Both Delta-8 and Delta-9 are forms of THC. But when people refer to THC, they're usually referring to Delta-9 found in high concentrations in marijuana. Both produce a euphoric and fuzzy feeling, but Delta-8 causes a milder high. Delta-8 THC has a chemical structure similar to that of the psychoactive compound commonly known as delta-9 THC.
Delta-8 can be extracted from legal forms of cannabis. While delta-8 isn't as potent as delta-9 THC, psychoactive compounds affect the mind in a similar way. The THC Delta 8 and Delta 9 are known as cannabinoids. Marijuana has been found to produce between 80 and 100 of them.
Two of the most common cannabinoids are THC Delta 9 and cannabidiol (CBD). There are currently no laws or regulations on THC Delta 8, and companies like Herbal Aspect could sell products that haven't been tested by third parties, but Robinson and his team have paid for these tests to take place. Wenthur said that when drugs like Delta 8 are not regulated, this represents a greater risk for consumers because there are too many unknowns. The FDA is aware of the growing concern surrounding the delta-8 THC products currently being sold online and in stores.
Wenthur said that when products like Delta 8 aren't regulated, third-party companies can help make the products a little safer by performing an analysis to find out exactly what the products are content, but he said that those tests aren't ideal. Since Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC share very similar structures, it is assumed that their effects are also similar. Delta 8 THC is one of more than 100 cannabinoids naturally produced by the cannabis plant, but it is not found in significant quantities in the cannabis plant. One of the main concerns surrounding the use of delta-8 is the possible use of harmful chemicals to produce delta-8 THC.
Delta-8 is extracted from CBD, which is derived from a legal form of the cannabis plant, known as hemp. Because the FDA has notified the public about the potential harmful effects of delta-8, taking delta-8 every day is not recommended. In addition, the FDA is concerned about the proliferation of products that contain delta-8 THC and that are marketed for therapeutic or medical purposes, even if they have not been approved by the FDA. If a child eats or is exposed to Delta-8 products, such as gummies or candies, seek immediate medical attention.
Hemp plants are the same as marijuana, except that hemp has a lower amount of the psychoactive compound delta-9 THC than marijuana. The FDA is also concerned that delta-8 THC products may expose consumers to much higher levels of the substance than those found naturally in raw hemp and cannabis extracts. Because of this oversight, Delta 8 THC is legally sold at gas stations, the Internet and stores, such as Herbal Aspect. Pursuing the initial impact could lead to using illegal drugs, alcohol, or seeking the more potent delta-9 THC.
However, the authors of the Farm Bill made an oversight and defined THC as THC Delta 9, and that definition alone made Delta 8 THC legal.
