Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-thc)
Scientific names: Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol
Alternate names: Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol, Delta-8-THC, Diet Weed, Weed Light
Actions: General, Immunosuppressant, Neurological
Background
Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-THC) is a cannabinoid from Cannabis sativa. It's similar to delta-9-THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis.
Cannabinoids in cannabis work by binding to sites in the brain and on the nerves. Delta-8-THC is similar to delta-9-THC, but appears to be less psychoactive. The natural concentration of delta-8-THC in cannabis and hemp is low, so most delta-8-THC is synthetically made in a lab.
People use delta-8-THC for nausea and vomiting caused by cancer drug treatment, glaucoma, trouble sleeping, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Keep in mind that delta-8-THC hasn't been evaluated by the US FDA for safety, and legality isn't clear. It's banned in some states, and legal in others. Also, the amount of delta-8-THC in products might vary significantly. Some products might also contain contaminants.
Cannabinoids in cannabis work by binding to sites in the brain and on the nerves. Delta-8-THC is similar to delta-9-THC, but appears to be less psychoactive. The natural concentration of delta-8-THC in cannabis and hemp is low, so most delta-8-THC is synthetically made in a lab.
People use delta-8-THC for nausea and vomiting caused by cancer drug treatment, glaucoma, trouble sleeping, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Keep in mind that delta-8-THC hasn't been evaluated by the US FDA for safety, and legality isn't clear. It's banned in some states, and legal in others. Also, the amount of delta-8-THC in products might vary significantly. Some products might also contain contaminants.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if delta-8-THC is safe. It might cause side effects such as difficulty thinking and speaking, and feeling "high." Regular use might also cause cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). CHS leads to severe nausea and vomiting that doesn't respond to typical anti-nausea drugs.
Children: Taking delta-8-THC by mouth is possibly unsafe. Delta-8-THC gummies and candies have been eaten by children by mistake, leading to hospitalization. Side effects might include extreme tiredness, low blood pressure, and slowed heart rate.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if delta-8-THC is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Children: Taking delta-8-THC by mouth is possibly unsafe. Delta-8-THC gummies and candies have been eaten by children by mistake, leading to hospitalization. Side effects might include extreme tiredness, low blood pressure, and slowed heart rate.
Effectiveness
Effective Effectiveness definitions
There is interest in using delta-8-THC for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Dosing & administration
Delta-8-THC is available in many different types of products, including foods, dried plant products, and smoking and vaping products. The amount of delta-8-THC in products might vary significantly. Some products might also contain contaminants. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.
Keep in mind that delta-8-THC hasn't been evaluated by the US FDA for safety, and legality isn't clear. It's banned in some states, and legal in others.
Keep in mind that delta-8-THC hasn't been evaluated by the US FDA for safety, and legality isn't clear. It's banned in some states, and legal in others.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
It is not known if Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-8-THC) interacts with any medicines. Before taking Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-8-THC), talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 31/01/2024 11:00:00. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
