• Delta-8 THC has purported anti-anxiety, appetite-stimulating, neuroprotective, analgesic, and antiemetic properties(1). Antiemetics are substances that help with nausea and vomiting.
  •  Delta-8 THC may be less potent than delta-9, the primary psychoactive compound of cannabis(2). 
  • The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) warns the public against the use of delta-8 THC products. The agency has not evaluated and approved such items(3).
  • Given the psychoactive nature of delta-8 and delta-9 THC, CBD may be a good choice for those who want to try cannabis products. 
  • CBD is nonpsychoactive. In addition, it is relatively safe and well tolerated(4). 

Delta-8 vs. Delta-9 vs. CBD: How Do They Work in the Body?

Cannabis (sometimes called marijuana) is a complex plant with more than 400 chemical entities, of which over 60 of them are cannabinoid compounds(5). 

Despite having opposing effects, Delta-9 THC (Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are the two major chemical compounds of cannabis plants(6).

Delta-9 THC is the primary psychoactive compound of cannabis plants. Meanwhile, CBD is nonpsychoactive and may counteract some of the adverse effects of THC(7). 

CBD and THC are present in the resin of the cannabis plant and may interact with the endocannabinoid systems’ cannabinoid receptors(8).

The endocannabinoid system or ECS is responsible for bodily homeostasis or balance. Meanwhile, cannabinoid receptors, namely CB1 and CB2, are involved in various physiological processes(9). 

CB1 receptors are abundant in several brain regions and mediate the psychoactive effects of cannabinoids like THC. Meanwhile, CB2 receptors are present in immune cells in some neurons(10).   

Recently, another compound found in the cannabis Sativa plant has been making headlines: delta-8 THC (delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol), a minor chemical variant of delta-9 THC.   

What Is Delta-8 THC? Is There a Difference Between Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC?

Following the 2018 Farm Bill, cannabis products containing delta-8 THC became widely available in most parts of the United States(11). 

Based on an article released by the University at Buffalo on January 12, 2022, delta-8 THC is about half as potent as delta-9 THC(12). 

Since delta-8 THC is produced in lesser quantities, it has to be processed from a concentrate. Hence, most individuals consume this THC isomer in edibles, such as brownies or gummies, or through vaping(13). 

The Potential Health Benefits of Delta-8 THC: What Researchers Say About It

Delta-8 THC may have anti-anxiety, appetite-stimulating, neuroprotective, analgesic, and antiemetic activities(14). 

Still, research on the effects of delta-8 THC is lacking. 

A 2022 exploratory study from the Journal of Cannabis Research hypothesized that delta-8 THC may provide much of the benefits of delta-9 THC with lesser adverse effects(15).  

The researchers of the study conducted an online survey for delta-8 THC consumers. Out of the 521 participants, about 90% were white European Americans, while 50% were males. 

The results showed that 71% of the delta-8 THC users experienced relaxation, 68% felt euphoria, and 55% benefited from pain relief(16).

Meanwhile, 80% of the participants said that they had difficulties with short-term memory, and 74% encountered problems with an alerted sense of time(17).

On the other hand, 74% of delta-8 THC users did not feel anxious, while 83% did not experience paranoia(18). 

Additionally, most of the participants said that they would substitute delta-8 THC for delta-9 and other pharmaceutical drugs. However, their main concern was the legal access to delta-8(19). 

Jessica Kruger, one of the researchers of the exploratory study, said that although delta-8 THC may have some positive attributes, more research is needed at this point. Thus, she advised people to be cautious when using untested and unregulated delta-8 THC products(20).  

Can CBD Be an Alternative for Delta-8?

According to the CDC or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, THC is a mind-altering active compound that may cause addiction, mental health problems, and other adverse events(21).  

Concentrated amounts of delta-8 THC are usually manufactured from hemp-derived CBD(22). In addition, delta-8 THC may be less potent than the delta-9 variant(23). 

However, delta-8 is still a psychoactive substance(24). Hence, it may cause detrimental side effects if abused. 

CBD, on the other hand, does not cause a euphoric high. Although CBD is a vital component of medical marijuana, it is derived from hemp plants(25). 

Public and medical interest in CBD has been rising(26). 

CBD is the primary cannabinoid, accounting for up to 40% of the cannabis plant’s extract. In addition, the nonpsychoactive compound has shown promise as a pharmaceutical and therapeutic target(27). 

Notably, CBD has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant, anti-anxiety, antipsychotic, neuroprotective, and antioxidant properties(28). 

