Depending on where you live, you may have seen delta-8 THC being sold in places where marijuana is still prohibited. What, exactly, is this drug? Is it legal? Can you get addicted to delta-8 THC?
If you or a loved one are struggling with substance abuse, don’t hesitate to reach out to Live Oak Wellness today.
Call us now or verify your insurance to start your journey to recovery.
What Is Delta-8?
Before we address whether or not you can get addicted to delta-8, we should take a moment to review what this substance is.
Delta-8 is a shortened version of delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol. It is also commonly referred to as delta-8 THC.
The cannabis sativa and cannabis indica plants, which are the sources of marijuana, contain more than 100 cannabinoids, including THC. The THC category includes delta-8, delta-9, and delta-10:
- Delta-9 THC is the primary psychoactive element in cannabis. The effects that are typically associated with a marijuana high – such as relaxation, distorted perceptions, and diminished reaction time – are due to the presence of delta-9 THC.
- Delta-8 can cause effects that are similar to those of delta-9, but they are far milder. Also, cannabis plants contain much less delta-8 than delta-9.
- Delta-10 is similar to delta-8 in that its effects are mild and it naturally occurs in small amounts.
Delta-8 can be purchased in many forms, including edibles, tinctures, vape carts, and smokeable leaves. However, since cannabis plants naturally produce such small amounts of delta-8, most of these products actually contain a synthesized version of the substance.
To produce it, manufacturers extract cannabidiol (CBD) from hemp plants, then put the CBD through a chemical conversion process that results in delta-8.
Can You Get Addicted to Delta-8 THC?
Can you get addicted to delta-8 THC? Contrary to a persistent myth, yes, you can.
Many people believe that cannabis products can be used without fear of addiction or other health problems. The likelihood of becoming addicted to delta-8 (or delta-9, for that matter) is much lower than the risk posed by alcohol, opioids, and many other drugs. But it’s important to note that a low risk of addiction is not the same as no risk of addiction.
Signs of delta-8 addiction include:
- Using delta-8 in larger amounts or for longer than you intended
- Having strong cravings for delta-8 THC
- Becoming agitated or irritated when you can’t use delta-8 THC
- Failing to meet personal, occupational, or school-related responsibilities because of your delta-8 use
- Continuing to use delta-8 after incurring some form of harm (such as health problems, difficulties at work, or a lost relationship) due to prior use
- Using delta-8 THC in ways that can be especially hazardous, such as by combining it with alcohol or other drugs
- Needing to use larger amounts of delta-8 to achieve the effects that you are seeking
- Developing physical or psychological withdrawal signs when abruptly stopping your delta-8 use
- Wanting to quit using delta-8 THC, but being unable to do so
If you have been experiencing these types of symptoms, you should discuss your concerns with your primary physician or with a qualified addiction expert. Our professionals can conduct an assessment and, if necessary, provide you with a diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Is Delta-8 Legal?
In the United States, the legality of delta-8 products can be a bit confusing. This is due primarily to wording in the 2018 Farm Bill.
That legislation, which became federal law on Dec. 20, 2024, established two categories of cannabis products:
- Marijuana: Cannabis more than 0.3% delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis
- Hemp: Cannabis with 0.3% or less delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis
The 2018 Farm Bill further established that hemp is not subject by the same federal laws that marijuana is. This means that the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), which currently still classifies marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance, can no longer punish people for having hemp.
As we noted earlier, most delta-8 THC that is sold in the U.S. has been synthesized from CBD that was derived from hemp. Since hemp is no longer covered by DEA regulations, the agency cannot take action to prevent the manufacture, sale, possession, or use of delta-8 products.
Some legislators have been pushing to close this loophole in the 2024 Farm Bill, but at the time this post was written, that bill had not been finalized and voted on.
In the interim, here’s where we stand:
- There is currently no federal ban on delta-8 THC.
- The DEA cannot restrict delta-8 THC.
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any delta-8 products.
- Some states have prohibited delta-8, some have restricted its use to individuals over a certain age, and others have no laws about it.
How Is Delta-8 Addiction Treated?
Delta-8 addiction is typically treated with therapy and education. Since addiction can affect different people in different ways, the most effective forms of treatment can also vary from one person to the next.
Factors that can influence the development of a customized treatment plan for delta-8 addiction include:
- The person’s age, gender, and family history
- How long they have been using delta-8, and how much they have been using
- If they have previously been in treatment for a substance use disorder (addiction)
- If they have any co-occurring medical or mental health concerns
- How their life has been impacted by their struggles with addiction
After thoroughly evaluating these and other factors, a treatment provider may select elements such as:
- Individual psychotherapy
- Group therapy sessions
- Family therapy and education
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Holistic therapies
If a person’s substance abuse is related to untreated trauma, they may also benefit from services such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.
Remember: There is no “ideal” form of addiction treatment that’s right for everyone. What’s most important is taking the time to find a provider whose programming and services are right for you.
Find Treatment for Delta-8 Addiction in Marin County
If you have become dependent on delta-8 THC, Live Oaks Wellness is here for you.
Our addiction treatment center near San Francisco is a trusted source of personalized residential care for adults who have become addicted to delta-8, delta-9, and an array of other substances.
While you are in our care, you will have the opportunity to work in close collaboration with a team of experienced professionals. These dedicated caregivers will encourage you to play an active role in all aspects of your treatment, with the goal of empowering you to take ownership of your recovery.
To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, call us today or verify your insurance online to take the first step!
