Delta-8 THC AND ME. For Me Or Not For Me…That Is The Question!

Delta-8 THC today is our topic of discussion for its safety and legal status. Here are five reasons why it may be considered safe to consume and five reasons to be cautious. NO legal or medical advice is intended. The best summary at the moment is “WE DO NOT REALLY KNOW YET.” After so many decades of hearing “we need more study” regarding classic Delta-9 THC, and knowing it was ignorant nonsense, I find it ironic and humorous to find myself saying “more study is needed.” PubMed lists about 500 peer reviewed studies on Delta-8 THC, and currently lists about 46,000 studies on marijuana.

Remember that EVERY study MUST say “more research is needed.” The alternative is to have a study which says “no more study is needed, we know all we need to know, and I’m looking for a new job.” BUT 500 studies on PubMed is a LOT less than 50,000.  Much of what we hear about Delta-8 THC is anecdotal, and not scientific, although possibly accurate.

I’ve elected to look at the top 5 “safety” items, and the top 5 “danger” items.

Reasons Suggesting Safety of Delta-8 THC:

1. Similarity to Delta-9 THC: Delta-8 THC is chemically similar to Delta-9 THC (the main psychoactive compound in cannabis), but it is generally reported to have a lower psychoactive potency. This could mean a reduced risk of the intense anxiety or paranoia sometimes associated with high doses of Delta-9 THC.
2. Natural Origin: Since Delta-8 THC can be derived from CBD extracted from legally grown hemp, it has a natural origin. This can be seen as a positive aspect, especially when compared to synthetic cannabinoids.
3. Potential Therapeutic Benefits: Preliminary research suggests that Delta-8 THC may offer some therapeutic benefits similar to Delta-9 THC, such as pain relief, anti-nausea effects, and appetite stimulation, but with fewer psychoactive effects.
4. Less Potent Psychoactive Effects: Users often report that Delta-8 THC offers a more clear-headed experience compared to Delta-9 THC, which might be preferable for those seeking the benefits of cannabinoids without intense psychoactive effects.
5. Growing Consumer Interest: The increasing popularity and consumer interest in Delta-8 THC suggest that many individuals find it beneficial and prefer it over other cannabinoids for its unique effects.

Reasons for Caution:

1. Legal Ambiguity: The legality of Delta-8 THC is complex and varies by state and jurisdiction. It’s derived from hemp, which is legal at the federal level, but the conversion process and the final product’s status can be legally ambiguous.
2. Lack of Regulation and Oversight: Currently, there is limited government regulation regarding the production and sale of Delta-8 THC. This can lead to concerns about purity, potency, and the presence of contaminants or harmful chemicals in some Delta-8 products.
3. Insufficient Research: There is a lack of comprehensive scientific research on the long-term effects of Delta-8 THC consumption. Without extensive studies, the safety profile of Delta-8 THC remains unclear.
4. Variability in Product Quality: The quality and composition of Delta-8 THC products can vary greatly between manufacturers. Without strict quality control standards, consumers may be at risk of using products with inconsistent potency or unwanted additives.
5. Potential Health Risks: Like any substance, Delta-8 THC may pose health risks, especially when used in high doses or combined with other substances. The lack of research means that the full spectrum of potential risks is not well understood.

Conclusion:

While Delta-8 THC offers certain benefits and a different experience compared to Delta-9 THC, its legal status, lack of regulation, and the variability in product quality make it important for consumers to exercise caution. As with any substance, especially those with limited research and regulation, it’s important to weigh the potential benefits against the risks and uncertainties. The official suggestion of this blog is “delta-8 THC may well not be a great choice of drug for recreation at the present time.” People are being “forced” into Delta-8 in some states where Delta-9 is still illegal, and Delta-8 is either legal or maybe legal.

May the wind be over your port bow, and may your sunscreen be thick.

AND!!! Go BUFFS, beating South Carolina 63-59 today in a VERY close, hard fought, and fabulous game. The teams were within one or two points for most of the game.