Is Delta 8 Safe? All your Health and Questions Answered

If you are interested in trying quality delta products, check out our sister brand, Otterspace.

As the demand for cannabis offerings grows, so does our understanding of why a consumer might use delta 8. In fact, Discover Magazine outlined some specific reasons for using delta 8 including:

• A desire to remain clear headed as you enjoy the effects of THC

• Avoiding a feeling of paranoia that is found in other higher THC content products

• Looking to easily ingest a product, especially if you’re averse to smoking or vaping 

Always consult your physician before beginning any new cannabis product. They’ll be able to better explain if delta 8 could be a beneficial product based on your medical history. 

Delta 8 is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in the Cannabis sativa plant. It was first isolated from the plant in 1964 by Raphael Mechoulam and a team at Hebrew University in Israel.

The name was given due to the double bond between carbons 8 and 9 on the aromatic ring. In a more technical sense, it has also been dubbed nomega-6, nordihydrocannabivarin, or CP-9-THC.

Tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly known as THC, is a psychoactive compound found in cannabis that produces the high sensation. Cannabidiol (CBD) is another compound found in the cannabis plant that does not have a psychoactive effect like its counterpart, THC.

While the two compounds have the same molecular structure (21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms) it is the arrangement of them that causes the stark differences. Both interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, but differ in

how the receptors then respond. THC produces a more euphoric, high feeling while CBD is often responsible for a much more calming effect, without the psychoactive feeling.

This is due to THC’s ability to bind to the cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptor found in the brain and responsible for producing a euphoric feeling when activated. CBD does not bind well to CB1 receptors, so it then cannot produce that feeling.

Yes. Delta 8 THC is considered legal thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized it at the federal level. This is due to the fact that it is derived from the hemp plant, and not the marijuana plant. Both are derived from the same species, but differ in the amount of THC that is legally allowed.

The 2018 Farm Bill allows delta 8 THC products to be sold legally as long as they contain less than 0.03% THC. If a product contains more than 0.03% THC then it is not considered legal under the bill. 

We’ve broken down the states where delta 8 is fully legal, regulated or in a gray area, and considered illegal as of August 2022. Please refer to the below chart for your state’s breakdown.

While these state laws can change, it’s best to keep track of your state’s guidelines before purchasing a delta 8 product. However, to keep up with the latest in regulations you can also refer to the CBD Thinker Delta 8 THC Legal Tracker for a state by state breakdown.

You can also refer to our post on delta 8 and drug tests for more information on various tests, how long it stays in your system, and additional legal implications. 

Side effects are a possibility with any new addition be it medicinal or otherwise. This does not mean that every consumer will have a negative side effect or bad experience taking delta 8, but you should always exercise caution when taking anything new. However, most users find delta 8 well tolerable and those with side effects often report:

• Dizziness

• Dry Mouth

• Nausea

• Red Eyes 

Delta 8 is considered a psychoactive substance, which means that it can cause changes in perception and mental activity in users. However, that does not mean it produces the same effects as traditional THC, which is usually a more potent psychoactive feeling.  

Consumers have reported feeling euphoric and relaxed after taking delta 8. Some have even felt like a floating, light sensation, which may be similar to the intended effects of traditional THC, but also slightly different.

This is intended to provide consumers with a calming and relaxing sensation, but not overwhelming in nature. It is not meant to provide an intense high feeling, rather to ease like your head is floating in the clouds. 

Delta 8 products, including tinctures, oils, and gummies are generally considered to have little to no risk of side effects. This makes them similarly safe for cannabis users. However, you should understand how you tolerate delta 8 before continued use.

According to Leafly, delta 8 has been seen as beneficial in helping with:

• Pain Relief

• Insomnia

• Anxiety

• Nausea 

However, more research is needed to better understand how delta 8 interacts with certain medical conditions. It’s best to discuss potential use with your physician before taking a delta 8 product. 

Delta 8 is generally very well tolerated by consumers, but you should figure out your own pace and use depending on a variety of factors. You should first know that it is very difficult to overdose on delta 8, as almost all products have such a low concentration of THC. This means that even if you did take over a recommended dose, that it would be highly unlikely of overdosing.

SImilarly, traditional THC found in marijuana based products have a much higher content compared to delta 8 products. So much so that they are often 30% higher than  

Reputable delta 8 products should include lab reports to highlight the cannabinoid profile for potency and to show what is included in the actual product. 

For example, our Delta 8 Gummies (25 mg) has a Certificate of Analysis which details the method and is verified by a third party laboratory. 

The best products are made with premium oils, concentrates, and high quality cannabis. Delta 8 should be derived from top-shelf cannabis that has been grown in a controlled environment. This ensures that the product is free of pesticides, fungus, and any potential contaminants. Below are a few examples of our top delta 8 products. 

Because sativa is more of a head high, some people who aren’t used to having racing thoughts can get stuck in loops. This can be a feeling of extreme self-consciousness or even paranoia. If you are feeling this way, the important thing to remember is that it will fade and is not life threatening! Just give it time, try to relax and ride it out.

Indica are sleepier strains, so they can make you fall asleep. It should go without saying with any cannabis product, but especially indica strains, do not get behind the wheel of a car while using it.

Given all of the above, how do you even choose between indica and sativa? Plus, there are hybrids, which are somewhere in the middle of both. Like many things, there’s no right or wrong here. Some people like sativa, some like indica, some like both depending on their mood.

Of course, you can start by asking what you want to get out of using cannabis in the first place. Do you want help sleeping? Or do you want a boost while exercising? Do you want something good for watching Netflix? Or do you want something that will make socializing easier?

One of the best ways to find out what you like is to experiment. Try sativa one day, try indica another. Try mixing the two! Explore, be curious, take notes on how you feel and enjoy.

Below you’ll find a more detailed guide to figure out your proper dosing.

This is for those without any (or any recent) experience. Don’t be fooled by the number, these can pack a punch. We recommend starting with half a cube and seeing how you feel.

For the weekend explorer. Still be cautious but you know what to expect. Sometimes less is more.

For the experienced. You know the ropes. Enjoy responsibly.

Price shouldn’t push you to purchase one product over another. While some brands have cheaper offerings, that doesn’t necessarily mean it is better than a more expensive counterpart, and vice versa. 

You should always be sure to check for proper lab testing and certification. The purity and consistency of a delta 8 product really become the true test for overall efficacy. Be sure to do some research and find an option that is accredited and formulated with an appropriate dose for you. 

Checking reviews is a great way to understand how other users tolerate and like delta 8 products. You can learn a lot from people with similar medical histories and even those with similar reasons for taking a delta 8 product.

While reviews can be extremely useful, also exercise caution when comparing your experience to someone else’s. It’s best practice to find your proper dosing, especially when it comes to your minimum effective dose. 

There are several methods of extraction, but the resulting product should always be derived from the highest quality hemp. For example, we always make sure that our products are cleanly extracted and tested rigorously for potency, quality, and contamination. 

This depends on you and your feeling about using a product that is a bit different than your traditional CBD. Delta 8 mimics a euphoric feeling without feeling too high as with a higher THC based product. It’s best used in a small capacity at first while you figure out what your tolerance and intended effect is. 

If you are interested in trying quality delta products, check out our sister brand, Otterspace.

You should also know that delta 8 tinctures, oils, and gummies generally carry little to no risk of side effects, making them safe for cannabis users. To get a better sense if this a product for you, do your research and consult with your physician. 

If you’re still debating the pros and cons of taking delta 8, feel free to check out our range of additional CBD products including: