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.
Table of Contents
Article Features
- An overview of what delta-8 THC is vs. delta-9 THC
- The potentially dangerous side effects associated with D8
- Want to skip the hard work? Shop with me and have premium, high-quality cannabis products delivered directly to your door! Now shipping across the US.
Why You Will Love This Guide
Curious about THC and its different forms? You’re not alone, many members of my Well With Cannabis Community have asked me about this.
This guide will give you a clear and friendly explanation of delta-8 THC (D8), delta-9 THC (D9), and why understanding them matters.
Whether you’re a cannabis enthusiast or just trying to stay informed, you’ll discover the benefits and risks associated with these compounds.
Plus, we’ll explore important safety tips and break down some of the controversies surrounding D8. By the end, you’ll feel empowered to make safer, smarter decisions about cannabis products.
There Are Different Forms of THC
THC isn’t a one-size-fits-all compound. Several forms of THC occur naturally in cannabis plants, including delta-8 THC (D8), delta-9 THC (D9), and delta-10 THC (D10).
While they share similarities, each has slight chemical differences that influence how they work with the receptors in your body’s endocannabinoid system.
D9 THC may sound familiar—that’s because it’s the form that occurs in the largest quantities and is considered a “major cannabinoid.”
By contrast, D8 and D10 are referred to as “minor cannabinoids” because they naturally occur in much smaller amounts.
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 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 it 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.
But here’s the kicker: D8 doesn’t naturally appear in large quantities.
To produce enough for retail products like gummies, vapes, and oils, manufacturers use a chemical process to convert hemp-derived CBD into D8.
Unfortunately, this process often involves harsh chemicals like dichloromethane, battery acid, or even pool cleaning products. Yikes.
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 product’s strength, and the consumption frequency.
Large doses may cause more severe reactions.
Other negative side effects of consuming contaminated D8 products include:
- Red eyes – Red eyes, including continuously rubbing your eyes and 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
- Digestive distress – in some situations, you may experience diarrhea or other digestive problems
While many companies claim their D8 products are safe, little research has been done on what is considered ‘safe’.
There is 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 to treat various ailments effectively.
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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 in the products 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, providing 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?
Many people have come to me and told me the D8 product they tried has made them sick. Has this happened to you? Let me know in the comments below.
Yes, I have been negatively affected by delta-8. I reported to my prescribing doctor the symptoms that I was experiencing and he informed me of the dangers using it and scheduled a six-month follow up. Thanks for keeping us informed!
Hi Tamara. I am so sorry to hear you going through this and I hope you are feeling better after ceasing the use of Delta-8. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.
I was using delta 8 products on a fairly regular basis. Like 3 to 4 times a week. I came down with a sickness that has lasted almost 3 weeks now. The symptoms were extreme fatigue, headaches and mainly really extreme chest congestion. I went to the Dr’s twice, was given antibiotics and they did nothing. I ended up using dayquil and mucinex dm which finally seemed to help. Was it the delta products? I don’t know
Hi Debra. We are so sorry to hear of your health struggles, but hopefully, you have ceased using Delta-8 products. Glad you are feeling better.
This stuff should be made illegal! I love the delta 9, but after the experiences I had with D8 I will never touch anything again! Needless to say it has put me in a bad medical state that has lasted for over 2 months. This stuff messed up my gut, and as another person wrote it has been a process to eat anything. In addition it causes nerve damage. States need to regulate as this stuff is rogue and is a menace to society
Hi RJ. I am so very sorry to hear of you horrible experience. They allow toxic synthetic products to be sold, but prohibit a plant and all its natural benefits. Sounds backwards to me.
Yes I’ve been affected negatively by D8. I have had all the uncomfortable symptoms mentioned in the article. People like myself need to get educated on these products. Thanks for the article and i had no idea how delta 8 was derived.
Hi Blake. I am so sorry you had a bad experience! Thank you for sharing with us. The best we can do is keep spreading awareness to those who don’t know otherwise.
So. I got some from a kratom store the other day to try. Regular Delta 9 is too much for me. I have generalized anxiety disorder and PTSD. I read that Delta 8 doesnt cause anxiety of paranoia. Boy, what I wrong! I took it at about 9pm at night. I went to lay down by 1230 am. I couldn’t sleep. By 230am I was shaking out of control with cold aches and headaches. I went to ER because my chest was feeling tight and I couldn’t breathe. After 7 hours and many tests in the ER, they let me go with no issues they said. This was 2 days ago. I’m still stuck on the couch with cold chills, sweats, and massive headaches. Feels like I’m dying. NEVER TAKE DELTA 8
Hi Dumb aahh. We are so very sorry to hear of your horrible experience with Delta8. We try to warn as many people as we can so this doesn’t happen to anyone. Stay hydrated and get well soon! ? Thank you for sharing your experience.
Delta 8 just feels “off” to me when I do it. It also seems to make me very nauseous. It also burns my sinuses really bad for several minutes after vaporizing. I bought two carts from a dispensary in SC almost a year ago and I’ve never finished them. This alone says a lot.
I am so sorry to hear this, Cam 🙁 That sounds like a terrible experience! I hope you are feeling better now.
Yes it’s been a month since I smoke delta 8 and I have headaches and high blood pressure .. it’s terrible
I am so sorry to hear this, Juan, I wish you a speedy recovery!
I had a terrible experience. I consumed one D8 gummie and within an hour I had to lay down. My heart was racing and I had trouble controlling my breathing for several hours.
I am so sorry to hear about you experience, Jeanette 🙁 I hope you are doing well, now!
Happy to share Emily.. My experience with D8 was quite interesting! As I have been pretty much a life long thc consumer, there are also times when I wish to ‘give it a rest’ per say.. This is a tricky affair actually, and can be rather severe regards withdrawal symptoms. Nonetheless I have done this many times over the years and so.. I know the drill. The vaping bud option over the last several years is pretty awesome but also quite the narcotic affair lol and so, although less pressure on the lungs it still is less than ideal for a Flutist. This past summer I came down with something. No big deal but it can give a head start on the detox thing and so I went for it. Two weeks in someone gave me D8 gummies to try @ 10 mg per and I started off with one, but little to no effect. Two days later took three and that was a bit much lol then two then one and a half and then back to one. The opposite of what ‘resistance’ would normally mean, to my experience anyway. But the thing that is worth noting here is that it completely neutralized any withdrawal symptoms getting off thc, which can be pretty rough (as someone who has done it many times) Then, I noticed the D8 high was a bit headachy and so.. that was the end of that!! Now with winter coming here in NY I found my way to your site, thinking about the tincture thing, as I can be or have been influenced by the S A D thing. Ok Emily.. you got me to share! Best .. Jeff
Thank you so much for taking the time to share, Jeff! And good luck with the tincture making process 😀
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.
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.
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.
I am so sorry to hear this, Sarah 🙁 I hope you are doing OK!
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!!
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!
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!!!
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 🙂
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!
I’m so sorry to hear about what happened to you, Sandra ?
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.
I am so sorry to hear about your experience, Tamara! Thank you for sharing with us.