Does Delta-8 Have Any Long-Term Effects
Opinions about THC use have changed drastically over the last few years. Now, people use different variations of THC in multiple forms, such as oils, gummies, and even topical creams. In states where THC is legal, the cannabinoid is easily found and the stigma surrounding hemp-related products is slowly diminishing.
Delta-8 is one of the most commonly found types of THC on the market, and for many reasons. Users claim the compound has an array of health benefits, while others prefer it because it’s a friendlier alternative to Delta-9 THC.
However, concerns still arise when it comes to Delta-8 use, especially when a habit has formed. Despite the short-term advantages, people worry that Delta-8 might have long-term risks and are unsure whether it’s safe to continue using it or if they should discontinue the consumption.
Does Delta-8 have any long-term effects? Stick around as we explore the potential effects of Delta-8 THC in the long term.
Delta-8 – Is It the Nicer Option?
People see Delta-8 as a substance with no cons. This compound is truly interesting. It receives praise for being able to provide benefits similar to those of Delta-9. While that’s the case, it doesn’t have the same risks as Delta-9 THC.
Some have referred to Delta-8 as the “younger, nicer sibling” of Delta-9. [1]
A study was done by researchers Daniel J. Kruger and Jessica Kruger in which it was revealed how Delta-8 can bring benefits while reducing discomfort and bad effects. More specifically, the two spouses took over 500 people from 38 states and performed a study. Participants had to compare cannabis and Delta-8.
The results were clear: Delta-8 was a much better option, and it didn’t cause the same negative effects as Delta-9. Some even said that the compound possesses all benefits of cannabis without the side effects.
68% of users mentioned they experienced euphoria, whereas 71% said they experienced some relaxation. Some even experienced pain relief. At the same time, it should be noted that a few side effects were present, including difficulty concentrating. [2]
Delta-8 interacts with our endocannabinoid system in a similar way to Delta-9. Just like its cousin, Delta-8 is extracted from the cannabis plant, except the fact that it is only present naturally in limited amounts. There are still not enough studies to determine how safe Delta-8 is. Still, so far, we know that there are no severe health risks associated with the use of Delta-8 THC.
Can Delta-8 Be Dangerous?
Delta-8 is considered safe for the most part. Many people have used it without experiencing any side effects. On top of that, some opt for Delta-8 THC as a way to enjoy THC without having to worry about the cons associated with Delta-9.
But Delta-8 THC can also be dangerous, especially if you are not a responsible user. There is a dark side to any substance, and Delta-8 is no exception. Some individuals may deal with short-term side effects, while others might go through long-term effects. The experience is different for everyone, so you should not expect yours to be the same as someone else’s.
This is why it’s important to be aware of how Delta-8 can affect your body.
Risks Associated with Delta-8 THC Use
Even though it’s marketed as a safer THC option, using Delta-8 comes with a few risks. These include:
- Unwanted Side Effects – While it is a friendlier version of Delta-9, Delta-8 can still cause some adverse effects in some situations.
- Psychoactive Effects – Delta-8 is less potent than Delta-9, but that doesn’t mean it still cannot have psychoactive effects. In fact, it can get people high when you go overboard with it. [3]
- Dangerous Chemicals – Delta-8 is not always found in its natural form. Because it occurs in cannabis in very small amounts, manufacturers are often forced to produce it by using CBD. There are also brands that may use risky chemicals to make it. Therefore, using these chemicals can be dangerous. [4]
Short-Term Effects of Delta-8 THC
Delta-8 THC may have some short-term side effects. They are not that different from those of Delta-9 THC, but they may be less intense or occur less frequently. Each body is different. So, it wouldn’t be unusual for two separate individuals to experience opposite reactions to the cannabinoid.
For instance, some might have no side effects at all, while others might go through one or two negative reactions simultaneously.
Some of the most common short-term side effects associated with Delta-8 THC include:
Dizziness
Nausea
Dry mouth
Coordination issues
Physical distortion
Long-Term Effects of Delta-8 THC
When Delta-8 THC is used for extended periods, it can lead to long-term effects. Research is quite limited when it comes to the potential long-term risks of Delta-8, but we know that it can affect the brain.
Delta-8 has similar negative effects to Delta-9. If someone uses Delta-8 on a regular basis, they may develop a behavioral addiction to it. Young people are especially at high risk of this happening, so they should refrain from using the substance until they are at least 21 years old.
Delta-8 can also be intoxicating, but because it is not as potent as Delta-9, it’s more likely to use higher amounts in an attempt to reach the desired effects. As your body adjusts to the dosage, you may need even more.
In the long term, Delta-8 use may lead to risks such as:
Short-term memory issues
Acute psychosis
Addiction or dependency
A cognitive function reduction
Attention span reduction
However, keep in mind that this is all based on research done on the long-term effects of Delta-9. It’s still unsure whether Delta-8 THC can lead to the same reactions, but you can assume there are risks associated, especially with heavy use.
And let’s not forget the fact that not all Delta-8 products are top-notch ones. When you are constantly buying from an unreliable brand with low-quality products, you are putting yourself at risk.
