Delta-8 THC may be the most talked about cannabinoid on the market today. Nearly everyone seems to have an opinion, but not everyone has the facts.
Unfortunately, people have many misconceptions about delta-8 THC products. These common myths can be especially misleading because they are very prevalent in our society, and they sound like they could be true.
Some of these misconceptions are affecting public opinion of delta-8 products and even affecting legislation changes. Over 15 states have recently banned this cannabinoid.
Three of the most common misconceptions include the belief that delta-8 THC products are illegal, that delta-8 THC is bad because it is intoxicating and that this cannabinoid has never been studied.
Myth No. 1: Delta 8 is illegal
Some critics claim that delta-8 THC is illegal like delta-9 THC is. The truth is that these two compounds are structurally very similar. The difference is that delta-8 THC has a double bond on the eighth carbon chain, while delta-9 THC has it on the ninth.
However, nearly all of the delta-8 THC products on the market come from hemp. This is what makes it federally legal. Delta-8 THC products are legal when made from hemp because the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and all hemp-derived cannabinoids.
Still, state lawmakers have the power to create laws that are more strict than the federal laws are. Several states have chosen to flex this power by banning delta-8 THC products at the state level. This means that delta-8 THC is federally legal across the country, but it may be illegal in certain states.
Myth No. 2: Delta 8 is bad because it is intoxicating
Because delta-8 THC has a similar chemical structure to delta-9 THC, the two compounds interact with the body in a similar way and cause similar effects. Delta-9 THC may be best known for its intoxicating effects. However, research has shown that it can also have therapeutic effects for people with certain conditions.
Delta-8 THC can cause some intoxicating effects, but users have reported that these effects are much more mild than the intoxicating effects of delta-9 THC. In particular, delta-8 THC is far less likely that delta-9 THC is to cause someone anxiety.
Many people who would benefit from the documented therapeutic effects of delta-9 THC decide not to take it because it causes them unpleasant feelings, like anxiety. Delta-8 THC could be a helpful alternative for them.
For example, Harvard Medical School Instructor Peter Grinspoon, MD, reportedly told Insider, “I can’t tell you how many patients I have who say, ‘I’d love to use medical cannabis instead of opiates for pain, except it makes me anxious.’ Delta-8 might be a good option for people like that.”
Myth No. 3: Delta-8 has never been studied
Critics also like to claim that delta-8 THC shouldn’t be consumed because it has not been studied. Variations of this myth may claim that no one knows what delta-8 actually does in the body or that we don’t know enough about it.
It is true that we need more research and more scientific data on delta-8 THC. However, it is inaccurate to claim that there have been no studies on the subject. One study, which was conducted in 1996, showed that delta-8 THC is not only safe, but also seems to have therapeutic qualities that can help people.
This study examined the effects of delta-8 THC on children with cancer. It found that delta-8 THC completely prevented the children’s chemotherapy-related vomiting without causing side effects. The published research dubbed delta-8 THC “an efficient new cannabinoid.”
The National Cancer Institute currently lists a variety of other potential therapeutic effects of delta-8 THC. These include its potential as an antiemetic, anxiolytic, appetite stimulant, analgesic and neuroprotectant.
It is important to dispel common myths when we hear them because misinformation can have harmful consequences. Understanding the truth about delta-8 THC can help consumers make educated purchasing decisions. It can also help lawmakers make informed decisions as they consider new potential laws on the state or federal level.
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