What is Delta-8 THC?

You may have seen cannabis, or what looks like cannabis, for sale at head shops or even gas stations. But that is not cannabis, or at least not what you’d expect. That gas station weed is likely not traditional cannabis but rather Delta-8. While it was first discovered in 1965, Delta-8 has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially with more states moving to legalize THC for medical and recreational use. As popular as it may be, not much is known about Delta-8, and there have been very few studies about it. Let’s explore some of what we do know about Delta-8.

What Is Delta 8?

Delta-8 (pronounced “delta eight”) tetrahydrocannabinol, or just D-8, is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in small amounts in the cannabis plant. It is similar to the more familiar delta 9 THC, which is the primary psychoactive component in traditional cannabis. Some claim that Delta-8 THC results in a milder psychoactive effect compared to Delta-9 THC, but that doesn’t mean it is safer to consume.

Is Delta 8 Legal?

The legality of Delta-8 can vary by jurisdiction, as it falls into a legal gray area in some places. In 2018 the Farm Bill helped to legalize hemp, which is cannabis that contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. Because the bill made no mention or ban on Delta-8, Delta-8 was also legalized. Still, consumers should always check local regulations and purchase products from reputable sources to ensure safety and compliance with the law.

Another thing to note is that while the 2018 Farm Bill technically (i.e. “accidentally”) made Delta-8 legal, it did not call for, nor place any additional regulations on Delta-8.

Is Delta-8 Synthetic?

Delta-8 THC can be a naturally occurring cannabinoid sound in small amounts in hemp and cannabis. However, almost all of the Delta-8 on the market and available for purchase is made in labs by combining CBD with other chemicals. Which chemicals, you ask? We simply don’t know. 

Since the FDA does not regulate the chemical process for making Delta-8, there is no requirement for testing the safety or quality of Delta-8 products, likely including those sold at gas stations, head shops, and similar non-cannabis-dispensary businesses. And if it isn’t tested, how can we know if it is safe for consumers?

Is Delta-8 Safe?

Delta-8 is legalized but unregulated, which means that there can potentially be many risks to consuming it. Because Delta-8 is similar to the Delta-9 THC, the potential negative effects are also similar, including paranoia, hallucinations, vomiting, tremors, anxiety, dizziness, and confusion. However, the severity of these effects can be much more intense with Delta-8 THC. D-8 also poses additional risks like loss of consciousness, tachycardia, and in severe cases, coma-like conditions.

If you’re thinking, “How can a legal substance be more dangerous than a federally illegal one (i.e. cannabis)?” you are not alone. The issue is that the legalization of Delta-8 was more of a technicality than an intentional decision. Because of this, there was no regulation placed on it, making it difficult, if not impossible, to know what you're actually getting when you purchase Delta-8 THC products.

You may think that because Delta-8 is similar to Delta-9 we can look to the things we know about how D-9 to understand D-8 and how it may affect people. But as similar as they are, they are not the same substance. And as similar as their effects can be, there is a possibility that the effects of Delta-8 can be more severe with higher doses. And since we cannot truly know the dosage amounts in Delta-8 products, we cannot safely assess the amount of risk we expose ourselves to.

With that in mind, we cannot and do not recommend the purchase or use of Delta-8 products. Full stop. Cannabis should be purchased from a reputable cannabis dispensary. There you can be sure that the cannabis and THC products offered are regulated and deemed “safe” for consumption by state laws and the FDA or other appropriate governing organizations. Most, if not all, products will also include labeling to provide additional information so that you can make the best decision for yourself.

Does Delta 8 Have THC?

Many ask this question to better understand these products, but it is based on a misunderstanding. Delta-8 is itself a THC cannabinoid. It does naturally occur in the cannabis plant in small amounts. The Delta-8 found in most available products is synthetically produced and artificially applied in varying amounts to these products. Even then, and even if there is informational labeling on those products since they are not tested, there is no way to verify or trust the stated amounts of THC in those products, emphasizing the need for regulation on Delta-8.

Does Delta 8 Get You High?

Much like its Delta-9 counterpart, Delta-8 does get you “high” with similar effects, including euphoria and a sense of ease. At the same time, some report entering states of panic, poisoning, and sometimes coma-like states. So while Delta-8 can get you “high,” the questions you really should be asking yourself is if it is even worth the risk. You should always only purchase cannabis from an authorized and reputable dispensary. 

We hope to see more regulation for Delta-8 in the future. But until then, continue to keep yourself informed so that you can make the best choice for yourself. And, as always, stay safe!