Imagine a world where you can experience the gentle euphoria of THC, without the overwhelming intensity and anxiety that is often associated with it.
This dreamy scenario has become a reality, thanks to the rising popularity of Delta 8 THC.
Enter: Delta 8 gummies.
Colorful, tasty, and discreet little treats that promise relaxation without the full-blown psychedelic journey of Delta-9 THC.
But as with all things that seem too good to be true, you might be wondering, is Delta 8 safe?
In a landscape where cannabis legality is a patchwork of regulations and the market is a wild west of products, understanding the safety of Delta 8 gummies is a critical concern, especially if you’re considering taking them.
Join us as we delve into the intriguing world of Delta 8 gummies, and explore the controversies, questions and potential risks that accompany them. In this article, we will evaluate the safety of these products.
Remind me… What is Delta 8-THC?
Delta 8 THC, or Delta 8 Tetrahydrocannabinol, is a natural chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. It is like the more well-known Delta-9 THC, which is responsible for the ‘high’ associated with marijuana use. However, Delta 8 THC is reported to offer a milder and less intense psychoactive experience. People are interested in it as an alternative for relaxation and possible therapeutic effects.
Is Delta 8 Safe?
Delta 8 is generally considered safe for most otherwise-healthy people, as long as they choose a quality, third-party lab tested product and are intentional about their dosage and experience.
But safety goes beyond so much more than simple side effects. You should also consider the legality, product regulation, sourcing, dosages, side effects, and interactions when using Delta 8. We’ll cover each of these in more detail below.
What Makes Delta 8 Safe or Unsafe?
When considering whether Delta 8 is a safe option for you, consider some of the following factors.
Is Delta 8 Legal in My State?
Since Delta 8 is sourced from hemp, and not marijuana, it is legal at a federal level due to the 2018 farm bill that legalized hemp. However, various states have banned Delta 8 THC products, and other states are actively working on regulation. The legality seems to be more of an accidental but helpful loophole. Ultimately, Delta 8 THC exists in a legal gray area.
Visit this page of our website to see if Delta 8 is legal in your state.
Is Delta 8 THC Regulated?
As Delta 8 THC sales surge, concerns are mounting over the unregulated accessibility, as well as the production processes associated with this compound.
Unlike Delta-9, THC Delta 8 is often created from CBD found in hemp, and this production method may involve chemicals that are unsuitable for consumption. In response, some states have taken steps to create panels tasked with studying Delta 8’s impact and regulation.
Jonathan Miller, the general counsel for the U.S Hemp Roundtable, an advocacy group focusing on hemp industry regulation, envisions a comprehensive approach to the issue.
He advocated for the creation of a national commission comprising scientists, academics, federal agencies, and industry experts to establish clear standards for what constitutes intoxicating and non-intoxicating cannabinoids and how they should be regulated.
Delta 8 is currently un-regulated at a federal level and therefore, when it comes to sourcing Delta 8 THC products, exercising caution is of great importance.
Because product quality and safety standards can vary, we recommend doing thorough research, opt for reputable and licensed suppliers, and check for third-party lab testing to confirm product quality and purity – just like we do at Moonwlkr.
Most concerns around safety do not stem from Delta 8 THC itself, but primarily revolve around potential contaminants like chemicals and heavy metals.
Additionally, it is important to note that there is no federal age restriction in place for purchasing these products, which adds another layer of concern.
Is Delta 8 THC Natural or Synthetic?
Delta 8 THC can be obtained from hemp through two distinct methods. One method involves isolating the naturally occurring Delta 8 THC found in the plant, which remains unregulated. The other approach entrails a chemical conversion process that transforms cannabidiol (CBD) into Delta 8 THC-O, a compound subject to regulation under the Controlled Substances Act.
The inherent challenge is that the natural occurrence of Delta 8 THC in hemp is quite minimal, particularly when compared to the prevalence of CBD.
Consequently, there is concern that many products labeled as Delta 8 THC are, in fact, Delta 8 THC-O.
Brad Rowe, a specialist in cannabis law, and a lecturer and researcher at UCLA underscores this issue, noting that while some claim their products are naturally derived, a substantial portion is not naturally occurring, raising concerns about misinterpretation.
Your Individual Dosing and Tolerance for Delta 8 THC
In 2021, there were 3,045 reported cases of children eating edibles. (THC or CBD infused snacks), according to a study published in Pediatrics. This is around 14 times the number from 2017.
