Delta-8 THC is a psychoactive compound that’s found in marijuana and hemp plants. D8 THC is also made in labs. It’s a milder form of the delta-9 compound associated with the marijuana high.

While many people consider delta-8 to be relatively harmless, there is a strong potential for abuse leading to heavier substance use and relapse for those who struggle with addiction.

If you are considering using delta-8 in sobriety, talk to a professional addiction counselor prior to making that decision. This guide to delta-8 explores the many effects delivered by this drug and shows you how to get compassionate and effective treatment for substance abuse.

What Is Delta 8 THC?

Delta 8 THC, or delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol [1], is a cannabinoid chemical compound found in marijuana plants. It’s similar to delta-9 THC, the cannabinoid in the marijuana plant that makes you feel high. However, delta-8 is less potent.

Delta 8 THC can be found in tiny amounts in marijuana. To make enough for products like gummies and vapes, it is usually created from CBD, another compound found in the hemp plant and the marijuana plant. This process makes it more available but also means it’s often made in labs.

What Are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in cannabis plants. These compounds interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating various functions such as mood, pain, appetite, and memory.

The most well known cannabinoids are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol)[2]. THC is the primary psychoactive compound that produces the high associated with marijuana, while CBD is non-psychoactive and is often used for its potential therapeutic benefits. There are over 100 different cannabinoids in cannabis, each with its unique effects and properties.

Is Delta 8 Safe?

The safety of delta-8 THC is still under research, and because it is often synthetically produced, it may carry risks from contaminants and unregulated manufacturing processes.

For those in addiction recovery, Delta-8 is very unsafe to use as it can easily trigger a relapse. Any substance that triggers a “high” can stimulate the part of the brain that is responsible for addictive behaviors like compulsiveness, cravings, & more.

If you need help overcoming a relapse, call our recovery hotline at 844-576-0144. 

Is Delta 8 Synthetic?

Delta-8 can be naturally found in cannabis plants, but the quantities are so small that it’s normally produced synthetically from CBD extracted from hemp.

Does Delta 8 Have THC?

Yes, delta-8 is a type of THC, specifically delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, which is chemically similar to the more well-known delta-9 THC.

Is Delta-8 THC Illegal?

Some states allow delta-8, while others do not. This is because delta-8 is often made from hemp, which is legal, but its effects are similar to marijuana, which is not legal everywhere. Check your local laws for more info.

Safer Alternatives to Delta- 8

Many people consider delta-8 to be too risky to use for either legal, addiction, or other reasons. However, there are other options. CBD is a popular alternative that doesn’t make you high but can help with pain and anxiety.

For those struggling with addiction, there are actually studies that show [3] that CBD can help curb tobacco and heroin cravings, with potential for helping curb other substance cravings like alcohol, cannabis, opiates, and stimulants as well.

While everyone’s journey is different, CBD is not typically considered hazardous to consume in addiction recovery.

Delta 8 Effects & Risks

Delta-8 THC, a lesser-known cannabinoid, has been gaining popularity for its milder psychoactive effects than those of delta-9 THC. Here are some of its effects and potential risks:

Delta-8 Effects on the Body

What does delta 8 do? This type of THC interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system [4], which helps regulate things like mood, pain, and appetite. While this substance can cause users to experience a “high,” it also comes with side effects. These effects include:

• Slowed reaction times
• Loss of coordination
• Rapid heart rate
• Dry mouth
• Red eyes
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Potential relapse trigger for those in addiction recovery   

Delta-8 Risks

Risks of delta-8 include:

• Side effects: Delta 8 can cause dry mouth, red eyes, dizziness, and tiredness. Some people may also experience anxiety or paranoia, although these effects are typically milder than with delta-9 THC.

• Synthetic production: Since delta 8 is usually synthesized from CBD, the process may involve harmful chemicals. Without proper regulation, the safety and purity of delta 8 products can be questionable.

• Legal issues: The legality of delta 8 varies by state and country, leading to potential legal issues.

• Interaction with medications: Delta 8 may interact with other medications, so consult with a healthcare provider before use.
• Unknown long-term effects: Not much is known about the long-term effects of using delta 8, so exercise caution.
• Unregulated products: Since delta 8 is often made in labs, the quality can vary. Some products might contain harmful chemicals or impurities.

