What is Delta THC?

In states where medical or recreational cannabis use is legal, marijuana dispensaries provide an array of Delta THC products, including Delta 8 THC and Delta-9 THC. Both these compounds originate from the Cannabis Sativa plant, which naturally produces over 100 other cannabinoids.

Even though the cannabis Sativa plant contains large amounts of Delta-9 THC, it packs small traces of delta-8 THC, a minor cannabinoid. And hemp-derived Delta-THC can be found in virtually every state since it was federally legalized in 2018.

What is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 THC, also known as Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, is a natural chemical compound that is present in cannabis and hemp plants in small quantities. Its chemical composition is similar to that of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, the primary psychoactive element found in cannabis. Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC are found in marijuana in high concentrations and produce a fuzzy and euphoric feeling.

Until recently, most states have not specifically regulated the sale, manufacture, and distribution of delta 8 THC, and similar intoxicating or impairing products have quickly saturated these markets by taking advantage of gaps in state regulations and their enforcement or a lack of understanding about the products.

Compared to Delta-9, Delta-8 THC causes a milder high and may offer many therapeutic or medical uses like pain relief, relaxation, and euphoria, with lesser adverse side effects. The growing popularity of Delta-8 THC products has raised concerns regarding legal sale and manufacture and health and safety risks.

What is Delta-9 THC?

Delta-9 THC is the main naturally-found intoxicating component of the cannabis plant. Unlike CBD, when consumed beyond a specific threshold, Delta-9 THC induces feelings of being “high.”

As you can see, if you are looking to acquire a medical marijuana card in Florida, it is a wise idea to do your research. In states that allow the legal use of Delta-9 THC, marijuana dispensaries provide delta-9 THC products in various forms of cannabis products, such as cookies, gummies, topical lotions, joints, vape cartridges, tinctures, candies, and infused beverages. 

Studies show using Delta-9 THC may have therapeutic benefits for certain conditions, including nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, seizure disorders, chronic pain, spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), and sleep disorders in people with other chronic conditions.

Research on long-term use and its effects on sleep is limited, with some studies showing improvement in sleep patterns and others indicating that chronic use can have the opposite effect, disrupting sleep and delaying sleep onset.

Can Delta-8 Help With Pain and Other Symptoms?

All cannabinoids, including delta 8 thc, Delta-9 THC, and CBD, interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Part of the neurological system, the endocannabinoid system, helps control many important function areas, such as inflammation and pain regulation. Endocannabinoid receptors are where the active constituents of cannabis Sativa bind, and they are found within the cardiac, gastrointestinal, brain, muscular, and reproductive systems.

FDA-approved synthetic formulations of Delta-9 THC include nabilone and dronabinol, which are used for alleviating chemotherapy-induced vomiting and nausea. Nabilone and dronabinol are also used to improve appetite in AIDS patients.  

How is Delta-8 THC Different From Delta-9 THC and CBD?

Delta-8 THC is an intoxicating and psychoactive cannabinoid synthetically created as a CBD or delta-9 THC byproduct. Consumption of this compound results in a milder “high” than delta-9 THC with less undesirable symptoms, such as anxiety.

Delta-9 THC is the most common cannabinoid found in marijuana and the key active compound responsible for intoxicating effects, making the consumer “high.” It is known for its ability to create a euphoric state with an array of side effects, like impairing the capacity to carry out mental work and panic attacks. Delta-9 THC is not deemed nationally legal, but state laws differ for medicinal and recreational purposes. 

State Regulations and Concerns About Delta 8 THC

Delta-9 THC is closely monitored in states where legalization measures have been passed with specific rules regarding extracting, testing, and labeling. On the other hand, many producers of delta-8 THC products do not, at times, follow specific rules and regulations, prompting legitimate safety concerns.

For instance, they may not monitor whether or not their products are free from contaminants or that the end product is true to the label, contributing to the possibility of containing potentially harmful chemicals and other potentially harmful substances. Additionally, deceptive marketing can mislead consumers into purchasing products with unsafe contaminants and potentially unsafe household chemicals.

Virtually all products containing Delta-8 THC come from synthetic or semi-synthetic cannabis, extracted and cleaned from cannabis-derived CBD oil. Unlike Delta-9 THC, which is derived from cannabis.

The Role of CB Receptors and Delta 8 THC

Activation of the CB1 receptors could help regulate pain and improve sleep quality while activating CB2 receptors reduces inflammation and calms an overactive immune system, both of which are important for improving various chronic health conditions. Research suggests delta-8 has a slightly weaker attachment to the CB1 receptor than delta-9, which tempers its effect.

Both delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC activate the body’s CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, including those in the central nervous system. CB1 receptors are generally concentrated in the brain and spinal cord, and CB2 receptors are particularly found in the immune and digestive tissues throughout the body.

Is Delta 8 THC Legal?

When the Farm Bill was passed in 2018, hemp became federally legal and could be grown, provided it had a THC value of less than 0.3%. However, the bill’s drafters made an oversight and labeled THC as Delta-9 THC, which made Delta 8 thc legal.

For this reason, delta 8 THC can be legally purchased online, in gas stations, vape shops, and certain convenience stores, even in states like Texas that have restrictive medical cannabis programs. Public health authorities in Texas are trying to ban all Delta products in 2023 because of fears of adverse events.

The product can be consumed in different forms, including candies, gummies, vaping pens, edibles, tinctures, semi-synthetic cannabis oils, or beverages. 

