Whether you use cannabis medicinally or recreationally, you may have seen headlines recently about Delta-8 THC and other isolated compounds. Significant concerns are surrounding the use of Delta-8 THC for augmenting cannabis products, ranging from its psychoactive potential to technical legality.
“One of the most critical facts to consider about Delta-8 is its origin: It is not naturally found in sufficient concentrations; Delta-8 THC is typically created by chemically converting hemp-derived CBD. It is, effectively, synthetic THC.
When it comes to cannabis-derived tinctures, extraction and processing have a direct impact on your well-being–as do the conditions under which the cannabis is grown.”
From the article, “Delta 8: It’s natural. But, is it really?”
While Delta-9 THC is naturally occurring and has been researched extensively, Delta-8 is found in minuscule amounts in the natural plant and has not been studied for efficacy. When creating enough Delta-8 for consumption, there is a variation in the refinement process using acid that should raise concern for any patient seeking natural plant remedies.
This is synthetic hemp-derived THC; the health risks are currently unknown. But even less is known about the unidentified isomers that peak during the making of D8. This is “small pharma” in the guise of the CBD hemp industry. There is no FDA oversight on the safety and efficacy of boosting minor cannabinoids through this hostile process.
As a patient-focused organization, we must insist on accurate labeling of all products in our medical programs. Patients have a right to know if their products are hemp or marijuana-derived and how they were made. Please do your research; as we continue to share ours. Let’s build a genuinely patient-focused program.
