Introduction:
When I chose to write about these myths and facts, it was because of a recent conversation I had with, we will say, a medical professional. When she asked “where do you work?” I was all prepared to have the normal conversations I have when someone else asks me the same question. But when I told her, she looked up suddenly and says, “is that how you get away with selling legal weed?”
Whoa. I was not expecting that. Most are very curious, have questions, seem to really want to know more. Not her. And when I tried to explain, she legit gave me the hand! Okay, well not really. But she cut me off and said, “it’s all THC to me; THC is THC. It’s the same.” Needless to say, that finished our conversation. Well, before she walked out she said, “She’ll be right in to see you.” And closed the door behind her, leaving me to feel a tad bit offended and somewhat uncomfortable sitting on the table in my ever-so-stylish paper gown.
That experience prompted me to write about the myths and facts surrounding Delta 8. When I started my research, I didn’t realize how much misinformation is out there, all over the internet. Now you may not know anything about Delta 8 or you may think you know it all. Whatever the case may be, test your knowledge against these common myths.
1. Delta 8 is illegal
Delta 8 THC is a cannabis product so of course it’s illegal. Wrong. The farm bill legalized the farming, production and use of hemp – cannabis containing less than the 0.3% THC. It’s federally legal as long as it’s made from hemp.
2. Delta 8 is legal everywhere
Wrong again. It is federally legal. But in some states, it is illegal or heavily regulated. As long as it’s legal in both states, it can be shipped or carried across state lines. You can order it online & it travel with it.
3. Delta 8 is synthetic
Delta 8 is not considered synthetic because it occurs naturally. The legality of Delta 8 THC seems to depend on whether or not it’s considered synthetic. Some argue the process needed to isolate it is synthetic. The DEA “rule” states any synthetic THC is illegal. But Delta 8 is a far cry from what the rule was meant for; too many synthetic THC analogs were proven to be harmful.
4. Delta 8 is dangerous
Side effects, though few, are things like cotton mouth, maybe some red eyes and your short term memory seems to evade you. Hardly anything to frighten you. As explained, it is less potent than “weed” and you’d have to take a lot before you feel anything super intense. You are also less likely to feel paranoid and my personal favorite, likely to feel less anxious!
A recent study on the safety of cannabinoids had this to say:
“Among the average adult user, the health risks associated with cannabis use are likely no more dangerous than many other indulgences including alcohol, nicotine, fried foods and downhill skiing.”
5. Delta 8 is completely safe
Anything can be unsafe if in the wrong hands. Strawberries aren’t inherently dangerous but if you are messing around while eating them, you could easily choke! (Don’t chew with your mouth open and stop laughing with your mouth full!)
Delta 8 is unsafe when it is not pure. Some vendors use many additives to make it stronger. This is the number one reason we say to buy from a reputable vendor that carries reputable brands. Here at Openleaf CBD, we carry only the very best, safe Delta 8 products. When you buy from us, you can rest assured that each of our vendors are of the highest quality and has been through extensive testing. Never buy from unknown, untested vendors.
Use your common sense. It is dangerous if you have a tendency to do silly things. Please don’t do silly things. Don’t use if you are pregnant and avoid alcohol. And by all means, if you are taking any kind of prescription, get approval from the doc or medical professional first. You never know if any sort of reaction that may occur.
6. All THC is the same
This had to be my favorite. I didn’t realize how many people thought that Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 were the exact same. It looks and sounds the same (I can hear the lyrics of The Patty Duke Show) at times they even smell and taste the same. That’s why most people have the same reaction, claiming both have the same effect. Cannabinoids interact with receptors in the ECS, the Endocannabinoid System. The main ones being CB1 & CB2.
Delta 8 THC & Delta 9 THC bind with both receptors; Delta 9 has a strong affinity for CB1, causing it’s psychoactive effects. Delta 8 as a stronger affinity for CB2, making it less psychoactive.
CBD doesn’t bind to any receptors but seem to influence them in a way that those brainiacs haven’t figured out yet. (I use the term “brainiacs” for exactly what it means; an exceptionally intelligent person).
7. Delta 8 is addictive
Anything can be habit forming if used irresponsibly but there isn’t anything addictive about Delta 8 itself. There’s no such thing as a good or bad chemical. They’re just compounds that exist in nature. It is our relationship with them that’s good or bad.
8. Delta 8 is the same as Spice
Spice is the definition of lab-made weed. It doesn’t occur naturally and can be dangerous. It’s side effects include hallucinations, organ damage, convulsions and death. Delta 8 comes from the plant.
9. Delta 8 won’t make you fail a drug test
Drug tests don’t discriminate – meaning they can’t differentiate between Delta 8 & Delta 9. You will fail if you’ve used within the last 30 days. Although I have heard ways to get around these types of tests, but I would not chance. Always better to be safe than sorry.
10. Delta 8 is a new cannabinoid
Delta 8 is new to the MARKET but it was discovered by a Dr. in 1965. His lab also discovered CBD & Delta 9 in 1964, 1965 respectively.
The reason why this matters is because misinformation is a killer. It spreads faster than the truth. I know some of these may seem insignificant but it’s hard to make a good decision without having all the facts.
Before I left that uncomfortable appointment, I made a point to tell the medical professional, very loudly, that I would love to clear up any misinformation she seemed to have already been given about the benefits of CBD and Delta 8 THC. And I walked out the door; without the paper gown.
