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Delta-8 THC is pretty similar to delta-9 THC, which is a compound in the cannabis plant that produces a “high.” Though it’s similar to delta-9 THC, it has a slightly different chemical structure that makes it much less potent.
People plugged into the world of cannabis-related news are probably well aware that there’s some controversy surrounding delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychoactive compound that some claim is legal at the federal level because of certain loopholes.
But if you’re new to cannabis products, you might find the whole thing a bit confusing. Is delta-8 THC actually legal? How is it different from other forms of THC?
Below, we’ll dig deeper into delta-8, including its potential benefits and risks, whether it’ll get you “high,” whether it’s legal, and what kinds of alternatives are out there.
What are the potential benefits of delta-8?
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What are the potential benefits of delta-8?
Like delta-9 THC, delta-8 produces feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and potential pain relief, but they’re a lot milder.
For people who don’t want to experience a pronounced “high,” the lower potency may be a benefit.
Unfortunately, researchers still don’t know enough about delta-8 THC to confirm that the benefits outweigh the risks. Experts have a much better understanding of delta-9 THC.
Because delta-8 is so similar to delta-9 THC, it produces some of the same side effects, like:
- red eyes
- dry mouth
- rapid heart rate
- trouble with coordination
- slowed reaction times
- anxiety
- memory loss
But delta-8 may also have additional risks because it’s something synthetically produced, meaning you might not know what’s really in it.
Additionally, 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 — a compound about which little is known.
These compounds probably won’t produce ill effects, experts say. But it’s unclear whether other by-products, including synthetic ones, are safe to consume.
Because delta-8 is so similar to delta-9 THC, it will also cause a “high.” However, some people describe it as milder than with delta-9 THC.
Here’s the complicated bit.
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp containing less than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC. That means there’s a loophole at the federal level for products containing higher amounts of delta-8 THC, as long as they come from hemp that doesn’t have more than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC based on dry weight.
However, delta-8 THC doesn’t naturally occur in large amounts in hemp plants. That means that delta-8 is largely made by converting cannabidiol (CBD) or delta-9 THC into delta-8 THC synthetically, which is illegal.
Additionally, some state laws strictly prohibit the sale of products containing both delta-8 and delta-9 THC. You can find out about your state’s laws by looking at the Norml.org map of cannabis-related laws.
However, keep in mind that because delta-8 is synthetically made and not well regulated, there are safety concerns. Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the
| Potential benefits | Potential risks & side effects | Impairing effects? | Legality | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta-8 | • pain relief • euphoria • relaxation | • red eyes • dry mouth • rapid heart rate • trouble with coordination • slowed reaction times • anxiety • memory loss • other unknown risks due to synthetic nature | yes | • not federally legal • state laws vary |
| Delta-9 | • pain relief • euphoria • relaxation | • red eyes • dry mouth • rapid heart rate • trouble with coordination • slowed reaction times • anxiety • memory loss | yes | • not federally legal • state laws vary |
| CBD | • pain relief • anxiety relief • insomnia relief | • changes in appetite • changes in weight • fatigue • diarrhea | no | • federally legal • state laws vary |
If you’re looking for a federally legal alternative to delta-8 that will not give you a “high,” you may want to consider trying CBD.
Below, we suggest a few full-spectrum options. Full-spectrum CBD has small amounts of THC but not enough to produce psychoactive effects when taken in small doses.
How we chose the best CBD products
When choosing CBD products, we keep the same general criteria in mind. Each product featured:
- is made by a company that provides proof of third-party testing by an ISO 17025-compliant lab
- is made by a company that discloses the source of their hemp
- contains no more than 0.3 percent THC, according to the certificate of analysis (COA)
- passes tests for pesticides, molds, and heavy metals, according to the COA
When making our selections, we also consider:
- company certification and manufacturing processes
- CBD potency
- whether products contain quality ingredients
- indicators of user trust and brand reputation, such as:
- customer reviews
- whether the company has been subject to a
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning letter - whether the company makes any unsupported health claims
Pricing guide
- $ = under $50
- $$ = $50–$100
- $$$ = over $100
CBD products to consider
Lazarus Naturals Full Spectrum CBD Tincture, High Potency
- Price: $–$$$ (depending on potency)
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- CBD potency: 750 milligrams (mg) to 6,000 mg per 15-milliliter (mL) to 120-mL bottle
- COA: available online
This high potency CBD from Lazarus Naturals is one of the brand’s most popular selections. It’s all natural, gluten-free, vegan, and contains no added flavors, so you should expect an earthy taste when using this tincture.
Reviewers love the potent tincture and say it works better than other products they’ve tried. Customers also appreciate Lazarus Natural’s assistance program, which helps veterans, people from low income households, and people with disabilities by offering a 60 percent discount.
