Earlier this year, we posted an editorial regarding the growing popularity of Delta-8 THC. Aside from the legality, the grander concern was the lack of research performed by the appropriate governing bodies. Well, it looks like the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has a few things to say about Delta-8 THC, and summarily: it’s not good.

CDC conducts research on Delta-8 THC

Last month, the CDC released the findings of a recent study regarding all things cannabis. The study takes a look at THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids. However, the study’s main focus was to debunking the ‘new’ and barely-legal cannabinoid Delta-8 THC. The Center for Disease Control stated:

‘A wide range of products containing delta-8 THC have invaded the market, including, but not limited to, vaporizers, traditional hemp diffused with delta-8 THC extract, distillates, tinctures, edibles like chocolates, gummies, and infused drinks. Due to the testing programs for products like synthetically derived delta-8 THC are still being produced, Delta-8 THC goods may not be tested regularly for contaminants like troublesome metals, solutions, or pesticides that may cause long-term health effects.’

Promptly, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states Delta-8 THC is new. There are no regulated methods of testing Delta-8 THC. Despite operating in legal grays, the new cannabinoid is not bound to any regimen of testing. It is vital to point out that the CDC does not condemn the cannabinoid itself. However, the lack of consistent, verifiable product testing poses an extreme risk for buyers. 

We know what some readers are thinking: ‘Companies would not intentionally poison their customers.’ The former is not true whatsoever. There have been several big-time cannabis brands that have been on the other side of a raid due to their pesticide-laden products. Moreover, these companies sold the vaporizer cartridges and distillates on the black market after failing product testing. Again: due to pesticides.

Delta-8-THC

For researchers, Delta-8-THC is a new one-off of the traditional cannabinoid Delta-9-THC. The two types of THC are molecularly the same but present a minute difference. Delta-9-THC is recognized for being psychoactive. Despite this, many students of traditional THC believe it can trigger moderate amounts of anxiety and paranoia. Delta-8-THC provides the psychoactivity that cannabis patients are looking for without the sensations of anxiety, paranoia, or dread.

Examining the difference

As mentioned earlier, Delta-8-THC and Delta-9-THC both produce psychoactive effects. This is due to the nearly indistinguishable makeup of the compounds. The metrics in the name represent the number of molecules (Carbon) found in the compound. This means that the famous cannabinoid Delta-9-THC has a single molecule more than the former. Despite this distinction, Delta-8-THC is not as successful as Delta-9. Nevertheless, thanks to the research performed by the CDC and medicinal cannabis community, Delta-8-THC shows great hope in being able to provide the psychoactive effects without the concern of a psychotic experience. Although this may appear to be small, this is a breakthrough in cannabis research and application.

Adverse effects of cannabinoids

Contrary to general belief, all cannabinoids profess a hazard to consumers in particular doses. Most humans are equipped to endure intense amounts of cannabinoids like THC, CBD, CBG, and many others. This is thanks to our body’s Endocannabinoid System. Some refer to the system as the ECS. This is the network of links and connections that are tasked with the regulation and disposition of cannabinoids like Delta-8 and Delta-9-THC. Concerning the latter, traditional THC can produce intense episodes of anxiety and paranoia. It can also create unwanted levels of visual hallucinations. This can be harmful to some patients. We’ll keep an eye on Delta-8 THC products for now.