Delta-8 THC has become all the rage, especially in places where cannabis is still illegal. Delta-8 THC is chemically very similar to Delta-9 THC, and differs by one chemical double-bond that is on the 8th carbon chain as opposed to the 9th. Delta-8 THC binds to the CB1 receptor in the endocannabinoid system (ECS), just like Delta-9 THC. The CB1 receptor is responsible for mediating most of the psychotropic effects of THC.
Delta-8 THC has all of the medicinal properties of its sibling, Delta-9 THC. Delta-9 THC is one of the main cannabinoids out of over 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis, it's also what causes the high; it also is anxiolytic, an appetite stimulant, nausea and pain reducer, and an anti-inflammation medication.
So yes, Delta-8 THC gets you high and will show up on a drug test, since tests look for the metabolites of THC and not just Delta-9. The high is smoother and less erratic and does not cause paranoia or anxiety.
Edibles, tincture and vape cartridges are the way to go, as Delta-8 THC is not readily found in flower and Delta-8 THC "flower" is just hemp sprayed with Delta-8 THC.
Now, the legality of it: since Delta-8 THC is derived from hemp, and contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC, it is legal under the Farm Bill of 2018. However, the DEA is making moves to criminalize it, under the pretense that it is too similar to Delta-9 THC.