Psychoactive Effects

Delta-8 THC can make you feel a mild high, but can also come with adverse side effects. Here are some of the psychoactive effects that you might experience:

• Euphoria

• Relaxation

• Mild high

How Is Delta 8 Different from Other Cannabinoids?

Delta 8 THC is just one of many cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. Here’s how it stands out:

• Less potent high: Delta-8 gives a milder high than delta-9 THC.

• Psychoactive effects: Many people find delta-8 to be more relaxing and less likely to cause anxiety than delta-9 THC.

• Legal gray area: Delta 8 is often made from hemp and its legal status may vary depending on where you live.

Delta 9 vs Delta 8

When comparing delta 8 vs delta 9, the compounds are similar but have some key differences:

• Potency: What is delta 9? It’s stronger and more intense than delta 8. Delta 8 THC is milder and produces a lighter, clearer delta-8 high.

• Side effects: Delta 9 THC can cause more side effects like anxiety and paranoia. Delta 8 is less likely to cause these effects and is often seen as more calming.

• Legality: Delta 9 THC is illegal in many places, while delta 8 THC has a more complex legal status and can sometimes be sold legally, especially if made from the hemp plant.

Delta 10 vs Delta 8

Delta 10 THC is another cannabinoid that’s gaining attention. Here’s how it compares to delta 8 THC:

• Effects: Delta 10 THC is said to give a more energetic high, similar to a sativa strain. Delta 8 THC is more calming, like an indica strain.

• Potency: Both delta 8 and delta 10 THC are less potent than delta-9 THC, but delta 10 is often seen as even milder than delta 8.

• Research: There is less research on delta 10 THC, so we don’t know as much about its effects and safety as delta 8 THC. However, both strains are lacking in proper safety research.

Delta 8 Sativa vs. Indica Delta 8

Delta 8 Sativa is typically more energizing and uplifting, making it better for daytime use, while Delta 8 Indica is known for its calming and sedative effects, ideal for relaxation and nighttime use. Both contain Delta 8 THC, but the strain influences the overall experience.

If you are in addiction recovery, it is not recommended to consume any of these substances as there is a significant chance of relapse.

Delta-8 | FAQs

Is Delta-8 real weed?

For anyone wondering is delta-8 weed, it is a cannabinoid found in cannabis, but it’s not the same as traditional marijuana. It is a naturally occurring compound, often derived from hemp or in the form of delta-8 CBD

How much THC is in Delta-8?

Delta-8 THC products vary in concentration, but they typically contain less than 0.3% delta-9 THC to comply with legal standards while containing significant amounts of delta-8 THC.

What does Delta-8 do?

Delta-8 THC can produce a mild euphoric high, offering effects like relaxation, pain relief, and stress reduction, although it’s typically not as strong as delta-9 THC.

Does delta 8 get you high?

Yes, delta-8 THC can get you high, but the effects are typically milder than delta-9 THC, making it popular among people seeking less intense psychoactive effects.

Will you test positive for THC if you use delta-8?

Yes, using delta-8 THC can result in a positive drug test for THC, as most standard drug tests cannot differentiate between delta-8 and delta-9 THC.

How do people use Delta-8?

People use delta 8 THC in many ways, and ingest it in a variety of forms including vapes and gummies. It’s typically used to induce a “high” as a result of its THC content.

What are the methods of Delta-8 consumption?

There are several ways that delta-8 is taken, including gummies and edibles, tinctures, vapes, & more.

Get Treatment for Drug Addiction & Relapse Prevention at Gratitude Lodge

If you feel that you or someone you care about needs help getting back on track from substance abuse, reach out to Gratitude Lodge. Our inpatient rehabs in Newport Beach and Long Beach, California, offer treatment programs for all types of addictions.

Supervised detox at one of our rehabs by the beach offers access to medications and continuous care, helping reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms during detox. You can then transition to ongoing therapy.

All addictions are unique, so all treatment programs at Gratitude Lodge deliver personalized therapies like:

• Talk therapies
• Medication-assisted treatment
• Counseling
• Family therapy
• Group therapy
• Holistic treatment
• Aftercare

Call our recovery experts today to get started at 844-576-0144.

Sources

[1] https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/5-things-know-about-delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol-delta-8-thc

[2] https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476

[3] https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476#:~:text=Addiction%3A%20CBD%20can%20help%20lower,cannabis%2C%20opiates%2C%20and%20stimulants.

[4]https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-endocannabinoid-system-essential-and-mysterious-202108112569