If you're a health-conscious cannabis enthusiast, you've probably been watching the Delta-8 THC trend closely. Some are touting it as a "legal high" or "diet weed," but may not know if Delta-8 is truly safe. This blog aims to dig deeper and uncover the facts surrounding this debated cannabinoid to answer the question, is Delta-8 safe?

We investigated and uncovered a blend of possible benefits and significant dangers. Questionable lab reports. Disturbing poison control center information. Is Delta-8 safe? It's anything but certain. The truth about Delta-8's safety could be a real eye-opener.

Key Factors in Delta-8 THC Safety

• Synthetic Production: Delta-8 is manufactured in labs through chemical synthesis and conversion from CBD.
• Lack of Regulation: The manufacturing process is not well regulated, potentially involving harmful chemicals.
• FDA Warnings: The FDA has not evaluated or approved Delta-8 THC products for safe use.
• Adverse Effects: Poison control centers report symptoms including hallucinations, vomiting, tremors, and anxiety.
• Unknown Long-Term Effects: Long-term effects of using Delta-8 THC have not been well studied.
• Accessibility Concerns: Widely available in gas stations, convenience stores, and online.
• Unintentional Exposure: 40% of reported cases involved unintentional ingestion, 82% of which affected children under 18.
• Legal Gray Area: Legality is unclear due to its derivation from hemp, despite FDA warnings.
• Lack of Testing: Unlike regulated marijuana products, Delta-8 products often lack proper oversight and testing.

What Is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 THC is a psychoactive substance found in the Cannabis sativa plant, which includes both marijuana and hemp. It's one of over 100 cannabinoids produced by the cannabis plant. 

But here's the thing - Delta-8 THC isn't found in significant amounts naturally in the plant. So how do we get delta-8 THC products? Through chemical synthesis and conversion from CBD derived from hemp. Yep, that's right - Delta-8 is essentially manufactured in a lab.

How Delta-8 THC Is Made

The process of creating delta-8 THC involves converting CBD extracted from hemp using solvents. The result is a concentrated Delta-8 THC product that can be sold in various forms like edibles, vape cartridges, and tinctures. 

It's important to note that this chemical conversion process is not well regulated and may involve the use of potentially harmful chemicals. So we don't always know what other compounds or byproducts end up in the final delta-8 THC product.

Effects of Delta-8 THC

So what does Delta-8 THC do? It produces psychoactive effects similar to Delta-9 THC, the primary form of THC found in marijuana. Users report feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and potential pain relief. 

However, Delta-8 is often marketed as a "lite" version of marijuana, with claims of fewer adverse effects like paranoia and anxiety compared to Delta-9. But is it a safer alternative? The truth is, there hasn't been enough research to say for sure.

Legality of Delta-8 THC

The legality of Delta-8 THC is a bit of a gray area. Because it can be derived from hemp, which was legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill, some argue that Delta-8 is legal in states where marijuana is not. 

However, the FDA has made it clear that they have not evaluated or approved delta-8 THC products for safe use. They also warn that the manufacturing process may risk public health.

So while you may be able to find Delta-8 products in stores or online, it doesn't necessarily mean they are safe or legal. Awareness of the potential risks and the lack of regulation surrounding these products is crucial.

Is Delta-8 Safe?

The million-dollar question - is Delta-8 THC safe to use? Unfortunately, the answer isn't a straightforward yes or no. There are several factors to consider regarding the safety of delta-8 products.

Potential Health Risks

First off, let's talk about the potential health risks. As I mentioned earlier, the manufacturing process for Delta-8 THC is not well regulated. This means there could be harmful chemicals and unknown compounds in the final product. In fact, the FDA has issued warnings about the dangers of Delta-8 products, particularly the use of household chemicals in the synthesis process. 

Ingesting or inhaling these chemicals can pose serious health hazards. Additionally, the long-term effects of using delta-8 THC have not been well studied. We simply don't have enough scientific evidence to say whether it's safe for regular use.

Lack of Regulation and Testing

Another major concern with Delta-8 THC products is the lack of regulation and testing. Unlike marijuana products sold in licensed dispensaries, Delta-8 products are not subject to the same level of oversight. This means that the content and purity of Delta-8 products can vary widely. 

Some may contain higher levels of Delta-8 THC than advertised, or may be contaminated with other substances. Without proper testing and regulation, it's difficult to know exactly what you're getting.

Reports of Adverse Effects

Perhaps most concerning are the reports of adverse effects associated with Delta-8 THC use. According to a USA Today investigation, poison control centers across the country have seen a spike in calls related to Delta-8. Reported symptoms include hallucinations, vomiting, tremors, anxiety, dizziness, confusion, and even loss of consciousness. 

While more research is needed to fully understand the scope of these adverse effects, it's clear that delta-8 THC use comes with serious risks. So while Delta-8 may be marketed as a "safer" alternative to marijuana, the reality is that we don't have enough evidence to back up those claims. Until there is more regulation and research surrounding Delta-8 THC products, it's wise to approach them with caution.

