The chemical molecule delta-8 THC, also known as delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, is found in small amounts in both hemp and cannabis (marijuana) plants. It can be found in many places, from convenience stores to high-end pot shops, and its popularity is growing.
Why is Delta-8 in such high demand right now?
For one thing, it shares a lot of similarities with its famous cousin, Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-9-THC), the primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. THC comes in both Delta-8 and Delta-9 forms. But when people talk about THC, they typically mean Delta-9, which is present in large amounts in marijuana.
While both result in a pleasant, fuzzy feeling, Delta-8 has a more subdued high. In fact, Delta-8 is frequently referred to as “diet weed” or “marijuana-lite.”
The potency of other typical THC side effects like paranoia, anxiety, and sleepiness is also decreased.
Is It Legal?
Unlike THC, which is subject to strict regulation, Delta-8 is generally legal to take, which is another factor in its rising popularity. Because most of it is made from CBD that comes from hemp, which can be grown legally all over the US. However, Delta-8 exists in legal limbo.
The so-called federal farm bill (the Agriculture and Nutrition Improvement Act of 2018), which removed hemp and its derivatives from the list of controlled substances, is responsible for hemp’s legality. There is no mention of Delta-8 in the law. Hemp supporters and other sellers have used this loophole to legally sell Delta-8 products, which are usually sold to anyone of any age. As a result, it’s currently the hemp industry’s fastest-growing product.
Chemists and other scientists are worried about safety because there is minimal regulation or laboratory testing of the ingredients used in Delta-8 products. Products with the name “Delta-8” may have contaminants, such as significant THC concentrations. A dozen states, including New York and Colorado, are starting to limit or forbid the use of Delta-8 as a result.
Where is it available?
Products made by Delta-8 are available over-the-counter at convenience stores, cannabis and vape shops, gas stations, and online. They can be bought as edibles, drinks, gummies, tinctures, candies, oils, Delta 8 disposables, edibles, joints, or oils. It’s important to notice that these items lack both a list of ingredients and quality control. Additionally, since CBD doesn’t get you high, it’s easy to mistake Delta-8 products for CBD.
Is It Safe?
The effect of Delta-8 on your general health hasn’t been well studied or supported by data.
People have talked about using Delta-8 along with their prescription drugs to treat depression and drug use, mostly through posts on social media. According to users, Delta-8 can also:
Increase appetite
Decrease pain
Enhance mental health
Lessen Nausea
The majority of these advantages, according to specialists, come from word of mouth, and there isn’t enough evidence on how they affect your health. Just because something is readily available doesn’t guarantee that it is fully risk-free.
Some individuals have had detailed negative impacts like:
Confusion
Anxiety
Drowsiness
Numbness
Rapid heartbeat
Reduced blood pressure
Inform your doctor right away if you use any Delta-8 products and have any of these side effects.
Call 911 if it’s an emergency, or go to a hospital close by. If a child eats or touches something with Delta-8, like gummies or sweets, or is exposed to it, they need to go to the hospital right away.
