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
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
Several forms of THC 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 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.
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 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.
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.Â
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.
I use to be a regular weed smoker but quit several years for a job I had, recently I tried a delta 8 vape and got just as high as I did off of delta 9 flower..I quit using because it was very harsh on my lungs and had to hit it 20 times a week later to get same results..I noticed I had cotton mouth way worse and even had a couple days after quitting.. after reading all the comments it gos to show you how messed up the laws are in some states..I can’t legally smoke a natural plant with out facing legal issues,but I can legally smoke something that has very little regulations and can cause more harm then good..makes no sense..just like alcohol being legal and marijuana not..was an alcoholic from age 17 to the age of 35..I’m still paying for the alcoholic life and have been sober for around 17 yrs.. sorry,kinda went off topic,just makes me mad that they can sell poison and not a natural plant..
Hi Daniel. I’m sorry to hear of your struggles. It’s unfortunate how the legal system treats cannabis compared to other substances aand very frustrating that a natural plant faces more legal scrutiny than substances that can be harmful. Your journey from alcoholism to sobriety adds another layer to the discussion. Thank you for sharing your perspective. Sending healing vibes your way.
I’ve been sick for about a week. Nausea, weak stomach and dizziness. I recently moved to a new area and am forced to buy delta 8 and hhc products from a headshop. I am 100% sure it’s the d8 and hhc product. Switching back to regular d9 bud today. Hoping this nausea goes away because I start a new job Monday. I use thc for mental health reasons.
Hi Bobby. I’m sorry to hear you’ve been feeling unwell, but appreciate your sharing your experience. It’s important to listen to your body, especially when introducing new substances. Switching back to what you know works for you sounds like a wise decision. Good luck with your new job on Monday, and I hope you feel better soon!
I’m sorry to hear about your tough experience with Delta-8 THC vape pens and edibles. Side effects like dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, and even severe reactions you described are possible. The harshness might stem from the chemical processes used to convert hemp-derived CBD into Delta-8 THC, potentially introducing harmful substances.
The lack of regulation for these products might also increase the risk of dangerous contaminants, which suggests the problem could be the extraction process or other ingredients. Switching to a low dose Delta-9 product, which is naturally occurring, involves safer extraction methods, and comes under stricter regulations, is often advised.
Listening to your body is key, and it’s good that you’re exploring alternatives that feel right. Trying lower doses or different cannabinoids can help. I hope your new choice brings you relief and better experiences.
Was using D8 vape pens but they were destroying my lungs. It was so incredibly harsh and the hits weren’t consistent.
So I decided to switch to a D8 edible that were 175 mg per gummy and the recommended dose was half of one, which I followed. They were definitely stronger but I expected this. I was good the first week or so, but then started noticing I would get clumsier, absent minded dizzy and slightly nauseous.
A few weeks ago, I took the recommended dose and felt like I was hit by a train. I was literally questioning my existence. I had crazy cotton mouth, dizziness and awful nausea. Spent the better part of 4 hours laying on the bathroom floor vomiting and almost on the verge of a panic attack. The only thing that kept me somewhat calm was knowing that it eventually would pass and I wasn’t going to die. Felt like I had a full blown hangover the next day which was probably just dehydration and low blood sugar since it was impossible to eat.
I’m still not sure if it was the d8 itself or maybe some other suspect ingredient or chemical used in the extraction process. A friend of mine who works at a dispensary said it was most likely the anxiety causing me to throw up.
Needless to say they went straight into the garbage and I’m now trying a low dose D9 lozenge which is 2.5 mg per.
The D8 gummies I was using were Torch brand XXL
I’m really sorry to hear about your painful experience with D8 products, Daniel. It sounds incredibly tough what you’ve gone through. Your health and well-being are the most important things, so it’s good that you’ve recognized what’s harmful to you and decided to stop using it. It’s alarming to hear how severely it affected you, and it raises concerns about the safety and regulation of such products. Sharing your experience is brave and can help inform others who might be unaware of the potential side effects. Take care of yourself and I hope you recover fully soon.
I recently tried one delta 8 gummy at 25mg. I spent the night vomitting and shaking uncontrollably. I had hallucinations, diarrhea, vomitting, extreme dizziness and the inability to walk. My parents almost took me to the er as i was certain I had overdosed even though i only took one. It took several cold baths between rounds of vomitting and diarrhea before i could be laid down on the floor where I laid down crying, vomitting and shaking.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us, Cat. I’m incredibly sorry to hear about the distressing symptoms you went through after taking a delta 8 gummy. It’s vital for stories like yours to be shared to help inform others about the potential risks and reactions. Your courage in detailing what happened is appreciated, and I hope you’re feeling better now. Sending good vibes your way!
Yes I have been harmed by D8 products. They would give me cluster headaches and migraines like crazy to the point where I was on the floor crying in pain several times. As of typing this I have what feels like a mega alchohol hangover and feverish shaking and muscle soreness. I am officially DONE with D8 and I really want to see this cash grab banned!