Aside from these therapeutic potentials, CBD is relatively safe and well tolerated(29). 

Moreover, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved Epidiolex, a CBD drug used to treat rare and severe forms of epilepsy and seizures associated with tuberous sclerosis complex in patients one year of age and older(30).

Tuberous sclerosis complex is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the proliferation of numerous noncancerous tumors in various body parts. 

The FDA’s approval of Epidiolex serves as a milestone in the cannabis industry, particularly in CBD and medical marijuana research. 

Other CBD products are also widely available in the market, particularly online. Some of the common CBD items sold online are as follows:

  • CBD oil
  • CBD tinctures
  • CBD edibles, like gummies or candies 
  • CBD topicals, like lotions and salves 
  • CBD vape cartridges  

Consumers must buy hemp products from licensed dispensaries since most CBD items are still unregulated. Before making any purchase, individuals should also consider the following criteria:

Hemp Extracts

 Full-spectrum CBD oil contains all compounds of the cannabis plant, including CBD and other cannabinoids, essential oils, flavonoids, and terpenes.

Terpenes are the elements of essential oils responsible for the aroma of cannabis(31). 

On the other hand, flavonoids are compounds in cannabis that may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral actions(32). 

 The full-spectrum CBD variant also has less than 0.3% THC concentration. 

Although broad-spectrum CBD oil also contains all of the natural compounds of cannabis, this CBD variant is THC-free, whereas CBD isolates are made from pure CBD only.

Third-Party Lab Testing

The company must provide its clients with the COAs (certificates of analysis) of all their products as tested by a third-party laboratory. These documents should be readily accessible on the brand’s official website.

Possible Drug Interaction and Minor Side Effects

CBD is not a biologically inert compound(33). Therefore, it has the potential to interact with other medications an individual may be taking for a specific medical condition.

In addition, CBD may also induce minor side effects, such as dry mouth and drowsiness(34).    

Legality of CBD

The 2018 Farm Bill states that Cannabis sativa L. and other derivatives of cannabis with less than 0.3% THC content on a dry weight basis are considered legal at a federal level(35).

Still, rules and regulations regarding CBD and medical marijuana use vary from state to state. Therefore, consumers must be aware of various state laws. 

For instance, Colorado permits recreational and medical marijuana use. The local government decriminalized the use of marijuana by passing Amendment 64 to the Colorado Constitution in November 2012(36).

In Texas, the local government passed laws in June 2019, creating a state industrial hemp program(37). 

Under House Bill 1325, the Texas Department of State Health Services is issuing licenses to people who want to manufacture or sell consumable hemp-derived products in the Lone Star State.

Nevertheless, under the Controlled Substances Act, marijuana is still listed as a Schedule 1 Drug, with high abuse potential and no accepted medical use(38). 

However, petitions from interested parties, the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration), and HHS (Department of Health and Human Services) may initiate proceedings to change, delete, or add to the schedule of a particular drug(39). 

Is Delta-8 Safe?

Studies regarding delta-8 THC are still in their infancy. Therefore, no definitive scientific data can prove the compound’s efficacy and safety. 

Risks of Using Delta-8 THC: Why the FDA Is Notifying the Public About Delta-8 THC

The FDA has neither evaluated nor approved delta-8 THC products for safe use(40). 

Furthermore, the agency has received 104 reports of adverse events in individuals who consumed delta-8 THC products between December 1, 2020, and February 28, 2022(41). 

Meanwhile, national poison control centers received 2,362 exposure cases of delta-8 THC products between January 1, 2021, and February 28, 2022(42). 

Another cause for concern is that manufacturers of delta-8 THC products are marketing them in ways that may be appealing to children(43). In addition, consumers may purchase these items from gas stations, retailers, and convenience stores, where there may not be age limits on who can buy such products.

Possible contaminations due to manufacturing methods also raise significant public health and safety concerns(44). These products with delta-8 THC may contain potentially harmful by-products due to the chemicals used in the process. 

Hence, the FDA warns consumers regarding the use of unregulated products, such as delta-8 THC items(45). 

 FAQs 

1. Can users test positive for THC after using delta-8 THC products?

Delta-8 THC has the same chemical structure as delta-9 THC, the primary form of THC found in cannabis(46). For this reason, users may have a positive drug test after using delta-8 THC.

A study from the journal Clinical Chemistry indicated that the urine concentration of THC was at its peak of 0.6 to 7.4 following smoking(47).  

In addition, delta-9 THC may be present in some delta-8 products, indicating that delta-8 will likely show up on a drug test. 

