Delta-8 THC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid in hemp, however this natural occurrence is very low. Due to this low natural occurrence, Delta-8 cannot be specifically grown for in hemp. Instead, additional chemicals are used to convert other cannabinoids in hemp (like CBD) into large quantities of Delta-8 THC; this process is known as synthetic conversion.
What is Synthetic Conversion and is it Dangerous?
Yes. Synthetic conversion can be very dangerous if you are buying products from a company that does not provide you with verifiable Certificates of Analysis (COAs) complete with a solvent report. There are manufacturers that may use potentially unsafe chemicals to make Delta-8 THC through synthetic conversion, which is why we at Ethereal Gold Dispensary require complete third-party, verifiable COAs with solvent reports before we will even consider offering a product to you. Not only that, but we do our own batch spot testing to verify COA results. You can see these COAs under the “Lab Reports” section on each product.
However solvents in products are not the only risk with synthetic conversion. You also need to have a full report of any containments, as some manufacturers will cut corners even more and mass produce in unsafe, uncontrolled, and unsanitary settings. The Ethereal Gold Dispensary Standard for all products we carry both online and in our physical location is far beyond the bare minimum requirement at state level, which is just a potency test for a small portion of a batch of products.
Always get your COAs and work with trusted sellers when purchasing products.
Is Delta-8 Psychoactive and Will I Get High?
“Delta-8 THC has psychoactive and intoxicating effects, similar to delta-9 THC (i.e., the component responsible for the “high” people may experience from using cannabis).” Says the FDA in a warning about Delta-8.
WebMD also states “For starters, its chemical structure is similar to that of its well-known cousin, Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-9-THC), the main psychoactive compound found in marijuana. That’s what gets you ‘high.'”
You can expect Delta-8 products to produce a euphoric, fuzzy feelings, but a milder “high” than traditional Delta-9 THC. Some even go as far to refer to it as “diet weed”.
Is Delta-8 Legal to Purchase?
The 2018 Farm Bill made hemp federally legal in the United states, as well as hemp derived cannabinoids that contain under 0.3% THC. Synthetic drugs are illegal, however Delta-8 being a naturally occurring cannabinoid in hemp plants creates a gray area where synthetically creating this naturally occurring cannabinoid is not deemed as illegal. At this current date of 03/30/2022, Delta-8 is legal for purchase in 35 of the 50 states — However new restrictions state and county wide are being considered so please research your county or ask an Ethereal Gold Handler for assistance if you have any questions before making a purchase.
Benefits of Delta-8
Delta-8 is a fairly new product from a medical testing standpoint, so knowing actual proven benefits is a bit difficult at this time. However from users on social media, and an online report by WedMD:
“Users say Delta-8 can also:
- Calm nausea
- Boost appetite
- Ease pain relief
- Boost mental health
- Prevent vomiting during cancer treatments“
Risks of Delta-8
We have already gone over the dangers that come with cheap manufacturing and synthetic conversion, but Delta-8 does have a few potential side-effects that also need to be considered before you have a product. You can expect Delta-8 to give you a euphoric, fuzzy, or “high” feeling, which you may like or dislike depending on the user. However much like traditional Delta-9 THC, some users report paranoia, anxiety, and drowsiness.
Safe Delta-8 Products
If you think Delta-8 may be the right cannabinoid for you, we have many products here at Ethereal Gold Dispensary that our Handlers spend extensive time researching, selecting, and verifying that they are high-quality and are compliant with state and federal regulations. We also offer live assistance when it comes to making sure you can get the right product for your state and answer any questions you may have along the way — just click the chat bubble.
Sources:
- https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/what-is-delta-8
- https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/5-things-know-about-delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol-delta-8-thc
- https://www.healthline.com/health/delta-8
For more information, blogs, and cannabis news make sure to head over to the Ethereal Gold Dispensary Blogs section!
