Is Delta 8 Really a Safe Alternative to Cannabis?
Do you want the benefits of marijuana or cannabis without the harsh effects of it? Then, you can opt for different alternatives that can offer similar benefits. Delta-8 THC is a popular alternative to cannabis that a lot of people prefer to use. Still, there are many people worried about its safety. Keep reading if you are also concerned about the safety of using delta-8 THC as a cannabis alternative. Here, we will discuss what is delta-8, legality, safety, and more. So, let us begin!
What Is Delta 8 THC?
Before we move to discuss how safe data-8 is as a cannabis alternative, let’s have a quick look at what it is. Delta-8 or delta-8 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a psychoactive compound naturally present in most cannabis plants. This psychoactive element (THC) is mainly responsible for the high you get after consuming cannabis. Delta-8 is also known as ‘marijuana lite’ or ‘cannabis lite’ and can be synthesized from hemp plants (a type of cannabis plant that is legal in the US currently).You can buy delta 8 THC gummies online very easily.
Delta-8 in hemp plants is low, but with the synthesizing process, we can derive more delta-8 from cannabidiol, a non-intoxicating chemical.
Understanding Delta 8
Understanding Delta-8 is also important to understand its safety and ability to work as a cannabis alternative. As you know, delta-8 is a natural psychoactive compound present in the cannabis or hemp plant, so it can give you a high after consuming it. The structure of delta-8 molecules is slightly different from other delta versions. Delta-8 and delta-9 have similar molecular structures but still offer different potency and results due to the slight difference in the structure.
According to the article The Conversation by famous researchers Jessica Kruger and Daniel Kruger, delta-8 is a chemical analog or isomer of THC. The difference between the position of the double bond in a carbon ring (in the molecule structure). As a result, delta-8 has a lower potency to bind with the CB1 receptors of the endocannabinoid system of the human brain. So, it also gives a less intense high in comparison with the THC.
Legalities of Delta 8
Just like THC or cannabis, delta-8 THC also has a complex legal status across the globe, including the US. Delta is not technically legal in the States, but it is partially legal (mostly on medical grounds) to sell or buy delta-8 products in several regions of the USA. The amendment of US federal agriculture legislation in 2018 has made way for indirect delta-8 buying and selling. According to the amendment, delta-8 derived only from hemp plants became legal for selling, buying, and consuming.
Within a few years, delta-8 products covered the US market and became one of the fastest-selling cannabis in the US. However, the use of delta-8 for recreational purposes is not legalized yet. Also, regulations around delta-8 are still not clear in the States.
Delta 8 As A Cannabis Alternative
To understand whether delta-8 products can be a safe and effective alternative to cannabis, you must have a good understanding of delta-8 abilities and several other factors. Below, we will discuss them in detail-
Can Delta 8 THC Get You High As Cannabis?
Many people prefer to use delta-8 as a cannabis alternative due to the similar effects, including high. Cannabis has a natural compound called THC, which is responsible for delivering a mental high. On the other hand, delta-8 also has the psychoactive compound (THC) and gives you a high.
Human bodies have a system called the endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for modulating mood. Like cannabis, delta-8 can bind with the endocannabinoid receptors, resulting in a high. However, you must remember that the structure of the delta-8 carbon ring is different than traditional THC. So, the delta-8 gives you a less intense high than cannabis.
Can You Use Delta 8 As Medical Marijuana?
According to multiple research reports, almost 51% of people use delta-8 THC to treat their anxiety, depression, managing stress, chronic pain, insomnia, etc. Also, delta-8 is legalized for medical usage. Even though the legal status of delta-8 is still unclear, it is widely used for treating chronic pain, stress, anxiety, depression, and much more, as it offers similar effects or benefits to medical marijuana.
Are Delta 8 THC Products Safe?
Safety is a major concern while using any cannabis product, and there is no exception for delta-8 THC. Delta-8 also includes some potential risks and side effects, such as cannabis, but the effects mostly depend on how it is used.
Low-Quality Delta 8 Products
Low-quality delta-8 is a major concern when talking about its safety. Delta-8 is an unrelated drug at the US federal level. Also, the legalization of delta-8 is not the same everywhere. Due to the complex legal status, many delta-8 producers make low-quality delta-8 THC products (sold in gas stations, head shops, and grocery stores). Low-quality delta-8 products can be dangerous and harmful to health.
Mislabeled Delta 8 Products
Another factor that makes delta-8 products unsafe is mislabeled products. Various research shows that most delta-8 products do not match their contain labels. Recent research shows that 27 delta-8 products do not contain the amount of THC mentioned on the label (and often have higher dosages than mentioned). In addition, these products also include harmful by-products like mercury or delta-9, leading to hazardous side effects and overdosing.
Conclusion
There is no wonder that delta-8 is a popular alternative to cannabis for providing similar benefits with less harmful effects. It is also partially legal in the States, which makes them easily available. However, when you talk about safety, you must understand certain factors to make your final decision. Above, we have discussed everything you need to know about whether delta-8 products can be a safe alternative to cannabis.
