?

Alt tag: delta-8 THC gummies

Despite being a relatively new product on the market, all evidence so far suggests that delta-8’s safety profile is similar if not identical to delta-9 THC. So, as with delta-9 THC, delta-8 doesn’t pose any serious risks to healthy adults. The most common side effects associated with delta-8 are dry mouth, red eyes, and drowsiness in some cases, but these are typically only experienced by those who consume moderate to large amounts of the compound. Due to its psychoactive effects, it is also recommended those under the effects of delta-8 avoid operating heavy machinery or driving.

So, where do the delta-8 safety concerns come from?

When it comes to delta-8, most safety concerns are, unfortunately, a result of misinformation or misunderstanding. One of the major misunderstandings is that delta-8 is an artificial compound created in a lab with harmful chemicals that can be dangerous to consume. This misconception likely comes from the fact that delta-8 is often synthetically manufactured. While the word “synthetic” may raise some flags for some people, it’s important to understand that not all synthetically made compounds are bad or dangerous. In fact, many of the medications we take daily are synthetically manufactured.

In the case of delta-8, extracts are synthetically manufactured through a process called isomerization. This process consists of placing isomer cannabinoids like CBD under specific conditions that allow them to convert into delta-8 THC. This is necessary because, unlike CBD, delta-8 THC is found in very small concentrations in the hemp plant.

In short, the entire delta-8 manufacturing process is designed to transform one naturally occurring molecule into another naturally occurring molecule. This can happen naturally under the right conditions but creating these conditions in a lab helps to speed up the process. The result is a pure, potent, and safe product that consumers can use without serious health concerns.

What Are the Effects of Delta-8 THC?

The effects of delta-8 THC will vary depending on the person. However, in general, delta-THC is known to produce a milder high than regular delta-9 THC. Some people report feeling more relaxed, while others say they experience increased focus and concentration. Delta-THC is also said to cause less anxiety and paranoia than regular THC, making it a good choice for those new to cannabis or looking for a more mellow experience.

Overall, some of the most common effects linked to delta-8 THC may include:

● Relaxation

● Euphoria

● Increased focus

● Stress relief

● Mental clarity

● Appetite stimulation

It’s important to remember that everybody reacts differently to cannabis, so it’s always best to start with a small dose and increase gradually as needed. With delta-THC gummies, it’s easy to do this since they come in different strengths ranging from low to high. This will help you gauge your tolerance and avoid any unwanted side effects.

Takeaway

Alt tag: delta-8 edibles

Whether you’re a cannabis veteran or new to the scene, delta-8 THC gummies are an excellent option for those who prefer a milder high. While all signs point to them being safe, it’s always best to shop delta-8 gummies from a trusted manufacturer like Diamond CBD, which uses all-American hemp and has all products tested at third-party laboratories to ensure the highest quality standards. So, if you’re looking for a fun and tasty way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis without the intense high, give delta-8 THC gummies a try!

Goodbye Lawns, Hello Home Ecosystems

San Francisco Post Staff on July 22, 2022

Last summer, the temperature in the California Desert peaked at 122 degrees fahrenheit — so hot that your fingers burned if you stuck your hand out of the car window. By then, the water level of Lake Mead, the major reservoir servicing California, was already at record lows and the whole of the west coast was in the midst of an historic, highly-visible drought. Meanwhile, the Coachella Valley remained its familiar self — hundreds of pristine golf courses and mile after mile of perfectly manicured, emerald green lawns.

No one had yet heard of water restrictions, nor did anyone seem to care much. Thanks to a century-old agreement, the desert has first dibs on the Colorado River.

It is well-known, but rarely acknowledged, that the grass used in most residential lawns is an extremely thirsty plant. Largely because of its lust for water, grass makes for a terrible neighbor, not only draining wells and reservoirs, but starving other plants like trees of rainwater. Over the past several years, there have been multiple anti-grass movements, from “Kill Your Lawn” to the less drastic “No Mow May.” Like weeds, however, lawns have proven hard to kill. Most Americans grew up with a turfgrass lawn; sentimentally, they want one for their kids and pets to enjoy too.

Yet, studies have shown a growing interest in more ecologically-friendly yards. For example, a 2021 survey conducted by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) revealed that roughly 80% of landscape clients were interested in “climate solutions” — a marked increase from just the year before. Adding to this, the International Casual Furnishings Association conducted a national survey the same year showing that 88% of people are unsatisfied with their outdoor space and want gardens and fruit trees, rather than just grass.

The shift in priorities is not just a matter of conservation, either. All of those lawn care chemicals needed to keep turfgrass lawns their staple emerald green color are highly toxic. Native plants, meanwhile, never need to be mowed or sprayed, and some — like creeping thyme and asiatic jasmine — make great evergreen groundcover.

Justin West, co-founder and CEO of Thrive Lot, a home ecosystem platform and company based in the Bay Area, is convinced that most Californians want change, but they need to understand the possibilities before delving into a state of lawn-lessness. “People aren’t going to accept the status quo anymore,” says West. “They want to know the impact that their surroundings have on their health and the health of the planet. When they investigate turfgrass lawns, they find that it’s nothing but invasive species, high-emissions maintenance, heavy chemical use and water waste. People would rather be surrounded by lush beauty, feel self-sufficiency and health, and contribute to feeding bees, birds and butterflies.”

Rather than emphasizing the negative, Thrive Lot focuses attention on the benefits of ecologically-designed home landscapes and environments. West often tells clients how diverse, dense, mature ecosystems create incredible value for homes and communities, while native perennial pollinator habitats are cheaper and easier to maintain than turfgrass. But the benefits of going native go beyond cost, and even beyond nature. Studies have shown that children not exposed to truly natural spaces are 55% more likely to develop mental and social disorders.

Thrive Lot is now connecting homeowners across the Bay Area to native landscape experts, but West has advice for D-I-Yers as well. “The first thing people can do is start building real soil and change their turfgrass and invasive ornamental landscaping out for native, perennial, drought tolerant plants. Although, they should keep in mind that xeriscaping is not the solution — it’s more desertification.”

Xeriscaping is a landscaping approach that eliminates the need for irrigation. It has become a popular option as many Californians work to adapt their lifestyles to what is beginning to feel like permanent drought. West says that because organic matter holds water in the soil, native plants and trees actually help to prevent drought.

“What homeowners should focus on instead of getting rid of the naturally occurring fauna and flora,” he says, “is creating a sustainable ecosystem.”

Day: July 22, 2022