Delta-8 THC is one of multiple cannabinoid compounds found in marijuana plants. It falls into a legal gray area thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp-derived cannabinoids nationwide. Though products containing delta-8 THC are easy to obtain in stores and online, this substance is subject to ongoing debate regarding its safety, effects and addictive potential.
Legal Loopholes and Availability
While it is less potent than delta-9 THC, the primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, delta-8 can still cause paranoia, confusion and an increased heart rate in some people. It occupies a unique position due to the nuances of U.S. drug legislation.
The 2018 Farm Bill explicitly removed hemp-derived cannabinoids containing less than 0.3% delta-9 THC from the list of controlled substances. Manufacturers exploit this loophole to produce delta-8 THC from hemp-derived CBD, leading to widespread availability with little regulation or oversight.
Is Delta-8 THC Dangerous?
Delta-8 THC is available in several forms, making it appealing to people who are curious about trying marijuana. While products like candies, baked goods and tinctures may seem innocuous, there is still a lack of comprehensive research about marijuana’s long-term safety and effects.
Some people assume marijuana is safe and non-habit-forming. However, the potential for addiction exists with any psychoactive drug, including delta-8 THC. If you use cannabis products often enough to build a tolerance, you will eventually experience emotional and mental challenges when you try to quit. These withdrawal symptoms signify that THC has altered your brain chemistry.
Delta-8’s accessibility and current legality do not negate the potential risks associated with its use.
- Impaired judgment: Delta-8 can impair your ability to perform tasks that necessitate being fully present and making good decisions.
- Psychological effects: You may experience anxiety, disorientiation and paranoia after using delta-8, especially if you are extra sensitive to psychoactive cannabinoids.
- Lack of regulatory oversight: Many delta-8 products are not subject to stringent lab testing, leading to concerns about purity, consistency and the presence of harmful contaminants.
How and Where to Get Help
Making informed decisions about your health and wellness requires you to separate myth from fact by learning about cannabis products’ potential dangers and addictive properties. Consider seeking professional treatment if delta-8 THC routinely disrupts your relationships, interferes with your mood or causes you to neglect your responsibilities.
As the cannabis market continues evolving, so do the challenges associated with its use and regulation. Hope by the Sea offers comprehensive treatment programs tailored to meet the needs of clients struggling with substance use, including newer products like delta-8 THC. Our family-owned facility provides a welcoming, home-like place to start your recovery, with multiple treatment tracks to address various aspects of addiction and its underlying causes. We’re here to help when you need someone to talk to.
