Is Delta 8 Safe? To be clear, the FDA has not yet evaluated Delta 8 for safety. For the most part, Delta 8 is regarded as so close to Delta 9 that its bodily effects are considered very similar. Scientists know enough about THC to make confident claims. This article will cover everything you need to know about Delta 8 safety, including how it’s made and possible side effects.
WHAT IS DELTA 8
We typically think of Delta 9 when Marijuana comes to mind. Delta 8 is pretty close to being the same, save for the position of one small bond in the chemical composition.
Delta 8 is less abundant, which is why it never got much attention until recently.
Delta 8 THC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. Its cousin, Delta 9 THC is commonly thought of as the active ingredient in the cannabis plant, or the chemical that is responsible for getting its users “high”. Delta 8 THC is different than Delta 9 THC by virtue of its chemical composition and the occurrence of a double bond on its carbon atoms. When derived from hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) and provided it contains less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC on a dry weight basis, Delta 8 is lawful on the federal level and in many states across the country.
HOW IS DELTA 8 MADE
The final Delta 8 product is processed through a complex system. There are a few ways to go about it. One method uses pressurized CO2 to separate cannabinoids from the plant material. Then we have to sort out the Delta 8 from the other components using short path distillation. Other techniques use solvents to break down the hemp material and extract the Delta 8. They then remove the solvent through another purification process.
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT DELTA 8
Delta 8 is just one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. No one paid much attention to it until the 2018 Farm Bill was passed. The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the Controlled Substances Act, provided it contained less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis. The 2018 Farm Bill also broadened the lawful status of “extracts, derivatives, cannabinoids, and isomers” of hemp. As mentioned above, Delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid that is naturally occurring in the cannabis plant and provided it contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis, it is lawful on the federal level and in many states across the country. As a result of this, Delta-8 THC products have proliferated in the marketplace over the past few years. Some users of Delta-8 products claim they are less potent than Delta-9 products. Since it’s so new, you probably have some questions about how it would affect you.
Is Delta-8 Safe to Consume?
The FDA hasn’t studied Delta 8 yet, and independent research is still in the early stages. What we know about its safety is purely based on reviews and what few studies have been published so far. Most reviews are positive, but keep in mind: Delta 8 is only as safe to the extent that ingesting any non-FDA-approved product is. Be cautious when shopping for Delta 8 products. There’s not much stopping companies from selling low-quality products with possible unknown contaminants.
How Much Delta 8 is Safe to Consume
Technically, the dosage for Delta 8 should be the same as the regular old Delta 9. Realistically, it’s hard to know exactly how potent your product is unless you buy from a reputable seller like Mood. Dosage depends on your body weight and metabolism. The average amount that people report success with ranges from 10–40 mg. Beginners should start with 10mg and slowly work their way up little by little if necessary.
Is Delta-8 Safe to Smoke?
A lot of people smoke Delta 8 because the effects kick in faster and feel stronger. Smoking Delta 8, or anything, for that matter, can potentially damage the lungs. Inhaling smoke damages our alveoli, the part of the lungs that pass oxygen to our blood. In short, smoking Delta 8 flower isn’t the healthiest option. Delta 8 edibles deliver similar feelings without being harmful to the lungs.
Is Delta 8 Safe to Vape?
Vaping is thought of as being healthier than smoking because there’s no smoke entering the lungs. Although it’s “better” for your lungs, it still has its downsides. Vapes contain chemicals that could be harmful when heated.
Are Delta 8 Gummies Safe?
Delta 8 edibles are so new that the FDA hasn’t yet studied and approved them. Here’s what we do know.
- Delta 8 gummies are psychoactive and can get you high.
- You shouldn’t drive if you plan to take Delta 8.
- Delta 8 edibles likely have the same health effects as Delta 9 THC edibles.
“Are Delta 8 gummies safe,” is a fair question – just keep in mind that buying from reputable companies that test their products thoroughly is the safest option. Learn more about how MOOD outshines the competition in our Delta 8 Gummies Review.
Safest Way to Use Delta 8
The safest way to consume Delta 8 is orally (gummies, edibles, oil, etc.). They avoid any lung damage that smoking and vaping may cause. It’s still important to buy trusted products from dependable companies, so you don’t expose yourself to any unwanted chemicals or illegal THC levels. We’ll tell you what to look for in a Delta 8 seller later in the article.
Is Delta 8 Safe While Pregnant?
