Delta-8 FAQs

What is Delta-8?

Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as delta-8 THC, is a psychoactive substance found in the Cannabis sativa plant, of which marijuana and hemp are two varieties. Delta-8 THC is one of over 100 cannabinoids produced naturally by the cannabis plant but in very low concentrations. Delta-9 THC is produced in high concentrations in marijuana variants. Delta-9 degrades over time to Delta-8 which is more stable compound. 

Will Delta-8 Get you High? 

Media reports and users report Delta-8 will cause psychoactive responses similar to Delta-9 THC but less powerful that the buzz you get from Delta-9 (this is dose dependent with some reporting Delta-8 about half as potent as Delta-9).  Low doses of Delta-8 can be a mood enhancer and mildly energizing with users reporting a more sedating effect at higher doses. Delta-9 can also induce paranoia and anxiety in some users whereas Delta-8 is unlikely to induce these effects. 

There are also reports of adverse effects including vomiting, hallucination,  loss of balance and consciousness.  As with any psychoactive compound, start with low levels and work up to where you are experiencing the benefits you are seeking in a Delta-8 product.

Is Delta-8 Legal? 

With the passage of the Hemp Farm Bill, products made from hemp were deemed legal provided the Delta-9 THC content was <.3%. Delta-8 THC was ignored given the low concentrations in both marijuana and hemp. 

The hemp industry concentrated Delta-8 THC from hemp creating a new psychoactive product which  was initially unregulated at the national or state level. 

After the introduction of Delta-8 products,  over 20 states have either banned products with Delta-8 concentrations that have been amplified above those found in the hemp plant,  or have issued statements questioning the legality of these products in their state. 

Delta-8 should only be used by adults over 21 and in states where delta-8 is legal.

Has Delta-8 been reviewed and approved by the Federal Drug Administration(FHA) and deemed as safe? 

Delta-8 has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA for safe use in any context.  No provider of Delta-8 may make claims for therapeutic or medicinal purposes.  Delta-8 and Delta-9 should never be given to pets.

Will Delta-8 show up on a drug test?

Delta-8 and 9 are very close chemically, the difference being the location of a double bond ( Delta-8 has the double bond in the 8^th carbon chain whereas Delta-9 has the double bond in the 9^th chain).

As your liver metabolizes Delta-8,  side products of metabolism called metabolites are created and can be found in the blood, saliva, urine sweat and hair follicles. 

These metabolites, such as THC-COOH, are used to detect evidence of drug use,  They can stay in your body for days, weeks or if you are a heavy user, months after your last use. 

So yes, you can fail a drug test using Delta-8 products.