Lately, a new cannabinoid has made some serious waves in the cannabis industry. The cannabinoid — delta 8 THC — is unknown to most consumers, making it both exciting and appealing. But, this recent emergence also leaves many wondering about the cannabinoid, its safety, and even its legality. That’s why, today, we’re answering the question, is delta 8 safe?
Here, we’ll break down everything you need to know about delta 8 THC. If you’re curious about its characteristics beyond just safety, we’ve got the answers for you.
What is Delta 8 THC?
First thing’s first, let’s talk about what delta 8 THC is, as well as some of the effects you may feel after consumption.
Naturally, delta 8 THC is present within the cannabis plant in very small amounts. So small, in fact, that its effects are hardly noticeable alongside the many other components. Thus, extractors have begun taking the cannabinoid from the plant and isolating it into extracts and other blends. With this, it’s become easier to see the full potential of delta 8 THC.
Despite their similar names, it’s important not to get delta 8 THC mixed up with delta 9 THC. When people talk about THC in general, they’re most likely referring to delta 9 THC. D9 is the most abundant psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant, and you’re not going to have any trouble coming across it. Delta 9 is strongly psychotropic and is responsible for the high feelings you associate with cannabis. However, this isn’t the case with delta 8 THC.
Delta 8 THC is only mildly psychoactive. Compared to delta 9, its psychoactivity levels are much lesser; thus, consumers have started calling D8 “weed lite.” These subtle, blissful feelings are some of the main reasons why delta 8 has become so popular recently. But, we’ll talk more about the cannabinoid’s effects in just a moment.
You can find delta 8 THC in all kinds of cannabis products these days. If you’d like, you can buy delta 8 THC oils, topicals, vapes, edibles, and even flower. No matter what your preferences are, there’s something for you when it comes to delta 8 THC.
The Effects of Delta 8
As we briefly mentioned, delta 8 THC only presents a mild psychoactivity profile. After consumption, you aren’t going to feel super intoxicated like you might after having delta 9. Instead, many consumers report gentle feelings of weightlessness, bliss, and full-body support. Where delta 8 THC lacks in psychoactivity, it makes up for in terms of therapeutic benefits.
Many people find that delta 8 THC is wonderful for helping to promote feelings of relaxation, calm, and comfort. The cannabinoid’s properties are still being looked into today. Still, many people find that its incredible supportive characteristics are wonderful for those with high stress levels and who are in need of a bit of a break.
Regardless, it’s important to recognize that delta 8 THC’s effects are different for every person. What one person reports may not be the same experience that you have. Thus, you just have to try out the cannabinoid for yourself to see its unique effects on your body.
Is Delta 8 THC Safe?
That leads us to our main question: is delta 8 safe? Can you consume it without worry, or what kind of precautions do you have to take?
In general, yes, delta 8 THC is safe. However, you have to be careful about where you buy your delta 8 THC, as well as the ingredients that might be inside. Currently, delta 8 THC is seriously unregulated in the cannabis market, making the industry inundated by fraudulent, poorly crafted products that consumers should avoid. Thankfully, there are also various brands that go to the extra effort to ensure their products are safe, pure, and high-quality.
As long as a brand crafts their delta 8 THC with the same quality-control standards they would their CBD products, you shouldn’t have any issue consuming the cannabinoid. You also have to be cognizant about dosing, as consuming too much delta 8 may create adverse effects that you won’t enjoy.
Is delta 8 THC safe? Yes, as long as you consume high-quality products from reputable cannabis brands. You have to make sure you go to extra lengths to ensure that the D8 you’re buying is pure and legitimate. Don’t worry: later, we have some tips to help you guarantee the safe use of delta 8 and other cannabis products.
Are Delta 8 Gummies Safe?
Wait, but are delta 8 gummies safe? Yes, the same goes for delta 8 gummies! Your D8 gummies should be perfectly fine for you to consume as long as you’re careful about how much you’re consuming and where you’re purchasing your gummies from.
No matter what the delta 8 product is that you’re wanting, you have to go through the steps to ensure the product’s quality. It doesn’t matter if you’re buying delta 8 oil or delta 8 gummies, you can purchase high-quality options from the right places.
Are Delta 8 THC Products Legal?
Once people find out that delta 8 THC is slightly psychoactive, the next question after “Is delta 8 THC safe?” tends to be about its legality. So, are delta 8 products legal, and can you purchase THC delta 8 in the US?
