Interest in hemp-derived delta-8 THC is almost on par with CBD oil. Indeed, if you’ve recently visited a CBD shop, hemp dispensary, or CBD website, you’ve probably noticed delta-8 items. It seems like American consumers can’t get enough of the psychoactive cannabinoid in e-juices, gummies, and tinctures.
Although delta-8 has become increasingly prevalent in the US market, that doesn’t mean it’s an ideal supplement for everyone. Since delta-8 THC is such a new substance, there are a lot of questions surrounding its safety profile. Although many people report good results using high-quality delta-8 products, there are some concerns people should know about before diving into delta-8 extracts.
According to most university-backed surveys, delta-8 THC produces a slightly less intense experience than delta-9 THC. Even though delta-8 is psychoactive and will bind with the brain’s CB1 receptors, it appears to have less intensity compared with comparable delta-9 products.
That being said, that doesn’t mean everyone will have a positive reaction to delta-8 THC extracts. Just because delta-8 is less intense than delta-9 THC doesn’t mean it’s as tame as CBD or CBG. People with zero prior experience with THC could have an adverse reaction to a delta-8 product, especially if they go overboard with the dosage.
Paranoia is the most commonly reported severe side effect of delta-8 THC. Other potential issues people could have with delta-8 include uncontrollable shakes, dry mouth, and intense hunger. Some people also report sleepiness and red eyes after taking a delta-8 product.
Unfortunately, it’s impossible to tell who will have a bad reaction to THC until they try this cannabinoid. Many researchers believe our genes play a role in how we experience cannabinoids like delta-8 THC, but the science in this field is still weak. Therefore, if you have no prior experience using THC, you must take a low dose of delta-8 on your first try. The less delta-8 you take, the lower odds you will experience disorienting side effects.
At this time, the only people who should consider trying delta-8 THC are healthy adults (above 21) who aren’t taking any prescription medications. Delta-8 could interact with certain pills and supplements, so it’s best to avoid delta-8 if you’re on a treatment regimen.
Also, it’s unclear how delta-8 impacts various pre-existing conditions. While many people hope delta-8 could help manage many chronic issues, we don’t have enough science to back up these anecdotal claims.
If you’re thinking about using delta-8 for a specific problem, it’s best to speak with a doctor beforehand. Ideally, you should work with a physician with experience prescribing legal medical marijuana. A registered doctor who helps MMJ patients should have more experience prescribing specific cannabinoids and dosages for patients.
Please avoid delta-8 THC products if you have a pre-existing condition or take medications. Only your primary care physician will know whether this cannabinoid could be of benefit.
On Real Tested CBD, we want to demystify the hype and hysteria surrounding hemp-derived delta-8 THC. That’s why we’ve put together a dedicated Delta-8 Resource Center with the latest details on this psychoactive cannabinoid. We also publish dozens of lab reviews on delta-8 brands so customers can make an informed shopping decision. Be sure to use our unbiased delta-8 reviews if you’re in the market for high-quality hemp products.
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