Over-the-counter Delta-8 THC products have increased in popularity in recent years due to availability and the misconception that they’re less potent, or more ‘natural’ than Delta-9 THC.
Delta-8 THC products are available in many forms, including edibles, tinctures, vapes, and more. Among them, Vapes are the most popular form today, providing the best quality vapor and maximum flavor.
These days you can find delta-8 THC vapes everywhere – at gas stations, convenience stores, vape shops and online. And It is being used by a substantial number of young people across the United State.
The rapid proliferation of cannabis products makes clear the need for the public to better understand what these compounds are derived from and what their true benefits and potential risks may be.
THC especially over the counter Delta-8 THC, can lead to side effects, including some potentially serious ones. Many people concerned about whether over the counter delta-8 thc vapes make them sick or nauseous?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC, the potential effects of over-the-counter Delta-8 on your health, and how to avoid it.
THCA is the largely non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant which decarboxylates (loses a CO2) upon heating to turn into Delta-9 THC.
Delta-8 THC is naturally occurring in the plant but at very minuscule levels. In fact Nearly all the delta-8 you can buy is made in labs with cannabidiol (CBD) from hemp plants along with several chemicals.
To let you know, Hemp is a federally legal high cbd cannabis plant with less than 3% thc levels.
The most abundant form of THC is delta-9. When people refer to the effects of THC, they’re usually talking about delta-9.
Delta-9 THC has potent psychoactive and intoxicating effects that typically let you experience a “high.” It usually hits stronger and faster that can last 3 to 6 hours.
Delta-8 THC comes with similar psychoactive effects as delta-9 THC, but less potent. You can feel a chill, faint high that only lasts for 1 to 2 hours. In fact, delta-8 is often referred to as “weed light”, “marijuana lite” or “diet weed.”
Delta-9 THC isn’t federally legal in the United States. However, delta-9 THC products are legal in some states and illegal in others.
Despite the controversy surrounding delta-8 THC, it remains legal in 22 states and 1 district, with only limited regulation.
Delta-9 marijuana products are strictly regulated and subject to stringent testing standards.
Conversely, delta-8 products are created using unregulated, chemically synthesized cannabinoids that are, often, entirely untested.
Delta-8 itself isnt bad, its only just a cannabinoid and its also found naturally in cannabis itself but only in very minuscule amounts.
In healthy adults, it’s unlikely that delta-8 THC poses a serious danger if it’s produced safely and used responsibly.
However, The biggest risk of delta-8 THC is that it’s not regulated. This means that the safety, purity, and strength can’t be guaranteed.
The process used to make it can leave harmful chemicals behind, such as mold, heavy metals, biproduces, pesticides, and leftover solvents — all of which could make it into your body if you vape them.
So it may therefore expose consumers to unnecessary health risks that make you sick.
It’s also available over the counter, which makes it easier for minors to access.
Until more research is done and stricter regulations are passed, it’s safer to use regulated cannabis products instead of over-the-counter delta-8 products.
If you are concerned about the health risks, Here are some examples of harmful chemicals found in over the counter delta-8 THC vapes:
1. Heavy metals leeching into the extracts from the cartridge itself. This is likely from poor manufacturing in facilities with little oversight, also may mediated by terpenes and other chemicals in the extract.
2. The chemical solvents used to convert CBD into delta-8 THC can be toxic if they aren’t removed properly from the final product (known as residual solvents).
3. Vitamin E oil and other diluents, which are untested for human health. It was linked to the outbreak of e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injuries, or EVALI.
4. Pesticides, herbicides and other pollutants in the extracts itself. Chemicals like Myclobutanil (sold as a fungicide branded as Eagle or Nova), which gives off hydrogen cyanide when combusted.
Contrary to what you may think, low doses of delta-8 THC can actually help with nausea or help increase appetite. Some people also use it to ease symptoms of conditions like stress, depression, or chronic pain.
But if you Vape delta-8 THC for a long time and large amount, for example, using cannabis multiple times per week or have been taking cannabis regularly for more than a year, you may develop CHS and cause nausea and vomiting.
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) leads to abdominal pain, dehydration, severe nausea, and repeated vomiting, and even “scromiting” — a combination of screaming and vomiting.
This is because the body’s endocannabinoid system reacts to THC. Using a lot of cannabis every day can overstimulate the nervous system and endocannabinoid receptors, and make the body unable to control nausea and vomiting.
That's not unusual - a lot of medications that combat nausea can start to produce the opposite effect after chronic use.
If you have an adverse effect, call 911. The most important thing to make CHS better is stopping THC use.
Delta-8 THC may provide much of the experiential benefits of delta-9 THC, such as relaxation, euphoria and pain relief, with fewer adverse effects.
However, Due to lack of regulatory oversight, these products may contain other cannabinoids and chemical contaminants that are not on the product label. It may therefore expose consumers to unnecessary health risks.
If you choose to vape delta-8 THC, you should always buy it from a quality, well regulated legal dispensary.
Additionally, long-term overdose of delta-8 THC can cause you to suffer from CHS, leading to nausea and vomiting. If you use it, go slow, with small amounts.
Ultimately The only proven way to prevent the risks of delta-8 THC is to stay away from it. That's especially true for teens and young adults whose brains are still developing.