Delta-8 THC is certainly the hottest cannabinoid in the world these days. People get great enjoyment – and sometimes even relief – out of it, and it’s available to purchase over the counter and online in many places where regular cannabis products either aren’t available at all or are only available through dispensaries. Just like other single-cannabinoid products, Delta-8 is available in a variety of forms ranging from tinctures to gummies. Vaping, however, is definitely one of the most popular ways to use Delta-8 – and reading this article, you’re going to learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about it.
This is your complete beginner’s guide to Delta-8 vaping. We’re going to explain how to vape Delta-8, and we’re also going to describe the equipment you need. Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, though, let’s start at the very beginning. What exactly is Delta-8?
What Is Delta-8 THC?
Delta-8 THC is one of the over 100 different cannabinoids that have been identified in the cannabis plant. Delta-8 is chemically related to the better-known cannabinoid Delta-9 THC, but it’s not exactly the same. Although the molecule consists of the same atoms, its carbon chain has a double bond in a different area. The effects of Delta-8 are similar to those of Delta-9, with many people commenting that it produces a full-body sensation comparable to what you might feel after smoking or vaping an Indica strain of cannabis. Delta-8, however, is only about half as potent as Delta-9.
Why Is Delta-8 Popular?
Delta-8 is popular because it’s available to buy in many places where you either can’t buy cannabis at all or can only buy it with a permit for medical use. That’s because it comes from industrial hemp, which is federally legal. Unless your state has a law specifically restricting or banning it, you can buy Delta-8 products online and in traditional retail establishments such as vape shops. A few states do have laws restricting Delta-8, though, so we recommend checking your state’s regulations before you buy.
Why Do So Many People Vape Delta-8?
Vaping is one of the most popular ways of using Delta-8 for two reasons. The first reason is that Delta-8 is already an oil-based distillate when it’s produced. Delta-8 exists only in very low concentrations in cannabis flowers, so there’s no real way to collect it and isolate it from the other cannabinoids. There’s also no way to smoke or vape cannabis flowers just for the Delta-8. Instead, hemp processors extract CBD from industrial hemp, and they use a chemical catalyst to convert the CBD into Delta-8. Once the catalyst is removed, the Delta-8 oil is suitable for vaping immediately. Delta-8 vape oils are often less expensive than other Delta-8 products for that reason.
The other reason why Delta-8 vaping is so popular is because nothing gets Delta-8 into your bloodstream faster than inhalation. If you eat a Delta-8 gummy, it could be a couple of hours before you begin to feel the effects. If you vape Delta-8, on the other hand, you’ll feel it in minutes.
Is It Safe to Vape Delta-8 Oil?
As we mentioned above, Delta-8 THC does occur naturally in the cannabis plant. However, it doesn’t occur in high enough concentrations to make direct extraction practical. The process of converting CBD into Delta-8 is something that cannabis scientists discovered relatively recently, so there haven’t really been any studies examining the safety profile of vaping Delta-8 as opposed to vaping any other cannabis distillate.
Despite the relative lack of scientific data, there are two things that you can do to make Delta-8 vaping as safe as it can possibly be. The first is to buy only from trusted and reliable brands. After CBD is converted into Delta-8, the chemical catalyst must be completely removed before the Delta-8 is made into consumable products. The lab that produced the Delta-8 must then send the oil to an outside lab for analysis to ensure that no residual acids or solvents remain in the final product. If the test results aren’t available for you to view, buy something else.
The other thing to know about vaping Delta-8 oil is that you should only buy oils intended for vaping. Oral Delta-8 tinctures are diluted with food oils such as olive oil, hempseed oil or coconut oil. Food oils aren’t safe for inhalation, so don’t ever try to vape a Delta-8 product intended for oral use.
What Do You Need for Delta-8 Oil Vaping?
Before you can get started with vaping Delta-8 oil, you need a reliable vape battery. Here at Hamilton Devices, we offer the world’s best vape batteries for cannabis oil, so we think you’ll be very happy with any of the products sold here. The battery should operate at a moderate power level, because it’s important to vaporize the oil rather than burning it. You’ll also need a supply of refillable vape cartridges if you intend to buy Delta-8 oil in bulk. The CCELL® cartridges offered here are specifically designed to work reliably with thick oils and will give you a great experience with Delta-8.
If refilling vape cartridges doesn’t sound like fun to you, pre-filled Delta-8 vape cartridges are also available online and in many vape shops.
How to Vape Delta-8 Oil
Once you have the required equipment, vaping Delta-8 oil is easy. Start by charging the battery. Connect it to your computer using the included USB cable. When the battery’s light turns off or changes color, the battery is fully charged.
If you’re using a pre-filled vape cartridge, you can simply connect the cartridge to your battery and start vaping. If you’re using a refillable cartridge, you’ll have to fill the cartridge before you get started. Unscrew the cartridge’s mouthpiece and use a syringe to inject the Delta-8 oil into the reservoir around the center airflow chimney. Replace the mouthpiece. If you’re filling a new cartridge for the first time, wait at least a half hour for the oil to absorb into the wick before continuing. Learn more about how to prime and fill CCELL® cartridges.
To vape, simply inhale while holding your battery’s fire button. Note that Delta-8 vape extracts are very potent, and a full vape cartridge can usually last several days even for very heavy users. Because the effects of Delta-8 can be very strong, it’s usually best to start with just a few puffs and then wait a while to gauge the effects. Remember that you can always vape more if you haven’t reached your desired state yet. If you’ve already used too much Delta-8 oil, though, there’s nothing that you can do but wait for the effects to fade.
How to Use a Delta-8 Cartridge?
To use a Delta-8 cartridge, start by ensuring your vape battery is fully charged. Once charged, attach the pre-filled Delta-8 cartridge by screwing it onto the battery. If your vape pen has a button, press it while inhaling gently through the mouthpiece. Some pens activate automatically when you inhale. Begin with small puffs, as Delta-8 is potent and the effects will typically kick in within a few minutes. After taking a few puffs, wait to gauge the effects before consuming more. It’s important to start slow, especially if you’re new to Delta-8. Once you’re done, store the cartridge upright in a cool, dry place to prevent leaks or oil degradation.