What Is Delta 8 – Its Benefits, Risks, Comparison And Alternatives
What Is Delta 8 – People in the world of cannabis-related news are probably aware that there is some controversy surrounding delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychoactive compound that some claim is federal law due to certain flaws.
But if you’re new to cannabis products, this may all seem a little confusing to you. Is Delta-8 THC really legal? How is it different from other forms of THC?
Here we discuss it, including its potential benefits and risks, whether it’ll be “cheap” for you, whether it’s legal, and what alternatives exist.
What is delta-8?
Delta-8 THC is a psychoactive compound very similar to delta-9 THC. Delta-9 THC is the compound in the cannabis plant that produces the “high.” This is what people usually mean when they talk about THC.
Although, it is similar to delta-9 THC, it has a slightly different chemical structure which makes it less powerful.
What are the potential benefits of delta-8?
Like delta-9 THC, it produces feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and possible pain relief, but is milder.
For those who don’t want to experience the obvious “high”, a lower potency can be an advantage.
Unfortunately, researchers still don’t know enough about delta-8 THC to confirm that the benefits outweigh the risks. Experts know that delta-9 THC is much better.
View More: Psychopath Eyes – Signs, Sanpaku Eyes, Stare And Characteristics
What are the potential risks of delta-8?
Because, it is so similar to delta-9 THC, it causes some of the same side effects, such as:
- Red eyes
- Dry mouth
- Rapid heart rate
- Trouble with coordination
- Slowed reaction times
- Anxiety
- Memory loss
But it can also come with additional risks because it’s made synthetically, meaning you might not know what’s actually in it.
In addition, according to an article published in the journal Chemical and Engineering News, products containing delta-8 may also contain delta-9 and delta-10 THC, little-known compounds.
Experts say these compounds are unlikely to have harmful effects. But it’s not clear if other by-products, including synthetic ones, are safe.
Will Delta-8 give you a “high”?
Since it is very similar to delta-9 THC, it also causes a “high”. However, some people describe it as being milder than delta-9 THC.
Is It Legal?
The Farm Act of 2018 legalized hemp containing less than 0.3% delta-9 THC. This means that there is a federal exemption for products containing more delta-8 THC if they are derived from hemp that does not contain more than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight.
However, it is not found in high amounts in the hemp plant. This means that it is mainly produced by synthetically converting cannabidiol (CBD) or delta-9 THC into delta-8 THC, which is illegal.
In addition, some state laws strictly prohibit the sale of products containing delta-8 and delta-9 THC. You can find out the laws in your state by viewing the map of marijuana related laws at Norml.org.
Note, however, that since it is synthetically produced and poorly regulated, there are safety concerns. Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are seeing an increase in calls to poison control centers for delta-8, as well as reports of adverse events requiring medical attention. and sometimes hospitalization.
Delta-8 vs. Delta-9 vs. CBD
What is the alternative to delta-8?
If you’re looking for a federally legal delta-8 alternative that doesn’t give you a high, you might want to consider trying CBD.
Below we offer several full range options. Full Spectrum CBD contains a small amount of THC, but not enough to produce a psychoactive effect when taken in low doses.
How We Choose the Best CBD Products
When choosing CBD products, we consider the same general criteria. Each product contains:
- produced by companies that provide evidence of third-party testing by laboratories that comply with ISO 17025.
- produced by companies that reveal the source of their cannabis
- does not contain more than 0.3% THC, according to the certificate of analysis (COA)
- passed tests for pesticides, mold and heavy metals, according to the certificate of authenticity
When choosing, we also take into account:
- company certification and production process
- CBD potential
- whether the product contains quality ingredients
- indicators of consumer confidence and brand reputation, such as:
- Customer feedback
- if the company has been the subject of a warning letter from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- whether the company makes unverified health claims
CBD Safety and Side Effects
According to research from Trusted Source, CBD is considered safe, but that doesn’t mean side effects can’t be ruled out. Some people may experience:
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Changes in appetite and weight
Talk to your doctor before taking CBD or other cannabis-related products, especially if you take supplements or prescription medications. CBD can interact with certain medications, including grapefruit warning.
While some brands recommend taking CBD with food for better absorption, a 2020 study suggests that taking CBD with high-fat meals may increase the risk of side effects.
The Bottom Line
It can be an alternative to delta-9 THC for people who want a milder THC than regular THC. Although delta-8 THC is less potent than delta-9, more research is needed to better understand the potential side effects of this compound.
Also, because It is so well regulated, there is concern that the content of it products may be difficult to estimate.
Until stricter regulatory standards for its production are established, you may feel more comfortable choosing products with delta-9 THC and CBD.