Understanding the Cannabis Market: What You Need to Know About Delta-8 THC

With so many options popping up in the cannabis market these days, it’s easy to feel confused and overwhelmed. As someone who has spent time learning about cannabis, I wanted to share some information that has helped me make informed choices. Hopefully, this can help you navigate the market with more confidence.

Know What You're Buying

One of the most important things I’ve learned is to be clear about what you're actually purchasing. The cannabis industry can be complicated, and sometimes the labels can be deliberately confusing. Often, products with the most eye-catching labels are not necessarily the most informative. It’s easy to fall for flashy packaging, but it’s crucial to understand what’s inside the product.

Delta-8 THC: What’s the Deal?

Let’s start with Delta-8 THC. Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ-8-THC) is a psychoactive compound found in cannabis. It’s an isomer of the more well-known Delta-9 THC (the main compound responsible for the “high” in cannabis). While hemp contains both Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC, the amount of Delta-8 in hemp is naturally very low.

To make Delta-8 products, manufacturers often add synthetic additives to increase the concentration of Delta-8, which raises concerns. These added ingredients can vary widely, and the products may not always be as pure or safe as you might expect. I’ve noticed a surge in Delta-8 products being sold at vape and tobacco stores everywhere, often in urban areas where alcohol, cigarettes, and junk food are sold in abundance.

Think about it: While raw, unprocessed cannabis remains illegal in many places, these synthetic alternatives are legally sold—sometimes in the very same areas that sell harmful substances like alcohol and cigarettes. The question is: What are we really consuming?

Is Delta-8 Safe?

Delta-8 THC does have psychoactive and intoxicating effects, but there are growing concerns about its safety. Recent research suggests that Delta-8 products might actually get consumers "higher" than they expect, potentially exposing them to levels of the substance far higher than those naturally found in hemp.

The FDA has raised concerns about the potential risks of Delta-8 THC, specifically that it may expose consumers to higher doses than would occur in raw cannabis extracts. What’s even more concerning is that, to produce Delta-8, manufacturers often need to convert other cannabinoids (like CBD) into Delta-8 THC through chemical processes. These processes may involve the use of potentially unsafe chemicals, and there’s a risk of harmful by-products being present in the final product. Some of these chemicals can be toxic if consumed or inhaled.

In short, the creation of Delta-8 THC can be risky, especially when manufacturers use unregulated methods and unsafe chemicals. And while Delta-8 is being marketed as a legal alternative, the truth is that the manufacturing process often involves synthetic conversion and chemicals that pose a potential health risk.

A Word of Caution

I’ll be blunt: Delta-8 THC can be likened to a “legal meth” in that there is no reliable way to know what’s being used in the final product. If you can’t verify the ingredients and methods of production, it’s risky to consume. It’s also worth considering the environment in which these products are sold. Products that are easily available in areas with limited regulation or oversight should raise red flags about their safety and quality.

I’m not here to preach or convince anyone of anything. My goal is simply to share what I’ve learned to help my community stay informed. As someone who has used cannabis for many years, I believe in its natural healing properties. But as an adult and a mother, I take my health seriously and do my research before I put anything into my body. The government doesn’t always prioritize our well-being, so it’s up to us to be vigilant.

Respect the Natural Order

My advice is simple: Respect the natural order of things. If it doesn’t grow from the earth, nurtured by the environment, and come from a reputable source, think twice before consuming it. Cannabis is a plant that can offer many benefits, but we have to ensure that what we are consuming is as pure and natural as possible.

Thank you for taking the time to read. Stay informed, stay safe, and always be mindful of what you're putting into your body.