What Is Delta-8 THC? What Are Its Effects?
Delta-8 THC has been making waves, but it's also raising eyebrows.
A recent study by the National Institutes of Health found a concerning trend: 1 in 11 high school seniors reported using Delta-8 in the past year.
With more than one in ten 12th graders reporting use of this psychoactive substance, experts are calling for increased awareness and regulation.
But what exactly is this compound, and what are its effects?
Let's dig deeper into what Delta-8 THC is and what its effects are.
What Is THC?
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a cannabinoid, an active compound which is the reason for the “high”. Found specifically in the species Cannabis sativa. While there are over 100 cannabinoids identified in cannabis, Delta-9 THC is the most abundant, most researched and well-known, it is the primary psychoactive component responsible for the intoxicating effects we associate with cannabis.
It's what gives marijuana its characteristic "high" and is responsible for a range of effects, both mental and physical. THC interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), influencing mood, perception, appetite, and more.
THC has been utilized for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. It is approved in some forms, such as Marinol and Sativex.
What is Delta-8 THC?
Delta-8 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is an isomer of THC, the primary psychoactive cannabinoid found naturally in the cannabis plants. It is a minor cannabinoid, meaning it’s not found in as abundant quantities in cannabis and hemp plants as Delta-9 THC.
There are more than 113 cannabinoids identified until now, some of the other minor cannabinoids include CBN, CBG, CBC etc.
Often described as having about half the potency of Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 THC is frequently chemically synthesized from CBD due to its low natural concentrations in cannabis plants.
This means that while Delta-8 occurs naturally in the cannabis plants, the amount is so miniscule that the commercial products rely on lab-synthesized versions.
Is Delta-8 Synthetic Or Natural?
Technically, it’s both, Delta-8 THC is naturally occurring and synthetically produced.
Delta-8 THC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid, but in very small amounts.
The vast majority of Delta-8 products are made by chemically converting CBD to Delta-8 THC.
This process can involve the use of acid, harmful solvents like butane and hexane, residues of heavy metals like lead, mercury, and even arsenic.
These factors are raising concerns about its potential effects on health.
If you're talking about Delta-8 THC in its natural state within the cannabis plant, then it's natural.
If you're referring to the Delta-8 THC found in most commercial products, it's technically synthetically derived, even though it starts with a natural compound (CBD).
Delta-8 THC vs Delta-9 THC
While Delta-8 and Delta-9 are both forms of THC, Delta-8 is often referred to as "marijuana lite" or "diet weed" due to its milder effects.
Unlike CBD, which doesn't produce a high, delta-8 does have intoxicating properties.
However, it's less potent than Delta-9 THC because it binds to the body's endocannabinoid system in a slightly different manner.
It's often described as providing less intense effects, and less bodily relaxation than Delta-9. Not to mention the myriad of health concerns it poses because of the necessity to involve chemicals in the extraction process.
It's also worth noting that hemp-derived Delta-9 THC is federally legal, while the legal status of Delta-8 is more complex.
Delta-8 THC vs. CBD
Delta-8 and CBD are both cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant, but they interact with the body in distinct ways.
CBD is not intoxicating, meaning it doesn't produce a "high", but can make you relaxed and ease stress.
It's often used for reducing anxiousness, pain management, and improving sleep. Delta-8, on the other hand, does have intoxicating properties, albeit milder than Delta-9 THC.
Delta-8 THC vs. Delta-10 THC
Delta-8 and Delta-10 are both minor cannabinoids found in cannabis. While they share similarities with Delta-9 THC, they offer unique effects. Delta-8 is typically associated with a relaxed, mellow high, while Delta-10 is reported to be more stimulating and uplifting.
Delta-10 THC’s effects are said to be energizing, non-bodily high, which is similar to the sativa strains of Delta-9 THC/cannabis.
The legality of Delta-10 is even murkier than Delta-8. It's currently unregulated in most states, and its long-term effects are still being studied.
Is Delta-8 Safe?
While delta-8 THC may offer a legal alternative to traditional cannabis products, its safety is questionable. The lack of regulation, potential for contamination, and reports of adverse effects suggest that consumers should exercise caution.
Chemically converting CBD to Delta-8 THC may introduce potentially harmful chemicals into the final product.
The FDA has warned that many of these chemicals used in the synthesis of delta-8 THC may be harmful, adding an additional layer of risk for consumers.
It is advisable to avoid delta-8 products until more rigorous safety standards and regulations are established.
The rising popularity of Delta-8 THC has been accompanied by a surge in adverse event reports.
Between December 1, 2020, and February 28, 2022, the FDA received 104 reports of adverse events related to Delta-8 THC products.
More alarmingly, national poison control centers logged 2,362 exposure cases during a similar period.
Reported symptoms range from mild to severe, including:
- Changes in heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe toxicity
- Coma
In 2022, the FDA issued a consumer warning of the serious health risks associated with using delta-8 THC.
In response, 17 states have moved to ban Delta-8 products, with 15 states implementing bans as of early 2023.
Prevalence of Delta-8 THC use among 12th graders
A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at the Keck School of Medicine of USC has shed light on the prevalence of delta-8 THC use among adolescents.
The nationally representative study found that 11.4% of 12th graders reported using delta-8 THC products in the past year.
The study revealed significant regional variations in delta-8 THC use:
- South: Approximately 14% of 12th graders reported use
- Midwest: Around 15% reported use
- Northeast: 10% reported use
- West: Only 5% reported use
Notably, the study found a strong correlation between delta-8 THC and marijuana use.
FAQs
Does Delta 8 get you high?
Yes, Delta-8 THC can get you high. Although it is less potent than Delta-9 THC, it still interacts with your endocannabinoid system and produces intoxicating effects.
Is Delta 8 synthetic?
It depends. Delta-8 THC does occur naturally in cannabis plants, but only in trace amounts. Most Delta-8 products on the market are made by converting CBD, which is abundant in hemp, into Delta-8 THC through a chemical process. So, while it starts with a natural compound, the Delta-8 you find in most products is technically synthetically derived.
Is Delta 9 stronger than Delta 8?
Yes, Delta-9 THC is stronger than Delta-8 THC. Delta-9 is the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana and produces a more intense high. Delta-8, while still intoxicating, offers a milder experience.
Is Delta 10 stronger than Delta 8?
No, Delta-10 THC is generally considered to be less potent than Delta-8 THC. Delta-10 is often described as providing a more uplifting and energizing experience with less pronounced psychoactive effects compared to the more mellow and relaxing high associated with Delta-8.
Can Delta-8 THC show up in a drug test?
Yes, Delta-8 THC can show up in a drug test. Although Delta-8 is chemically different from Delta-9 THC (the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana), most standard drug tests do not differentiate between the two.
