Delta-8 THC: What You Need to Know

In 2018, the Farm Bill changed the rules around industrial hemp, defining it as cannabis with less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC (D9-THC) by weight and removing it from the legal definition of marijuana. This opened the door for widespread hemp production and created a surplus of CBD, the main cannabinoid in hemp. But a legal gray area emerged: cannabinoids other than Delta-9 THC derived from hemp started being interpreted as legal.

This loophole sparked interest among chemists, who discovered they could convert excess CBD into other intoxicating cannabinoids like Delta-8 THC (D8-THC) and Delta-10 THC through a relatively simple chemical process. Today, these cannabinoids are being marketed as “legal hemp products” and sold as gummies, edibles, oils, and vapes in gas stations, online shops, and other non-dispensary outlets.

Many people, especially in states without legal access to recreational cannabis, may think these products are both safe and fully legal. But it’s important to understand what Delta-8 THC is, how it’s made, and the potential risks of using it.

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

Buying delta-9 THC from a licensed, regulated operator ensures: 

• Product safety through testing and regulations. 

• Legal compliance and peace of mind. 

• Better, more predictable effects backed by transparency and accurate dosing. 

• Support for a regulated industry that benefits the community and economy. 

What’s the Difference Between Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 THC is very similar to Delta-9 THC, the main compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. Delta-9 THC is naturally produced in the cannabis plant when non-intoxicating THCA is heated. Delta-8 THC, however, isn’t naturally made by the plant in large amounts. Instead, it occurs in trace quantities as Delta-9 THC gradually converts into Delta-8 THC over time.

Because Delta-8 is rare in nature, most products on the market use synthetic Delta-8 created from CBD. This is done through a chemical process called acid-catalyzed cyclization. The result is Delta-8 THC that’s added in high concentrations to products like gummies, candies, and vapes.

Delta-8 is generally reported to be less intoxicating than Delta-9, but its effects are still psychoactive. Many of these products are packaged to look like candy or snacks, which increases the risk of accidental ingestion, particularly by children.

What are the Risks of Delta-8 THC?

Because Delta-8 THC exists in a regulatory gray area, consumers face potential health hazards from untested products, misleading labels, and accidental overconsumption. Without proper oversight, Delta-8 THC products may contain harmful contaminants or inaccurate potency claims, making it difficult to gauge their safety.

Delta-8 THC is Unregulated

One of the biggest concerns is the lack of regulation and quality control. Many Delta-8 products on the market are poorly made and may contain harmful contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, and leftover chemicals from the production process. Since there are no widely accepted testing standards, products may be mislabeled, with inaccurate amounts of Delta-8 THC or hidden toxins.

Even when manufacturers claim their products are lab-tested, there’s often no verification. Investigations have revealed that some companies either skip thorough testing or only report the cannabinoid potency, ignoring potential contaminants. Falsified lab reports are another common problem, making it hard to trust the safety of these products.

Overconsumption

Although Delta-8 THC is milder than Delta-9 THC, it still poses risks, especially in high doses. For instance, consuming an entire bag of Delta-8 gummies can lead to severe intoxication. Poison control centers and emergency rooms have seen a rise in cases linked to Delta-8 products, including incidents where children arrived unconscious after accidental ingestion.

Delta-8 THC: The Bottom Line

While Delta-8 THC might seem like a harmless alternative to Delta-9, it comes with significant risks. Without clear regulations or reliable testing, users can’t be sure of what they’re consuming. If you’re considering Delta-8 products, it’s crucial to do your research, approach with caution, and understand the potential dangers involved.

Delta-9 THC purchased from a legal medical dispensary, on the other hand, is rigorously tested to ensure user safety.