Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) raises growing concerns across the addiction treatment community, and begs the question, is delta-8 THC addictive? To answer this question we must first understand what delta-8 THC is and its effects as well as its risks.
Delta-8 THC is a psychoactive substance found in the Cannabis sativa plant, which marijuana and hemp both derive from. Something to note about the cannabis plant, it produces an abundance of substances, each holding differing compounds and effects. Delta-8 is one of hundreds of these cannabinoids produced naturally but in smaller increments. Unfortunately, what nature has moderated, humans have now produced in excess, as delta-8 THC is extracted in large concentrates from the hemp-derived CBD, and manufactured in labs for production and use.
It is said that the delta-8, delta-9, and delta-10 compounds first came into market due to an over production of CBD, which caused producers to find ways to regain profits, but leaves us now with a new addictive substance available across the United States.
The delta-8 THC compound is a natural psychoactive substance, producing hallucinogenic-like effects, but because delta-8 has been concentrated out of its natural state, delta-8 products are more impactful than intended. The euphoric effects leave the user with feeling intoxicated and have been known to cause severe cases of vomiting, psychosis, and addiction. Additional risks associated with the consumption of delta-8 THC include red eyes, dry mouth, rapid heart rate, impaired coordination, reaction time, a buildup of anxiety, and potential memory loss.
The way delta-8 THC is being produced and consumed is not how nature intended, and with this new found intent comes inherent risks, but no risks are seemingly as great as the risk of this drug going unregulated. As it stands, delta-8 products are sold throughout the United States, some even at convenient locations like gas stations making it widely accessible but delta-8 products are not regulated by the FDA. Without this regulation and control, there is little to be said about the quality assurance of the delta-8 products in market today. This leads us to the greatest fear associated with delta-8 THC, what exactly are you consuming? Because it is unregulated and synthetically produced, manufactures can represent the product as delta-8 THC but can be comprised of the strong delta-9 or other compounds entirely, we just don’t know. Due to this up regulation, delta-8 has resulted in thousands of potential poisonings, and will always carry an assumed risk with its recreational use.
The answer is yes. Any substance which alters your conscious or subconscious has the potential to be addictive, and delta-8 THC is no different. Cannabinoids and cannabis substances relay their effects by binding to sites in the brain and on the nerves, impacting how your mind functions and alters our line of thinking. The more an individual uses delta-8 THC or similar compounds in high concentrations, they may become dependent on the drug’s effects and settle into addictive behaviors. If this should happen, if you’re worried for yourself or a loved one, and feel you need assistance at any time, reach out to Long Island Center For Recovery at 631-728-3100, or contact any addiction treatment facility.
We hope you found this information helpful, and if you need any additional assistance, or know someone in need, please reach out to us at 631-728-3100, and we’d be happy to assist you or your loved ones in any way possible.
Posted in: Addiction TreatmentDrug Rehab
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