People who remain connected to cannabis-related news are well aware that delta-8 THC is surrounded by some controversy. Delta 8 is a psychoactive compound and is allegedly legal at the federal level due to certain loopholes.

However, if cannabis products are something new to you, you may find it a bit confusing. Is delta-8 legal? Is it different from other THC forms? Let’s dive in to find out

Delta 8 – The Concept

Delta-8 THC is a psychoactive molecule that is known to be less effective than delta-9 THC, the substance commonly referred to as THC that produces an intoxication "high," but is structurally related to it.

One of the 100+ cannabinoids discovered in cannabis Sativa plants, delta-8 THC isn't found in high enough concentrations. According to the Food and Drug Administration, high levels of delta-8 THC are thus frequently produced from CBD extracted from hemp (FDA).

How Delta 8 is Different from Delta 9 and CBD?

Delta 8

The psychoactive and euphoric cannabinoid known as delta-8 THC is a synthetic byproduct of either delta-9 THC or CBD. When compared to delta-9 THC, consumption frequently produces a milder "high" with less underlying anxiety.

Delta 9

Delta-9 THC is the most abundant cannabinoid found in cannabis and is the main active compound that gets you “high.” It’s known to produce states of euphoria as well as a slew of side effects, such as panic attacks and impaired ability to perform mental work. Delta-9 THC is not federally legal, yet state laws vary for recreational and medicinal use.

CBD

Without "the high," CBD may share some of the reported advantages of delta-8 and delta-9 THC. Some potential advantages include reductions in anxiety, sadness, and chronic pain.

Is Delta 8 Safe?

The effect of Delta-8 on your health hasn't been well studied or supported by data. Many people have mentioned using Delta-8 in addition to their prescription drugs to treat depression and substance usage, primarily via social media posts. According to users, Delta-8 also:

• Suppress pain relief
• Bolsters appetite
• Calm nausea
• Can prevent vomiting during cancer treatment
• Boost mental wellbeing

The majority of these advantages, according to specialists, come from word of mouth. There is not enough evidence on how they impact your health. Just because something is readily available doesn't guarantee that it is 100% risk-free.

Potential Delta 8 Benefits

While more research is required, some findings suggest that consuming delta-8 THC may result in feelings of pleasure, relaxation, and pain alleviation, as reported in the Journal of Cannabis Research.

Delta-8 THC also causes pleasure, relaxation, and potential pain alleviation, but these effects are much less.

The lesser potency can be advantageous for those who prefer to avoid a strong "high."

Potential Delta 8 Risks

Because delta-8 and delta-9 THC are so close, they also elicit some of the same negative effects, including:

• Memory loss
• Dry mouth
• Red eyes
• Struggle with coordination
• Rapid heart rate
• Slowed reaction times
• Anxiety

However, delta-8 may have further risks as it is synthetically produced. Synthetic production means you may not know what it actually possesses.

Delta 8 – Can It Lead to Positive Drug Test?

Unfortunately, there isn't enough data from research to say whether consuming delta-8 THC will show up on a drug test. Researchers believe that excessive use may result in a positive drug test due to the molecular similarities between delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC.

Final Words

For those who prefer a mild "high" than they experience from conventional THC, delta-8 THC may be an alternative to delta-9 THC. More research is required to fully understand the potential adverse effects of delta-8 THC, even though it is believed to have less strong effects than delta-9 THC.