Delta-8 offers similar beneficial effects and is more widely accessible than its well-known cousin, delta-9 THC. But is delta 8 safe? Here we break down what you need to know.
Key takeaways:
- Anecdotal reports suggest that delta-8 THC has a safety profile comparable to well-known delta-9 THC.
- The effects of delta-8 are considered milder than delta-9 and stronger than delta-10.
- More research into the benefits and safety of delta-8 is needed.
- With a lack of regulation, for safety, you should research the delta-8 brand that you're considering before use.
There's a reason why delta-8 THC has exploded in popularity so quickly. This new hemp cannabinoid offers many of the beneficial effects as its cousin, delta-9 THC, yet reportedly has fewer unwanted effects. Not to mention, delta-8 products are more widely accessible and legally available in many states where other THC products are not.
But is delta 8 safe?
In short, delta 8 is widely enjoyed by many people with no reports of serious adverse experiences. Some consider delta-8 THC to be safer than traditional THC when used responsibly because of its overall milder effects. More scientific research on delta-8 safety is needed to fully understand the role the compound could play in our everyday wellness. There are some things to watch out for — such as irresponsible manufacturing and testing processes.
Want to learn more? Read on to discover more about the safety of delta-8 THC, as well as whether there are delta-8 THC dangers and risks to be aware of, and how you can ensure that the delta-8 products you buy and use are safe and high-quality.
Is Delta 8 Safe to Consume?
Delta-8 appears to have a safety profile comparable to the well-known and widely-used compound, delta-9 THC.
The two THC compounds are similar but for minor differences in their molecular structure. Delta-8 has a double bond on its eighth carbon atom, whereas delta-9’s double bond is on its ninth.
Animal and lab studies suggest that delta 8 interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system much like delta 9, but delta-8 has a reduced affinity for the system’s CB1 receptors. As a result, delta 8 produces similar but gentler, more functional effects.
There is still a lot to learn about delta-8-THC’s properties and effects. The compound has yet to be evaluated by the FDA. And more research into Delta 8 THC and its safety are needed. But anecdotal reports suggest that it’s well tolerated by most adults, provided it’s used responsibly and not taken in too high of servings.
The biggest risk of delta-8 is that it’s not regulated, so the safety, purity, and potency of delta-8 products aren’t guaranteed.
Even so, remember you should talk with your doctor before taking delta-8 for safety's sake and to learn whether it's right for you.
Effects of Delta 8
To consider the safety of delta-8, it’s helpful to first understand how delta-8 works. Like its cousins delta-9 and delta-10, delta-8 THC binds directly with the endocannabinoid system's CB1 receptors after being absorbed.
This interaction between delta-8 and CB1 receptors produces uplifting effects. The effects are felt differently by everyone. But with the right serving, users have reported an instant mood boost while staying mobile. Some have shared that delta-8 induces a deep sense of relaxation and calmness throughout the body, making it a popular choice for supporting a better night’s sleep.
Commonly asked is– “Does delta 8 THC get you high?” Delta-8 THC does have noticeable euphoric effects that are similar, yet milder, to traditional delta-9 THC. A subject in a recent study on delta-8 aptly described the compound as the “nicer younger sibling” of delta-9.
Tips for Making Sure the Delta 8 You Use is Safe
Not all delta-8 products are the same. The delta-8 market is unregulated, and some delta-8 brands cut corners on quality and safety processes. One study found that most delta-8 THC products are mislabeled and not delivering what is promised.
There are some steps to take to ensure that you buy delta-8 safe for adult consumption. When deciding which delta-8 THC brand is the best choice for you, consider:
- Accredited, third-party testing: Reputable delta-8 brands will always get their products verified for safety and quality by an accredited, third-party lab. This step ensures that the products contain an accurate amount of delta-8 and that they're safe to consume.
- Brand reputation: The popularity of delta-8 has prompted many looking to take advantage to jump into the market. Go with a brand that's been around and has established quality manufacturing and testing processes.
- Positive customer reviews: The best way to get a real insight into delta-8 safety is to hear from those who have used the products themselves. Look to see whether the brand has positive customer reviews. You'll also quickly learn more about what to expect with a particular delta-8 product.
Considerations When Using Delta 8
The key to having an enjoyable experience with delta-8, outside of buying only safe products, is to consider your serving sizes. Some people may accidentally consume too much, not expecting such noticeable effects.
Taking too much delta-8 can make for an unpleasant time. It also has an affinity for CB2 receptors found through the immune and digestive systems, although not as strongly. Rest assured that these uncomfortable side effects of delta 8 are temporary and will let up over time.
Begin with a small serving to see how you react before increasing your intake. Keep in mind inhalable products like delta-8 vape carts and delta-8 flower and sublingual products like delta-8 tinctures produce effects much more quickly than edible products like delta-8 gummies, which can take 30 minutes to an hour.
FAQ on the Safety of Delta 8
What does delta 8 do to the body?
Delta-8 THC is a plant cannabinoid that, when absorbed, interacts with the human body’s endocannabinoid system. Specifically, delta-8 binds directly with the endocannabinoid system’s CB1 receptors, mainly located in the brain and responsible for the compound’s noticeable uplifting effects. It also has an affinity for CB2 receptors found through the immune and digestive systems, although not as strongly.
Does delta 8 have side effects?
Delta-8 can be an enjoyable way to uplift your day if you're thoughtful with when you take it and how much you take. It can have unwanted side effects if you take too much. These side effects are similar to delta-9 THC and can include dry mouth, bloodshot eyes, slowed reaction time, and impaired body movement.
Can delta 8 make you sick?
Delta-8 itself isn’t known for causing ill effects. However, because the hemp market is not regulated, some delta-8 products made by irresponsible companies can be contaminated with toxins leftover from the manufacturing process. Products not third-party tested may contain heavy metals, pesticides, mold, and residual chemicals.
Is delta 8 federally legal?
Delta-8 is legal federally thanks to the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp and its derivatives, including delta-8 THC. States do have the ability to regulate the compound. Some have chosen to restrict its sale and use.
Are delta-8 gummies legal?
Made with hemp-derived delta-8 THC, delta-8 gummies are legal at the federal level in the United States. Some states have restricted the sale of delta-8 THC products.
Does delta 8 contain THC?
Delta-8 is a type of THC, similar to delta-9 and delta-10. Delta-8 is naturally found in the cannabis plant, although only present and low concentrations naturally.
Bottom Line: Is Delta-8 Safe?
Delta-8 THC itself appears to be just as safe as traditional delta-9 THC. The biggest delta-8 THC danger is how a delta-8 product is made and tested. Because hemp compounds are not regulated, lab testing, packaging, product labeling, and other safety assurances aren’t automatic.
To avoid bad experiences with delta 8, only buy products from brands that source hemp extract through a strict vendor validation process and use accredited third-party testing for a panel analysis to ensure safety and quality. Get to know delta-8 and its benefits even better through our What is Delta-8? article.
Here at Koi CBD, we were among the first to bring delta-8 to the market. To us, quality is our top priority. We use delta-8 from hemp grown and extracted in the USA. Each batch of our delta-8 has full traceability from start to finish, and we use accredited third-party lab testing to ensure the safety and quality of our products. You can review these lab results and Koi product reviews before making your purchase.
