Insights on Delta-8: Its Characteristics and Usage

Insights on Delta-8: Its Characteristics and Usage

Uncertain Safety Profile and Regulatory Scrutiny Surround Delta-8 THC

Delta-8 THC, a psychoactive compound found in the cannabis sativa plant and synthetically created from CBD and hemp in a lab, has been gaining popularity in recent years. However, this compound carries several risks and side effects, particularly related to its unregulated production and potential for impairment.

Key health concerns include anxiety, paranoia, cognitive effects like impaired memory and coordination, dizziness, hallucinations, vomiting, tremors, confusion, and in some cases, loss of consciousness. From 2021 to 2023, the FDA received over 300 adverse event reports linked to delta-8 THC products, nearly half requiring emergency medical attention or hospitalization. There is also concern about youth access, with about 11% of high school seniors reporting use.

A major risk with delta-8 THC is the way it is manufactured. Since it occurs naturally in very small amounts, most commercial delta-8 products are synthesized by chemically converting CBD. This process can create harmful by-products and contaminants if not properly purified, raising safety concerns beyond the compound itself.

Regarding impairment, delta-8 THC binds to CB1 receptors in the brain similarly to delta-9 THC but usually with milder psychoactive effects. Despite this, it can still cause cognitive and motor impairment, including memory issues, reduced concentration, and impaired coordination — all of which may affect activities like driving. Furthermore, delta-8 THC causes false positives on standard drug tests since these tests generally do not distinguish between delta-8 and delta-9 THC.

Regulatory issues compound safety concerns. The FDA has issued warning letters citing delta-8 THC as an unsafe and unapproved food additive under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. It emphasizes that no delta-8 THC products are FDA-approved drugs and that their safety, efficacy, appropriate dosing, interactions, or potential side effects have not been evaluated. This includes numerous edible products with delta-8 THC in the market, which the FDA considers adulterated.

There are also potential psychological risks with repeated use, including withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, depression, irritability, and cravings, indicating possible dependence issues.

In summary, the risks and side effects of delta-8 THC include anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, confusion, dizziness, vomiting, tremors, loss of consciousness, cognitive and motor impairment, potential intoxication and impairment similar to delta-9 THC, risk of harmful contaminants due to unregulated chemical synthesis processes, psychological dependence and withdrawal symptoms, regulatory concerns with unapproved and unsafe food products containing delta-8 THC.

Because of these factors, delta-8 THC remains a substance with uncertain safety profiles and significant regulatory scrutiny. The length of time delta-8 stays in the system is not yet known, but it's believed to have similar parameters to delta-9 THC. Some studies suggest delta-8 may assist with anxiety, chronic pain, stress, and depression, but more medical research is needed to determine its effectiveness and risks.

Using delta-8 products can lead to impairment and potential risks associated with getting high, drug tests, legality, and potential poisoning. The FDA does not regulate delta-8 products, which means there is no monitoring or accountability for the labeling of products. Delta-8 may not create a positive drug test by itself, but its presence alongside delta-9 THC could potentially turn the test positive.

Delta-8 products are sold in various forms, including gummies, brownies, vapes, tinctures, joints, and raw flower or extracts. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the production and sale of CBD products on the federal level, but the legality of delta-8 is still being decided due to lack of regulation. Delta-8 can show up on a drug test due to its close relation to delta-9 THC and the possibility of it being mixed with delta-9 THC without the user's knowledge. CBD may be a safer alternative to delta-8, but it's important to consult a healthcare provider and check state laws before trying any CBD products.

[1] FDA (2023). Delta-8 THC. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/delta-8-thc [2] National Institute on Drug Abuse (2023). What is Delta-8-THC? Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/there-are-synthetic-marijuana-products-available-what-are-they-like [3] DEA (2023). Delta-8-THC. Retrieved from https://www.dea.gov/druginfo/ds.shtml?resource=5&source=gph&mat=1336 [4] NIDA (2023). Delta-8-THC. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/marijuana/synthetic-marijuana/delta-8-thc [5] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2023). Delta-8 THC. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/report_2919/ShortReport-2919.pdf

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