Delta 8 THC, or delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in small amounts in hemp and cannabis plants. In various states, you can legally purchase products such as gummies, vape cartridges, and capsules that contain concentrated delta-8. These products are gaining popularity and are available in locations ranging from boutique dispensaries to convenience stores.
Delta-8 provides a mild, euphoric high similar to marijuana, but less intense. Some people use it to alleviate symptoms like stress, depression, or chronic pain, though research on its effectiveness is limited.
Is delta-8 synthetic? Most delta-8 available for purchase is lab-made, using cannabidiol (CBD) from hemp along with other chemicals. The resulting product is much more potent than the delta-8 found naturally. Since the FDA doesn’t regulate the production process, these products aren’t tested for safety or quality, which means harmful chemicals could be present or form during manufacturing.
What Are Cannabinoids?
Cannabis plants, such as marijuana and hemp, harbor over 100 chemical compounds known as cannabinoids. These compounds vary in their effects, with some being psychoactive, influencing brain function, while others are not. The main cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). The FDA has sanctioned certain cannabinoids for medical applications, including the management of seizures and the alleviation of nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy.
How Delta 8 THC Differs From Other Cannabinoids
What’s driving the increasing demand for delta-8? To begin with, its chemical composition closely resembles that of delta-9 THC, the primary psychoactive component in marijuana known for its high-inducing effects.
Delta 8 THC vs. delta-9
Delta-8 and delta-9 are both variants of THC, but when most people mention THC, they’re usually talking about delta-9, which is abundant in marijuana. While delta-8 doesn’t provide as strong a high as delta-9 THC, it can still influence your mood, thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Often dubbed “marijuana lite” or “diet weed,” delta-8 tends to produce milder effects, with side effects like paranoia, anxiety, and drowsiness being less intense compared to delta-9.
Delta 8 THC vs. CBD
CBD can be sourced from either hemp or marijuana plants, both varieties of Cannabis sativa. Hemp contains significantly less THC than marijuana. Unlike delta-8, CBD won’t get you high. You can purchase delta-8 and CBD products online or in stores, but pure CBD is also available by prescription. The FDA has approved it as an anti-seizure medication for epilepsy patients. Research is exploring CBD’s potential to treat various health conditions such as anxiety, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and schizophrenia, whereas delta-8 is less understood
Delta-8 vs. delta-10
You might have come across products featuring delta-10 THC, a close relative of delta-8 and delta-9 THC. Delta-10 can also be synthesized in a lab from hemp. However, there’s still much to learn about its health benefits and mechanisms. Some users report that delta-10 enhances mood and focus without the intense high associated with delta-8. Additionally, many delta-10 products claim to offer health benefits like anxiety relief, though research has yet to confirm these effects.
Delta-8 vs. HHC
Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is a form of THC that undergoes hydrogenation, a chemical process. Like delta-8, HHC is derived from hemp and is available in various products, including gummies and vapes. Both HHC and delta-8 interact with brain receptors that influence functions like sleep and memory, but they can have distinct effects. Many users report that the sensation from HHC is similar to delta-9 THC, often leading to a more intense high compared to delta-8.
What Are Cannabinoids?
Discover various ways to enjoy delta 8:
- Savor it in edibles like brownies or gummies.
- Try tinctures, liquid extracts you can add to food or drinks or place under your tongue.
- Inhale it through vaped concentrates such as oil or wax.
- Smoke it as buds, flowers, or spray-coated hemp.
- Take it as capsules for oral consumption.
- Apply it topically via creams, lotions, or patches.
Exploring these options can help you incorporate delta-8 into your lifestyle effectively.
Delta-8 gummies
Delta-8 gummies are infused with delta-8 THC into chewy, fruit-flavored candies. Depending on the brand, these gummies can contain anywhere from 10 to 50 milligrams of delta-8 each. However, since they’re not regulated by the FDA, the exact dosage can vary. It’s wise to start with a small amount, perhaps half a gummy, and wait up to two hours to gauge its effects before consuming more. Keep delta-8 gummies and other edibles out of reach of children and pets, as they could mistake them for regular candy, which could be harmful to their health
Delta-8 carts
You can purchase vape cartridges, or carts, that come pre-filled with a delta-8 liquid or are designed to be refilled with your choice of vaping liquid. These carts attach to a reusable vape battery, which heats them to create vapor for inhalation. Like delta-8 edibles, carts are unregulated, so the exact contents can vary. THC levels differ between brands, and delta-8 carts often contain flavorings and other additives, including additional cannabinoids.
