What is Delta 8 THC?
If you’ve heard about cannabinoids but aren’t quite sure what they are, you’re in the right place! Cannabinoids are compounds naturally occurring in the cannabis sativa plant, playing a significant role in how we experience everything from mood to pain relief.
Among these compounds, Delta 8 THC has recently gained attention as an emerging cannabis derived product. Often compared to its more famous counterpart, Delta 9 THC, Delta 8 offers a milder, more laid-back high with less intense psychoactive and intoxicating effects that many find appealing.
In this guide, we’ll explore what Delta 8 THC is, how it relates to other cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, and dive into its potential therapeutic or medical uses, legal status, and safety concerns. Let’s get started!
What is Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 THC (Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol) is a psychoactive substance found naturally in trace amounts in hemp plants and marijuana plants. It is chemically similar to Delta 9 THC, the primary psychoactive component in cannabis, but with some differences due to its chemical synthesis process.
Delta 8 THC has a slightly altered chemical structure—specifically, a double bond on the eighth carbon atom instead of the ninth—resulting in psychoactive and intoxicating effects that are generally milder and less likely to cause anxiety or paranoia.
This cannabinoid is typically manufactured or concentrated from hemp cannabis raw extracts and incorporated into various cannabis products like gummies, oils, and vape cartridges.
How Delta 8 THC Works and Potential Benefits
Delta 8 THC interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, binding primarily to CB1 receptors, which regulate mood, appetite, and sensory perception. This interaction produces its characteristic psychoactive substance effects, but many users report a clearer-headed and more relaxed experience compared to Delta 9.
Some reported health benefits and potential therapeutic or medical uses of Delta 8 THC include:
- Anxiety relief without the anxiety sometimes triggered by Delta 9 THC
- Pain management, potentially reducing inflammation and chronic discomfort
- Appetite stimulation, helping individuals with reduced appetite from illness or treatment
- Nausea reduction, especially for patients undergoing chemotherapy
- Improved focus and mental clarity
Despite these promising anecdotal reports, the national institute and cannabis research communities emphasize the need for more research before fully endorsing these claims. Many current assertions remain unsubstantiated therapeutic claims.
Safety Concerns and Public Health Warnings
While Delta 8 THC is popular, safety concerns have been raised by federal and state partners, public health sciences, and the national poison data system. Some Delta 8 products have been typically manufactured in uncontrolled or unsanitary settings, leading to contamination with potentially harmful chemicals and potentially unsafe household chemicals.
Potentially harmful by products and other potentially harmful substances created during the chemical synthesis process can expose consumers to serious health risks, including respiratory issues and adverse events such as dizziness, dry mouth, or worse. These safety concerns have prompted nation's poison control centers and animal poison control centers to issue warnings and track adverse event reports.
Consumers should be cautious when purchasing Delta 8 THC products—especially those sold online, in convenience stores, or gas stations—as some may contain unsafe contaminants or lack proper testing and labeling.
Clinical assistant professors and addiction science experts warn that unapproved therapies and selling unapproved products pose risks, especially when marketed with misleading claims via online marketing. Some products may mislead consumers and expose consumers to unknown dangers.
Legal Status of Delta 8 THC
Under the Agriculture Improvement Act (also known as the 2018 Farm Bill), hemp derived products with less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC are considered legal at the federal level. Since Delta 8 THC can be derived from hemp plants, it technically falls under this protection.
However, the regulatory landscape is complicated. Many states have banned or restricted Delta 8 THC despite federal guidelines. The federal minimum age requirement applies to its sale, but local laws vary widely, creating a confusing patchwork of legality.
Consumers should remain vigilant about drug test implications, as Delta 8 THC can cause positive results similar to Delta 9 THC. Health authorities continue to study the potential side effects and impact on brain development, especially for younger users.
Delta 8 THC Products and Usage Tips
Delta 8 THC is available in various forms, including:
- Gummies and edibles
- Oils and tinctures
- Vape cartridges
- Capsules and powders
When selecting cannabis products, look for those that provide third-party lab testing to verify purity and absence of potentially harmful by products. Starting with a low dose and monitoring your body’s response can help avoid serious health risks.
Avoid products with unclear sourcing or those that use potentially harmful chemicals during the manufacturing process.
Conclusion
Delta 8 THC is a fascinating psychoactive substance with potential benefits, but it also comes with significant public health concerns related to manufacturing, marketing, and safety. While cannabis research is ongoing, consumers should exercise caution, prioritize reputable products, and stay informed on the evolving legal status and scientific understanding.
For anyone interested in exploring hemp derived products and the cannabis sativa plant’s diverse cannabinoids, Delta 8 offers an accessible but complex option that demands respect for its risks and benefits.