Delta-8 THC is the latest cannabis-derived drug that’s all the rage on the streets. Also known as “marijuana lite” or diet weed”, it’s especially popular among teenagers. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reported that Delta-8-THC was used by 11% of 12th graders in 2023. Read on to learn more about it, the risks of addiction and how to quit using it.
What is Delta-8? Is it Addictive?
Delta-8 THC (delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol) is a naturally occurring psychoactive compound (a cannabinoid). It’s found in trace amounts in the Cannabis sativa plant, of which hemp and marijuana are two varieties. Delta-8 is one of more than 100 chemical compounds found naturally in both plants.
Although it is often marketed as “hemp”, Delta-8 is made synthetically from CBD and hemp in labs and in concentrated amounts. As a result, many CBD and Delta-8 products have much higher levels of the Delta-8 compound than what occurs naturally. In May 2023, the FDA issued a consumer update warning of serious health risks linked to Delta-8 after people took it, including unintentional exposures in children.
With its fuzzy, euphoric high, Delta-8 is said to be similar to marijuana (Delta-9 THC). But it’s much less intense and usually without feelings of anxiety or paranoia. People who use it report a calm, relaxed happy feeling. Although some use it to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress and chronic pain, there is almost no research to confirm its effectiveness.
And “yes” you could get addicted to Delta-8 if you build tolerance to it through regular use, as with any psychoactive drug that alters brain chemistry.This is especially the case if you consume Delta-8 in concentrated form.
Understanding the Risk of Addiction
Since there has been such little research into Delta-8 THC, scientists don’t yet know what the long-term effects could be. But they may be presumed to be somewhat similar to Delta-9 THC, the main compound in cannabis responsible for the “high”—slower cognitive processing, memory and retention issues being among them. There could also be negative side effects from the additives used to synthesize Delta-8 THC.
Its ready availability in many forms such as gummies, vapes, drinks, chocolate and cartridges (“carts”) makes it easy for adolescents to buy and use, a deeply concerning issue as it may be a gateway to more addictive drugs.
Some of the side effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Both slow or fast heart rate
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Tremors
- Vomiting
- Hallucinations or psychosis
Signs of Delta-8 Addiction
Delta-8 is less potent than Delta-9, and is legal in some states where Delta-9 is not. So some mistakenly believe that Delta-8 has no risk of addiction. Certainly compared to methamphetamines, cocaine or opioids, the risk is much lower. However, for some people, it is still a real possibility, partly depending on genetics and environmental factors.
Addiction to Delta-8 is not well researched yet. Like marijuana, it affects the endocannabinoid system in the brain, causing the body to minimize the sensitivity of CB1 receptors. Regular use may potentially trigger addictive behaviors. This is particularly so for people prone to substance misuse.
Some signs of Delta-8 addiction include
- Consuming higher levels of the product to achieve desired effects
- Isolation from friends and family and their complaints about your use
- Being unable to function without it
- Preoccupation with thinking about accessing and using the drug
- Consuming the substance to hold off withdrawal
- Lack of responsibility in your personal and work life
- Losing control of your use; failing to quit when tried
Some marketers of Delta-8 advocate users take “tolerance breaks” or “T-breaks” for several days to two weeks, to not develop tolerance.
In summary, Delta-8 does pose a risk as a pathway from tolerance to dependence and addiction.
NIDA has reported that numerous studies have found that adolescent cannabis use is associated with adverse effects on learning, memory and attention; changes in brain development and the development of cannabis use disorder as well as depression, psychosis and suicidality.
How To Quit Delta-8?
The best way to quit Delta-8 is to taper off its use gradually over a few weeks. This avoids risks of “cold turkey” withdrawal which may have unpleasant side effects.
Typically, the withdrawal symptoms are quite mild, depending on how much Delta-8 you have been using. If there is a physical dependence, withdrawal may lead to strong cravings, sleeplessness, irritability, anxiety and loss of appetite. Generally, they only last under a week with further tapering of symptoms over the next few weeks.
Compared to withdrawal from meth, benzos or opioids, the symptoms aren’t as severe. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy to withdraw. This is especially so if you try to quit on your own without proper support.
Is it Safe to Use Delta-8 To Quit Other Drugs?
Some are proposing that using Delta-8 is a good way to quit using cannabis. Users have reported that with its milder psychoactive effects, Delta-8’s milder high may be a way to cut down on or stop using cannabis. There are some issues to be aware of, however.
- Lack of FDA approval and inconsistent product quality: Delta-8 products are not subject to FDA-level quality standards. There is wide variability in the purity, potency and safety of these products. There may be exposure to harmful chemicals and contaminants
- Potential side effects and health risks: Despite claims to have a milder effect, Delta-8 may have a negative impact on cognitive function and motor skills. In addition side effects such as tremors, confusion, anxiety, hallucinations or loss of consciousness have been experienced by some. In addition, the long-term effects are unknown
- Legal status: This varies by jurisdiction. While hemp was made legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, some states have banned its sale and use. Research is required to understand its legality in your state
- Lack of scientific research: to date there have been no clinical trials nor published studies on Delta-8. Therefore the long-term impact is unknown
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Sources
National Institute on Drug Abuse. 2024. Delta-8-THC use reported by 11% of 12th graders in 2023.
Schreyer L. Buyer Beware: Delta-8 is the ‘Russian Roulette’ of Cannabis. Webmd.