Is delta 8 thc Safe for Consumption?

Some concerns include variability in product formulations and product labeling, other cannabinoid and terpene content, and variable delta-8 THC concentrations. Additionally, some of these products may be labeled simply as “hemp products,” which may mislead consumers who associate “hemp” with “non-psychoactive.”

FDA Concerns Over Delta THC Consumption

The FDA is aware of the growing concerns surrounding Delta 8 THC products that are typically manufactured and sold online and in stores. These products have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA for safe use in any context.

The FDA is actively working with federal and state partners to further address the concerns related to these products and monitoring the market for product complaints, adverse events, and other emerging cannabis-derived products of potential concern. The FDA will warn consumers about public health and safety issues and take action when necessary when FDA-regulated products violate the law.

A combination of factors has led the FDA to provide consumers with this information. These factors include:

• An uptick in adverse event reports to the FDA and the nation’s poison control centers concerning significant public health concerns.
• Marketing, including online marketing of products that are appealing to children.
• Concerns regarding contamination due to methods of manufacturing that may, in some cases, be used to produce marketed delta 8 thc products.

Avoiding Accidental Exposure to Unsafe Contaminants

Similar to regular THC, delta 8 thc may not directly result in fatalities due to overdose. However, there is a possibility that the product could be contaminated with specific elements from the manufacturing process, like mold, pesticides, and heavy metals.

There have been numerous poison control center alerts involving pediatric patients who were exposed to Delta-8 THC-containing products. Additionally, animal poison control centers have indicated a sharp overall increase in accidental exposure of pets to these products, and it is important to keep these products out of reach of children and pets.

To avoid accidental exposure to unsafe contaminants and increased risk of adverse events, it is always recommended to buy delta-8 THC products from reputable sources and first consult with a certified medical marijuana physician who can provide trusted recommendations.

What Happens If You Take Too Much Delta-THC?

Some people make the mistake of thinking that Delta-THC isn’t as potent as conventional cannabis products. You may know someone who experienced uncomfortable effects after consuming too much Delta vape or edibles. Mild adverse events are not uncommon when someone is not experienced in using hemp or cannabis products.

Since it is relatively easy to confuse Delta 8 THC with CBD or hemp products, there is a risk of unknowingly consuming too much by not expecting to get high. This is very common with edibles since the onset of the psychoactive effects takes time. Up to an hour or longer in some cases, depending on the individual.

These adverse effects of taking too much Delta-8 THC could include the following:

• Anxiety, panic, or fear. 
• Trouble coordinating the body and thoughts.
• Experiencing hallucinations.
• Having irrational thoughts.

The good news is that for most people, the psychoactive effects of Delta-THC wear off faster compared to marijuana. Within a shorter time frame, you may be feeling less impaired. And some people view that as a benefit.

Why Do People Like Delta-THC?

Medical marijuana is everyone’s first choice. But if you are trying to stretch your budget, you may want to talk to a doctor about supplementing with Delta-THC products. In some cases, they may help with symptom management and be less costly and more accessible.

With that said, some of the potential benefits of hemp cannabis raw extracts like delta-8 THC may include:

• Pain relief.
• Enhanced quality of sleep.
• Calming of an overactive immune or nervous system.
• Reduced inflammation. 
• Improved appetite. 
• Prevention of sensory overstimulation. 

There is a reason why Delta-THC is dubbed “cannabis light” by the hemp industry and people who use it and love it. But for many patients, the milder effects of delta 8 thc or Delta-10 thc may not help address more pronounced symptoms like chronic pain or trauma-related anxiety, even though it has some of the same psychoactive substances found in marijuana.

Understanding the Benefits and Side Effects

To understand the benefits and side effects of Delta THC, it is important to consider the chemical structure of all the compounds being consumed, the dosage, and how frequently they are consumed. This also includes the way of administration, the quality of the product, and the age and health status of the person consuming it.

If you experience any adverse effects or serious health risks after consuming Delta THC products, it is best to see a doctor so that proper medical care can be received promptly.

Will You Test Positive for Delta THC?

Delta-8 is a type of THC that is typically illegal to use, and drug tests typically look for traces of Delta-9. However, Delta-8 THC could also potentially be positive for THC. Regardless of the type of Delta THC you have consumed, your body’s reaction to concentrated amounts will differ depending on the kind of products consumed and the frequency with which they were consumed. 

Presently, conventional urine drug tests cannot differentiate between various cannabinoids. If you have an upcoming drug test, it is recommended to avoid all Delta 8 THC products. Depending on how much you use, it is possible to test positive for THC. Even if you only consume Delta-THC products.

Get in Touch with DocMJ Today!

Whether you need a Florida medical marijuana card or are simply planning to invest in your mental health, get in touch with DocMJ today. We offer a range of services in Florida, Ohio, and Texas, including marijuana recommendations, CBD products, and online mental health counseling so you can stay on top of your overall health.

Moreover, we help you connect with the best medical marijuana physicians in the area for premium-quality assistance. Our team of experts would be more than happy to assist you with any queries or concerns related to our services and offer guidance throughout any medical procedures.

Lori Ann Reese

I am a Chief Marketing Officer at DocMJ, a leading provider of medical cannabis health services to qualified patients. I have over 20 years of experience in healthcare marketing and communications, with a proven track record of delivering impactful and compliant campaigns that educate, inform, and empower patients to make better choices for their health and wellness.