What is delta-8?

However, there has not been enough research to determine the efficacy and safety of this compound. Additionally, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies delta-8 as a Schedule 1 controlled substance.

This article explores what delta-8 is, its risks and benefits, and how it compares to cannabidiol (CBD). Next, it offers a selection of full-spectrum CBD products that people might want to try instead of delta-8.

Is CBD legal?The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made certain hemp-derived CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them illegal federally but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when travelling. Also keep in mind that the FDA has not approved over-the-counter CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.

Delta-8 is one of over 100 compounds naturally present in Cannabis-sativa plant. Concentrated delta-8 usually comes from hemp-derived CBD.

Learn more about CBD here.

the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that delta-8 has psychoactive and intoxicating properties similar to delta-9 THC, the compound that causes the euphoria, or “high”, that people can experience when consuming or smoking cannabis.

Delta-8 has a slightly different molecular structure than delta-9 THC, which some might call “regular THC”.

Learn more about the difference between THC and CBD here.

Because of this difference, delta-8 may not affect a person’s mind in the same way as regular THC. To research suggests that the effects of delta-8 are less intense than those of delta-9. The effects people experience last about the same amount of time.

However, the research is observational and relies on participants’ self-reporting. Overall, there have been too few studies to understand the psychoactive differences between delta-8 and delta-9.

Older searches found that delta-8 can reduce nausea in children receiving cancer treatment. All eight participants reported no vomiting after their chemotherapy sessions.

Additionally, a study 2022 discovered that delta-8 THC can:

• promote relaxation
• reduce pain
• cause less anxiety and paranoia than delta-9 THC

However, further research is needed.

the FDA has not evaluated or endorsed any delta-8 product for use. This means that he did not determine their safety. The agency, however, noted these risks:

• It is likely that delta-8 products are more concentrated than raw hemp or cannabis products. This makes it difficult to establish a safe dosage.
• Manufacturing process may use hazardous chemicals and take place in unsanitary facilities
• Delta-8 can cause side effects in children, such as vomiting or hallucinations, and require hospitalization.
• It may also cause adverse effects in pets.

The legal status of the delta-8 has changed in recent years and could still change.

The complex was not originally subject to federal law due to a loop-hole in the 2018 Farm Bill. This bill made it legal for farmers to grow industrial hemp with less than 0.3% THC, but it did not specifically mention delta-8 or other cannabinoids.

In August 2020, the DEA has issued new regulations. These classify delta-8 and other forms of THC as Schedule 1 controlled substances.

While delta-8 has this classification at the federal level, however, its legality varies by state. It is important to check local laws.

The following chart compares the benefits, risks, and legality of delta-8, delta-9, and CBD.

Full-spectrum CBD contains a wide range of cannabis compounds, including up to 0.3% THC.

Learn more about full spectrum CBD here.

Below, find full-spectrum products a person could take in place of delta-8.

CBDMD Chocolate Mint Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture

This tincture contains terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids from hemp plants that have not been genetically modified and grown in the United States. It is available in chocolate mint or “plain” flavors.

The company states that its CBD is third-party tested and recommends using this tincture in recipes and drinks or by placing it under the tongue.

This tincture is available in strengths of 750, 1,500, or 3,000 milligrams (mg) of CBD per bottle.

Price: CBDMD Full-Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture Chocolate Mint starts at $59.99.

Charlotte’s Web Daily Wellness CBD Gummies

One serving of these gummies contains 25mg of CBD from US-grown hemp

The company states that these gummies can help people fall asleep more easily and recommends taking two a day.

Price: Charlotte’s CBD Daily Wellness Gummies are $69.99.

CBDistillery Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture

This tincture contains 1000mg of CBD per bottle and 33mg of CBD in each serving.

The company states that it uses only US-grown hemp that has not been genetically modified. Additionally, it states that a third-party lab tests its products to ensure purity and safety.

The company recommends holding 1 serving under your tongue for 10-20 seconds before swallowing.

Price: CBDistillery Full-Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture has a list price of $70.

Papa & Barkley CBD Releaf Body Oil

This oil contains 400mg of CBD per bottle, along with Fractionated Coconut Oil, Vitamin E, and essential oils.

The company recommends this product for people with muscle pain. A person can use it extensively or apply it only to tense muscles. People should rub 3 pumps or more of this oil on the skin for 20-30 seconds.

Price: Papa & Barkley CBD Releaf Body Oil is $40.

Below are answers to some common questions about the delta-8.

Does delta-8 contain THC?

Delta-8 is a form of THC.

However, its molecular structure differs slightly from that of delta-9, which one might call “regular THC”. As a result, it may affect a person differently from delta-9.

Who should use delta-8?

To research suggests that delta-8 can relieve pain and aid relaxation. Its effects may be less intense than those of delta-9, but it is psychoactive.

Overall, there has not been enough research to rate the safety or effectiveness of this compound.

Does delta-8 show up in drug tests?

Most drug tests detect delta-9 or regular THC. However, research suggests that drug tests have trouble distinguishing between delta-8 and delta-9.

So if a person takes delta-8, they could test positive for a drug.

Learn more about how long cannabis stays in the body.

Is delta-8 safe?

There is not enough research to determine the safety and effectiveness of delta-8.

the FDA observes that delta-8 products contain more of this compound than occurs naturally in raw hemp or cannabis products. As a result, it is difficult to identify a safe dosage.

Additionally, due to a lack of regulation, there is a risk of manufacturers manufacturing delta-8 products under unsafe and unsanitary conditions.

Is delta-8 legal?

The DEA classifies delta-8 as a Schedule 1 controlled substance. However, state laws may vary. Check local laws carefully before purchasing any product containing this compound.

Does delta-8 produce a high?

To research suggests that delta-8 has similar effects to delta-9. People have reported feeling high, or euphoric, as well as dry mouth, red eyes, dizziness, blurred vision, and a slight increase in heart rate.

Delta-8 is one of many compounds in cannabis. It has psychoactive properties similar to delta-9 THC.

Some research suggests that delta-8 may have beneficial properties. However, there has not been enough research to determine its safety and effectiveness. The DEA classifies it as a Schedule 1 controlled substance, although its legality may vary from state to state.