Δ-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol Facts
Cannabinoid;
Description
Δ8-THC (delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol) — "diet weed," "legal THC" — is a synthetic cannabinoid of the terpenophenolic class. It activates cannabinoid receptors in the brain, producing a milder version of the cannabis high.[1]
Subjective effects include relaxation, mild euphoria, appetite stimulation, reduced anxiety, and time dilation. The experience is a clearer-headed, less anxious version of the cannabis high — the same general character as Δ9-THC but with a wider comfortable dose window.[2]
Δ8-THC produces physical dependence through receptor desensitization, but no lethal dose has been established in any species.[3] The dominant real-world risk is product contamination — commercial Δ8-THC is synthesized from hemp CBD and routinely contains unidentified byproducts far exceeding labeled levels.[4]
Dose and durationby route · individual sensitivity varies
Starts in 30 – 120 minLasts 4 – 8 hoursAfter-effects 2 – 12 hours
Body and dependence
- Acute toxicity
- Low
- Chronic toxicity
- Low
- Physical dependence
- Low
- Psychological dependence
- Moderate
- Withdrawal
- Mild
- Compulsive redosing
- Low
Tolerance
- Builds
- Moderate
- Fully resets after
- 21 days
- Carries over to
- Δ9-THC;
WIN 55,212-2; Synthetic cannabinoids (CB1 agonists)
Effectslikely at a common dose
- Perception
- none likely · 15 possible, including Spatial disorientation, Vestibular distortion
- Body
- Body high;
Dry mouth; +16 possible, including Heart rate perception changes, Motor control impairment, Abnormal heartbeat - Thinking
- none likely · 31 possible, including Cognitive impairment, Memory suppression, Decision impairment
- Feeling
- Euphoria;
+5 possible, including Anxiety, Emotional lability, Paranoia - Self
- none likely · 10 possible, including Craving, Depersonalization, Derealization
- Time
- Time alteration;
+1 possible - Awareness
- none likely · 2 possible
Who shouldn't take it
Combinations60 recorded
Seek help immediately if
Natural cannabis rarely causes a medical emergency — "greening out" is: pale/sweaty skin, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, anxiety or panic, rapid heartbeat, feeling faint — and usually passes with rest.
Seek emergency help for these — far more likely with synthetic cannabinoids ("spice" / K2):
- Seizures
- Severe chest pain; very fast or irregular heartbeat
- Unresponsiveness or extreme drowsiness
- Severe agitation, aggression, or psychosis
- Repeated vomiting; difficulty breathing
What to do
- Sit or lie them down somewhere calm, cool, and quiet
- Reassure them — cannabis panic and "greening out" pass with time
- Offer sips of water; a little sugar can help if they feel faint
- Recovery position if nauseated, drowsy, or vomiting
- Stay with them and monitor
- For seizures, chest pain, unresponsiveness, or severe agitation, call emergency services
Natural cannabis "greening out" resolves with rest, calm, and time, with no lasting harm. Synthetic cannabinoids are unpredictable and can cause seizures, cardiac events, kidney injury, and severe agitation that needs emergency care.
988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineFireside Project: 62-FIRESIDE
References
- [1]^Tagen M, Klumpers LE (2022) Review of delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC): Comparative pharmacology with Δ9-THC — British Journal of Pharmacology doi:10.1111/bph.15865
- [2]^Kruger JS, Kruger DJ (2022) Delta-8-THC: Delta-9-THC's nicer younger sibling? — Journal of Cannabis Research doi:10.1186/s42238-021-00115-8
- [3]^Vanegas SO, Reck AM, Rodriguez CE, Marusich JA, Yassin O, Sotzing G, Wiley JL, Kinsey SG (2022) Assessment of dependence potential and abuse liability of Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol in mice — Drug and Alcohol Dependence doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109640
- [4]^Ray CL, Bylo MP, Pescaglia J, Gawenis JA, Greenlief CM (2022) Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol Product Impurities — Molecules doi:10.3390/molecules27206924