Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as delta-8 THC, is a psychoactive substance that is sold online, in head shops and in gas stations. It comes from the Cannabis sativa plant and is one of over 100 cannabinoids produced naturally by the plant. Since delta-8 is not produced naturally in significant amounts, the products sold online and in stores are highly concentrated.
With this in mind, it’s important to know that delta-8 products can present a wide range of risks, especially when compared to CBD (another cannabinoid). It’s easy to be persuaded by retailers who promise a safe, effective and natural method for treating chronic pain, anxiety and depression. However, delta-8 THC products have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA for safe use, so it’s important to be aware of the potential risks.
Understanding Delta-8 and Its Effects
Delta-8 THC is similar to delta-9 THC in the sense that it creates feelings of euphoria, relaxation and potential pain relief. The only difference is that the effects are milder, so it appeals to people who want the benefits of THC but without the ‘high.’
But, keep in mind that the delta-8 products sold online and in stores often have much higher concentrations of delta-8 than what occurs naturally, so it can have more side effects than anticipated. Furthermore, since delta-8 products aren’t regulated, it’s possible for people to ingest more of the compound than what’s considered safe.
The side effects associated with delta-8 THC are:
- Dry mouth
- Vomiting
- Memory loss
- Hallucinations
- Rapid heart rate
- Slowed reaction times
- Trouble with coordination
- Anxiety
- Memory loss
Is Delta-8 Legal in the U.S.?
When it comes to the legality of delta-8 THC products, things get complicated. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp as long as it contains less than 0.3% delta-9 THC. This means that there’s a federal loophole that allows products to be sold legally on store shelves, even if they have higher amounts of delta-8 THC.
However, delta-8 THC doesn’t occur in large amounts in hemp plants, which means that the compound is mostly made by converting CBD or delta-9 THC into delta-8 THC, and this is illegal. Furthermore, some states strictly prohibit the sale of products containing delta-8 or delta-9 THC.
Does Delta-8 Show Up on Drug Tests?
If you or someone you know is using delta-8 products, you may be wondering how it impacts the body, how long the effects last and whether or not it shows up on a drug test.
Delta-8 has psychoactive and intoxicating effects, so people often take these products to feel high and relax the mind and body. The compound can stay in the system anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks or more, depending on how often you use the drug.
For occasional users, delta-8 may only stay in the body for two to five days. For regular users, delta-8 can stay in the body for two weeks or more. Drug tests can also detect delta-8 because they are either designed to look for cannabinoids or delta-9. Therefore, if you want to pass a drug test, you’ll want to avoid using delta-8 products.
Do I Need to Be Worried About Delta-8?
but also they may be contaminated. Over-the-counter hemp products are not well-regulated, and the products can contain heavy metals, pesticides, molds and solvents.Are There Safer Alternatives to Delta-8?
Many experts say that CBD is a safer alternative to delta-8 because it’s federally legal and well-regulated. And since it does not contain THC, CBD allows you to get the benefits without feeling ‘high.’
But before you turn to CBD, it’s important to ask yourself why you need CBD in the first place. If you are trying to treat anxiety or depression, CBD may not be the best approach. Psychological treatment can be even more effective, as it eases stress, offers new perspectives on problems and teaches new ways to handle the thoughts and behaviors contributing to mental health problems.
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