What Is Delta-8?

The signs are everywhere—"Delta-8 gummies sold here" or "Delta-8 vape products available." But what exactly is delta-8, and how does it differ from other cannabis compounds like delta-9 THC and CBD?

Delta-8 THC is a psychoactive substance derived from hemp that has surged in popularity, especially in states where recreational marijuana remains illegal. As delta-8's popularity grows, so do questions about its safety, legality and how it compares to other cannabinoids. While early clinical research is underway, much remains unknown about its effects and risks.

This article explores what delta-8 is, how it works and what you need to know about its health risks, legal status and purported benefits.

When did delta-8 become popular?

Delta-8 THC use has surged in recent years, especially in states where recreational marijuana is illegal. According to a 2024 FDA memorandum, the agency continues to receive reports of adverse events linked to delta-8 products, such as hospitalizations and emergency room visits. Some of these incidents involve unintentional exposure, especially among children.

• A significant portion of delta-8-related cases involve children under 18, often due to accidental ingestion of edibles.
• Hospitalizations remain a concern, with some cases requiring intensive care.
• Per the FDA, delta-8 THC does not meet the criteria for safe use in food and is considered an unapproved food additive.

These updated insights reflect ongoing concerns about the safety and regulation of delta-8 products, especially as they continue to be marketed in appealing forms like gummies and vapes.

What are the effects and claimed benefits of delta-8 THC?

Early clinical trials have attempted to identify the therapeutic benefits of delta-8 THC. Because delta-8 is a relatively recent discovery, attempts to fully understand it are still ongoing.

Early reports suggest that delta-8 THC has a similar profile to delta-9 (recreational marijuana) but with a lower psychoactive potency—the high from delta-8 feels very similar to that of the better-known THC, but it doesn't feel as intoxicating. Clinicians in treatment have heard patients describe delta-8 as a version of micro-dosing marijuana.

Benefits currently marketed by supporters of delta-8 include:

• Promotes healthy sleep
• Alleviates pain and inflammation
• Improves body balance (regulates serotonin, dopamine and glutamate)
• Stimulates appetite
• Inhibits nausea and vomiting
• Offers neuroprotective properties

But, any benefits from CBD products can be obtained from other sources that are better substantiated by science.

In what forms is delta-8 THC ingested?

There are a few methods of delivery for delta-8, all of which affect how the cannabinoid is absorbed and processed by the body and mind.

Gummies are the most popular delivery method for delta-8 THC, but other common methods in addition to gummies are vape cartridges and vape pens, e-liquids, capsules and tinctures.

So what's the difference between delta-8 and delta-9?

So far, few differences have been detected between delta-8 THC and delta 9 THC. The two cannabinoids are very closely related, and both are found in the Cannabis Sativa plant. However, delta-8 is found at much lower concentrations in the plant, so the delta-8 gummies and other products that contain higher dosages are generally manufactured from hemp-derived CBD.

What are the differences between delta-8 and CBD?

Delta-8 and CBD products have a few notable differences. Probably the most notable are the effects on the mind: CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not produce highs or feelings of euphoria, and CBD products are mostly used for medicinal purposes.

Although delta-8, in its natural form, has lower concentrations in cannabis compared with CBD, it is still a psychoactive drug that causes intoxication because of how it interacts with the endocannabinoid system and cannabinoid receptors. This makes it a candidate for recreational use in addition to any of its potential medicinal qualities.

How long does delta-8 THC stay in your system?

Like other chemicals, the delivery method—gummies vs. vape, etc.—and the frequency/amount of use will all dictate how long delta-8 remains in your system. 

According to early research, the delta-8 and delta-9 THC strains both appear to have the same half-life, approximately 30 minutes, so its detection remains consistent with reports of one to four hours in saliva, two to four weeks in urine, and more than 90 days in hair follicle tests. 

Is delta-8 THC legal to use?

Although delta-8 is federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, many states have enacted their own restrictions. The FDA has also issued warnings about mislabeled and potentially harmful delta-8 products, especially edibles.

Is delta-8 THC safe to use?

As is often the case when a new drug emerges, there have been no longitudinal studies to evaluate the long-term effects of delta-8 THC, and the lack of regulation often leaves room for bad-faith actors who want a quick buck, selling unfinished products with potentially toxic side effects.

Reported side effects include confusion, anxiety, hallucinations and even hospitalization. Because delta-8 is often sold in unregulated markets, it poses unique risks—especially for young people and those in recovery.

Can people in recovery safely use delta-8 THC products?

People with a substance use disorder and those who are at risk of developing a substance use problem should not use delta-8 THC for several reasons:

1. Delta-8 THC is a psychotropic substance and, unlike other hemp or CBD products, it produces a high.
2. There are ongoing legal debates and risks, and there is uncertainty surrounding the production of delta-8 THC products—who is making it, and are they making it safely? Without regulation, there's no way to know.
3. What's the motivation for using the substance? People in recovery know that relapse begins long before the return to use occurs and are taught to pay attention to the warning signs associated with relapse. Wanting to use delta-8 could be a warning sign.

A person who's thinking about using delta-8 is likely exhibiting other warning signs of relapsing such as anxiety, stress, depression or fear. They might be hoping to escape, or they might express a desire to feel "normal" or recapture some aspect of their old using behaviors. They may also display dishonest or sneaky behaviors, ruminate about drug use, or exercise magical thinking that this chemical will somehow help alleviate the problems they're experiencing. If that sounds familiar, encourage them to learn about and implement a relapse prevention plan.

If you're concerned about a loved one's use of delta-8 or other substances, trust your instincts. Start a conversation from a place of care, not confrontation. Use "I" statements and seek support from a treatment professional or support group. Early intervention can make a big difference.