Reports that involved children under the age of six nearly tripled in 2022, some leading to hospitalization. From January 1, 2021 to May 31st, 2022 the FDA received 125 reports of people experiencing adverse effects after consuming Delta 8 THC.
These included hallucinations, vomiting, tremors, anxiety, dizziness, confusion and loss of consciousness.
While these statistics are indeed a cause for concern, it is worth noting that Delta 8 can be used safely and in an enjoyable manner with responsible practices.
Delta 8 gummies in particular make it straightforward to gauge your dosage, ensuring you know precisely how much you’re consuming and helping you stay within safe limits.
At Moonwlkr, we always emphasize the importance of being responsible, and we put together a complete guide for first-time Delta 8users to navigate their experience.
It’s essential to remember that individual tolerance levels may vary, but seasoned users typically have a good grasp on how many gummies they should take.
To maintain safety and responsibility, it’s crucial to store all Delta 8 products out of the reach of children and pets. If you ever have concerns about adverse effects, do not hesitate to seek help promptly. In such cases, calling 911 or going to your local emergency room is the best course of action to ensure your well-being.
The Side Effects of Delta 8 THC
Like any substance, Delta 8 THC can have side effects. These may encompass sensations such as dizziness, dry mouth, an increased heart rate, and heightened anxiety. It’s imperative for users to be mindful of potential side effects and approach the use of Delta 8 gummies with responsibility.
The limited availability of research has resulted in a gap in our understanding of the effects of Delta 8 THC use.
Nevertheless, users frequently describe experiences reminiscent of traditional THC, such as mild euphoria, an elevated mood, increased happiness, and pain relief. While comprehensive studies on potential adverse effects are lacking, individuals who have used Deta-8 products have reported instances of confusion, anxiety, drowsiness, slower heart rate, numbness, increased heart rate, and low blood pressure.
In addition to these potential adverse effects, Delta 8 THC is associated with positive side-effects, contributing to its surging popularity.
Users commonly report mild euphoria, an improved mood, and heightened feelings of happiness.
Moreover, Delta 8 THC has displayed promise in alleviating various forms of discomfort, making it an attractive choice for those seeking alternative approaches to manage pain and inflammation.
These favorable effects are often highlighted by individuals who value the substance for its capacity to induce relaxation and enhance their overall well-being.
It is crucial, of course, to recognize that individual responses can differ, underscoring the importance of responsible consumption.
Long Term Usage of Delta 8 THC
Regrettably, there is a scarcity of comprehensive research regarding the long-term effects of Delta 8 THC use. Much of what we know is derived from user reports, and the parallels drawn between Delta 8 and its more well studied counterpart, Delta-9 THC.
Research indicates that chronic, low-dose exposure of THC during the crucial developmental phase of adolescence and into adulthood may heighten susceptibility in the serotonin system, potentially leading to symptoms of anxiety.
It’s worth noting that depressive tendencies tend to emerge after exposure during adolescence but not into adulthood, emphasizing the heightened vulnerability of young individuals to the psychological effects of cannabis.
This underscores the importance of age-related considerations and responsible usage, particularly for adolescents, to minimize the potential mental health impacts.
As we know, with repeated usage, individuals tend to develop a tolerance to a substance, resulting in fewer side effects.
Nevertheless, for those who may have reservations about the safety of Delta 8, a prudent approach is to start with smaller, infrequent doses.
So back to the original question: Is Delta 8 THC Safe?
Ultimately, the safety of Delta 8 gummies depends widely on the quality of the product, your age, your dosage, and your experience. While some users report positive experiences, the lack of regulation and quality control in the market has raised red flags.
The good news is, thoughtfully crafted Delta 8 products do exist. Consumers are advised to do their due diligence and choose reputable brands such as Moonwlkr.
As is the case with any supplement or cannabis product, consulting with your healthcare professional before trying any cannabis-derived product, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications, is highly recommended.
While Delta 8 THC has the potential to provide a milder alternative to Delta-9 THC, its safety depends on responsible usage, quality control, and regulatory oversight.
As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential to stay informed and make well informed decisions regarding your consumption of Delta 8 gummies.
Ready to try them for yourself? Moonwlkr third party lab tests all of our Delta 8 gummies for quality and safety.
