Cannabis-related plants such as hemp and marijuana have recently attracted much interest from multiple researchers worldwide. These plants have been used in multiple clinical trials to prove their effectiveness in providing medical relief, such as treating sleep, anxiety, stress, and depression. The plants contain various chemical compounds, including terpenes and flavonoids. These compounds are also found in hundreds of other plants, including vegetables and fruits. Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) take the bigger proportions of these plants and are only found in cannabis sativa, hemp, and marijuana. Delta-8 THC is infused in various products, including tinctures, gummies, vapes, capsules, and topicals, to meet users’ preferences. So, is Delta 8 THC safe? Can it cause paranoia? Learn more below.
Is Delta-8 Safe For Your Health?
Before going for any delta-8 product, it is important to understand its potential health benefits and risks. THC has been noted to have different positive and negative health impacts. Twelve states in the USA, including Texas and Idaho, have restricted hemp-based products within their regions because of the potential side effects of THC. According to Fattore, Liana & Walter (2011), THC has intoxicating effects that can make you feel “high”. The study noted that some side effects include anxiety, dizziness, and memory loss.
According to Drennana et al. (2021), paranoia and anxiety were one of the side effects of using too much THC. Although the research suggested that THC can only spike anxiety and paranoia when used excessively, it is different for beginners. If you take Delta-8 THC for the first time, you can get anxious, experience paranoia, or get “high”, even with low potency levels.
Besides the stated side effects, researchers have found potential health benefits of THC. According to Gallily, Yekhtin & Lumir (2018), THC’s anti-inflammatory properties are suitable for promoting your general health and wellness. According to the research, THC can reduce stress, anxiety, and pain by interacting with the body’s cannabinoids, including B1 and B2 receptors, regulating various responses around your body.
Research on full-spectrum CBD, which has considerable THC, shows that it is suitable for regulating anxiety. According to Boehnke, Hauser & Fizcharies (2022), full-spectrum CBD is suitable for lowering anxiety. However, neither of the research has been approved by the FDA. However, according to the 2018 Farm Bill, THC levels in the hemp plant and cannabis sativa are below 0.3%, which cannot trigger various side effects, including anxiety and paranoia. So, why would you be experiencing paranoia after using considerable amounts of Delta-8? Some of the reasons could be;
Overdosing Unknowingly
You can unknowingly overdose if you rely on the potency levels of Delta-8 THC. Some brands have often been in trouble with the FDA because of posting wrong potency levels. Therefore, it is prudent to check the company’s reputation before considering it. If you are buying Delta-8 THC from the nearest dispensary, confirm that the labels have accessible QR codes. Compare the posted potency levels and the actual ones from the QR codes you accessed. Notably, avoid brands that receive constant warnings from the FDA regarding the safety of their products.
Marijuana-based Delta-8
THC levels in hemp and cannabis sativa are low and can make you “high” when taken considerably. However, if the product is mislabeled hemp-based instead of marijuana-based, you will likely experience paranoia side effects. THC levels in marijuana exceed 2.5%, making you anxious or paranoid, especially if your body tolerance is weak. To avoid such cases, you can always check on the buyer’s review, the company’s reputation, and the COA’s report.
Cross Contamination
Cross-contamination is the exposure of other intoxicating products alongside THC. Karoly et al. (2021) noted that using intoxicating products such as alcohol alongside Delta-8 THC increases the chances of experiencing side effects, including being paranoid. Besides, note the possible side effects if you are on medication or about to take any. If the drugs have psychoactive side effects, avoiding using them alongside THC is better. Secondary Exposure To THC
Being a passive smoker of THC heightens the potential of experiencing paranoia side effects. Being in the same room for long hours with people smoking THC if you have been taking or are about to take Delta-8 heightens the intoxicating side effects, paranoia among them. Exposure to a drug test after being in such an environment will likely put you in more trouble. A hair drug test is one of the most effective ways to show you have been abusing drugs since the smoke is directed at your hair.
How Do I Choose the Best Delta-8?
Although everyone would wish to cut their expenditure, it might be a trap for poor quality. Therefore, before getting excited about low rates, always confirm the quality. Consider average prices since no brand would wish to make losses, yet the quality is expensive. Always affirm the products you buy have been assessed for their purity and potency level by an IOS-certified lab. If the lab results are unavailable, avoid such products since their quality is likely to be compromised. The elements used are also important while determining quality. If the products are made with artificial sweeteners, among other ingredients, they are likely to be of poor quality due to chemical reactions.
Conclusion
The least you wish to experience by taking Delta-8 is being paranoid. To avoid such cases, quality and safety measures should be prioritized. Before taking Delta-8, confirm the potency levels from the COA’s report. If the brand has not provided lab results, avoid the products. Although you might have to ensure you are using considerable doses and the quality and potency levels are all in position, you might still get paranoid due to external conditions. Therefore, avoid being in a room where people are smoking marijuana. Also, avoid drugs that can have psychoactive side effects since they will increase your chances of getting paranoid from Delta-8.
References
Drennan, M. L., Karoly, H. C., Bryan, A. D., Hutchison, K. E., & Bidwell, L. C. (2021). Acute Objective And Subjective Intoxication Effects Of Legal-Market High Potency THC-Dominant Versus CBD-Dominant Cannabis Concentrate. Scientific Reports, 11(1), 1-10.
Boehnke, K. F., Häuser, W., & Fitzcharles, M. A. (2022). Cannabidiol (CBD) In Rheumatic Diseases (Musculoskeletal Pain). Current Rheumatology Reports, 1-9.
Fattore, L., & Fratta, W. (2011). Beyond THC: The New Generation Of Cannabinoid Designer Drugs. Frontiers In Behavioral Neuroscience, 5, 60.
Gallily, R., Yekhtin, Z., & Hanuš, L. O. (2018). The Anti-Inflammatory Properties Of Terpenoids From Cannabis. Cannabis And Cannabinoid Research, 3(1), 282-290.
Karoly, H. C., Mueller, R. L., Andrade, C. C., & Hutchison, K. E. (2021). THC And CBD Effects On Alcohol Use Among Alcohol And Cannabis Co-Users. Psychology Of Addictive Behaviors, 35(6), 749.
Ieva Kubiliute is a psychologist and a sex and relationships advisor and a freelance writer. She’s also a consultant to several health and wellness brands. While Ieva specialises in covering wellness topics ranging from fitness and nutrition, to mental wellbeing, sex and relationships and health conditions, she has written across a diverse range of lifestyle topics, including beauty and travel. Career highlights so far include: luxury spa-hopping in Spain and joining an £18k-a-year London gym. Someone’s got to do it!
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