Is ‘Diet Weed’ Safe? Here’s What You Need to Know About Delta 8 THC
You are here:It is astounding how many substances people abuse to get high. Despite the hundreds of drugs on the streets today, new ones emerge with alarming frequency. Delta 8 THC, known as diet weed, is one of those drugs.
If you haven’t heard about diet weed, here are some facts you need to know. Of course, if you already use Delta 8, you should be aware of the risks posed by this supposedly safe substance.
What Is Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 (tetrahydrocannabinol) is legal and unregulated because it is sourced from hemp, not marijuana. Most Delta 8 is man-made from converted CBD oil. As a psychoactive substance, Delta 8 THC is available in a variety of products.
Although the products are not FDA-approved for safe use, they remain readily available. They are sold at convenience stores or herb shops and packaged to resemble candy. Some of the Delta 8 products include gummies, brownies, tinctures, joints, vapes, and a smokable flower. Keep in mind that some of these products may also contain small amounts of Delta 9 and 10.
Delta 8 is also sold as ‘copycat’ snack foods that look similar to some common name-brand chips and candies.
Due to deceptive advertising, people often use Delta 8 in place of approved medications to treat serious diseases. As a result, adverse events are frequently reported to the FDA. Here are some of the adverse events you need to know about:
Of 104 adverse events reported to the FDA:
- 55% of people using Delta 8 required emergency medical intervention.
- 66% of the events involved edibles that contain Delta 8, such as brownies or gummies.
- 77% involved adults and 8% involved people less than 18 years of age.
Of the 2,362 adverse events reported to National Poison Control Centers:
- 40% of adverse events were a result of unintentional exposure.
- 82% of unintentional exposures to Delta 8 affected pediatric patients.
- 58% of exposures to Delta 8 involved adults and 41% involved pediatric patients.
Selling unapproved products with false therapeutic claims is unlawful and puts consumers at risk of harm. Because the products are unregulated, the formulations might vary, meaning the purity, safety, and strength could be compromised which poses health concerns.
Why Do People Use Delta 8 THC?
Although Delta 8 has a similar molecular structure to Delta 9 THC, it produces milder effects. Comparatively, Delta 9 is the chemical that makes cannabis intoxicating. Whereas, Delta 8 produces a less potent high.
People who use Delta 8 for recreational purposes do so because they don’t want the potent effects produced by Delta 9. Other reasons for using Delta 8 include:
- To sleep better
- For pain relief
- Reduce inflammation
- To calm the nervous system
- To improve or suppress appetite
Delta 8 is called diet weed because of its appetite-suppressing qualities. However, experts warn against using Delta 8 as a weight-loss supplement. More research is needed on the use of THC as a treatment for obesity or weight loss.
What Are the Side Effects?
Some people use Delta 8 daily without any noticeable side effects. On the other hand, some individuals notice side effects after a few uses. Even though you may have used it without any problems, the next batch you purchase might be different. Since the chemicals used to manufacture Delta 8 often vary, you don’t always get the exact same product as before.
The side effects of Delta 8 vary from person to person, but the most common effects include:
- Changes in appetite
- Dry mouth
- Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
- Dizziness
- Mood changes
- Bloodshot eyes
- Confusion
- Sleepiness
- Impaired memory
- Shaking, tremors
- Slow reaction time
- Anxiety, panic attacks
- Hallucinations, psychosis
- Unconsciousness
The side effects are generally temporary. However, if you experience severe or persistent effects, seek medical help. While severe reactions are rare, you need to be aware of the potential.
The FDA encourages people who have adverse reactions to report the event to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program. You can do this by calling the FDA consumer complaint coordinator, completing an electronic MedWatch form, or calling 1-800-332-1088.
Is Delta 8 Diet Weed Addictive?
All substances that alter your thinking and behavior are potentially addictive. This includes Delta 8. Like any other drug, the longer you use it, the higher your tolerance level will be. As a result, you’ll need more of the substance to get the desired effects. People who try to quit Delta 8 experience withdrawal symptoms such as sleeplessness, irritability, and depression.
Symptoms of Delta 8 dependence or addiction may include:
- Being preoccupied with Delta 8 use
- Increasing the dose to feel high
- Planning your day around using
- Inability to quit using the substance
- Denial that you have a problem
If you notice these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, seek help from a licensed, accredited addiction treatment facility.
Overcome Delta 8 Use with Help from Design for Change Recovery
Due to uncomfortable withdrawals, most people are unable to quit substance use on their own. Furthermore, substance use is accompanied by mental health disorders that contribute to the substance use. These issues also require professional treatment. It is unlikely that long-term recovery will occur otherwise.
At Design for Change, we provide a comprehensive approach to treatment that addresses physical dependence and mental health factors simultaneously. For a more lasting recovery, we aim to heal the whole person mentally, physically, and spiritually.
If you can’t control your Delta 8 use, or the use of other addictive substances, contact our Lancaster, CA facility today. One of our treatment advisors will conduct a confidential assessment and recommend a customized treatment plan based on your needs.
Sources:
usatoday.com/ – What is delta-8 THC? What to know about the safety of ‘diet weed’ (and if it gets you high)
forbes.com/ – Delta-8 THC: The Side Effects and Potential Dangers the Drug Pose for Kids