Delta 8, and all cannabis products, are not safe for pregnant and nursing women. Cannabinoids can be transferred to the fetus during pregnancy and even through breast milk. THC is toxic to infants — it’s illegal for pregnant and nursing mothers to consume cannabis products.
Is Delta 8 Safe for Pets?
How safe is Delta 8 for animals? There’s no conclusive research on the impact of Delta 8 on pets, so vets recommend keeping it away from your animals.
As for Delta 9, it’s toxic to both dogs and cats.
The logical conclusion is that Delta 8 has similar impacts. Both have almost identical chemical compositions and molecular structures — there’s nothing to make us think that it would affect animals any differently.
Why Delta 8 Can Be Bad for Your Pets
Dogs and cats metabolize differently than us. The reason dogs can’t eat chocolate or grapes is the same reason why they can’t have THC, either. It becomes toxic while their bodies process it and can be seriously harmful. Additionally, both dogs and cats have more endocannabinoid receptors than us, so what we see as a small amount of THC could be fatal to them.
Side note: be careful when giving your pet CBD supplements. They could contain higher levels of THC than advertised and harm your pet.
DOES DELTA 8 GET YOU HIGH
Now for the important question: does Delta-8 get you high? Delta 8 in large amounts can get you high. It produces similar euphoric, calming, and happy feelings that Delta 9 does. The good thing about Delta 8 is that its high is less intense than traditional weed. A lot of people actually prefer D8 because normal weed makes them paranoid or anxious. You may find that D8 is a more chilled-out version of marijuana.
THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN DELTA 8 THC AND DELTA 9 THC
If THC and CBD are like cousins, think of Delta 8 and 9 as brothers. They’re almost identical except for a slight difference in their molecular structures. Delta 9 THC is so abundant in cannabis plants that it can be smoked without any synthesis or extraction. Delta 8, on the other hand, is relatively scarce and requires a complex extraction and purification process.
When speaking of edibles, both go through the process of removing the other cannabinoids and putting the desired on into oil form to be made into a treat.
Delta 8 THC
Delta-8’s double bond is on its eighth atom (hence the name). This bond placement, as minuscule as it might seem, makes D8 more stable than old-fashioned D9. This is why D8 is milder and less psychoactive than D9. Is Delta 8 THC safe? Being so new, the FDA hasn’t had a chance to evaluate this yet. For now, we recommend only buying from trusted distributors that test and guarantee quality.
Delta 9 THC
Alternatively, Delta 9’s double bond is on the ninth carbon atom. Consequently, D9’s molecular structure is less stable. This is why Delta 9 THC produces a stronger, more euphoric high. Humans have smoked THC for tens of thousands of years. Some scientists and historians believe we even co-evolved together.
When used responsibly, THC can be a safe substance.
For this reason, more states are beginning to decriminalize it for medical and recreational purposes. At this point, it’s still illegal in most places without a prescription.
THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN DELTA 8 THC AND CBD
CBD and Delta 8 THC are both cannabinoids found in hemp and cannabis plants. They both have beneficial qualities that people find helpful in body soothing and relaxation. They both interact with the endocannabinoid system to produce these effects. Their similarities pretty much stop there. Not only are they used for different purposes, but Delta-8 and CBD are also different compounds altogether. Delta 8 is tetrahydrocannabinol, and CBD is cannabidiol.
Delta 8 THC
Delta-8 is psychoactive, meaning it affects our state of mind. It feels similar to Delta-9 THC, the standard “weed” that’s existed since the beginning of time. D8 has gentler effects, though. Another difference is their legal status. Delta 8 is unregulated in most states due to the 2018 Farm Bill. The bill classified hemp as legal when containing 0.3% or less of Delta 9 THC. This effectively makes Delta 8 legal!
CBD
CBD doesn’t make you high, intoxicated, or euphoric. It’s only slightly psychoactive, so it might feel calm and pleasant-like, but nothing close to how THC feels.
The cool thing about CBD is that it’s thought to help soothe the mind and body without making you high. People can enjoy the medicinal benefits of cannabis without becoming intoxicated. Because of this, the 2018 Farm Bill did wonders for the CBD market, too. Researchers can now look into the possible health benefits of CBD. They even discovered a new FDA-approved drug, Epidiolex, that treats seizure disorders using CBD.
SAFETY CONCERNS WHEN USING DELTA 8
As with any mind-altering substance, it’s important to take precautions to ensure a smooth experience. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- If you have medical conditions, consult your doctor before trying Delta-8.
