Are Delta-8 & Delta-9 Gummies Addictive?

Delta-8, or delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is a psychoactive compound found in the cannabis (cannabis sativa) plant.

It’s known for producing milder psychoactive effects compared to Delta-9 THC. Since it only naturally occurs in small amounts, Delta-8 is typically synthesized from cannabidiol (CBD) through isomerization or converted from Delta-9 THC.

Delta 9 THC is the most abundant form of THC in cannabisplants and is most well known for making people feel euphoric or ‘high’. 

A synthetic form of Delta-9 THC is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat nausea and vomiting in people undergoing chemotherapy, as well as HIV-induced anorexia. However, it is currently not approved for public recreational or self-medical use.

THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main psychoactive compound found in cannabis (cannabis sativa) plants.

This compound produces the ‘high’ associated with marijuana use. THC affects the cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which affect mood, memory, and perception.

THC gummies and other cannabis products are becoming more popular as both a means of recreation and medication for those living with chronic conditions. 

Its often candy-like presentation and ease of purchase make many assume that these products are inherently safe. Although safer compared to hard drugs and even alcohol, THC can still carry a risk for dependence in those unaware of how THC works. 

Learning more about these products can help you be aware of their risks and point you to help should you need assistance breaking free of a THC dependence.  

Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC have slightly different chemical structures and, as such, cause different effects, with Delta-8 being milder and Delta-9 producing a traditional ‘high’. 

It’s easy to assume that Delta-8 and Delta-9 are interchangeable terms since they are sourced from the same plant. However, both are very different substances in how they are produced and affect your body.

Delta-8 and Delta-9 can be present in many cannabis-based products, such as gummies, tinctures, drinks, edibles, vapes, and flower (the bud from a cannabis plant). 

Gummies are one of the most common means for people to take Delta-8 and Delta-9, as they’re easy to consume and discreet.  

Both Delta-8 and Delta-9 gummies contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), just in different compositions.

The chemical formula for both is C₂₁H₃₀O₂, with Delta-8 having one of the carbon-carbon double bonds in a different location. This gives Delta-8 a slightly different arrangement of atoms, which causes a milder effect compared to Delta-9. However, synthesized Delta-8 can still have a strong effect in high doses.

Gummies can contain sugar, gelatin, flavorings, and sometimes additional cannabinoids like CBD. THC can vary in concentration, with some brands of gummies having higher amounts than others. 

Some of the temporary side effects of using Delta-8 gummies can include:

Adverse effects documented by the FDA can include:

Because Delta-8 products are not regulated, it’s possible to ingest more THC than what you initially intended. As such, it’s possible to take too much, resulting in adverse effects. 

Some of the temporary side effects of using Delta-9 gummies can include:

Adverse effects documented by the FDA can include:

Although some Delta-9 medicines are approved by the FDA in some medical settings, they are not regulated for recreational or personal medical use. As such, it’s easy to take too much THC and experience an adverse effect. 

Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system, which causes psychoactive effects such as feelings of euphoria and relaxation. 

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex network of cell signals and receptors in the body that helps regulate functions such as sleep, mood, appetite, alertness, and pain sensations. It’s made up of endocannabinoids (neurotransmitters) that bind to cannabinoid receptors and cannabinoid receptor proteins (CB1 and CB2 receptors). When using THC, it binds to these receptors to affect your body and brain. It’s why using THC can sometimes reduce pain, relax you, and stimulate your appetite. 

However, TCH may also cause feelings of paranoia and anxiety, especially when taken in high doses. Some brains are more sensitive to THC than others, which can result in higher rates of adverse effects. 

Both recreational Delta-8 and Delta-9 products are not regulated or approved by the FDA, and as such, can contain risks such as:

Because these products are not regulated, it can be difficult to ascertain their ingredients or contents by labels alone. As such, people wanting to use Delta-8 or Delta-9 products are warned to exercise caution. 

THC, the active ingredient in Delta-8 and Delta-9 gummies, is a mood and mind-altering substance, and as such, can be addictive when abused. 

People are more likely to become dependent on THC products as a means to self-medicate underlying mental health problems, such as chronic stress or anxiety. This becomes a habit, and chronic users over time can become dependent on THC as a means of artificial regulation. 

THC can cause withdrawal symptoms when stopping after prolonged use, with some common symptoms including:

Less common symptoms of withdrawal can include

THC withdrawal symptoms are not life-threatening, but can be painful and uncomfortable. 

People use Delta-8 and Delta-9 gummies primarily for their psychoactive effects or as relief from stress or pain. 

Many people use THC gummies to experience a euphoric high without using other substances. A growing number of people are turning to THC products as an alternative means to manage and relieve chronic conditions such as anxiety, pain, or stress. 

Self-medicating is the act of using a substance to mask, numb, or ‘treat’ a condition without the oversight or advice of a medical professional. 

