Delta 8 THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid found in Cannabis sativa. Its full name is delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol. The formula is C21H30O2: 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, 2 oxygen atoms. The double bond sits on carbon 8. In delta 9 THC, the same bond sits on carbon 9. That one position changes how the molecule fits the CB1 receptor in the brain. Delta 8 binds the same receptor with lower affinity. Users report a milder high.
Where Delta 8 Comes From
The plant makes delta 8 in small amounts. Most delta 8 sold in stores is not pulled from flower. It is made from CBD through a chemical process called isomerization. The reaction uses acid and solvent. Leftover solvent, unreacted CBD, and unknown byproducts can stay in the final oil when the maker does not clean it out.
Labels list milligrams per bottle or per gummy. A 25 mg gummy and a 10 mg gummy are not the same dose. Hemp sold under the 2018 Farm Bill must stay at or below 0.3% delta 9 THC on a dry weight basis. That cap covers delta 9. It does not name delta 8.
Effects and Timing
Reported effects include euphoria, relaxation, dry mouth, red eyes, and trouble with balance. Inhaled delta 8 reaches the blood in minutes. Edibles take 30 to 90 minutes to start and can last 4 to 6 hours. Most bad edible reactions come from taking a second dose before the first one starts.
What the FDA and CDC Report
The FDA has not approved any delta 8 THC product for any use. The agency warns that some products carry conversion byproducts and that labels do not always match contents. CDC data show 2,362 delta 8 exposures reported to poison centers from January 2021 through February 2022. About 40% of those cases involved people under 18. Reported harm includes vomiting, hallucinations, tremors, and drowsiness.
Legal Status
Federal law is unsettled. The DEA has stated that delta 8 made by converting CBD does not count as a hemp product under the Farm Bill. Several states ban delta 8 outright. Others allow it with age limits and testing rules. State statutes control most retail sales.
Drug Tests
Standard immunoassays screen for THC metabolites. They do not separate delta 8 from delta 9. A delta 8 user can test positive.
What to Ask a Seller
- Batch number and manufacture date.
- Third-party lab report with potency for delta 8, delta 9, and residual solvents.
- Total THC per unit, in milligrams.
- State license or permit number.
Unknowns
Long-term human data on delta 8 is thin. Most safety reports cover acute effects and poison center calls. Dose limits for children, pregnant people, and people on prescription drugs are not established.