Alcohol & Health
Treatment
Helping Alcoholics
Medically Reviewed by Dr P. E. Pancoast, MD
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Delta-8 THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is a synthetic version of Delta-9, making its chemical structure different. Both are psychoactive compounds found in the Cannabis plant.
Delta-8 produces a ‘high’ similar to other THC-containing compounds or THC analogs. Manufacturers make it through a method called isomerization, converting cannabidiol (CBD) into Delta-8.1
The 2018 Farm Bill made industrial hemp products legal if they contain less than 0.3 percent Delta-9. Delta-8 products have less than 0.3 percent of Delta-9 THC, making it legal at the federal level.
Despite the federal legal status of Delta-8, some states still prohibit the sale of products containing any amount of Delta-8 or Delta-9. People undergoing drug tests will usually test positive for THC when taking Delta-8.
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Many people experience a high when using Delta-8, just as they would with Delta-9. Depending on the dosage, it may be milder and lack the anxiety and paranoia some experience with Delta-9.
Other side effects of Delta-8 similar to Delta-9 include:
Many users report feeling “less trippy” when using Delta-8. However, it changes how your brain responds to certain stimuli.
The psychoactive effects of Delta-8 include:
For many people, the high from Delta-8 is more clear-headed and body-focused.
Although some consider Delta-8 to have more mild effects than Delta-9, it can still produce the following side effects:
The risk of harmful side effects increases based on the amount of Delta-8 consumed. Eating large amounts of 8 can cause vomiting.
You can mix Delta-8 and alcohol, but it’s risky. Drinking alcohol while using cannabis-based products is known as cross-fading.
Alcohol and THC enhance dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain. It creates a feeling of euphoria.
While some people don’t notice much difference in their highs, others experience unpleasant side effects. If you’ve never mixed alcohol and THC, knowing how your body will react beforehand is impossible.
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Many people don’t feel any different mixing alcohol and Delta-8 than they do if they drink while using regular marijuana. The results vary from person to person.
Some find that taking Delta-8 and drinking increases both substances’ euphoric effects, while others report feeling the same as if they’d only used THC or alcohol.
No definitive studies indicate that THC blood levels increase when you combine cannabis with alcohol.
A 2012 study showed that THC levels in the blood are higher when people ingest THC before consuming alcohol than those who used cannabis alone.4 Meanwhile, a 2013 study showed that consuming alcohol before ingesting marijuana did not influence the amount of THC in the blood.6
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Mixing substances, or crossfading, produces unpredictable results, but some have been documented as common outcomes.
The side effects of combining Delta-8 THC and alcohol include:
Remember, alcohol usage with any other drug is always risky and could be a sign of substance misuse.
There’s a risk of overdosing when combining alcohol and THC because it can slow down alcohol absorption. It prevents you from feeling drunk and could lead to someone drinking more than their body can handle.
However, a study found that these two substances likely don’t directly influence each’s access to the blood and brain. Mixing them did not slow alcohol absorption or increase THC absorption.6
Regardless, it’s essential to remember that crossfading puts you at greater risk of health problems, including alcohol addiction. With impaired judgment, you have less self-control and self-awareness, leading to a higher potential for habit-forming behaviors in the long-term.
Some people believe that using marijuana or Delta-8 can help them decrease their alcohol consumption. There is no conclusive research that proves this to be the case. Because Delta-8 is a newer product, there’s even less known about whether or not it can be used for managing alcohol withdrawal.
No. But the opposite may be true. Mixing marijuana products and alcohol can lead to drinking more than usual to achieve the same effect. If someone drinks more than their body can handle, it puts them at risk of alcohol poisoning.
Although Delta-8 might seem less risky to use than Delta-9, this isn’t necessarily true. Even if they are synthetically produced, Delta-8 products have no regulatory oversight. This means the manufacturer’s claims about a product could be incomplete or misleading.
Delta-8 products could also put you at risk of:
Delta-9 is naturally more potent than Delta-8, but both produce similar effects. Although there are no known adverse effects or benefits of mixing Delta-8 and Delta-9, the outcome of combining them varies based on how much of each you take.
Both Delta-8 and Delta-9 bind to CB-1 receptors in the body. It is a receptor in the brain and central nervous system responsible for intoxication. Because the two substances ‘fight’ for the same receptors, combining them may affect the absorption of one or both of them.
Ultimately, your body’s reaction to combining Delta-8 and Delta-9 comes down to specific variables when you ingest the substances. These include:
It’s also important to consider the risks of increasing the substance’s dosage. For example, someone who takes 10 mg of Delta-9 and adds 10 mg of Delta-8 will experience more potent effects than usual.
While combining THC products usually isn’t a serious problem, taking too much THC can result in unpleasant side effects such as increased anxiety and paranoia.
No. The usual effects someone feels after drinking (headache, nausea, fatigue, etc.) rarely occur when someone consumes Delta-8 or any THC product.
However, you can have these symptoms if you consume high amounts of THC or mix THC with alcohol or other substances.
Generally, THC stays in your system for 2 to 30 days. However, some variables affect how long the substance remains. These variables include:
In addition to alcohol, you should avoid mixing Delta-8 with other substances, such as:
These medications rely on an enzyme that THC might suppress. This means they are likely to take longer to take effect if THC is used simultaneously.
Delta-8 is a manufactured product containing THC. It induces effects similar to other THC products but tends to be less potent. Many of Delta-8’s side effects are the same as with similar products.
Some consider Delta-8 a safer form of THC. However, there’s no governmental regulation of these products. They might also produce unpredictable outcomes, even in a low dose.
As with any drug, it’s best not to mix it with other substances like alcohol or other forms of medication. It’s always best to consult with medical professionals if you have questions or concerns about how consuming THC could affect you or any ongoing treatment you are under.
If you believe you’re struggling with using Delta-8, THC, or any other substance, treatment options are available.
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