- Only buy from trusted vendors (keep reading to know what to look for).
- Be sure to take the recommended dosage according to your weight.
- Never drive or operate machinery on Delta 8.
- Pay close attention to how your body reacts and note any Delta 8 side effects.
- Avoid untested or informal products. They might not have the same dosage as advertised.
- Delta 8 products are only allowed for people 21 and older.
- Take breaks from THC for several days at a time to avoid building up a tolerance.
Remember, the FDA still hasn’t concluded if Delta 8 is bad for you, so taking safety steps is a good idea in the meantime.
DELTA 8 SIDE EFFECTS
Most people have pleasurable experiences with D8. There are a few cases of some troublesome side effects caused by Delta 8, including vomiting, anxiety, confusion, tremors, hallucinations, dizziness, and loss of consciousness.
The next sections will cover Delta 8 side effects in the long and short terms. Keep in mind that these vary from person to person.
Everyone can experience the effects slightly differently depending on their brain composition and metabolism.
Long Term Effects of Delta 8
Taking Delta 8 on its own is a pretty new practice. From what we do know, there are a few rare cases of adverse long-term effects of Delta 8, including:
- Short-term memory loss
- Habit formation
- Shortened attention span
- Reduced cognitive function
- Liver damage
More evidence is needed to confirm these findings.
Short term
So, how safe is Delta 8 in the short term? This is something we have more insight into. Based on countless customer testimonies, most people feel relaxed and slightly euphoric. These feelings can last anywhere from 2.5 to 8 hours, with an average of 4 hours. The rare cases of negative short-term side effects include:
- Discoordination
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Light-headedness
- Cottonmouth
- Disorientation
- Visual distortions
IS DELTA 8 DANGEROUS
People have been ingesting small amounts of Delta 8 for a long time — it occurs naturally in cannabis. Over the years, no evidence of any specific dangers of D8 has come to light.
From trustworthy sources, consuming Delta 8 in responsible doses is not dangerous. Risk comes from shifty Delta 8 sellers that don’t test their products for quality. Make sure to research the companies you buy from to compare their quality standards.
Can You Overdose on Delta 8
Like other cannabinoids, overdosing on Delta 8 is highly unlikely. There are no cases of this. You can, however, take too much and experience dangerous side effects. Getting too high, or “greening out,” isn’t as common with Delta 8 because it’s so mild. Still, it’s never advocated to take more than the suggested dose.
Is Delta 8 Dangerous
People have been ingesting small amounts of Delta 8 for a long time — it occurs naturally in cannabis. Over the years, no evidence of any specific dangers of D8 has come to light.
From trustworthy sources, consuming Delta 8 in responsible doses is not dangerous.
Risk comes from shifty Delta 8 sellers that don’t test their products for quality. Make sure to research the companies you buy from to compare their quality standards.
Can You Overdose on Delta 8
Like other cannabinoids, overdosing on Delta 8 is highly unlikely. There are no cases of this. You can, however, take too much and experience dangerous side effects. Getting too high, or “greening out,” isn’t as common with Delta 8 because it’s so mild. Still, it’s never advocated to take more than the suggested dose.
Is Delta-8 Addictive
Delta 8 doesn’t cause addiction physically. It doesn’t lead to any physical withdrawal symptoms associated with addiction.
Note that THC is habit-forming, though. Some people who use it too often and in higher doses than recommended sometimes have trouble weaning themselves off it. This could look like trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, irritability, or nausea. Because Delta 8 is weaker than Delta 9 THC, the likelihood of becoming dependent is smaller.
Can You Have a Delta 8 Tolerance?
Based on existing knowledge, Delta 8 is very likely tolerance building. The CB1 receptors that Delta 8 reacts with can become depleted after prolonged use. This means your brain requires a higher dose to feel the same, if any, effects.
It’s widely accepted that CB1 receptors take around four weeks to return to normal. After four weeks, your CB1 receptors will regain their sensitivity.
How To Prevent a Delta 8 Tolerance
Studies show you can develop a THC tolerance after two weeks of regular intake. To prevent tolerance, take 48-hour breaks between THC sessions. This is enough time to give CB1 receptors a chance to recuperate from being flooded with THC. Some people also find that their tolerance remains low when they exercise regularly. Since our bodies store THC in fat cells, we release it when we burn fat and sweat during cardio.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN DELTA 8 PRODUCTS
You can find Delta 8 products at smoke shops, gas stations, and online. It’s easy to differentiate between the companies that take pride in their products and those that just want to make sales. With no regulations in place yet, there’s not much stopping unlicensed merchants from selling low-quality goods. There are a few key signs that reveal shady sellers. Here are some qualities to look for when picking a Delta 8 vendor.
