By Ashley Delta-8-THC is found in some products, but these products are made from CBD-derived hemp using many chemical processes. Some of which can be dangerous. The cannabinoid is still very intoxicating and its manufacturing process may pose a danger due to chemical and industrial byproducts.
Delta 8 THC products do not require FDA approval. There is no federal oversight. The FDA has sent warnings to companies about the use of delta-8-THC products and warned them that they could make misleading claims. Delta-8-THC is not necessarily completely illegal (yet), but it is not necessarily safe, at least when it comes to the synthetically produced, derived CBD version.
Can the cannabinoid be used safely? Delta-8-THC is considered safe if it's in cannabis that has not been processed industrially. But, the delta-8THC products you see on shelves are quite different. They may not be made to high standards. Chemical processes that make them can leave unwanted byproducts that could cause harm.
What Is Delta-8 THC?
Delta-8THC is a delta-9-THC-like cannabinoid but is considered less potent. Many Delta-8THC users report a floating, weightless feeling similar to other cannabis products. However, there is less brain fog.
Uses And Health Benefits
Delta-8-THC has many of the same therapeutic benefits as Delta-9THC, but it is not synthesized. Here are some Delta-8-THC therapeutic uses:
Pain Relief
THC can do double duty in reducing pain and inflammation. Different cannabinoid forms may be able to treat chronic conditions like Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or cancer treatments such as chemotherapy.
Digestive Benefits
Delta-8, THC can stimulate appetite and reduce nausea and vomiting in certain people. There is more evidence to support the claim that Delta-9-THC can help with digestion disorders.
Relaxation
Delta-8-THC is used to relieve minor anxiety. Although the cannabinoid is a natural option for prescription anxiety medication, you should first consult your physician.
Side Effects & Risks
Delta-8-THC is less psychoactive than Delta-9. Side effects from Delta-9 THC include paranoia and anxiety. Delta-9 THC has been linked to headaches and dizziness.
These side effects may not be as severe as those caused by Delta-8THC found in cannabis.
However, these side effects can be experienced when you use Delta-8 THC:
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Red eyes
People who consume Delta-8–THC edibles are at greater risk of experiencing severe side effects than people who consume other ingestion methods. Some edible side effects have resulted in emergency room visits. These products may contain delta-8THC which is not always safe.
Drug interactions pose a danger with Delta-8THC. Delta-8-THC can interact with blood thinners, antidepressants, and other medications. Your doctor may advise you to avoid this form of cannabis.
Because there are only limited studies of Delta-8THC, it is not known if there are any other side effects or risks.
Delta-8 THC: How To Use It?
Most delta-8-THC products are best avoided. People who choose to use Delta-8-THC should use it with the same caution as they would any other non-standard, FDA-approved product made from industrial processes.
Administration Routes Include:
- Vaping (which is usually the fastest to deliver results)
- Smoking
- Edibles
- Topicals
- Sublingual tinctures
Your health is directly affected by how you consume cannabis. Even though smoking or vaping may give you the results you desire faster, this is not the most health-friendly way to consume cannabis. Topicals are safer than directly inhaling or breathing in Delta-8-THC.
Dosing Guidelines
Your experience level is one of the key factors in how you should use cannabis. You should always consult with your doctor before you give any dosage instructions. But these guidelines are based on the level of your Delta-8-THC knowledge.
- Beginners: Begin with 5 mg (mg), but do not exceed 15.
- Intermediate: As high as 20 mg
- Advanced up to 40 mg
Remember that your method of ingestion is important in determining the dose. For all edible products, you should start with a lower dose and then experiment with higher doses for topicals.