Where Is Delta-8 THC Sold?

You might be wondering - if Delta-8 THC products are so risky, how are they so readily available? The truth is, Delta-8 products have exploded in popularity and can be found in a variety of retail locations.

Availability in Physical Stores

One of the most common places to the best Delta-8 brands is in gas stations and convenience stores. That's right, you can often pick up a package of Delta-8 gummies or vape cartridges right alongside your snacks and lottery tickets. 

Smoke and vape shops are another major retailer of Delta-8 products. Many of these specialty stores now carry a wide range of Delta-8 edibles, tinctures, and vaping products. 

In states where marijuana is not yet legal for recreational use, Delta-8 products have gained popularity as a "legal high." However, this does not mean they are safe or regulated. In fact, the lack of oversight in these retail settings is a major cause for concern.

Online Sales of Delta-8 Products

In addition to physical stores, Delta-8 THC products are widely available for purchase online. A quick Google search will turn up countless websites selling Delta-8 products that can be shipped right to your door. Common Delta-8 products sold online include gummies, candies, cookies, brownies, and other edible treats, as well as vape cartridges, disposable vape pens, tinctures, and concentrates. 

While online shopping may be convenient, it also makes it incredibly easy for anyone, including minors, to purchase Delta-8 products. Many online retailers do not have adequate age verification processes in place. Furthermore, buying Delta-8 products online comes with additional risks. 

It can be difficult to verify the source and contents of the products, and there have been reports of online scams and counterfeit products. So while Delta-8 THC products may be easily accessible both in stores and online, this accessibility should not be mistaken for safety. The lack of regulation and oversight in the Delta-8 market is alarming and puts consumers at risk.

Delta-8 THC and Poison Control Centers

One of the clearest indicators of the dangers associated with Delta-8 THC products is the recent surge in calls to poison control centers across the country.

Increase in Reported Exposure Cases

According to the FDA, from January 2021 through February 2022, national poison control centers received a staggering 2,362 exposure cases related to delta-8 THC products. That's an average of 164 cases per month. 

Even more concerning - 40% of these exposures involved unintentional ingestion of Delta-8 products, and a whopping 82% of those unintentional exposures affected children under 18 years old.

These numbers are alarming and highlight the very real risks associated with Delta-8 THC products, particularly when it comes to accidental ingestion by children. Many Delta-8 products are packaged in colorful, appealing ways that can easily be mistaken for candy or snacks.

FDA Warnings and Concerns About Delta-8 THC

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken notice of the growing popularity of Delta-8 THC products and has issued several warnings about their safety.

Lack of FDA Evaluation and Approval

One of the FDA's primary concerns is that Delta-8 THC products have not been evaluated or approved by the agency for safe use. Unlike medications or food additives, Delta-8 products are not subject to FDA review before hitting the market. This lack of oversight means that the safety, purity, and labeling of delta-8 products are largely unknown. 

Consumers cannot be sure of the dose they are getting, or whether the product contains harmful additives or contaminants. The FDA has also expressed concern that Delta-8 products are being marketed with unproven medical claims, such as treating anxiety or pain. Without proper evaluation and approval, these claims are misleading and potentially dangerous.

Manufacturing Processes and Additives

Another major worry for the FDA is the way Delta-8 THC products are manufactured. As I mentioned earlier, Delta-8 is not naturally abundant in the cannabis plant, so it must be synthesized from CBD through a chemical process. This process often involves the use of potentially harmful chemicals and solvents, which may end up in the final product. 

The FDA has specifically called out the use of household chemicals in Delta-8 synthesis as a major safety hazard. In addition to the chemicals used in the manufacturing process, there are also concerns about other additives that may be present in Delta-8 products. These can include other cannabinoids, terpenes, or even heavy metals that are not listed on the label.

Without strict manufacturing standards and testing requirements, there is no way for consumers to know what they are ingesting when they use a Delta-8 THC product. This lack of transparency is a serious public health concern. 

The FDA has made it clear that they are closely monitoring the Delta-8 THC market and will take action against companies that make false claims or sell products that put consumers at risk. However, until there is a more robust regulatory framework in place, the safety of Delta-8 products remains a gamble.

So, Is Delta-8 Safe?

The truth is, we just don't know for sure. While some users report positive experiences, the lack of regulation and testing is a major red flag. Until we have more data and oversight, it's a gamble every time you use a Delta-8 product.

Our advice? Proceed with caution. If you do decide to try Delta-8, make sure you're getting it from a reputable source like Uproar Wellness and start with a low dose. And if you experience any adverse effects, don't hesitate to seek medical attention.

At the end of the day, your health and safety should always come first. Delta-8 may be the new kid on the block, but that doesn't mean it's risk-free. For more information, contact Uproar Wellness today.