Hemp is a wondrous plant that can be used to produce all kinds of natural substances that can help people improve their overall health and quality of life.
Some of them cause a high, while others only offer health benefits. Delta-8 is one of the newest derivatives of the cannabis plant that can lead to a so-called “high” but without the adverse side effects usually tied to Delta-9 THC.
It took scientists years to find and extract delta-8 THC, and today it’s available in all states that sell cannabis products with less than 0.3 of THC. But is it any good, and does it have any negative side effects? Stay with us, and we’ll help you get the answer to these questions.
What is Delta-8-THC Really?
Delta-8 THC is a derivative of delta-9 THC. While it shares some elements, it’s completely different than the THC we all know. Delta-8 is a molecule with a similar structure but with huge differences as well. Both THC types stimulate appetite, reduce pain and nausea, but delta-8 THC doesn’t have such a powerful psychological effect. It’s simply less potent than the standard delta-9-THC.
With that said, delta-8 is still potent enough to make you feel stoned. It is almost the same as the regular THC, but it’s still not regulated by the FDA since it’s still a new derivative. There is still not enough evidence or research on delta-8 THC, which is why it can be bought all over the states without any problems.
Is It Legal?
The US government has legalized hemp in 2018, allowing small businesses to grow hemp and produce CBD products. Delta 8 was found only recently, and it presents an excellent method of getting around the current laws and regulations that only consider delta-9 THC. The legal consequences of selling CBD products infused with delta-9-THC are still largely unknown, so people can get stoned without worrying about the law.
While you can use delta-8 products in your home if you cause a traffic accident while under the influence, you will still face charges. Since the CBD industry is still largely unregulated, you can find tons of delta-8 products sold legally without any issues.
How Is It Made and How Safe Is It?
Delta-8 is a chemical made with a process called isomerization. It’s a process that includes the manipulation of molecules through pressure and temperature. The process doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals or any other ingredients that could lead to health complications. It can be made from regular THC but also from CBD, which was discovered only recently.
The latter method allows scientists to produce super-pure delta-8 THC, which is very welcomed by the people who consume it. When it comes to safety, well, delta-8 THC is safe to consume, even though there is not enough research on its effects on the body. However, compared to prescription drugs and other available substances, it’s not toxic, and the feeling it produces is nothing out of the ordinary. Taking too much of it at the same time can lead to psychosis and feelings of anxiety, but that will go away after a couple of hours.
It’s not the best choice for people who are new to cannabis products because it might cause an overwhelming feeling of danger and paranoia. You should know that its effects are mild compared to delta-9 THC, but you should still be careful about the dosage.
Long-Term Implications
Since delta-8 THC is still quite new, and since there is not much information available, we can only guess what happens after long-term use. However, since it shares most features with the classic THC, here’s a quick overview of the possible long-term implications.
First off, it’s less addictive than THC because our bodies build up a tolerance very quickly. According to the current state of cannabis, it’s thought that 1 out of 10 users become addicted. Most users are after that stoned feeling but show no physical addiction symptoms. Prolonged use can lead to negative side effects such as feeling irritated, lethargic, and loss of appetite. Like cannabis users, delta-8 users may also experience a lack of motivation and general laziness over time.
Other than that, there is still no evidence about it being bad for your health.
The Bottom Line
Delta-8 THC is a cannabis derivative that the FDA does not recognize. As such, it is sold all over the states without any legal issues, even though it causes a similar state of mind as THC.
However, since it’s still not recognized by the FDA, more and more people started using it without a prescription for medical marijuana.
