Even though substances such as CBD and marijuana may be legal in some states, they can still be dangerous. It’s important to understand what these substances contain and why they are considered a health and safety risk, particularly for the developing brains of teenagers and young adults. There are a number of facts you need to know about Delta 8 THC and Delta 10 cannabinoid.
What Is A Cannabinoid?
The term cannabinoid refers to a group of substances that are found in the cannabis plant, the main ones being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is primarily responsible for the psychoactive effects that marijuana can have on an individual’s brain, although some plants contain very little of the substance. Over 100 other cannabinoids have been identified in the cannabis plant.
Delta 8 THC: Deceptively Harmful
Delta 8 is one of the most common cannabinoids derived from marijuana and hemp. It is enticing to young people, especially, when it is sold in the form of gummy candies. That is also when it is especially dangerous. Children who eat even one gummy can be at serious risk of major health issues as a result. Young people, including teenagers and adults, who eat multiple gummies can suffer harmful consequences as well.
Dr. Elizabeth Scharman, West Virginia Poison Center Director and West Virginia University Professor of Clinical Pharmacy, emphasizes that “Delta-8-THC is not the same thing as CBD. Taking more than one dose may cause harm. Even one dose may cause harm if the product does not actually contain the labeled ingredients. These products are not regulated so there is no assurance that the label is correct. Fruit flavored gummies containing drugs can easily be mistaken for candy by young children.”
Some scientists believe that the dosage may be as important as the way Delta 8 THC works in the brain. Consuming too much of the substance in any form can have potentially damaging effects on developing brains in children and teenagers. In fact, many researchers refer to the growing consumption of Delta 8 as a public health risk. The harmful substance can be deceptive in its packaging and presentation, and it is often sold outside of the regulated marketplace with no oversight.
Delta 10 Cannabinoid
The Delta 10 cannabinoid, closely related to Delta 8, is derived by certified labs from the CBD-rich hemp plant. Even though concentrations of Delta 10 are about half that of Delta 8, it’s been reported to almost double it in terms of psychotropic potency. While young people may be tempted to use Delta 10 in lieu of THC, the substance is just as dangerous.
Several states are proposing or enacting legislation that would include Delta 8 and Delta 10 in their regulation of THC products, recognizing the harm potential in these substances. Over 12 states have adopted measures to ban Delta 8 sales. In Colorado, hemp-derived Delta 8 and Delta 10 THC are now banned in dispensaries.
Delta 10 also connects to nerve receptors in the brain, but researchers are not sure why this happens. The 2018 Farm Bill does specify that Delta 10 is legal on the federal level, only if it is extracted from industrial hemp that contains less than 0.3% THC. If the amount of THC exceeds this limit, it will then fall under Schedule 1 of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) as banned.
The most important thing to know about Delta 8 THC and Delta 10 cannabinoid is that there is not enough scientific evidence to understand either substance’s effects on the mind and body, making them potentially harmful and unsafe for consumption. A number of poison centers across the country have reported an increase in the number of cases being reported to them. Teenagers and young adults are especially susceptible to the temptations and the devastating effects of these dangerous substances.
Hidden Relapse Risk
Millions of Americans are living with substance use disorders; a significant percentage of them have broken the cycle of addiction and are living fuller lives as a result. However, for those in recovery, the rising popularity of Delta 8 THC and Delta 10 cannabinoid is of particular concern.
As mentioned above, these over-the-counter psychoactive substances are widely available and remain legal in a majority of states. A combination of easy access, legality, and curiosity may entice individuals in recovery to experiment with Delta 8 or Delta 10. This is especially true for younger members of the recovery community. However, we would strongly encourage people to steer clear of these substances. Any drug that acts on the mind, especially one with such limited scientific backing, has the potential to impact a person’s sobriety.
If you have experienced a relapse as a result of Delta 8 or Delta 10, the experts at R&A can help.
We’re Here To Help With Substance Use Concerns
At R&A Therapeutic Partners, we understand the concerns of addiction as well as the temptations experienced by young people with developing minds and bodies. We provide tailored and effective substance abuse evaluations and treatment. Our approach includes psychotherapy and therapeutic consulting services to support each individual throughout the treatment and recovery process.