Use code “Healthline10” for 10% off your first order. One-time use only.
SHOP NOW AT LAZARUS NATURALS
Cornbread Hemp Distilled USDA Organic CBD Oil
- Price: $–$$$
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- CBD potency: 375, 750, or 1,500 mg per 30-mL bottle
- COA: available online
Cornbread Hemp’s CBD oil is USDA certified organic with hemp extract from the flower only. It contains no additives or preservatives.
Customers report that the oil is effective, helped produce a sense of calm, and improved their sleep. One person complains that the taste of the oil is too strong.
Use code “HEALTHLINE” for 25% off on first purchase.
SHOP NOW AT CORNBREAD HEMP
Vena Full Spectrum CBD Drops
- Price: $$–$$$
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- CBD potency: 1,500 mg or 3,000 mg per 30-mL bottle
- COA: available via product page
Vena recommends taking one full dropper a day of their Full-Spectrum CBD Drops. The mint-flavored oil is a good choice for people who don’t like the earthy taste of unflavored CBD. When you buy Vena’s CBD products, they also come with a 30-day, money-back guarantee.
Reviewers say they like the minty taste and describe it as refreshing but not overpowering. Only a handful of customers complain that the product didn’t produce any noticeable effects.
SHOP NOW AT VENA
cbdMD Tropical Gummies
- Price: $$
- CBD type: broad-spectrum
- CBD potency: 750 mg per 30-mL bottle
- COA: available via product page
Some folks prefer CBD gummies compared to CBD oil. cbdMD fruity chews come in a mix of strawberry, raspberry, orange, and tropical. The gummies are vegan and gluten-free. They contain organic ingredients, including organic oil, juices, and sweeteners.
cbdMD recommends taking one or two gummies in the morning. The brand also offers a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Reviewers say the gummies taste great, and they like that the typical earthy CBD flavor is not prominent.
Shop now at cbdMD
CBD safety and side effects
According to
- diarrhea
- fatigue
- appetite and weight changes
Talk with your doctor before taking CBD or other cannabis-related products — especially if you’re taking any supplements or prescription medications. It’s possible for CBD to interact with certain medications, including those with a grapefruit warning.
While some brands recommend consuming CBD with meals for better absorption, one
Don’t take CBD if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
What is delta-8?
Delta-8 is a chemical found in the cannabis plant in very small amounts. Because it occurs naturally in such small amounts, the delta-8 THC you find in commercial products is usually synthetically made from CBD or delta-9 THC.
Learn more
Is delta-8 the same as THC?
Delta-8 and delta-9 THC have similar molecular structures, but they’re not exactly the same. Because delta-8 has a different structure, it may produce milder effects than delta-9 THC.
That said, more research is needed to better understand the effects of delta-8.
Learn more
Is delta-8 the same as CBD?
Delta-8 and CBD are both cannabinoids, but delta-8 has more in common with delta-9 THC than CBD.
Unlike CBD, delta-8 produces psychoactive effects.
Learn more
Is delta-8 safe?
There’s some concern surrounding the safety of delta-8 THC. That’s because it’s poorly regulated, and products containing delta-8 THC may contain additional compounds, including synthetic by-products that may cause adverse effects.
Learn more
Why is delta-8 legal?
It’s a common misconception that delta-8 is legal. In actuality, some states specifically prohibit it. It also isn’t necessarily federally legal, as it’s synthetically produced and not well regulated.
Learn more
Will delta-8 make you test positive for THC?
It’s possible. If you undergo drug testing, it may be best to avoid cannabis-derived products, including delta-8 products and CBD products.
Learn more
Will delta-8 get you high?
Because delta-8 is a form of THC, it has psychoactive effects and can get you high. While it’s reportedly less potent than delta-9 THC, it still has intoxicating effects.
Delta-8 THC may be an alternative to delta-9 THC for people who want a milder “high” than they get with regular THC. While delta-8 THC reportedly produces less potent effects than delta-9, more research is needed to better understand the potential side effects of this compound.
Additionally, because delta-8 THC is poorly regulated, there’s concern that the contents of products containing delta-8 THC may be difficult to assess.
Until better regulatory standards for the production of delta-8 THC exist, you may be more comfortable opting for delta-9 THC and CBD products.
Is CBD legal?The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.
Steph Coelho is a freelance writer with chronic migraine who has a particular interest in health and wellness. When she’s not click-clacking away on her keyboard, she’s probably nose-deep in a good book.
FAQs
How does delta-8 get you high? ›
Delta-8 is an analog of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with anti-inflammatory effects. This means it attaches to the same receptors in your brain that THC does, producing some of the same effects while offering others unique to just Delta 8 alone.