Organic
The hemp seller should know where it came from and how it was processed. Reputable merchants will be able to tell you details like where it was grown and whether or not it’s organic. Think about it — if you spent time and money making sure your products are top-notch, you’d want to tell customers as a selling point.
Third Party tested
Since Delta 8 doesn’t naturally occur in abundance, chemical solvents are used to transform other cannabinoids into Delta 8. Respected merchants can show you test results that all solvents have been removed.
If a seller doesn’t test their product, it might not be adequately purified.
You can imagine how important it is to test products after such a complex process. Human error could leave harmful chemicals behind that consumers don’t realize are there.
Good Reviews
With the Delta 8 market being fairly new, it can be difficult to tell who’s trustworthy and who isn’t. Check out customer reviews. Good reviews = happy clients. You can also gauge the reputability of a company by what other industry professionals have to say. Try to choose an established company with plenty of positive buzz.
Safe Packaging
Most THC-edible packaging looks like candy or fruit snacks. Unassuming children could very likely think they’re safe to eat.
This is clearly something to take seriously and work hard to prevent.
Because of the rise in edible-involved child accidents, many edible merchants offer child-proof packaging — just in case. You can also buy them separately and transfer your gummies into them each time you buy new ones.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
With laws changing and new cannabis products being introduced, it can be hard to keep up. Different terminologies can make it tough to find what you’re looking for. Here are a few names you might see Delta 9 listed as:
- Delta-8 CBD
- Delta-8 Hemp
- Light Cannabis
- Marijuana-lite
- Legal weed
Always read the product ingredients before purchasing.
Safe Delta 8 Products You Can Try
Here at Mood, we make safe Delta 8 products you can trust. Our organic hemp plants are grown by U.S. growers dedicated to grade-A bud. We then have DEA-registered labs third-party test each batch to assure the highest quality standards and safety protocols.
These are some of our best-selling products and what we love about them:
25mg Delta 8 Gummies
The 25 mg Delta 8 gummies are low sugar, vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free. They come in a sweet flavor mix with strawberry, watermelon, and blueberry flavors.
Our gummies are potent but not overwhelming. Beginners should take half of one gummy to test the waters. Wait an hour or so for it to kick in, and see how you feel. For experienced smokers, a whole gummy will do the trick.
Raspberry Creme
This Indica-dominant hybrid delivers all the chill vibes without any paranoia. This fruity strain will make you mellow and dreamy – perfect for a relaxing afternoon. One customer said, “Just recently got this strain and super impressed with the freshness the taste and how well this helped my back pain.”
Like all our products, Raspberry Creme is tested in a DEA-certified lab for quality and safety standards. Check out our certificates of analysis to learn more.
Pink Panther
Ever seen the Pink Panther movies? This strain will have you feeling playful, fun, and even a little mischievous, just like the Panther himself. We like this flower for hangouts or parties because it gives a fun and goofy high.
Pink Panther is 85% Sativa-dominant, so you’ll feel talkative and social, not tired. It’s got a fruity bubble gum flavor to it and smells downright amazing – making it one of the more popular sativa strains.
Concentrates
Our Delta 8 concentrates come from high-grade organic flowers. They’re super potent and jam-packed with cannabinoids and THC. Concentrates, like our Afghan Hash, are incredibly versatile. You can roll some in a joint or sprinkle it on a bowl. Just remember – concentrates are way stronger than flower. A little goes a long way!
CONCLUSION: IS DELTA-8 SAFE?
Delta 8 products are new to the game, but it’s been around forever. We just didn’t have a reason to talk about it yet! D8 products are safe to consume as long as they’re properly synthesized and tested. The danger comes from shady sellers making false claims about their products.
Like with any mind-altering substance, you should always take safety precautions. Never buy from unlicensed vendors or people who don’t know where the stuff came from.
We work hard to make sure our Delta-8 products check all the safety boxes. They’re sourced from organic hemp plants and are quality tested for cannabinoid content and purity. We want to provide our customers with an awesome, legal THC experience without worrying about what they’re ingesting.
