The information in this article is intended to be general in nature. It’s not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. We encourage you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional.
What Is Delta-8 THC?
We already gave you a perspective on CBD and HHC.
Now let’s talk about another popular CBD-derived product – Delta-8 THC.
There are over 100 cannabinoids produced naturally by the Cannabis sativa plant, and Delta-8 is one of them. Still, the amount of these components is insignificant. That’s why usually delta-8 THC is manufactured in laboratories from hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD).
Cannabinoids are potentially beneficial and can provide consumers valuable effects like pain relief, relaxation, and the “high” common for cannabis-related products. Still, they can also give you side effects, which we will discuss in this article.
Delta-8 THC is a psychoactive and intoxicating substance.
How Delta-8 Is Produced?
Delta-8-THC production uses cannabidiol (CBD) extracted from hemp. After the extraction process, other chemical elements are often generated in small amounts, like other cannabinoids and reaction by-products. We know a little about the effects on the health of these impurities, and chemists have yet to identify all of them.
So What's the Difference Between Delta-8 and Delta-9?
Delta-9 is the most common cannabinoid and is also produced from CBD. It’s the primary psychoactive ingredient of the cannabis sativa plant, providing an intense “high” effect.
But together with desired euphoria level, you also have to deal with such consequences as side effects, which are also more robust.
Delta-8 will also make you high compared to its sibling, but the effect will be softer.
Also, the side effects will be less significant.
According to the Journal of Cannabis Research, delta-8 THC may have fewer adverse side effects and a milder impact on users than delta-9 THC because it has a lower psychotropic potency.
(Quote – jcannabisresearchbiomedcentral.com)
Benefits of Delta-8 THC
The effects of using Delta-8 THC might be the following:
– improved mood, feeling of euphoria
– heightened sense of smell and taste
– increased appetite
– mental and physical relaxation
– slowing down perception and reflexes
Risks and Side Effects of Delta-8 THC
According to an FDA report, Delta-8 THC products (both vaped or ingested) can cause hallucinations, vomiting, tremor, anxiety, paranoia, altered sense of time, dizziness, confusion, difficulties with concentration and short-term memory, and loss of consciousness.
Another risk consumers can meet linked to additional components (like synthetic chemicals) that are used for the conversion of CBD into Delta-8.
Also, the flavors used in vapes can be potentially harmful (check the extensive article of Healthline on this subject).
Is Delta-8 THC Legal?
The legality of Delta-8 THC varies by country or state law, but in most cases if THC products are prohibited, it applies to all THC products.
Consumers also should be aware as there’s not enough evidence that using Delta-THC will not lead to a positive drug test. As we mentioned in our article about HHC, THC breaks down into THC-COOH, the common drug-test metabolite.
In any case, we highly recommend not putting your work and personal life at risk and passing the test after at least one month without any THC or CBD products, or more, depending on your frequency of use and the dosages you consume.
Is It Safe?
There’re safety concerns because delta-8 is synthetically made and not well-regulated. You can not be 100% sure what is inside the product, so purchasing your delta-8 products from trusted and responsible manufacturers is highly recommended.
