Delta 8 Facts & Myths: What’s Real and What’s Just Hype?

Jun 29, 2025

Roughly one in five U.S. adults under 30 has tried Delta 8 THC, according to a 2023 study published in JAMA, yet most still don’t fully understand what it is or how it works.

Delta 8 THC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in small quantities in hemp. Chemically, it’s a close relative of Delta 9 THC - the primary compound behind marijuana’s high - but the effects of Delta 8 tend to be less intense and more clear-headed. That smoother experience has helped drive its popularity, especially in states where Delta 9 remains illegal.

Delta 8 is federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, but only under strict conditions, primarily that it’s derived from hemp containing less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC. Still, more than 15 U.S. states have restricted or banned Delta 8 entirely, creating a legal gray area that many consumers don’t realize they’re navigating.

Before diving into the common myths, it’s important to understand this foundation: Delta 8 is psychoactive, its legality isn’t universal, and its effects, while milder, still influence the brain and body. With that context in place, let’s clear up the biggest misconceptions.

Common Myths About Delta 8 Debunked

Delta 8’s rise in popularity has outpaced public understanding. With minimal regulation and plenty of hype, misinformation spreads easily, especially through vague product labels, influencer endorsements, and unverified claims. Sorting fact from fiction isn’t just about being informed; it’s essential for using Delta 8 responsibly and legally.

Let’s break down the most common myths, starting with the ones that confuse new users the most.

Myth #1: Delta 8 Isn’t Psychoactive

Reality:

Delta 8 is psychoactive. That means it alters brain function, changes mood, and affects perception, just like Delta 9, though typically to a lesser degree. It interacts with the body’s CB1 receptors, which are part of the endocannabinoid system that regulates mood, memory, and pain.

Most users report a calmer, more clear-headed high compared to Delta 9, making it popular for daytime use or for those sensitive to THC-induced anxiety. But calling it “non-psychoactive” is flat-out wrong. Even low doses of Delta 8 can lead to noticeable changes in mental state, especially for first-time users or those with lower tolerance.

Myth #2: Delta 8 Is Completely Legal Everywhere

Reality:

Delta 8 is only federally legal if it’s derived from hemp and contains less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC. But that doesn’t mean it’s legal in every state. As of 2023, at least 17 states had either banned or restricted Delta 8, including New York, Colorado, and Alaska.

Part of the legal confusion stems from how most commercial Delta 8 is made, converted synthetically from CBD, which muddies the waters under federal law. The FDA hasn’t approved Delta 8 for any therapeutic use, and there are no uniform safety standards in place. That lack of oversight gives states more room to decide for themselves, and many have opted for tighter controls or outright bans.

Myth #3: Delta 8 Has No Side Effects

Reality:

No cannabinoid comes without side effects, and Delta 8 is no exception. While often marketed as a gentler alternative to Delta 9, it can still cause dry mouth, drowsiness, red eyes, slowed reaction time, and, at higher doses, temporary anxiety or confusion.

The way Delta 8 affects someone depends on several factors: dose, frequency of use, individual body chemistry, and the quality of the product consumed. A low dose may feel mild and relaxing for one person, but leave another feeling off-balance if their tolerance is low or the product contains contaminants.

Just because it’s milder than Delta 9 doesn’t mean it’s side-effect free. Responsible use, and choosing clean, lab-tested products, matters.

Myth #4: Delta 8 Is Just Like Delta 9

Reality:

Structurally, Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC are nearly identical, but their effects aren’t. Delta 9 tends to produce a stronger, faster onset high that can sometimes tip into anxiety or paranoia, especially in large amounts.

Delta 8, on the other hand, offers a more controlled, often smoother experience. Many users describe the effects as clear-headed, functional, and relaxed, less likely to cause racing thoughts or overstimulation.

But that doesn’t mean it’s risk-free. Delta 8 still impairs coordination, short-term memory, and reaction time, which means driving or operating machinery while under its influence remains dangerous and illegal in most states. It’s distinct from Delta 9, but not harmless or interchangeable.

Myth #5: Delta 8 Is Natural and Always Safe

Reality:

Delta 8 does occur naturally in hemp, but only in very small amounts. To meet commercial demand, nearly all Delta 8 on the market is synthesized from CBD through chemical conversion. That process itself isn’t inherently unsafe, but the end product’s safety depends entirelyon how well it’s done.