Does delta-8 come up on drug test? ›Delta-8 THC can show up on a regular drug test. Because it's chemically similar to delta-9 THC, it can cause a positive drug test for cannabis, even if you don't use “regular” cannabis products. If you know you'll be tested for cannabis, it's best to avoid delta-8 products altogether.
How is delta-8 supposed to make you feel? ›Delta-8 is promoted as being a milder version of regular THC, allowing users to feel relaxed and euphoric without feeling panicked or paranoid. However, the FDA has reported many risks to delta-8, including: Psychoactive effects – similar to regular THC, delta-8 can cause people to get high.
How is delta-8 different from CBD? ›Unlike CBD, delta-8-THC produces euphoric effects that are similar to but milder than those of delta-9-THC, the well-known psychoactive compound in cannabis. Delta-8-THC is an isomer of delta-9-THC. The only difference between the two molecules is the location of a double bond between two carbons.
How many hours does Delta 8 high last? ›A Delta 8 high can last from 3 to 10 hours. The exact amount of time will depend on the person taking Delta 8, the method of consumption, and the amount of Delta 8 they took. If you take edibles or tinctures with Delta 8, you will feel the effects of Delta-8 after about 30 minutes.
How long does Delta 8 stay in your system? ›The half-life of Delta 8 THC has been reported as anywhere from 40 minutes to 7 hours. Delta 8 THC can linger in the body much longer than other metabolites and it is generally believed that Delta 8 remains detectable in the body for one to three days after consumption.
How long after delta-8 Can I pass a drug test? ›How Long Does Delta 8 THC Stay in Your System? While it's a less-potent THC, delta 8 is still a THC, which means it lingers in the body just like any other THC would. Even for first-time users, THC has the potential to stay in your urine for 4 to 8 days.
What to do if delta-8 makes you fail a drug test? ›For delta-8 users, the only method to pass a drug test is to abstain from the substance for 90 days. Again, this could be less in some cases, but it depends. If you need to pass a drug test that will include testing for THC, you should give your body time to process.
Does Delta 8 still make you feel high? ›Delta-8 THC has psychoactive and intoxicating effects.
Delta-8 THC has psychoactive and intoxicating effects, similar to delta-9 THC (i.e., the component responsible for the “high” people may experience from using cannabis). The FDA is aware of media reports of delta-8 THC products getting consumers “high.”
So, we recommend taking 4–5 puffs and waiting 30 minutes to see what you feel like after that dose, for starters. Delta 8 users often say that if marijuana (delta 9 THC) takes you 2 puffs to get high, delta 8 will take 4 puffs.
Is Delta 8 good for beginners? ›
With a recipe for a gentle first-time experience, it only makes sense why delta-8 THC is perfect for beginners. Although delta-8 is a distillate, there are still trace amounts of other cannabinoids in the mix. Some of these include things like CBD and very minute amounts of delta-9.
What form of delta-8 is the strongest? ›- Summit THC Delta 8 Gummies.
- OtterSpace Sour Watermelon D-8 Gummies.
- Try The CBD.
- TribeTokes.
- TRĒ House Delta-8 THC Gummies.
- Diamond CBD Chill Plus Delta 8 Squares.
- Binoid Green Apple Candy Premium Delta 8 Gummies.
- Koi CBD Delta 8 THC Gummies.
Why are people using it? A survey of delta-8 users backs this up, with respondents reporting feeling less paranoid, less anxious and having a “nicer” high compared with delta-9-THC. The most common experiences when using delta-8 were relaxation, euphoria and pain relief.
What are the long term effects of delta-8? ›Serious Health Concerns:
Marijuana, Delta-8, and related products have been shown to cause liver damage, depression, paranoia, memory/processing problems, infertility, cardiac problems, and cancer.
- hallucinations.
- vomiting.
- tremor.
- anxiety.
- dizziness.
- confusion.
- loss of consciousness.
Despite its rise in popularity and reputation for being a “milder” version of delta-9 THC, delta-8 can still cause a high and produce potentially undesirable and even dangerous side effects including accidental poisoning. If any symptoms of poisoning occur, call a poison control hotline or 911 immediately.
Can you drink alcohol and take Delta 8? ›THC and alcohol may potentiate each other's effect, so you'll definitely want to consume the two in smaller doses than usual. It's unsafe to consume Delta-8 when drinking heavily. You may even want to consider forgoing alcohol and choosing a Delta-8 beverage instead.
Is delta-8 natural or synthetic? ›Delta-8 THC is one of over 100 cannabinoids produced naturally by the cannabis plant but is not found in significant amounts in the cannabis plant. As a result, concentrated amounts of delta-8 THC are typically manufactured from hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD).
