Can You Get Addicted to Delta-8?

Often described as “diet weed” or “marijuana light,” delta-8 is sometimes sold in areas where marijuana remains illegal. Does this mean that delta-8 doesn’t pose the same risks that marijuana does? For example, can you get addicted to delta-8?

Call Lake Avenue Recovery today at (508)794-4400 to learn more about addiction treatment in Massachusetts.

What Is Delta-8?

Delta-8 is a shortened version of delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol. It is also frequently referred to as delta-8 THC.

The cannabis plant, which is the source of marijuana, contains several isomers of THC. Isomers are compounds that have the same type and number of atoms, but these atoms are structured differently, which alters the compounds’ properties.

Two of the most well known THC isomers are delta-8 and delta-9:

• Delta-9 THC is by far the most potent isomer in cannabis, and is responsible for most of the drug’s mind- and perception-altering effects. Cannabis plants commonly contain 10%-30% delta-9 THC. Those with higher percentages cause more powerful effects.
• Delta-8 THC is far less abundant and less powerful than delta-9 THC. A typical cannabis plant contains 0.1%-0.3% delta-8 THC. 

Effects

Delta-8 THC can cause the same types of effects that delta-9 does, such as:

• Reddening of the eyes
• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness
• Improved mood
• Slowed reaction time
• Easing of stress and tension
• Impaired coordination
• Altered perception of time and space
• Short-term memory disruptions
• Increased appetite
• Anxiety and paranoia

However, since delta-8 is both less abundant and less powerful than delta-9, the intensity of its effects are usually far milder than those caused by delta-9.

Legal status

One reason why delta-8 THC has received so much attention in recent years is that it is often sold in areas that have not yet legalized marijuana. This is because of a designation in the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (a piece of federal legislation that is commonly referred to as the 2018 Farm Bill):

• Though marijuana remains a controlled substance at the national level in the U.S., the 2018 Farm Bill carved out an exception for hemp. 
• The bill defined hemp as “any part of the cannabis plant or its derivatives containing no more than 0.3% delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9 THC) on a dry-weight basis.”
• After this law was passed, manufacturers began to extract delta-8 THC from legally acquired hemp. 
• They then added the delta-8 to an array of products, including gummies, chocolates, beverages, vape oils, and tinctures. 

A typical hemp plant won’t contain enough delta-8 to have a powerful psychoactive impact. But when hemp is put through certain chemical processes, enough delta-8 can be produced to cause marijuana-like effects when added to edibles, beverages, and other consumable products.

Some cities and states have enacted their own bans against delta-8, and Congress recently passed legislation designed to close the “hemp loophole.” As of the writing of this post, the law reinstating hemp’s status as a federally controlled substance is set to go into effect in November 2026.

Can You Get Addicted to Delta-8 THC?

Products that contain delta-8 THC are not subject to review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This lack of oversight – and resultant worries about consumer safety – was one reason behind the push to close the loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill.

Another reason was fear that wider use of delta-8 could increase rates of substance abuse and addiction.

Is this second reason a legitimate concern? Can you get addicted to delta-8 THC? 

Yes, you can.

Neither delta-8 nor delta-9 THC pose the same risk of addiction that substances such as alcohol, opioids, and cocaine do. But people can and do become dependent on delta-8 and delta-9. And once a person has become addicted, the compulsion to use the substance can have a negative impact on virtually every part of their life.

What Are the Signs of Delta-8 Addiction?

The clinical term for delta-8 THC addiction is cannabis use disorder. 

The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) includes 11 criteria for this condition. To be accurately diagnosed, you must meet at least two:

1. Having powerful cravings for delta-8 THC
2. Frequently using delta-8 THC in a larger amount or for a longer period than intended
3. Having a repeated desire to quit using delta-8 THC, but being unable to stop for good
4. Spending a great deal of time acquiring and using delta-8 THC, as well as recovering from its effects
5. Continuing to use the substance after incurring some type of physical or psychological harm that was either caused or worsened by your delta-8 THC use
6. Continuing to use delta-8 THC after having personal or social problems – such being arrested or losing your job – that was either caused or worsened by your prior use
7. Repeatedly using delta-8 THC in circumstances that pose a clear physical hazard, such as by combining it with other drugs or driving while impaired
8. Neglecting your responsibilities at home, in school, or at work because of your delta-8 THC use
9. Limiting or ending your participation in important social or work-related activities due your delta-8 THC use
10. Developing tolerance, which means you need to use larger amounts of delta-8 THC to experience the drug’s effects
11. Developing withdrawal symptoms when you try to abruptly stop using delta-8 THC

If you think that you or someone you care about may have developed an addiction to delta-8 THC, an ideal first step is to consult with your doctor or schedule an assessment at a reputable treatment provider in your area.

Once you have an accurate diagnosis, you will be better prepared to evaluate your treatment options and find the programming that’s best for you.

Find Treatment for Delta-8 Addiction in Massachusetts

Lake Avenue Recovery provides customized outpatient care to adults who have become addicted to delta-8 THC and other substances. We also offer dual diagnosis programming for those with anxiety, depression, and other co-occurring mental health concerns.

Options at our rehab in Worcester, MA, include a high-intensity outpatient program (day treatment), an intensive outpatient program (IOP), and an evening IOP.

To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Admissions page or call us today.