Poorly made Delta 8 can contain residual solvents, heavy metals, or synthetic byproducts that weren’t properly removed during production. Without clear regulations or oversight, products from disreputable brands can reach shelves with little to no quality control.

Calling Delta 8 “natural” doesn’t guarantee safety. What matters is sourcing, lab testing, and transparency, not just the ingredient list.

Key Facts About Delta 8 You Should Know

Once the myths are cleared up, what remains are the facts, grounded in science, not marketing spin. Whether you're using Delta 8 for relaxation, curiosity, or routine support, these truths can help you make smarter, safer decisions.

Fact #1: Delta 8 Has Therapeutic Potential

Early research, combined with real-world use, points to possible benefits of Delta 8 for anxiety relief, pain management, and appetite stimulation. A 2022 study published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research found that over 70% of Delta 8 users reported reduced anxiety and better sleep quality, with fewer negative side effects than traditional THC products. 

Many describe the effects as calming without being sedating, an appealing balance for people seeking mild symptom relief without a heavy mental fog. But it’s important to keep expectations in check: these are preliminary findings, not medical endorsements. Delta 8 isn’t FDA-approved for treating any condition, and it shouldn’t replace professional healthcare or prescribed treatments.

Fact #2: Delta 8 Tolerance Builds Over Time

Like other cannabinoids, regular Delta 8 use leads to tolerance. That means the same dose becomes less effective the more frequently you use it. This happens as your body’s endocannabinoid receptors adapt and respond less strongly to the compound.

For frequent users, this can lead to higher doses, and potentially stronger side effects, just to feel the same impact. The best way to maintain sensitivity? Microdosing (taking small, controlled amounts) and building in tolerance breaks, even just a few days off, to reset your baseline.

Being intentional with your routine keeps Delta 8 effective, and avoids the cycle of escalating doses that can reduce its benefits over time.

Fact #3: Product Quality Varies Widely

One of the biggest risks with Delta 8 isn’t the cannabinoid itself, it’s the inconsistent quality of products on the market. Because the industry is largely unregulated at the federal level, manufacturers aren't required to meet any standardized testing or safety guidelines. That leaves consumers vulnerable to contaminated or inaccurately labeled products.

A 2022 investigation published in Chemical Research in Toxicology analyzed commercial Delta 8 products and found that many contained residual solvents, synthetic byproducts, and cannabinoid concentrations that didn’t match the label.

To stay safe, only buy from brands that publish third-party Certificates of Analysis (COAs). These lab reports confirm the product’s cannabinoid profile, verify its potency, and check for contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, and residual solvents. Without a COA, there's no way to know what you're actually consuming.

How to Avoid Falling for Delta 8 Misinformation

In an unregulated market, the biggest threat to consumers isn’t always the product, it’s the misinformation that surrounds it. Misleading claims, unclear labeling, and low-quality products can easily pass as legitimate unless you know what to watch for. These two principles can help you separate the trustworthy from the risky.

Watch for Red Flags in Marketing Claims

When a brand makes Delta 8 sound too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid companies that promise “no side effects,” “100% safe,” or “legal in all 50 states”, none of those statements hold up under scrutiny. Every psychoactive compound has potential side effects. No cannabinoid is universally legal. And no product is guaranteed safe without third-party validation.

Be skeptical of brands that don’t share exactly how their Delta 8 is made or fail to provide lab results. If there’s no transparency on sourcing, extraction, or testing, there’s likely something they’re not telling you.

Look for Brands That Prioritize Education and Testing

Reputable Delta 8 companies do more than just sell, they educate. They’re clear about how their products are sourced, how they’re made, and how they’re tested. They offer Certificates of Analysis (COAs), explain dosages, and publish helpful content to guide new users.

Brands like Moonwlkr are leading that shift. With a focus on third-party testing, clean extraction methods, and accurate labeling, they help consumers make informed choices. When companies invest in transparency and education, you’re not just buying a product, you’re buying peace of mind.

Final Thoughts: Stick With the Facts - Enjoy Delta 8 the Right Way

Delta 8 is real, psychoactive, and increasingly popular, but it’s also widely misunderstood. Cutting through the noise and focusing on facts over hype is the smartest way to stay safe, stay legal, and get the most out of your experience.

Understanding how it works, knowing what to watch for, and choosing lab-tested, transparently made products makes all the difference.

Want to experience Delta 8 without the guesswork? Shop Moonwlkr’s premium, tested gummies and vapes today.