Delta-8 THC (or Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol) is a naturally occurring chemical molecule known as a cannabinoid that is presented in tiny amounts in hemp and cannabis (marijuana) plants. Its popularity is growing, and you can get it everywhere from boutique cannabis shops to convenience store shelves.
How Does It Compare To Regular Marijuana (Delta-9-THC)?
Why is Delta-8 in such high demand? For starters, its molecular structure is comparable to that of its well-known relative, Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-9-THC), the major psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana. That’s what gets you “high.”
Delta-8 and Delta-9 are both THC derivatives. Both give a euphoric, fuzzy feeling, although Delta-8 produces a gentler high.
Delta-8 is frequently referred to as “marijuana-lite” or “diet weed.” Other frequent THC adverse effects, such as paranoia, anxiety, and tiredness, are likewise less powerful.
Is Delta-8 Legal?
Another reason for Delta-8’s rising popularity is that, unlike severely restricted THC, Delta-8 is lawful to use in the majority of states. This is because it is mostly generated from hemp-derived White Label CBD, which is legal to cultivate in the United States.
However, Delta-8 exists in legal limbo. Hemp’s legality originates from the so-called federal farm bill (the Agriculture and Nutrition Improvement Act of 2018), which removed hemp and its derivatives off the list of prohibited drugs. The cause is hemp’s low THC content (less than 0.3 percent ). Delta-8 is not mentioned anywhere in the law. Hemp proponents and those who sell it have taken advantage of this loophole to lawfully advertise Delta-8 products, generally with no age limits. As a result, it is presently the fastest-growing product in the hemp business.
Where Can You Get It?
Delta-8 goods are available for purchase over the counter in petrol stations, convenience stores, cannabis and vape shops, and online. They are available as gummies, candies, vape pens, oils, tinctures, consumables, joints, or drinks.
It is vital to remember that there is no quality control for these items or their component list. It’s also simple to confuse Delta-8 products with CBD, which doesn’t get you high.
Is It Safe?
There is also a scarcity of studies and data on Delta-8’s influence on general health. Many people have reported using Delta-8 in conjunction with prescription drugs to aid with depression and substance abuse, primarily via social media posts. According to users, Delta-8 can also:
- Relieve nausea.
- Enhance appetite
- Pain alleviation
- Improve your mental health
- Prevent vomiting during cancer treatments
However, experts argue that these advantages are primarily word of mouth, and there is a paucity of evidence on how it impacts your health. Just because you can purchase anything off the shelf doesn’t imply it’s fully risk-free.
Some users have experienced the following negative effects:
- Confusion
- Anxiety
- Drowsiness
- Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
- Numbness
- Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
If you use Delta-8 products and have any of these side effects, contact your doctor right once. If it’s an emergency, go to a nearby hospital. If a youngster consumes or is exposed to Delta-8 items, such as gummies or sweets, seek medical attention immediately.