So.... it's a mixed bag.
I've tried the hemp derived delta THC stuff, and absolutely loved it. For me, it had many of the benefits of delta 9, without a few of the detriments. I noticed a brighter mood, reduction in nausea and gastrointestinal pain, mild relaxation. It isn't intoxicating. You could easily drive on it. I also found myself becoming more talkative. All in all, a great mild, d9 alternative. Perfect for when you want a little of that cannabis "glow" without being inebriated.
Now... the bad. I don't really trust much of the hemp derived stuff available for sale on the internet any longer. I've purchased a lot of broad spectrum hemp extracts over the past few years. I simply assumed delta 8 was in a similar vein. Unfortunately... it is not. CBD or CBG distillates are extractions from hemp plants. They're not made much differently from cannabis extracts for sale at dispensaries. It turns out delta 8 is not being extracted from hemp/cannabis. Hemp delta 8 is the result of a chemical reaction starting with 99% CBD isolate, converting the CBD into Delta 8 THC.... and a variety of other chemicals some of which are unknown.
Most of the Delta 8 I see sold online is anywhere between 60-80%. The remaining 20-40% is a mix of minor cannabinoids (CBN/CBG). But there is always some percent testing labs can't identify. It's theorized the unknowns are delta 10 THC, an even less psychoactive isomer of THC. No one can say for sure yet though, because labs aren't really set up to test for rare isomers of THC.
The other really concerning aspect is, what chemicals are being used to convert pure CBD into delta 8? I'm not a chemist, but I'm guessing it's nothing I want to be vaping. To the best of my knowledge, none of the vendors online have lab tests showing the solvents they used aren't present in the final product. There's also been an issue with this hemp stuff testing hot for delta 9. It's apparently somewhat hard to convert CBD to D8 without making some D9 in the proccess.
So like I said... a real mixed bag. I've stopped buying hemp derived delta 8 for the time being Which is a real shame. It was easily one of my favorite cannabinoids. I like cannabis, but I don't like being extremely inebriated (most of the time). Delta 8 was a perfect non-intoxicating, but pleasantly psychoactive molecule. But once I learned more about the novel chemistry being used to synthesize it, I decided to take a step back.
Maybe this is simply a case where labs aren't yet equipped properly, and every component of delta 8 oil is safe. Who knows. Personally I'll probably jump on the train again once we have 95+% distillate.