The safety of vaping delta-8 is largely unknown. The Drug Enforcement Administration has highlighted that vaping any substance may pose health risks, particularly for teens and young adults, whose brains are still in development.
Delta-8 pens
Delta-8 liquid is available in disposable vape pens, providing a convenient way to enjoy its benefits. Additionally, you can explore dab pens, designed for inhaling potent cannabinoid concentrates like wax or shatter. Experience the next level of vaping with these versatile options.
Effects of Delta-8 THC on the Body
Psychoactive properties of delta-8 THC
Delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC, found in marijuana, are nearly identical in their chemical structure. The key distinction lies in the position of a bond between two carbon atoms. This slight difference reduces the interaction between delta-8 and cannabinoid receptors in your body, resulting in a milder high compared to delta-9.
How delta-8 THC interacts with the endocannabinoid system
Your endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex network of cell signals and receptors spread throughout your body. In your brain, cannabinoid receptors, specifically CB-1 receptors, are more abundant than nearly any other type. These receptors play a crucial role in regulating your central nervous system, influencing functions such as mood, appetite, body temperature, pain perception, and alertness.
CB-1 receptors require activation by small particles in your body known as endocannabinoids. Delta-8 THC has a structure similar enough to these endocannabinoids that it can activate these receptors, temporarily interacting with your ECS. This is how delta-8 produces its effects, offering a mild high. In comparison, delta-9 THC more closely resembles your body’s natural endocannabinoid structure, leading to a stronger interaction.
How delta-8 THC affects brain chemistry
Due to the lack of regulation and limited research on delta-8, its long-term effects on the brain remain uncertain. However, cannabinoids are generally believed to temporarily increase dopamine levels, the “feel-good” chemical in the brain.
Risks and Side Effects of Delta-8 THC
There is limited research on how delta-8 affects overall health. Many individuals, especially on social media, claim that they use delta-8 alongside prescription medications to manage depression and substance use. Users report that delta-8 may:
- Reduce nausea
- Increase appetite
- Alleviate pain
- Enhance mental well-being
- Help prevent vomiting during cancer treatment
However, experts caution that these benefits are not scientifically proven, and research on its health effects is scarce. Just because delta-8 is readily available doesn’t guarantee it is without risks.
Short-term side effects of delta-8 THC
Some individuals have experienced side effects such as confusion, anxiety, drowsiness, dizziness, bradycardia (slow heart rate), numbness, tachycardia (fast heart rate), hypotension (low blood pressure), hallucinations or psychosis, vomiting, tremors, and even loss of consciousness. If you encounter any of these symptoms after using delta-8 products, contact your doctor immediately. In case of an emergency, call 911 or visit the nearest hospital. Ensure children receive medical attention immediately if they consume or come into contact with delta-8 products like gummies or candies.
Avoid using delta-8 or any cannabis products if you are pregnant or nursing, as it may pose risks to you or your baby.
Long-term risks and effects of delta-8 THC
Due to the limited research on delta-8, its long-term effects remain largely unknown. In contrast, we have more insight into delta-9 THC. Studies indicate that prolonged marijuana use can lead to brain changes, including reduced IQ, slower cognitive processing, and issues with memory and attention. Additionally, delta-8 products might pose risks due to additives. A small study detected harmful substances like lead and mercury in some delta-8 vape oils.
Is Delta-8 Legal?
Federal and state laws regarding delta-8 THC
Delta-8 THC’s surge in popularity can be attributed to its legal status across most states, unlike the more regulated THC. This legality arises because delta-8 is mostly extracted from CBD derived from hemp, which is permitted nationwide. However, delta-8 occupies a legal gray zone. The 2018 Agriculture Improvement Act, or federal farm bill, legalized hemp and its byproducts due to their low THC content (under 0.3%). Yet, delta-8 isn’t specifically mentioned, allowing hemp advocates and sellers to leverage this gap to market delta-8 products legally, often without age restrictions. Consequently, delta-8 has become a rapidly growing segment of the hemp industry.
Despite its popularity, there are safety concerns due to minimal oversight and lab testing on delta-8 products. These products might contain impurities, such as elevated THC levels. As a response, about a dozen states, including New York and Colorado, are moving to limit or ban delta-8 usage.
Risks of consuming delta-8 THC in states where it’s illegal
In states where delta-8 is illegal, you could face charges for possessing, producing, or selling it. Even in places where it’s legal, driving under its influence could still lead to legal trouble.