Even though it was ruled that Delta-8 is legal under the 2018 Farm Bill as long as THC levels stay below 0.3%, [5] products containing this type of THC are still not regulated at the federal level.[6] As such, quality may vary from one brand to another.
Many unregulated products are available on the shelves of grocery stores, head shops, and gas stations. It’s hard to know how these products were manufactured and whether they are safe, so these are putting you at risk. If you get your items from such places, things can quickly get dangerous, especially in the long term.
Some products are also mislabeled, and if you are not careful, you may end up with a product like this, which poses great risks in the future. According to a December 2021 study, the 27 Delta-8 products that the University of Rochester Medical Center researched discovered that none of them listed the amount of Delta-8 THC on the label. What made this worse was that all of them contained heavy metals, Delta-9 THC, and other dangerous byproducts. [7]
Simultaneously, you should remember that each person’s experience with this compound is unique. Some react better to it and experience no side effects, others only have some mild, short-term effects, while others may experience long-term negative reactions.
FDA Warnings
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued warnings regarding Delta-8 in the past. In 2021, the FDA reported that this cannabinoid can be dangerous in some cases. According to reports, 22 people experienced difficulties standing, dealt with hallucinations or vomiting, and even passed out.
Not only that but they also issued warnings to companies that sell products with Delta-8 THC in them. These companies mislabeled or misbranded products and marketed unapproved new drugs. On top of that, the FDA claimed that Delta-8 “has psychoactive and intoxicating effects and may be dangerous to consumers.” [8]
The CDC has also issued warnings in September 2021. According to them, Delta-8 led to various negative effects. The National Poison Data System recorded a total of 660 Delta-8 exposures, with 258 affecting minors and 119 ending in hospitalization. [9]
Things You Can Do to Lower the Risk Associated with Delta-8
Even though you are aware of the potential long-term side effects of Delta-8 THC, you may still want to use it. The good news is that if you use the cannabinoid correctly, you can have a good experience with it.
Here are some things you can do to decrease the risk when using Delta-8 THC products:
Make sure to only buy your Delta-8 THC from legit and trustworthy vendors who offer third-party lab testing results.
Talk to your healthcare professional before using any Delta-8 THC if you were prescribed medication for any health issue.
If you are going to use heavy machinery or drive a vehicle, refrain from using Delta-8.
If you are not older than 21, do not use Delta-8 THC.
Don’t go for products that are fake and untested.
Find out the perfect dosage for you. Ideally, you should start with lower doses and increase them as you go instead of starting with a large dose.
Monitor your reaction to Delta-8 THC and figure out your tolerance. If necessary, take some breaks from it.
Is Overdosing Possible with Delta-8?
According to records, Delta-8 THC has not caused any overdoses so far. It’s highly unlikely to overdose on this cannabinoid.
When used in very large amounts, Delta-8 can be intoxicating and cause unwanted effects. There were no fatal overdoses from Delta-8 THC, so the compound is overall safe. At the same time, you should not exaggerate with this substance just because there is no medical report on lethal overdoses.
If you use too much of this compound, it can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, nausea, paranoia, confusion, and others. Don’t go overboard with it, even if you are a more experienced user.
How to Prevent Delta-8 Tolerance from Building Up
Delta-8 THC can build tolerance. So, this will make you consume higher amounts to reach the same effects. You may want to prevent this from happening. The more Delta-8 you use, the higher the risk of dealing with unwanted long-term effects may become.
Instead of using Delta-8 permanently, you can prevent a build-up in tolerance by taking breaks now and then. This way, you will take full control of your tolerance.
By taking a break, you are also giving your CB1 receptors a break. This means that they can make a recovery before coming in contact with Delta-8 again. After a while, you will be able to use the same Delta-8 amount as before and experience the incredible benefits.
Delta-8 Companies Are Making Efforts
Despite the fact that there is a possibility for side effects, you do not have to give up on Delta-8 altogether. Many reputable companies are making efforts to provide safe products for THC fans. They provide lab reports for their customers and use safe and ethical practices to manufacture their products. Also, they issue warnings when a product has not been approved by the FDA or when it may lead to positive drug testing results.
Final Thoughts
Delta-8 is less strong than Delta-9 and it has become a favorite among those who enjoy THC. Despite being generally safe, it can have some long-term risks such as attention span issues, addiction, dependency, psychosis, and short-term memory issues. More studies are necessary to determine whether Delta-8 THC can have more serious consequences when used for extended periods.
As long as it’s used in moderation and bought from reputable brands, Delta-8 THC can be safe.
Sources:
1. Users call delta-8-THC delta-9’s ‘nicer younger sibling’
2. Delta-8-THC: Delta-9-THC’s nicer younger sibling?
3. Does Delta 8 THC Get You High?
4. Review of delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC): Comparative pharmacology with Δ9-THC
5. UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE NINTH CIRCUIT
6. 5 Things to Know about Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol – Delta-8 THC
8. FDA Warning Letters for Products Containing CBD and Delta-8 THC