2. Does delta-8 THC make users high?

Both delta-8 and delta-9 THC variants are psychoactive and thus may induce a euphoric high. 

3. Does delta-8 contain CBD?  

Concentrated amounts of delta-8 THC are usually manufactured from hemp-derived CBD(48). 


  1. DELTA8-Tetrahydrocannabinol
    https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/638026
  2. Study: Users Say Delta-8-THC Is Delta-9’s ‘Nicer Younger Sibling’
    https://www.buffalo.edu/news/releases/2022/01/009.html
  3. 5 Things to Know About Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol – Delta-8 THC
    https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/5-things-know-about-delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol-delta-8-thc
  4. An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569602/
  5. Cannabis, a Complex Plant: Different Compounds and Different Effects on Individuals
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3736954/
  6. Ibid.
  7. Does Cannabidiol Protect Against Adverse Psychological Effects of THC?
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3797438/
  8. Cannabidiol
    https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Cannabidiol
  9. Cannabinoid Receptors and the Endocannabinoid System: Signaling and Function in the Central Nervous System
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5877694/
  10. Cannabinoid Receptors: Where They Are and What They do
    https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2826.2008.01671.x
  11. Delta-8-THC: Delta-9-THC’s Nicer Younger Sibling?
    https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-021-00115-8
  12. Study: Users Say Delta-8-THC Is Delta-9’s ‘Nicer Younger Sibling’
    https://www.buffalo.edu/news/releases/2022/01/009.html
  13. Ibid.
  14. DELTA8-Tetrahydrocannabinol
    https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/638026
  15. Delta-8-THC: Delta-9-THC’s Nicer Younger Sibling?
    https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-021-00115-8
  16. Ibid.
  17. Ibid.
  18. Ibid.
  19. Ibid.
  20. Study: Users Say Delta-8-THC Is Delta-9’s ‘Nicer Younger Sibling’
    https://www.buffalo.edu/news/releases/2022/01/009.html
  21. Health Effects of Marijuana
    https://www.cdc.gov/marijuana/health-effects/index.html
  22. 5 Things to Know About Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol – Delta-8 THC
    https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/5-things-know-about-delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol-delta-8-thc
  23. Study: Users Say Delta-8-THC Is Delta-9’s ‘Nicer Younger Sibling’
    https://www.buffalo.edu/news/releases/2022/01/009.html
  24. 5 Things to Know About Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol – Delta-8 THC
    https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/5-things-know-about-delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol-delta-8-thc
  25. Cannabidiol (CBD)-What We Know and What We Don’t
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
  26. Reasons for Cannabidiol Use: A Cross-Sectional Study of CBD Users, Focusing on Self-Perceived Stress, Anxiety, and Sleep Problems
    https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-021-00061-5
  27. Cannabidiol
    https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Cannabidiol
  28. Ibid.
  29. An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569602/
  30. FDA Approves New Indication for Drug Containing an Active Ingredient Derived from Cannabis to Treat Seizures in Rare Genetic Disease
    https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-indication-drug-containing-active-ingredient-derived-cannabis-treat-seizures-rare
  31. The Cannabis Terpenes
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7763918/
  32. Flavonoids As Antioxidants
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10924197/
  33. Potential Adverse Drug Events and Drug-Drug Interactions with Medical and Consumer Cannabidiol (CBD) Use
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6678684/
  34. What Are the Benefits of CBD — And Is It Safe to Use?
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700.
  35. FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products, Including Cannabidiol (CBD)
    https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd
  36. Legal Marijuana Use in Colorado
    https://cannabis.colorado.gov/legal-marijuana-use-in-colorado
  37. Cannabis and the Law
    https://guides.sll.texas.gov/cannabis/cbd
  38. The Federal Controlled Substances Act: Schedules and Pharmacy Registration
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3839489/
  39. The Controlled Substances Act
    https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/csa
  40. 5 Things to Know about Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol – Delta-8 THC
    https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/5-things-know-about-delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol-delta-8-thc
  41. Ibid.
  42. Ibid.
  43. Ibid.
  44. Ibid.
  45. Ibid.
  46. DELTA8-Tetrahydrocannabinol
    https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/638026
  47. Urinary Cannabinoid Disposition in Occasional and Frequent Smokers: Is THC-Glucuronide in Sequential Urine Samples a Marker of Recent Use in Frequent Smokers?
    https://academic.oup.com/clinchem/article/60/2/361/5621641
  48. 5 Things to Know About Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol – Delta-8 THC
    https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/5-things-know-about-delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol-delta-8-thc
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