Delta-8 contains THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis strains like hemp and marijuana. As such, delta-8 has the ‘high’ or intoxicating effects of THC. Here is all you need to know about delta-8 and THC contents.
When the industrial hemp with less than 0.3% THC was made federally legal in the US in 2018 when the Farm Bill was passed, it meant a lot for many people who enthused cannabis products. As such, CBD, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis, climbed the popularity ladder and became many people’s cup of tea, especially those who needed it for medical purposes. Even so, most states that have legalized CBD place restrictions involving the percentage of THC, with the UK recommending 0.2% THC as the highest composition since THC has psychoactive properties. As such, many are worried about THC, and people wonder whether delta- 8 contains THC. Here is all you need to know about the THC content in delta- 8.
Introducing THC
Before delving deeply into whether delta- 8 has THC, you certainly need to know THC. What is THC, and why is it not everybody’s cup of tea like CBD that is drastically climbing the popularity ladder? According to Schlienz et al. (2018), THC is the psychoactive component of cannabis plants. It is found abundantly in marijuana, although you can also have it in hemp. Most people do not like THC because of its psychoactive nature since it may make one lose his senses or suffer psychosis, especially after abusing it for long. Still, studies, including Mccoy et al. (2018), believe that THC may improve one’s quality of life, and it is no wonder that the hype around THC is equally increasing.
Understanding Delta- 8
What is delta- 8? It is a type of THC, the compound known for the ‘high’ effect of THC. Unlike its more potent cousin, delta- 9 THC, it is less powerful. As such, you may get ‘high’ from delta- 8 and its products, but the effects vary in intensity with that from delta- 9. Some sources called delta- 8 the delta- 9 isomer since the two have similar numbers of atoms, only that the resulting molecules are arranged differently. As such, it does not come as a surprise that the ‘high’ effect of delta- 8 is less effective than delta- 9.
Does Delta- 8 Contain THC?
Back to the day’s main agenda, you may want to know if delta- 8 contains THC. As mentioned in the previous paragraph, delta- 8 is a delta-9 isomer. Yet, delta- 9 is a form of THC. Therefore, delta- 8 also contains THC, meaning it will equally make you feel ‘high’ or stoned as does delta- 9 THC, but the intensity of the psychoactive effects will be lower. Now that you know that delta- 8 has THC, you might feel that you know many things already. However, it is worth noting there is much about delta- 8 that you need to know, especially what the FDA shared through its 2021 report, as explained below.
Delta- 8 Studies Are Limited
One thing that came out clearly from the report is that delta- 8 studies are limited and that more research is needed to prove the efficacy of delta- 8 for the claims linked to it. Although CBD has become part of the mainstream and many people have fully embraced it, it is worth noting that its research is limited and what we don’t know about the cannabinoid outweighs what we know about it. The same is delta- 8; what we know about it is way less than what we do not know about it. Kruger & Kruger (2022) reported that the FDA had established a team to conduct delta- 8 THC research, primarily because of the wide knowledge gap in the studies. As such, while people might claim that delta- 8 may help improve life quality, there is no certainty about those. Rather, taking delta- 8 or -9 THC products only gives one false feeling of wellness and brevity and ultimately causes the loss of sense of reality.
Delta- 8 May Have Dangerous Chemicals
It is worth noting that while there are many delta- 8 products in the market, the industry is largely unregulated. CBD is also regulated, and although it was removed from Schedule I of Controlled Substances and federal levels. The lack of regulation means that firms may manufacture substandard products, and when 3rd parties do not test them, they may have dangerous chemicals. In fact, you might take in trace amounts of filth, mold, heavy metals, organic matter, and industrial solvents through delta- 8 products.
Delta- 8 Is Intoxicating
Delta- 8 products are all over the industry, and 10 states in the US have made recreational marijuana legal. It is no wonder that you can easily access delta- 8 products, including cookies in such countries. Even so, it is worth noting that while delta- 8 might not exhibit powerful intoxicating effects like delta- 9 THC, Akpunonu et al. (2021) reports that it is equally intoxicating. Therefore, you need to exercise caution as you take delta- 8 products, especially when you want to drive. The intoxicating effects may extend and affect your senses or reality, even interfering with your driving ability. It is no wonder that you need to go slow on delta- 8 products, even though they may be easily accessible.
You Need to Keep Delta- 8 Out of Children’s Reach
The 2021 FDA report emphasized the need to keep delta- 8 products out of children’s reach. It is undoubtedly true that delta- 8 products are easily accessible, and you can buy them when you want. Delta- 8 cookies, for instance, may be great for children because of their taste. However, because of the psychoactive and intoxicating effects of the cannabinoid, you want to keep such products away from kids. Besides, the products may have contaminants, all the more why you need to keep them away from children.
Conclusion
Delta- 8 is an isomer of delta- 9, a tetrahydrocannabinol. Therefore, it contains THC, although its intoxicating effects may not be as strong as delta- 9. You can take delta- 8 in cookies or other deliverable methods, but it is worth noting that you cannot run away from the psychoactive effects. A 2021 report by the FDA revealed a lot about delta- 8, and you might want to peer into the article to know the findings. Meanwhile, keep delta- 8 products away from children.
References
Akpunonu, P., Baum, R. A., Reckers, A., Davidson, B., Ellison, R., Riley, M., … & Gerona, R. (2021). Sedation And Acute Encephalopathy In A Pediatric Patient Following Ingestion Of Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol Gummies. The American Journal Of Case Reports, 22, E933488-1. Https://Www.Ncbi.Nlm.Nih.Gov/Pmc/Articles/Pmc8594112/
Kruger, J. S., & Kruger, D. J. (2022). Delta-8-THC: Delta-9-THC’s Nicer Younger Sibling?. Journal Of Cannabis Research, 4(1), 1-8. Https://Jcannabisresearch.Biomedcentral.Com/Articles/10.1186/S42238-021-00115-8
Mccoy, B., Wang, L., Zak, M., Al‐Mehmadi, S., Kabir, N., Alhadid, K., … & Snead III, O. C. (2018). A Prospective Open‐Label Trial Of A CBD/THC Cannabis Oil In Dravet Syndrome. Annals Of Clinical And Translational Neurology, 5(9), 1077-1088. Https://Onlinelibrary.Wiley.Com/Doi/Abs/10.1002/Acn3.621
Schlienz, N. J., Lee, D. C., Stitzer, M. L., & Vandrey, R. (2018). The Effect Of High-Dose Dronabinol (Oral THC) Maintenance On Cannabis Self-Administration. Drug And Alcohol Dependence, 187, 254-260.Https://Www.Sciencedirect.Com/Science/Article/Pii/S0376871618301844
I am deeply convinced that each patient needs a unique, individual approach. Therefore, I use different psychotherapy methods in my work. During my studies, I discovered an in-depth interest in people as a whole and the belief in the inseparability of mind and body, and the importance of emotional health in physical health. In my spare time, I enjoy reading (a big fan of thrillers) and going on hikes.
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