Delta-8 THC Products: The Unspoken Problem of Dosage and Blend Selection

Delta-8 THC, one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, has rapidly gained popularity in recent years. Known for its psychoactive properties that are said to be milder than Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 THC has become a sought-after product found on retail shelves all over the country. 

However, as the market expands and products multiply, an unspoken problem has emerged that consumers, regulators, and healthcare providers must grapple with: the uncertainty around proper dosage and the challenge in determining which blend of Delta-8 THC products is best for whom.

Understanding Delta-8 THC

Before delving into the crux of the issue, it’s essential to understand what Delta-8 THC is and why it’s becoming increasingly popular.

What Is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 THC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid in the cannabis plant but usually in very low concentrations. Delta-8 THC can also be extracted from other cannabinoids like CBD. In scientific terms, the “delta” refers to the positioning of a double bond in the chemical structure, which in Delta-8’s case is on the eighth carbon chain.

Why Is It Popular?

Delta-8’s allure stems from its reported ability to induce relaxation, euphoria, and other psychoactive effects without the intensity often associated with Delta-9 THC. This milder experience has led to a surge in Delta-8 THC products, ranging from vapes and tinctures to edibles and topicals.

The Farm Bill of 2018 dramatically transformed hemp policy in the United States, largely making Delta-8 products legal, although under certain conditions and with restrictions.  The new law differentiates cannabis as containing more than .03% Delta-9 THC.  Below that threshold, the cannabis plant is designated as “hemp,” and is now legal… and hemp is where Delta-8 comes from.

The Unspoken Problem

While the popularity of Delta-8 THC grows, so does a largely unspoken concern: the uncertainty surrounding proper dosage and the difficulty in selecting the most suitable blend for individual users. These challenges have implications for safety, efficacy, and overall consumer experience.

Dosage Uncertainty

Determining the correct dosage of Delta-8 THC is complex and multifaceted. Here’s why:

1. Lack of Research: Delta-8 THC’s recent emergence means that scientific studies on optimal dosage are scarce. This lack of data leaves consumers and practitioners without clear guidance.
2. Individual Variability: People’s responses to Delta-8 THC can vary widely based on factors like body weight, metabolism, and individual sensitivities. What may be a mild dose for one person might be overpowering for another.
3. Product Inconsistency: The purity and concentration of Delta-8 THC can differ dramatically between products. Without standardized testing and quality control, determining an accurate dosage becomes more complex, at best.

Challenges in Blend Selection

The Delta-8 THC market is flooded with various blends, formulations, and product types. Consumers often face confusion over which product or blend is best suited for their wants and needs. Several factors contribute to this confusion:

1. Marketing Hype vs. Reality: Marketing claims can be exaggerated, misleading, or worse, making it challenging for consumers to make informed choices. Too often, consumers end up selecting a product based on little more than its flavor or because they liked the package design.
2. Blend Complexity: Delta-8 THC products often contain a mixture of other cannabinoids, terpenes, and additives that can include Lion’s Mane mushroom or Lemon Balm. Understanding how these components interact and affect the user experience (termed “the entourage effect”) requires a level of expertise beyond the average consumer.
3. Quality Considerations: Regulations for disclosures related to Delta-8 THC products vary by jurisdiction, and quality can be inconsistent. Some companies disclose and label their products clearly and use independent labs to verify the active ingredients and their amounts… others do not.  Navigating these legal and quality landscapes adds another layer of complexity to selecting the right product.

Moving Forward: Strategies and Considerations

Addressing the unspoken problem of dosage uncertainty and blend selection requires concerted efforts from regulators, industry stakeholders, researchers, and healthcare providers. Here are some strategies to consider:

Research and Education

• Conduct More Research: Comprehensive studies on Delta-8 THC’s pharmacology, safety, and efficacy will provide the foundation for standardized dosage guidelines.
• Educate Consumers: Providing consumers with clear, evidence-based information can empower them to make more informed decisions about Delta-8 THC products.

Regulation and Standardization

• Implement Quality Control: Standardizing testing methods and enforcing quality control can ensure product consistency and reliability.
• Regulate Marketing and Labeling: Creating and enforcing regulations around marketing and labeling will help reduce confusion and misinformation.

Healthcare Provider Involvement

• Encourage Consultation with Healthcare Providers: Encouraging individuals to consult with healthcare providers knowledgeable in cannabinoid medicine can help tailor Delta-8 THC usage to individual needs and sensitivities.

Conclusion

The rise of Delta-8 THC products has brought attention to an exciting and promising area of cannabinoid therapeutics. However, the unspoken problem of dosage uncertainty and challenges in determining the best blend underscores the need for a multifaceted approach.

Through a combination of research, education, regulation, and personalized medical guidance, we can create a landscape where consumers can safely and effectively explore the benefits of Delta-8 THC.

While Delta-8 THC holds potential, the road to full understanding and responsible usage is filled with complexities. Recognizing and addressing these challenges is vital for the continued growth and integrity of this burgeoning market, ensuring that consumers can access Delta-8 THC products with confidence and clarity.

DISCOVER YOUR IDEAL DOSE

At Deltrium, we think we’ve come a long way toward solving the problems of appropriate dosing and blend selection. Click below to access our proprietary dosing algorithm, where you can answer ten questions and find your appropriate initial dosage.

Our blends are purposeful.  DREAM, to help you sleep through the night. SOOTHE, for chronic pain management. UNWIND, what you want to do at the end of a hectic day or week. JOYFUL when you need a little happiness. ENERGIZE, when you need a few hours of extra get-up-and-go. And SOARING, for an uplifting, but intoxicating feeling.