The popularity of Delta-8 THC has doubled following the legalization of CBD with 0.3% THC content federally. However, before making allowances over the product’s legality, you must consider the safety of consumption of Delta-8 THC.
Before buying your Delta 8 products, careful consideration should be taken to choose the right brand. An unlicensed Delta-8 THC product can cause serious harm or even death due to its toxicity. Almost all delta 8 THC products that are unlicensed are a great risk as they do not follow any regulations. Therefore, buying unlicensed delta 8 is highly disapproved of by technicians, doctors, and health experts.
Increase in Sales of Unlicensed Delta 3
The reports issued by the US Cannabis Council gave alarming statistics on the widespread sales of unlicensed Delta 3. These unlicensed products threaten public health as they aren’t regulated by laws and aren’t even tested. So their unlicensed availability is a big threat to public health collectively.
Caution before buying Delta-8 THC
Caution should be taken before buying Delta-8 THC as it would be a risk to consume higher than expected amounts of THC. Risks include simple potency fraud, hospitalization, or death.
In 2019, more than 2700 vape users were hospitalized as they got very sick due to higher THC amounts. Sixty-eight out of those even died due to deadly lung conditions caused by increased THC.
Inside Unlicensed Delta 8 THC
The US Cannabis Council researched in 2019. In this research, they bought some unlicensed Delta-8 THC products and tested them in labs. Surprisingly, most unlicensed delta 8 cartridges had unsafe solvent levels for human consumption. Also, none of the unlicensed delta 8 THC complied with the 0.3% THC limit specifically mentioned in the 2018 farm bill.
In addition, these unlicensed and unregulated products include copper, nickel, chromium, and lead, which aren’t safe for inhalation.
How to Buy regulated, licensed Delta 8 THC
Delta-8 THC is bought through two sources. First, some reputable companies sell licensed delta 8 online and in licensed cannabis stores. The other way is to get them from smoke shops, gas stations, etc. Delta 8 THC acquired through the later-mentioned way is unsafe \and dangerous.
The licensed brands maintain mandatory testing of the product for purity and potency. This ensured that 100 mg of Delta THC is contained in the product. Delta-8 THC is synthesized from CBD, although Delta-8 THC is naturally occurring.
Contaminants of Delta 8 THC
There are strict rules and regulations governing the selling of cannabis in states where it has been declared legal for adult consumption.
In 2019, many unlicensed stores kept Delta-8 THC and sold them alongside the other CBD products that are intoxicating and allowed to supply without a cannabis license. The unlicensed Delta-8 THC products were commonly identified to contain 10% or even higher contents of contaminants. The syncretization of Delta 8 THC into a distillate involves extracting acids and solvents during the process. If the extraction is not done carefully, the solvents remain unsafe for inhalation and consumption. These solvents can include ethanol, hexane, acetones, etc.
Research and report indicate that Delta-8 with contaminants can cause lung injuries. However, since delta 8 THC hasn’t been sold in the commercial market for long, and the consumption is comparatively new, there is little research to back its safety. Therefore, unregulated, untested Delta-8 that is not licensed can be dangerous and may not pan out as expected.
Claims of Delta 8 THC Producers
The producers of Delta 8 THC claim that it is a powerful cannabinoid with many advantages for users. For example, it is less proactive than Delta 9 THC and is much safer. Also, the side effects are mild and fewer than those of Delta-9 THC.
Delta 8 THC compound has become increasingly popular for its extractors. Therefore, the industry claims the innumerable health benefits of Delta 8 THC. However, the only confirmed way to establish the safety profile of the proactive compound is through randomized clinical controlled trials.
Adverse Effects of Delta 8 THC
A study conducted on eight children reported that only two out of the eight showed signs of side effects from the consumption of cannabinoids. These side effects included irritability and euphoria. Overall, the delta-8 THC doses were well tolerated by the children.
Other side effects noted were visual distortions, dizziness, dry mouth, and various effects similar to cannabis.
Final Verdict of the Safety of Delta 8 THC
Although a few adverse effects have been reported along with tolerability evidence in children and adults, the confirmation of Delta 8 THC for safe consumption is implausible. Evidence also suggests its mild effects than other cannabinoids.
The consumption of Delta 8 THC through vaping, smoking, or eating in various forms has unknown long-term effects. Further research is required in this regard before sound conclusions can be drawn.
