Delta-8-THC

A bottle of Delta-8 laying on its side
 

What is Delta-8-THC?

Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (or Delta-8-THC) is a cannabinoid that is rapidly gaining popularity in the United States. These products target consumers who are looking to relieve stress and anxiety, especially those who don’t want to use traditional cannabis products or those who live in places where cannabis products are not legally available. Delta-8 is often referred to as “marijuana-lite” or “diet weed”.

Delta-8 can be used by smoking, vaping, within food or as an extract.

Vaping Delta-8-THC

The other startling information to understand is that youth are smoking pure THC from vaping devices. The latest research suggests vaping THC butter/oil could be quite harmful to the brain and lung health. One concern is the severe effects of inhaling vitamin E acetate. This additive chemical has been found in many vaping products that contain THC.

Let’s also remember that THC butter/oil is 100% THC compared to marijuana that could be purchased and smoked contains 25% THC. The number one reason young people are entering treatment facilities these days is due to marijuana use.

 
12 bottles and brands of vaporizer pens

Example of Vaporizer Pens that mask the aroma of marijuana as it is vaped.

Is Delta-8 Legal?

The short answer is yes.

Under the “2018 Farm Bill”, cannabis products derived from hemp are federally legal to sell and use if the cannabis plant contains no more than .3% of Delta-9 THC. And since Delta-8 is derived from CBD extracted from hemp plants, it is considered legal under federal law.

 

Negative Effects include:

  • Anxiety (when taking too much): While it has been said that Delta-8 shouldn’t produce anxiety once consumed, but too much can cause massive amounts of anxiety. Several Delta-8 producers recommend taking smaller doses until the person knows how much would work for their body.

  • Dry Eyes/Mouth

  • Grogginess: Higher doses of Delta-8 THC can make someone feel temporarily groggy and this can be accompanied by brain fog, fatigue, mild lightheadedness and poor concentration.

  • Getting too much of a body high: This could mean difficulty moving, known as “couch lock”, an over awareness of sensations in the body that can lead to anxiety, and temporary feelings of numbness, twitching and cold/warm sensations.

  • Inability to focus on work

 Drug Test:

Even though Delta-8 is legal in most states, it will still show up on your drug test as both THC and CBD.

Delta-8 in Dane County

Wisconsin is one of the states that follows the verbiage of The Farm Bill.

Within Wisconsin and Dane County, Delta-8 is sold at a variety of different places including:

  • CBD Stores

  • Smoke/Vape Shops

  • Farmer’s Market

  • Gas Stations

  • Grocery Stores

  • Liquor Stores

Dane County and Wisconsin parents should be aware even though someone must be 21 to purchase Delta-8 products, children and teens have been reported purchasing Delta-8 products online, as they aren’t as regulated as purchasing it from a store.