Have you heard that delta-8 is a legal way to get THC? Unfortunately, the way it's made can be potentially dangerous! Learn more about delta-8 THC, why you should stay away from these products, and where you can get safe products instead.
Features:
- An overview of what delta-8 THC is vs. delta-9 THC
- The potentially dangerous side effects associated with D8
- Where to get safe products instead
There Are Different Forms of THC
There are several forms of THC that occur naturally within the plant.
With slight chemical differences, there is: delta-8 THC (D8), delta-9 THC (D9), delta-10 THC (D10), and more.
These compounds work with the cannabinoid receptors in our endocannabinoid system.
Unfortunately, there's some major controversy surrounding the delta-8 form of THC.
D9 THC is the form you may be most familiar with. It is considered to be a major cannabinoid because it naturally occurs in large amounts in a plant.
D8 and D10 are minor cannabinoids because they are only naturally present in very small amounts.
People claim that D8 can provide relief for those with chronic pain, migraine attacks, and other medical conditions.
Retailers love D8 because they believe is a legal loophole, claiming it is legal at the federal level because it comes from 'hemp' plants.
Unfortunately, there have been an alarming number of claims of people reporting adverse reactions after consuming delta-8 flower, delta-8 gummies, and other delta-8 THC products like vape cartridges.
As concern grows over these products, New York State just ordered an immediate cease and desist for any company selling D8 or D10 products.
What is Delta-8?
It is important to start with the fact that naturally occurring D8 THC is not inherently dangerous.
However, the cannabis plant does not naturally produce D8 in large amounts.
To get a large amount of D8 needed to make products to sell, it is chemically created from hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD).
To convert CBD into D8, manufacturers need to use harsh chemicals, like dichloromethane, which emits highly toxic fumes when exposed to heat.
D8 can also be made with things like battery acid and pool chemicals.
It is the chemical process used to create D8 that makes it potentially unsafe to consume.
Again, it is not the compound itself, but the chemicals used to produce D8 and the leftover residual material, that makes it dangerous.
Side Effects of Synthetic Delta-8
Delta-8 THC has both psychoactive and intoxicating effects (whether it is derived from hemp extract or not)
The FDA has severally received cases of people who have reported adverse intoxicating effects of delta-8 THC such as difficulty thinking and speaking.
Regular use might also cause cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS).
CHS usually leads to severe nausea and vomiting that doesn't respond to typical anti-nausea drugs.
These effects will vary based on how the delta-8 is produced, the strength of the product, and the frequency of consumption.
Large doses may cause more severe reactions.
Other negative side effects of consuming contaminated D8 products include:
- Red eyes – This includes continuously rubbing your eyes, trying to restore some moisture.
- Slowed reaction times
- Dry mouth – you will most likely feel parched as long as the Delta-8 molecule is present and active in your mouth.
- Anxiety – although Delta-8 has been said to alleviate paranoia, people who consume much have reported feeling anxious and jittery.
- Memory loss
- Trouble with coordination
- Rapid heart rate
- Headaches - migraine symptoms, cluster headaches,
While many companies claim their D8 products are safe, little research has been done on what is considered 'safe'.
There is currently no way to distinguish between a 'safe' and 'unsafe' D8 product. This is why D8 is banned in medical marijuana programs across the United States.
Instead, other cannabis products, like D9, are recommended for the effective treatment of various ailments.
Lack of Regulation
One of the biggest risks of using D8 products is its lack of regulation.
This lack of regulation increases the chance of dangerous contaminants being present in the products being sold.
Keep in mind that D8 hasn't been evaluated by the US FDA for safety, and has been banned by some states including New York.
In October of 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) both put out health warnings about D8 THC.
Delta-9 is Safer Than Delta-8
Cannabis use is supposed to be health-promoting, but using chemically derived D8 is not.
Delta-9 products provide safer effects because they are naturally occurring, extracted through safe processes, and are already highly regulated.
This makes delta-9 products a safer choice than delta-8 products.
In my shop, I have D9 THC gummies available which provide the euphoric effects you may be looking for.
This is a better option if you want a full spectrum option that will leave you feeling amazing, without the possibility of dangerous contaminants.
Have You Been Harmed by D8?
I have had many people come to me and tell me the D8 product they tried has made them sick. Has this happened to you? Let me know in the comments below.