Can you take delta-8 everyday? ›Our sublingual-style Delta-8 edibles are unique to the market and offer a fast-acting, individually wrapped dose that's perfect for daily use.
How long does it take delta-8 to kick in? ›Most users report that they can feel the effects of delta 8 just minutes after taking a hit. Gummies: Gummies and other edibles actually take the longest before taking effect. It can take up to 2 hours before you will feel delta 8 kicking in following a dose of gummies.
Does Delta 8 hurt your lungs? ›
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.
How many mg of Delta 8 Should I take my first time? ›A good delta-8 serving to start with on your first time is 10-15 mg. For most delta-8 gummies, this is roughly half a gummy. Cut a gummy in half, and then wait at least 30 minutes to see how you feel before taking any more. If you're using a delta-8 tincture, this is roughly half a dropper full, or 0.5 mL.
Can you sleep on Delta 8? ›Delta-8's analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties and calming properties may help you get a good night's sleep. Because it's strategically placed in the areas of the nervous system which control pain signals, studies reveal that the CB1 receptor plays a vital function in pain regulation.
How do you make Delta 8 wear off? ›- STAY HYDRATED. First things first: if you're wondering what to do if you get too high, drink some water. ...
- KEEP CALM AND TRY TO REST. ...
- EAT SOMETHING SWEET! ...
- SNIFF SOME BLACK PEPPER. ...
- DISTRACT YOURSELF. ...
- GO FOR A WALK (OR AT LEAST SOME FRESH AIR) ...
- CUDDLE UP WITH A FURRY FRIEND. ...
- TAKE A NICE SHOWER.
CBD has no psychoactive effects because it binds to the CB1 receptors in a non-psychoactive manner. CBD, as previously stated, can counteract the euphoric effects of Delta 8 THC. Delta 8 has high interaction with both receptors. As a result, Delta 8 will provide a psychotropic high, but CBD will not.
Which is better delta-8 or 10? ›The most significant difference between Delta 8 and Delta 10 is that Delta 8 is more potent than Delta 10. Delta 8 has a higher concentration of cannabinoids, making it much stronger. Delta 8 provides psychoactive effects that last much longer, whereas Delta 10 has more of a Sativa effect.
Is Indica or Sativa delta-8 stronger? ›Sativa Delta 8 THC Strains
This species is the opposite of indica: tall, thin, more uplifting, and has higher amounts of THC.
Researchers found that 51% of survey participants used delta-8 THC to treat a range of mental health and medical conditions, such as: anxiety or panic attacks. stress. depression or bipolar disorder.
Can delta-8 cause panic attacks? ›“We have noticed, especially recently, a sharp increase in the number of patients who have been poisoned with THC products — especially Delta 8 THC,” Orozco said. “If you can't tolerate the doses you took, then you can often end up — we see patients with anxiety, panic attacks.”
How many times do you hit Delta 8? ›If you are experienced with hemp products, whether it is with CBD or Delta-9 THC, you may need more puffs to feel the effects of Delta-8. Five to six puffs should be good enough, but consumers should take one or two more after 30 minutes if they do not feel any effects.
Does Delta-8 hurt your lungs? ›
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.
What happens if you take too much Delta-8? ›As a cannabis product, Delta-8 can cause cotton-mouth and dry eyes. Grogginess or Drowsiness: This is another no-go for Delta-8. If you're feeling drowsy or groggy, you may very well have overdone it. Fatigue and brain fog don't often occur with hemp-derived THC.
Is Delta-8 harmful to the body? ›Despite its rise in popularity and reputation for being a “milder” version of delta-9 THC, delta-8 can still cause a high and produce potentially undesirable and even dangerous side effects including accidental poisoning. If any symptoms of poisoning occur, call a poison control hotline or 911 immediately.
What are the side effects of delta-8? ›Dry mouth and red eyes are two common side effects of Delta 8. These are caused by the cannabinoids in Delta 8 binding to receptors in the body that control saliva production and blood flow to the eyes. Delta 8 can also cause dizziness, anxiety, paranoia, and headaches in some people.
How long will 2 puffs of delta-8 stay in your system? ›In summary, delta 8 THC will remain in the system for about two days if you've only used it once or twice. If you take delta 8 often or in high doses, you may need to wait somewhere between 2 and 4 weeks to be cleared from the body completely.
Are you supposed to inhale delta-8? ›First-time Delta 8 Thc Users
Use it just like any other vape - Inhale 2-3 times and wait 30 minutes before taking any more. The effects can last between 1-3 hours, however, everyone is different. This device provides approximately 150 hits, so there's no need to worry about changing batteries or refilling fluids.