Delta-8 Side Effects: What You Need to Know
For the last few years, delta 8 THC has been dominating the market of psychoactive hemp derivatives. This federally legal cannabinoid is incredibly popular, mainly thanks to its mild but enjoyable high, but there is still a good number of individuals who are hesitant to use it because they are unsure of its potential side effects.
Does Delta 8 Cause Any Serious Side Effects?
Delta 8 THC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid that makes up about 0.1% of the hemp plant’s chemical composition. Being a natural compound, it’s considered to be nontoxic to the human body. This is why there have been no instances of toxic overdose associated with the cannabinoid.
Overall, delta 8 THC is not associated with any major or long-term side effects. Keep in mind though, that for the last few years, it has been extremely popular. What does this mean? Well, countless people take delta 8 regularly without reporting any kinds of harm done to their health.
What are the Most Common Side Effects Associated with Delta 8 THC?
While delta 8 THC is not known to cause any serious side effects, there are some minor side effects that may occur, which are temporary and generally last for as long as the high itself. These side effects, as you may notice, are pretty much identical to those associated with delta 9 THC, or the marijuana plant.
What Increases the Chances of Side Effects?
While the above side effects are not really cause for concern, it’s natural that people would still like to do what they can to avoid them entirely. That’s why it is important to be aware of which factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing those above side effects.
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Factor #1: Having a Low Tolerance
As is the case with any intoxicating substance, the more unfamiliar your body is with delta 8, the more likely you are to experience mild side effects. This is the reason why beginners are always recommended to start with just a small amount of delta 8 THC. Over time, their tolerance will build so that their body is able to enjoy higher dosage amounts with only a minimal risk of side effects.
Factor #2: Taking a High Dosage
Naturally, the more delta 8 you consume in one sitting, the more likely you are to experience side effects, and the stronger those side effects may feel.
Factor #3: Taking a Low-Quality Product
Yes, taking a delta 8 THC product that was made with low quality standards can increase your chance of experiencing side effects, not because of the delta 8 itself but because of how the product is made. For example, a company that uses chemical filler ingredients in their gummies may upset your stomach, which has absolutely nothing to do with the cannabinoid in the product.
Are Some Delta 8 Product Types More Likely to Cause Side Effects?
Many people ask us which types of delta 8 products are more likely to cause side effects than others. First, let’s talk about dabs. Dabs are concentrates containing extremely potent amounts of delta 8 THC, and they’re designed to create as strong of a high as possible. While dabs are not inherently dangerous in any way, the increased intoxication can increase the risk of the mild side effects discussed earlier such as dry mouth, paranoia and drowsiness. Dabs are therefore not for beginners.
Other than that, no specific product type is inherently more likely to cause side effects than others. For instance, gummies aren’t associated with more side effects than vapes when it comes to the way in which they introduce delta 8 into the body. But, know that with edibles, the effects can last for up to 8 hours, compared to vapes which tend to wear off after about 2 hours. So, if you do get side effects from delta 8 THC in general, you may feel those side effects for longer if you took the cannabinoid in edible form. Meanwhile, vapes tend to feel more potent than edibles, as they are more bioavailable, so while those side effects may not last for as long, they may feel stronger for the duration of the high.
Can Something Other Than the Delta 8 THC in a Product Cause Side Effects?
Side effects can occur after taking a product infused with delta 8 THC for reasons not related to the cannabinoid itself. An example would be a gummy that contains a flavoring ingredient that the user is allergic to, or a vape that contains propylene glycol being taken by someone with a propylene glycol allergy. This is why it’s crucial that customers read the ingredients of a delta 8 product before purchasing it. Why? In order to know that their body agrees with each ingredient in the formula.
What’s extremely rare is someone with an allergy to the hemp plant, or certain compounds in the hemp plant. Naturally, if you’re allergic to hemp, you will experience side effects in the form of an allergic reaction. If you have symptoms of an allergic reaction after taking delta 8, such as difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.
Taking Delta 8 THC with Medications
Medications that state on the label that they should not be consumed with grapefruit may interact with delta 8 THC. The reasoning is that like grapefruit, delta 8 may suppress the CYP3A4 enzyme that breaks down many common types of medications including many painkillers, psychiatric drugs, and steroids. Suppressed levels of CYP3A4 in the body may prevent these drugs from metabolizing, thus enabling them to accumulate in the body to potentially harmful levels. If you are on any medications, talk to your doctor before taking delta 8.
The Bottom Line
Delta 8 THC is not associated with any serious bodily harm – no more than any other cannabinoids of a psychoactive nature. Therefore, the incredibly large majority of people who try it will not have to worry about danger. Still, always read through the ingredients of a delta 8 product carefully to ensure that each ingredient in the formula agrees with your unique body, just to always be on the safe side.