The substance in the cannabis plant known as delta-8 THC, which causes a "high," is very similar to delta-9 THC. Despite being comparable to delta-9 THC, it is substantially less intense due to its slightly altered chemical structure.
Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychoactive substance that some argue is lawful at the federal level due to specific loopholes, is the subject of some discussion. Those who follow the world of cannabis-related news are presumably well aware of this.
However, if you're unfamiliar with cannabis goods, you might find everything to be a little confusing. Does delta-8 THC have a legal status? How does it differ from other THC forms?
We'll delve into delta-8 in more detail below, covering its potential advantages and hazards, if it will make you "high," whether it is legal, and what kinds of substitutes are available.
What Potential Benefits Does Delta-8 Have?
Delta-8 THC also causes pleasure, relaxation, and potential pain alleviation, but these effects are much less.
The lesser potency can be advantageous for those who prefer to avoid an intense "high."
Unfortunately, there is still insufficient research on delta-8 THC to establish that the advantages exceed the drawbacks. Experts are significantly more knowledgeable about delta-9 THC.
What Possible Side Effects Are There With Delta-8?
Because delta-8 and delta-9 THC are so similar, they elicit some of the same adverse effects, including:
anxiety
memory loss
red eyes
dry mouth
rapid heartbeat
problems with coordination, and
slower reaction times
Because delta-8 is a synthetic substance, you might not know what is actually in it. Therefore it may possibly have additional hazards.
Additionally, products containing delta-8 may also have the less well-known THC molecules delta-9 and delta-10, according to a report in the journal Chemical and Engineering News.
Experts predict that there won't be any negative impacts from these substances. Other by-products, such as synthetic ones, may be safe to eat, but this is unclear.
Does Delta-8 Make You Feel "High"?
Because delta-8 and delta-9 THC are similar, both will result in a "high." Some claim that it is gentler than delta-9 THC, though.
Delta-8 - Is It Legal?
Here's where things become tricky.
Hemp with less than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC is now legal, according to the 2018 Farm Bill. As long as the products are made from hemp that doesn't include more than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC based on dry weight, there is a legal exception at the federal level for those possessing higher levels of delta-8 THC.
However, hemp plants don't often contain significant levels of delta-8 THC. This indicates that delta-8 is mainly produced by synthetically transforming cannabidiol (CBD) or delta-9 THC into delta-8 THC, which is prohibited.
Additionally, selling goods containing delta-8 and delta-9 THC is outright forbidden by several state legislatures. By looking at the map of cannabis-related laws on Norml.org, you can learn more about the regulations in your state.
However, keep in mind that there are safety risks with delta-8 due to its synthetic production and lax regulation. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) both state that there have been more calls to poison control centers about delta-8, as well as reports of adverse effects needing medical attention and occasionally hospitalization.
What Is a Substitute for Delta-8?
You might want to try CBD if you're seeking a legally acceptable alternative to delta-8 that won't make you feel "high."
We provide a few full-spectrum alternatives below. Trim levels of THC are present in full-spectrum CBD but not enough to offer psychoactive effects when used sparingly.