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Tamara
I stopped using my vape pen with Delta 8 because it increased my anxiety and caused shortness of breath. Some of the other side-effects that are listed but I didn't equate with Delta-8 have also been problematic for me.
Emily Kyle
I am so sorry to hear about your experience, Tamara! Thank you for sharing with us.
Sandra
Tried edibles for the first time. I knew nothing about Delta 8 and was surprised that any kind of THC was OTC. I couldn't move off my chair without being extremely dizzy and nauseous. Started to panic because instead of dissipating, it seemed to get worse as the hours went on. Finally slept it off. Never again!
Emily Kyle
I’m so sorry to hear about what happened to you, Sandra 😢
Zack R
Omg! I have been wondering about this because I have enjoyed regular D9 edibles with no issues but as soon as I tryed D8 for a little while it was ok but soon enough I got really and I mean really sick ! Throwing up/nausea so bad I couldn't even take a sip of water or eat for more than 10 days NO joke lost more than 40lbs and went through about the worst pain of my life ! Dr called it cannabinoid somethin syndrome I just assumed I was allergic to anything with cannabis so I stopped taken everything and it helped me with my pain and sleep soo much I miss it the high was just a bonus . I'm just terrified to try regular d9 products because it was the most miserable time of my life!!! I don't know what to do because I hate taken pain meds and I'm on alot of them and d9 made me go from taken 5-12 10-325 oxycodone/oxycoton to 2-4 plus I have to take sleeping meds and I don't with d9!!!
Emily Kyle
Gosh, I am so sorry to hear about your experience, Zack! I wish you all the best as you try and find what works best for you 🙂
Kiki
I actually worked at a Delta 8 shop, it's called the holistic co. They make their own products. Their products seemed good. Enough I was stoked to get a job there. One night the owner who I found out very quickly is fake as she can be had these chocolates they were thinking about collaborating with and asked me to try only 1. I have a super high tolerance btw. She ended up leaving shortly after and I was alone at the shop after consuming and prob 30 min later, I called her slurring my speech and running into walls. I could hardly talk and I take meds for hi blood pressure & I had told her that previously. My heart was racing out of my chest so bad and I was starting to have a hard time breathing. Owner acted annoyed bc she just had left. She kept saying "I don't know what you want me to do" and then told me to call her back if things get worse. I was desperately trying to tell her to watch her camera of me that I was not ok. We got off the phone. I was so so terrified that I was going to die so I ended up having to call her back and tell her either she was coming or I'm calling 911 bc I don't want to die. By the grace of God I was able to make it home. I got home, was slurring and heart racing so I took my bp and it was 185/105... extremely high!!! I asked my family to check on me after I changed my clothes ( they said like 5 min later they checked on me) and next thing I remember was waking up the next day. I am so blessed to still be here. Sorry this was such a long story but one of the scariest nights of my life!!
Emily Kyle
Oh my gosh, Kiki! I am SO sorry this happened to you 🙁 Thank you so much for sharing your story here, I hope it helps others!
Sarah
Tried a Delta-8 vape pen for the first time on Thursday night (3 days ago) and have been nauseous and vomiting ever since. I called poison control and they said there was likely a contaminant in the vape pen. Got a prescription for Zofran but it’s not helping much. Can’t hold anything down, not even water. Might go to the hospital if I don’t feel better today. I will NEVER do ANY type of vape again.
Emily Kyle
I am so sorry to hear this, Sarah 🙁 I hope you are doing OK!
Alessandra
Hi Emily,
thank you for writing about this. I don't take hemp products. A friend thought he was doing me a favor and gave me a gummy saying it was good for sleep. I sleep well anyway and took it because he said he wanted to test it and see how well it works. He didn't tell me it was delta 8. I woke up about 2 hours after taking the gummy and vomited the rest of the night. I thought I was going to die. I couldn't open my eyes because of how dizzy I was. I would vomit, feel a tiny bit of relief but then it would start up again. It felt like the drug was in the back of my brain wreaking havoc on my balancing system. Never again for any CBD products. I'm very sensitive to things and all I ever need for whatever symptom I'm experiencing is to take a homeopathic. I do not need things that hit me over the head or in this case to punch my in the stomach.
Emily Kyle
Gosh, I am so sorry to hear this happened to you Alessandra 🙁 Thank you for being brave enough to share your experience with others here.