Delta 8 has been making headlines recently as a new player in the cannabis industry, but there is still a lot of confusion and misinformation surrounding this cannabinoid. Because its use has never been as widespread before, it’s harder than ever to differentiate between fact and fiction.
Let’s explore the ins and outs of delta 8, as well as five myths and five facts about the cannabinoid compound.
What is Delta 8?
Delta 8 THC, short for delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in small amounts in the cannabis plant. It is chemically similar to delta 9 THC, the main psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis, but with some structural differences.
Delta 8 is most commonly derived from hemp, a type of cannabis plant that contains no more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis, through a process known as isomerization.
A little-known fact about cannabinoids is that a vast majority of them evolve from CBGA, or cannabigerolic acid, a compound known as the “mother cannabinoid.” As CBGA undergoes genetic and environmental changes, it evolves into different cannabinoids, such as CBD or THC.
Because they all come from the same place, these cannabinoids all contain the same compounds in different orders. Delta 8 is made by extracting CBD from hemp and then converting it into delta 8 via chemical processes.
Delta 8 Gummies: The Most Popular Delta 8 Product
Delta 8 products have seen a boom in popularity in recent years, but delta 8 gummies most definitely take the cake. Most users prefer these infused gummies because they offer some additional benefits that other methods of ingestion, such as longer-lasting effects, portability, discreetness, and no damage to the lungs.
Now that you’re a little more familiar with delta 8 as a substance, let’s dive into the facts and myths surrounding the cannabinoid.
5 Myths About Delta 8 Debunked
There are a lot of myths and misconceptions surrounding delta 8, so let’s take second to check out some of the most common ones and set the record straight once and for all.
Delta 8 is Synthetic
One of the biggest myths about delta 8 is that it is a synthetic cannabinoid, similar to K2 or Spice. The difference between delta 8 and actual synthetic cannabinoids is that synthetic compounds are not naturally related to cannabis, but rather chemically created in order to mimic the effects of cannabis.
Delta 8, on the other hand, occurs naturally in the cannabis plant and is closely related to other natural compounds like delta 9 and delta 10. The reason people believe this compound to be synthetic is that it is synthesized from hemp-derived CBD, but in reality, the end product of that process results in 100% natural delta 8.
Delta 8 Won’t Make You Fail a Drug Test
Another common myth about delta 8 is that it won’t show up on a drug test or cause you to fail a drug test on account of its lessened potency.
While delta 8 is not as strong as delta 9, it can still cause a positive drug test result, especially if you consume large amounts or use delta 8 products frequently. This is because many drug tests are not designed to distinguish between delta 8 and delta 9.
Delta 8 and delta 9 are so closely related, that today’s generic drug tests can’t differentiate between the two. There are, however, other, more expensive and time-consuming tests that can read these differences. If you’re concerned about wrongful results on a drug test, consider bringing it up with your tester.
You Can’t Overdose on Delta 8
Another common myth about delta 8 is that you can’t overdose on it. While it is true that a cannabis overdose is not lethal, it is certainly possible.
Overconsumption of delta 8 can cause symptoms such as anxiety, paranoia, dizziness, and nausea. It is important to start with a low dose and gradually increase as needed to avoid these unwanted side effects.
Delta 8 is a “New” Cannabinoid
A prevalent myth about delta 8 is that it is a new cannabinoid that has recently been discovered. While its popularity has seen a recent rise like never before, delta 8 was actually first identified in the 1960s. While it’s true that delta 8 products have only recently become widely available, the cannabinoid itself is not “new.”
Delta 8 Isn’t Real Cannabis
Finally, many users are under the impression that delta 8 is not “real” cannabis because it comes from hemp and not marijuana.
Delta 8 is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, just like delta 9 THC and CBD. While it is true that delta 8 is typically extracted from hemp rather than traditional the more traditional marijuana, it is still a real and natural cannabinoid with real psychoactive and physiological effects.
5 Facts About Delta 8 Explained
Now that we’ve debunked some common myths about delta 8, let’s take a look at some of the facts.
Delta 8 is Natural
As we mentioned earlier, delta 8 is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in small amounts in the cannabis plant. Although the extraction process makes it slightly less farm-to-table, so to speak, delta 8 itself does naturally occur in the cannabis plant.
The problem arises with the fact that it only does so in trace amounts, so through vigorous research, chemists have found a way to manipulate CBD’s environment and turn it into delta 8.
Sure, there’s a little human intervention, but the compound itself is 100% natural.
Delta 8 is Less Potent than Delta 9
Delta 8 and delta 9 are chemically similar, but with some structural differences. One of the main differences is that delta 8 is less potent than delta 9 THC due to a discrepancy in their double bond placements.
In fact, research shows that delta 8 is about half as strong as delta 9, making it a wonderful alternative for people who want to experience the beneficial effects of cannabis without such intense psychoactive effects.
Delta 8 is Less Likely to Cause Negative Side Effects than Delta 9
Because delta 8 is milder than delta 9, it also has a lessened chance of causing negative side effects, including paranoia and anxiety. A recent study calls delta 8 “delta 9’s younger nicer sibling” due to these traits, and that’s not all there is to it.
Other than paranoia and anxiety, delta 8 is also less likely to result in overconsumption. Because it’s so mild, users need to ingest much more delta 8 than delta 9 to reach the same effects, which means that the chances of side effects as a result of overindulgence are also lower.
That said, delta 8, although mild, is a psychoactive cannabinoid, so users must always be cautious and vigilant when ingesting the compound.
Hemp-Derived Delta 8 is Federally Legal
One of the biggest advantages of delta 8 is that it is federally legal when derived from hemp.
In 2018, the Farm Bill legalized hemp and hemp-derived products, including delta 8 THC. However, it is important to note that some states have their own laws and regulations regarding delta 8, so it’s crucial to check local laws before purchasing or using delta 8 products.
Delta 8 Has Medical Benefits
While more research is needed to fully understand the medical benefits of delta 8, early studies have shown promising results.
Delta 8 has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-relieving), and neuroprotective properties as well as promote better sleep and improved mood. It has also been shown to stimulate appetite and reduce nausea, which could make it a valuable option for people undergoing chemotherapy or struggling with appetite issues.
Although the research remains in its infancy, we can expect to see more promising studies surrounding the compound’s impact and potential benefits on psychological and physical health.
Why the Truth Matters
With all the myths and misconceptions surrounding delta 8, it’s important to separate fact from fiction. By understanding the truth about delta 8, we can make informed decisions about our health and well-being.
Whether you’re interested in using delta 8 for relaxation, pain relief, or other medical purposes, it’s important to do your research and fully understand what exactly you’re putting in your body. By educating ourselves and spreading accurate information about delta 8, we can help reduce stigma and increase access to this promising cannabinoid.
But the truth is much more important than your own personal cannabinoid experiences—understanding delta 8 for what it truly is, is essential to the scientific advancements of the medical community, and eventually, the incorporation of cannabis in medicine.
