Is Delta-8 THC Safe?

Delta-8 THC is an unregulated chemical made from hemp. Currently, there are no regulations around child-proof packaging, laboratory testing, or clear labeling about the dosing or strength of delta-8 products.

In October of 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) both put out health warnings about delta-8 THC. Between December of 2020 and June of 2021, Poison Control Centers received 661 calls about delta-8 consumption. A troubling 39% of those calls were related to children under 18 years of age. Most Poison Control calls were about symptoms that are similar to the effects of consuming too much cannabis (marijuana). Read on to learn more.

What is delta-8 THC?

The cannabis plant produces hundreds of different chemicals that can interact with the human body. The most common chemicals in the cannabis plant are delta-9 THC and cannabidiol (CBD).

Naturally occurring delta-8 is very rare. Small amounts of delta-9 turn into delta-8 when the plant is exposed to light and air. Because there is so little delta-8 in the plant, manufacturers must make it in a factory using hemp-derived CBD as the raw material. Strong acids are used to convert CBD into this more mind-altering substance.

Very little human research has been done with delta-8 THC. However, laboratory and animal studies have shown that delta-8 produces effects that are similar to the more abundant and well-known version of THC (delta-9).

Both delta-8 and delta-9 produce their mind-altering effects by binding to special proteins throughout the brain, the CB1 receptors. Although delta-8 is commonly referred to as “diet weed,” and sold as a weaker version of THC, there are conflicting animal studies and not enough human research to say this definitively.

Is delta-8 THC legal?

In 2018, the U.S. Congress passed the Farm Bill, which legalized chemicals derived from hemp. So, as long as a delta-8 product uses hemp-derived CBD as the raw material, it is federally legal.

However, several states have banned the sale of delta-8 THC products, citing concerns over public health and safety.

Are delta-8 edibles safer than delta-8 vape cartridges?

Animal studies suggest that vaporized delta-8 might be less psychoactive than delta-9 THC. However, no human research has directly compared their effects. Delta-8 has also been linked with lung injury. However, it is not clear whether the toxic culprit is delta-8 or other vape ingredients like vitamin E acetate.

In regulated cannabis markets, the dosing size and labeling for THC edibles is extremely strict. Even with tight regulation, it is very easy to accidentally consume too much and experience negative side effects. Because delta-8 edibles have no labeling or serving size rules, they pose an even greater risk for unpleasant effects.

Furthermore, delta-8’s reputation as “cannabis light” is especially troubling when it comes to edibles. When eaten, the body breaks down delta-9 and delta-8 in the exact same way (the liver converts them into an even more powerful chemical). Contrary to their reputation, the mind-altering effects of delta-8 edibles are nearly identical to regular THC edibles.