Delta 8 is an increasingly popular cannabinoid product that many people are inquiring about, especially those that might need its potential health benefits. But what is it exactly? In this article, we talk about what Delta 8 THC is, along with its benefits and potential risks.
What is Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 Tetrahydrocannabinol is one of the cannabinoids in cannabis sativa plants. However, it doesn’t occur at abundant levels. As a result, concentrated Delta 8 is commonly manufactured from hemp-based CBD.
Delta 8 is psychoactive and intoxicating, and consumption often leads to a milder “high” than other cannabinoids like Delta 9. It also provides more experiential benefits such as relaxation, pain relief, euphoria, and fewer adverse effects. It can be consumed in various forms, such as via a cake Delta 8 product.
Where can You Get Delta 8
You can buy Delta 8 products from various over-the-counter outlets, such as gas stations, weed and vape shops, online stores, and even convenience stores. They can be in the form of gummies, vaping pens, candies, tinctures, oils, joints, edibles, or beverages.
Note that Delta 8 products can easily be confused for CBD, which doesn’t cause a high.
Delta 8 Benefits
While further research is necessary to solidly prove Delta 8 benefits, many people have reported similar experiences in terms of how the product benefits them. They mainly use it along with their prescription medications; users also claim that Delta 8 can:
- Boost appetite
- Boost mental health
- Calm nausea
- Ease pain relief
- Stop vomiting during cancer treatments
Possible Risks and Side Effects
Delta 8 sports the common side effects of using Delta 9 products, such as:
- Anxiety
- Dry mouth
- Memory loss
- Rapid heart rate
- Slow reaction times
- Trouble with coordination
And since Delta 8 is synthetically produced, you should be careful of potential risks associated with it. Some notable examples include:
- Altered sense of time
- Anxiety and paranoia
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty with short-term memory
If you’ve tried Delta 8 and experienced any of these reactions, you should consult your doctor immediately. People react differently to cannabinoids depending on the type of product they use and the length of time they’ve used it.
Is Delta 8 Legal?
Delta 8 hasn’t been classified as illegal at the federal level. Meanwhile, cannabis is illegal at the federal level because of its Delta 9 THC content, according to the Federal Controlled Substance Act.
However, each state follows its own laws in terms of medical and recreational cannabis use. CBD that’s extracted from hemp is legal at the federal level, but it’s illegal if it’s extracted from cannabis.
According to the National Drug Court Institute, the manufacturing of Delta 8 likely violates federal law. Moreover, Delta 8 has been explicitly banned in some states that allow recreational cannabis use, such as Colorado.
Here’s the good news for would-be Delta 8 users: the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp containing less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC. This means that products containing higher amounts of Delta 8 THC are legal as long as they come from hemp that contains no more than 0.3% Delta 9 THC.
Alternatives
If you want a solidly legal alternative to Delta 8 (minus the high), you can try CBD products. When choosing such products, keep in mind the following tips:
- The product’s company discloses the source of their hemp
- The product contains no more than 0.3% THC
- The product passes tests for molds, heavy metals, and pesticides
You should also check the product’s company certification and manufacturing processes. Search customer reviews and check whether the company makes unsupported health claims. Stay away from a company that has been subject to a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning letter.
