Delta-8 THC: What You Need to Know About This Popular Cannabinoid

Introduction

Delta-8 THC stands for delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol. It is an active cannabinoid found in the Cannabis sativa plant. With delta-8 THC, it is generally understood to be more natural and less potent, however, this is a misconception. Nevertheless, it has increased in popularity over the years and the risky thing about this is that it is not regulated, hence its purity and safety cannot be guaranteed.

Delta-8 THC gives rise to a high and a rush of pleasurable feelings. It is also used to deal with symptoms of stress, depression, and even pain.

What Is Delta-8?

Delta-8, also known as delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol and delta-8 THC, is an active ingredient or cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Usually, delta-8 is marketed as being natural and less risky, however, this is not the case. Delta-8 and its related products are prepared in a lab and are highly potent. Moreover, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate delta-8 so neither its purity nor its safety can be guaranteed.

In fact, not much is known about delta-8 as other cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9. It is not as researched and does not come with laboratory testing or proper labeling.

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What Are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are found in cannabis plants. They are chemical substances, some of which are psychoactive and some of which are not. Common cannabinoids are cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol. Some of the other cannabinoids are cannabigerol, cannabichromene, cannabinol, and cannabinodiol.

What Is Delta-8 Used For?

Delta-8 is a psychoactive substance and has intoxicating effects. It is used to experience a “high,” also known as euphoria or a rush of pleasurable feelings.

Delta-8 is not FDA-approved, however, and none of its medical benefits are established. However, it is used for glaucoma, sleeping problems like insomnia, and to deal with the unwanted effects of chemotherapy or radiation like nausea and vomiting.

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Effects of Delta-8 THC

Delta-8 THC is consumed as brownies or gummies, smoked as buds, flowers, or as help, ingested as a capsule, or on the skin as lotions and patches. Its effects are as follows:

• Boost levels of dopamine in the brain, giving rise to feel-good sensations/euphoria

• Relaxes the mind and body

• Alters the sense of time

• Provides pain relief

Risks and Side Effects of Delta-8 THC

Delta-8 THC gives rise to a high and other kinds of pleasurable feelings. However, these are short-lived or temporary. Moreover, there are certain side effects and risks also associated with Delta-8, which are as follows:

• Anxiety

• Dizziness

• Drowsiness

• Lowered heart rate

• Increased heart rate

• Hallucination

• Nausea

• Loss of consciousness

Delta-8 vs. Delta-9 THC: Key Differences

Delta-8 and Delta-9 have been in a kind of popularity contest of late. While delta-9 is still at the top, delta-8 has been gaining steam as well. The reason is, delta-8 and delta-9 are chemically similar substances. However, delta-8 is less intense and does not produce as intense feelings as delta-9 does, which is why most people generally prefer delta-9. Nevertheless, delta-8 still affects thoughts, emotions, moods, and behavior.

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Delta-8 vs. CBD: How They Compare

Delta-8 differs more from CBD than it does from delta-9. While delta-8 gives rise to a high, CBD does not. In fact, CBD is known for its relaxing and sedative effects. Moreover, CBD is also FDA-approved for conditions like epilepsy. It is also being considered for other conditions like schizophrenia and Parkinson’s disease. Meanwhile, delta-8 is neither well-researched nor regulated. It is not known to have any medical benefits either.

Legal Status of Delta-8 THC

Delta-8 THC is not regulated and is still kind of obscure and mysterious. So, it comes as a surprise that it is legal in almost 22 states and 1 district. In some states, there are restrictions when it comes to age, as they prevent its sale to anyone under the age of 21 years. These states are Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, and Wyoming.

There are 17 states in which delta-8 is banned, and these include Alaska, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and West Virginia.

So, now, the next question is does delta-8 show up on drug tests? Then yes, it can. As delta-8 is a kind of THC and is similar to delta-9 THC, one might test positive for cannabis use if delta-8 traces are present in the body:

• In a urine test, it can be detectable from 5 – 15 days depending on the severity of the use.

• In a blood test, it can be detectable between 2 and 12 hours.

• In a saliva test, it can be detectable for up to 24 hours.

• In a hair test, it can be detectable for up to 90 days. However, this is not a common method of drug testing.

Given that delta-8 is considered age-restricted and even banned in some states, it can put a person in a legally gray territory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is delta-8 or 9 stronger?

Delta-9 is stronger than delta-8, which is why it is still the more popular one.

Can Delta 8 cause harm?

Yes, delta-8 is not regulated, hence its safety and purity cannot be guaranteed.

Does delta-8 get you as high?

Yes, delta-8 does boost dopamine in the brain, giving rise to a high.

Is delta-8 legal in the UK?

Delta-8 is synthesized, and the UK prohibits the use of synthesized mind-altering substances. Hence, delta-8 is not legal in the UK.