Is Delta-8 TCH Safe?

Is Delta—8 TCH Safe?

Interest in cannabis products has dramatically increased as U.S. States adopt cannabis regulations and with the Federal Farm Bill in 2018 that legalized industrial hemp. This is largely a good thing, as products can be removed from the black market and better regulated for potency, health and safety. But as popularity of cannabis and hemp products grows, new products like Delta-8 THC emerge…

People are curious about cannabis products as they are becoming more available, but are all of them safe? Why is Delta-8 THC a thing? And why is this synthesized THC molecule now under the scrutiny of the FDA?(2)

Can and should you consume Delta-8 THC?

First and foremost, lets establish the difference between Delta-9 THC, the THC that naturally occurs in cannabis plants, and the synthesize isomer derived from industrial Hemp called Delta-8 THC.

Delta-9 THC – Delta-9 TCH is the TCH you likely know and remember as the naturally occurring constituent in cannabis plants that has a mild psychedelic effect, resulting in a “high”. Delta-9 THC is legal in some states and highly regulated due to it’s psychoactive effects. There are laws and regulations in place regarding, THC concentrations, biomass disposal and transportation of this highly regulated product that is sold as smokeable flower, drinks, and gummies or other treats.
Delta-8 THC – This molecule is a synthesized isomer of THC (a molecular version of THC that is slightly modified, it only varies in the location of a double bond between carbon molecules). This process starts with CBD that is derived from industrial hemp, that is then processed through a chemical synthesis to create Delta-8 THC.As Delta-8 is not regulated federally like Delta-9 THC, some companies perceive this chemical as legal to sell and distribute. They are banking on the fact that it has a very slightly different molecular structure and that Delta-8 THC is reported to have “some” of the psychedelic affects that Delta-9 THC has. (3)

Who consumes Delta-8 THC Products?

Upon analyzing how Delta-8 THC is derived, it is a clear “work around” for chemists and cannabis companies to reuse surplus CBD the market has generated into a modified THC counterfeit that is supposedly less potent and more unregulated and possibly more dangerous. If you live in a state where cannabis is legal and you are of appropriate age to buy from a dispensary, you likely would have no interest in Delta-8 THC products. This is because you have access to a higher quality supply of product that is more regulated and transparent.

If you live in a state where cannabis is still not legal to buy, or you are under the age of 21 years old. Delta-8 THC might appeal to you. Because of the perceived gray area in our laws some regarding Delta-8’s slightly different chemical makeup, companies are selling these products online and are being sold across state lines. Something that is not allowed for regulated Delta-9 THC.

“Were whole-plant cannabis available legally, consumers would have little to no interest in experimenting with these unregulated imitations. (1)

Delta-8 THC and Youths, Minors and Children

Online sales of products containing THC or their derivatives creates regulation problems, as screening that the buyers of these products are adults is almost impossible. The FDA stated that in %77 of accidental ingestion incidents of Delta-8 THC products were by people under the age of 18 years old. 18% of these incidents resulted in a hospitalization. The FDA released their statement on Delta-8 THC in part because of popularity of the product and adverse effects, but also due to the unregulated marketing the industry uses for the Delta-8 THC gummies, and bright colored candies that may appeal to children.(2)

Should you Consume Delta-8 THC?

Is it safe to eat or vape Deleta-8 TCH products? That answer is less than clear cut.

“These [Delta-8 THC] products have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA for safe use in any context.” – FDA(2)
“National poison control centers received 661 exposure cases of delta-8 THC products between January 2018 and July 31, 2021, 660 of which occurred between January 1, 2021, and July 31, 2021.” – FDA(2)
“Some manufacturers may use potentially unsafe household chemicals to make delta-8 THC through this chemical synthesis process.” – FDA(2)

THC in it’s unaltered organic form is generally considered safe for adults if consumed in a responsible and moderated way. But that refers to the natural product, not variant derived from another cannabinoid. The honest answer about Delta-8 THC is we don’t know yet. But, a growing body of evidence is leading us to believe that these products are leading people to have adverse reactions including hospitalizations. And due to the way this product is being marketed, it is clearly trying to circumvent all the regulations and testing regular THC products undergoe. Which, leaves the Delta-8 THC variant untested, unregulated and ending up in the hands of minors.

In summary – is Delta-8 THC safe?

It could be, but it depends on if you are appropriate age, and using it responsibly. But, there’s also enough evidence of risk to cause concern about this synthesized product. There are many medicinal properties to the cannabis sativa plant. True THC, CBD, CBN, and CBG are all naturally occurring cannabinoids, some of which may have therapeutic properties if consumed appropriately. This new molecule Delta-8 THC is clearly in a different category, as it is directly being used to circumvent State and Federal regulations. So even if it was safe. It doesn’t seem like it will remain in the legal gray area. The FDA is already making moves to address this market.

Citations:

(1) https://www.marijuanamoment.net/fda-and-cdc-issue-warnings-on-delta-8-thc-products-derived-from-hemp/
(2) https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/5-things-know-about-delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol-delta-8-thc
(3) https://cen.acs.org/biological-chemistry/natural-products/Delta-8-THC-craze-concerns/99/i31

About US:

Nulife CBD Oils is a company that believes in using natures power to heal. Our CBD tinctures and creams are derived from 100% Colorado grown hemp and presented to you in their most natural forms. As a company that works in the cannabis industry, we want to promote facts, science, testing and safe products for our customers. If you thought this article was helpful, you may want to read our series on “Is vaping cbd oils safe” as well.