Delta-8 THC, a compound found in cannabis, has recently gained popularity among consumers in states where cannabis is not yet legalized. However, with the lack of regulation in the market, experts are raising concerns about the safety of consuming these products. A report from the U.S. Cannabis Council, a national trade group representing state-licensed cannabis companies and legalization advocates, described the unregulated sales of delta-8 THC products as a "rapidly expanding crisis."
The risks of consuming unlicensed delta-8 THC products can vary greatly, from simple potency fraud to hospitalization and even death. In 2019, over 2,700 THC vape users were sickened and 68 people died from inhaling Vitamin E oil used as an oil thickener in unlicensed illicit-market cartridges. This led to the deadly lung condition known as VAPI or EVALI.
To understand the potential dangers of consuming delta-8 THC products, a research team backed by the U.S. Cannabis Council purchased an assortment of unlicensed delta-8 THC products from unregulated retail stores in several states. The results of the study, conducted by ProVerde Laboratories in Massachusetts, revealed that none of the products tested were compliant with the legal limit of 0.3% THC specified in the 2018 farm bill.
Additionally, many of the samples contained compounds not allowed by state law in regulated cannabis products, including the metals chromium, copper, nickel, and lead. Furthermore, many of the products contained residual traces of solvents (chemicals used in the process to separate delta-8 THC from hemp) at levels not safe for human inhalation. These solvents included hexane, methanol, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, heptane, acetone, and isopropanol.
Given the lack of regulation and oversight in the market, it is important for consumers to be aware of the potential risks associated with consuming delta-8 THC products. The U.S. Cannabis Council report states that the fact that these products are being sold outside of the regulated marketplace with no testing or oversight, and are readily available to children, is alarming and presents a public health risk that could be wider in impact than the vape crisis.
In conclusion, the safety of consuming delta-8 THC products is a major concern among experts. With the lack of regulation and oversight in the market, consumers should be cautious when purchasing these products. The U.S. Cannabis Council recommends that efforts to legalize and regulate cannabis should encompass delta-8 THC to ensure that these products are safe for human consumption. Until then, it is important for consumers to be aware of the potential risks associated with consuming delta-8 THC products and to exercise caution when purchasing these products.
FAQ
Is Delta 8 enough to get you high?
Delta 8 THC is a minor cannabinoid that is similar in structure to Delta 9 THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. It is believed to have similar effects to Delta 9 THC, such as feeling relaxed and euphoric, but it may be less potent. It is not clear how much Delta 8 THC is needed to produce a "high" effect, as it can vary depending on the individual and the product. It is also important to note that Delta 8 THC is not legal in all states and countries.
What happens when Delta 8 gets you high?
When Delta 8 THC is consumed, it binds to the body's endocannabinoid receptors, primarily the CB1 receptors in the brain and central nervous system. This binding causes a range of effects on the body and mind, including changes in perception, mood, and behavior. Some of the effects commonly associated with a "high" from Delta 8 THC include:
* Relaxation and calmness
* Euphoria and a feeling of well-being
* Increased appetite
* Dry mouth
* Drowsiness
* Altered perception of time and space
* Increased creativity or heightened senses
It's important to note that the effects of Delta 8 THC can vary depending on the individual and the amount consumed. Some people may not feel any significant effects while others may find it very potent. It's also important to note that consuming too much Delta 8 THC can lead to unwanted side effects such as anxiety and paranoia.
Does Delta 8 show up on drug tests?
Delta 8 THC is a minor cannabinoid that is similar in structure to Delta 9 THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. While drug tests typically screen for Delta 9 THC, it is possible that some tests may also detect Delta 8 THC. However, the likelihood of this happening can vary depending on the type of drug test being used and the sensitivity of the test.
* Urine tests are the most common type of drug test, and these typically screen for Delta 9 THC. However, urine tests may not be as sensitive to Delta 8 THC, so it is possible that they may not detect it.
* Blood and hair tests are more sensitive than urine tests and may detect Delta 8 THC, but these types of tests are less common.
It's important to note that the legal status of Delta 8 THC is still uncertain in many states and countries and it's not considered legal under the federal law in USA, so it's best to check with your employer or the relevant authorities to know about their stance on it.
What Delta 8 looks like?
DELTA-8 HEMP FLOWER
How many hours does Delta 8 high last?
The duration of the effects of Delta 8 THC can vary depending on several factors, such as the individual's metabolism, tolerance, and the amount consumed. Generally, the effects of Delta 8 THC are believed to be less potent and shorter-lived than those of Delta 9 THC.
The onset of effects from inhaled Delta 8 THC typically occurs within minutes and can last for 2-4 hours, while effects from oral consumption can take 30 minutes to 2 hours to onset and can last for 4-8 hours. However, the onset and duration can be influenced by the method of consumption and may vary depending on the individual.
It's important to note that the effects of Delta 8 THC can also vary depending on the product and the quality of the product, it's best to know what you're consuming and the source of the product.
How many times should I hit my Delta 8?
The duration of the effects of Delta 8 THC can vary depending on several factors, such as the individual's metabolism, tolerance, and the amount consumed. Generally, the effects of Delta 8 THC are believed to be less potent and shorter-lived than those of Delta 9 THC.
The onset of effects from inhaled Delta 8 THC typically occurs within minutes and can last for 2-4 hours, while effects from oral consumption can take 30 minutes to 2 hours to onset and can last for 4-8 hours. However, the onset and duration can be influenced by the method of consumption and may vary depending on the individual.
It's important to note that the effects of Delta 8 THC can also vary depending on the product and the quality of the product, it's best to know what you're consuming and the source of the product.
How long does delta 8 last in your system?
The length of time that delta-8 THC stays in the system depends on several factors, including the individual's metabolism, the amount consumed, and the method of consumption. On average, delta-8 THC can be detected in urine for up to 3 days and in blood for up to 24 hours after consumption. However, it can be detected for a longer period of time in heavy or chronic users. It's also important to note that detection times can vary depending on the specific test used.
What is a strong amount of delta 8?
A strong amount of delta-8 THC can vary depending on the individual's tolerance and personal preferences. However, as a general guideline, a typical starting point for most people is around 5-10mg. The effects of delta-8 THC can be felt at lower doses, but the strength of the effects increases as the dose increases. Some people may find that they are comfortable with doses as high as 50mg, while others may find that they are sensitive to doses above 10mg. It is important to start with a low dose and gradually increase it until you reach your desired level of effects. Also, it's important to remember that Delta-8 THC is still a psychoactive substance and should be used responsibly.
What is delta 8 high like?
The high from delta-8 THC is similar to that of delta-9 THC, the main psychoactive compound found in cannabis. It can produce a relaxed and euphoric feeling, along with a sense of heightened creativity and sociability. Some people may also experience mild hallucinations, changes in perception, and a feeling of time dilation.
Delta-8 THC is considered to be less psychoactive than delta-9 THC, and as such, the high produced by delta-8 is often described as less intense and less anxiety-provoking. Many people find it to be a more subtle and manageable high, making it more appropriate for daily use.
However, individual responses to Delta-8 THC can vary widely. Some people may experience similar effects as delta-9 THC, while others may not find it to be very psychoactive at all. It's important to start with a low dose and monitor your own response before increasing your intake, and always remember to use responsibly.