THC gummies and other products are typically used as a form of self-medication for people living with chronic conditions. Although THC, CBD, and other substances derived from cannabis may have medical applications, it’s still too early to understand how they affect the body long term. As such, it’s not advised to self-medicate with cannabis products such as Delta-8 or Delta-9 gummies without first consulting your healthcare provider. 

Some signs you may be addicted to THC include:

Remember that THC can be addictive, especially when used for self-medication. THC can be physically and psychologically addictive, and dependence can quickly form with misuse. 

Risk factors for THC addiction can include:

Many people falsely believe that THC cannot be addictive, which often leads to misuse and addiction. This is not an adolescent issue, and anyone at any age can develop a THC addiction. People who must deal with long-term mental health and pain conditions, such as veterans, are particularly at risk.

Although you can overdose on THC gummies, the effects are rarely life-threatening. 

At worst, overdosing on THC makes you sick or gives you a ‘bad trip’, which is unpleasant and scary, but not inherently dangerous if you’re an adult. THC, however, can be poisonous to children and animals, which will necessitate a call to your local or regional poison control center if consumed by them. 

The first step to treatment is to recognize that you have a problem and seek professional help.

Hawaii Island Recovery is here to help anyone recover from addiction, including THC addiction. We take all addictions seriously and will work with you or your loved one to develop a personalized care plan. You can call or contact our admissions team to get started. 

Treating THC addiction requires a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses the underlying causes of addiction.

This includes specialized therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These therapies are designed to help you develop healthy coping skills, confront underlying causes that fuel addiction, and practice skills needed for lasting sobriety. Every treatment plan is different depending on the needs of the individual, but everyone can expect to be treated with compassion and respect at Hawaii Island Recovery.

Whether or not you need residential or outpatient treatment depends on your individual needs. 

Rarely does THC addiction need full residential treatment services, and most do fine with outpatient treatment. However, those with a severe addiction, who use/misuse other substances (such as opioids), or have one or more co-occurring mental health conditions tend to need residential treatment to best recover. Your treatment provider at Hawaii Island Recovery will assess you and help you determine which treatment program is right for you.

THC rarely requires medical oversight during detox as withdrawal symptoms are not life-threatening, but you may benefit from a detox program if you also have:

Hawaii Island Recovery offers a medically assisted detoxification program as an essential first step in addiction treatment. Your treatment provider will help you determine if detox is the right choice for you. 

You can prevent relapse by:

Part of addiction treatment at Hawaii Island Recovery is learning and practicing relapse prevention skills. This includes learning how to recognize when you are at risk of relapse, how to prevent them, and when to seek help. 

Have an open and non-judgmental conversation with your loved one that expresses your concern and care for their health. 

Then, encourage them to seek professional help. Always let them know that you love them and will support them in their recovery journey. 

Fact – Any substance can be dangerous if taken incorrectly, including Delta-8 and Delta-9 Gummies 

Although Delta-8 and Delta-9 Gummies are not likely to be deadly, they can cause unpleasant and uncomfortable side effects if taken in high doses. Unregulated products may contain contaminants you may not be aware of. It’s vital to be aware of what you are putting in your body and not to automatically assume a substance is safe because it’s derived from natural ingredients. 

Fact – Delta-8 and Delta-9 gummies are not the same.

These gummies contain different types of THC, which have equally different effects. Delta-8 produces a mild psychoactive high, while Delta-9 is known for its stronger psychoactive effects.

Fact – THC gummies can last for 12 hours and produce a more potent high compared to smoking. 

The real danger when using gummies is that it can take a long time to feel their effects. Because of this, some may assume the dose isn’t working and take more gummies. This can cause intense effects later, like paranoia, panic, and nausea. Others may assume that gummies are inherently safer and engage in risky activities, such as driving, without fully realizing how high and impaired they may become once the gummies kick in.

Fact – CBD, short for cannabidiol, cannot get you high. 

CBD is often included in some Delta-8 and Delta-9 gummies for its perceived medicinal properties and its ability to reduce some negative side effects of THC. It’s essential to note that CBD is currently being studied, and as such, many products containing it are not FDA-approved.

Fact – It can take between 30 minutes and two hours to feel the effects of THC gummies. 

Gummies must first be digested in the stomach. The THC in the gummies then travels to the liver to be metabolized into 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent version of THC that has a stronger, longer-lasting high. 

How long it takes for this to take effect depends on your individual metabolism, stomach contents, and the formulation of the gummy itself. 

Delta-8 & Delta-9 can be habit-forming, especially when used to self-medicate. Over time, you can become psychologically dependent on them, which can disrupt your life. You can reclaim your life with the help of Hawaii Island Recovery. Located in the  Big Island, Hawaii, we offer quality and compassionate detox and addiction treatment services. So don’t wait if you’re struggling, call (866) 390-5070 today.