As a whole, delta 8 THC’s legality is a bit muddy. Technically, as long as delta 8 THC comes from hemp plants and doesn’t contain more than 0.3% delta 9 THC, then it is legal under the regulations of the 2018 Farm Bill. However, some states have taken it upon themselves to craft their own laws.
In various places throughout the US, you’ll find that delta 8 THC is illegal or strictly regulated. As of early 2022, at least 19 states across the country have placed regulations on delta 8 THC and D8 products. So, if you can’t find them in your local dispensary or health and wellness store, that’s most likely why.
Before purchasing any delta 8, make sure you double-check your state’s laws regarding the cannabinoid. Even though it may be legal federally, your state, county, or municipality may not allow D8 consumption.
How to Take Delta 8 THC
Now, let’s talk about how to take delta 8 THC. There are so many different ways you can enjoy these products depending on your personal preferences.
If you’re someone who likes straightforward consumption techniques and quick results, D8 oils are a great route to take. You can consume a delta 8 THC oil in two different ways: sublingually and orally. When you enjoy it sublingually, you’ll place a few drops of delta 8 THC oil underneath your tongue and keep it there for about 30 seconds before swallowing. As the oil stays in your mouth, it absorbs into your mucous membranes and starts to deliver effects within minutes. If you don’t want to taste your CBD, you can add a few drops to your food or drink instead. However, you’ll have to wait at least an hour for effects to kick in when you enjoy it this way.
Maybe you prefer the sweet taste of candy. Well, then delta 8 THC gummies are the perfect option. You can find delta 8 edibles in all shapes and forms — gummies, chocolates, candies — and they all perfectly disguise the taste of the plant-derived compound. But, you have to keep in mind that delta 8 THC edibles are extremely potent. The effects will likely take between an hour and two to kick in, but they’ll last for hours on end. So, be aware of how much you’re consuming and make sure you do so slowly and with patience.
Of course, you can also inhale delta 8 THC! Many people love vaping or smoking delta 8 THC because of its immediate effects on the body. When you inhale the cannabinoid, they get into your bloodstream right away, creating nearly instant results. There’s no waiting with inhalation.
Safe Use of Delta 8 and Other Cannabis Products
Are delta 8 gummies safe? Is delta 8 safe? Yes! These products are safe for consumption as long as you know what to look out for. Quickly, we’ll break down the safe use of delta 8 THC and other cannabis products.
When you’re purchasing delta 8 THC, especially online, you need to check the brand’s third-party lab-test results. These test results demonstrate the quality of the products you’re buying, demonstrate cannabinoid levels, and more. These tests should analyze the delta 8 THC for harmful additives like heavy metals, pesticides, microbials, and more. High-quality, safe D8 products won’t contain any of these dangerous ingredients, and the brand will always have these test results available for consumers to see.
Any delta 8 THC brand will be open and honest about its extraction techniques, third-party lab-test results, and quality-control standards. If it seems like they’re missing vital information, this may mean that they’re hiding something. Thus, it’s best to turn to a different brand that’s transparent about where their D8 comes from and how pure it really is.
To have the best D8 experience, you’ll also want to be careful about dosing. If you’ve never had delta 8 before, you should start with a low dose to see how your body feels. Typically, beginning around 5 mg is best. Then, wait ample time to ensure the effects have kicked in fully. You don’t want to consume more than your body is comfortable with, as it may create adverse side effects like fatigue and nausea.
Even though delta 8 THC can be perfectly safe, the cannabinoid still isn’t as regulated as it should be. Thus, it’s integral to go to the effort of ensuring a brand’s quality and purity before even making a purchase.
Staying Safe While Buying Products Containing Delta 8
If you’re looking to take delta 8 THC, you’re not the only one! Since its emergence, more and more people have started getting curious about this unique cannabinoid, trying it in various forms and strengths. However, you want to make sure you consume with intention. When taking delta 8 THC, you need to start with low doses and wait the full amount of time before consuming a second dose. This way, you’re more likely to have a pleasant, beneficial cannabis experience that both your mind and body love.
When buying products containing delta 8, don’t feel silly for going the extra mile to ensure quality and safety. Even though the product comes straight from Mother Nature herself, you simply don’t know the processes that a brand goes through (or doesn’t go through) during creation. Thus, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Is delta 8 THC safe? It sure is. As long as you find the product’s third-party lab-test results, consume in reasonable doses, and purchase from reputable brands, you should be able to enjoy your delta 8 THC without any worry.
