If you’re a space cadet in a state still under cannabis prohibition, it can be hard to get your hands on the euphoric and often healing effects of THC, its main psychoactive ingredient. But companies like MOONWLKR are entering a new frontier: Delta-8 THC.
What you probably think of when you hear “THC” is really delta-9 THC, a prevalent cannabinoid in cannabis. There are only trace amounts of it, if any, in hemp, the source of most over-the-counter or mail-order CBD.
But with a little lab work, CBD can synthesize into delta-8, which is close enough to delta-9 to give you a similar liftoff. Many people describe the delta-8 THC experience as an in-between point between THC and CBD: Psychoactive, but gentler and more clear-headed, with fewer side effects like paranoia and anxiety. Because it’s derived from hemp, it shares the same legal status as CBD at the federal level, so it can warp to doorsteps in most states.
As its popularity spreads, companies are in a space race to get delta-8 on shelves, but not all delta-8 is alike. Delta-8 comes from CBD isolate, but isolates take away some of that cannabis magic. MOONWLKR creates some extra adventures with terpenes botanical compounds that give different cannabis strains unique flavors, smells, and even effects inspired by some favorite strains. Between gummies and vape carts, there are eight strains to choose from.
MOONWLKR also tests each batch of product for potency and purity, available by scanning a QR code on the back of each package. This provides a measure of trust & information that’s especially crucial as more products come on the market, so that you can be sure quality and consistency aren’t getting lost in the craze.
Almost ready to blast off into delta-8, but curious about what it actually feels like? We had a writer try out the MOONWLKR lineup and report back.
My first moonwalk
Each MOONWLKR gummy has 25 milligrams of delta-8 THC. Standard delta-9 edibles in Washington State, home of Leafly’s HQ, are 10 milligrams. I may have launched a little early and taken a whole 25 milligram Blue Dream gummy without looking at the bottle so my first moonwalking experience was kind of a mission to Mars. Like a delta-9 edible, the body high came on strong. It was followed by an insatiable need for snacks: As CBD vlogger McKenzie Rae put it, “I keep scrolling through UberEats like it’s social media.” If you’re normally sensitive to THC edibles, you might want to start with half or even a quarter. (MOONWLKR recommends this, too.)
