Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-thc) Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More
What is this page for?
First and foremost: how Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-thc) interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-thc) is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.
But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-thc) is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Check Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-thc) against your medication
Add one medicationDrugs that interact with Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-thc)
0 medications have a known interaction with Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-thc), graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.
We don’t currently list any known drug interactions for Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-thc). This doesn’t guarantee none exist — always confirm with your pharmacist before combining supplements with your medications.
What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean
Severity — How Serious It Can Be
- Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
- Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
- Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
- No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.
Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented
- Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
- Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
- Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
- Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.
Where This Data Comes From
- Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
- Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-thc) combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
- Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-thc): Uses, Safety & Side Effects
Delta-8-THC is a mind-altering cannabis compound, usually made by chemically converting CBD from hemp, that produces effects similar to but often milder than regular (delta-9) THC. There is very little quality human research on its benefits, and the FDA has warned about safety concerns, unregulated products, and reports of harm. Its legal status varies, and it is not recommended during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or for people who must avoid intoxication.
- Part used
- Cannabinoid derived from hemp (Cannabis sativa)
- Common forms
- Gummies, vape cartridges, tinctures, edibles, capsules, flower sprayed with extract
- Relaxation and mild euphoria
- Anxiety and stress
- Sleep problems
- Pain relief
- Nausea
- Appetite stimulation
Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.
It is psychoactive, largely unregulated, and may contain harmful impurities from chemical processing.
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
Read the full pregnancy detailInsufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
Read the full breastfeeding detailPregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.
Overview
Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-THC) is one of many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. It is chemically very similar to delta-9-THC, the main compound that makes people feel "high" from marijuana. Delta-8 occurs in the plant only in tiny amounts, so most products on the market are made in a lab by chemically converting CBD (a non-intoxicating hemp compound) into delta-8.
People often describe delta-8 as producing a milder, more relaxed "high" than delta-9-THC, though it is still mind-altering. It became widely sold after hemp was federally legalized in the United States, and it is now found in gummies, vape products, tinctures, and other forms—often sold in gas stations, vape shops, and online.
Because most delta-8 products are made through chemical processing and are not closely regulated, the quality, purity, and actual dose can vary a lot from product to product.
How it works
Delta-8-THC works on the body's endocannabinoid system, the same network that responds to regular THC. It binds to cannabinoid receptors (called CB1 and CB2) found in the brain and throughout the body. Activating these receptors—especially CB1 in the brain—is what produces the feeling of being "high" and can affect mood, perception, appetite, and pain signals.
Delta-8 is thought to bind to these receptors somewhat less strongly than delta-9-THC, which may explain why users often report milder effects. However, much of this understanding comes from laboratory and animal research, and the way commercial delta-8 products actually affect people has not been carefully studied.
Does Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-thc) work?
How to read these evidence grades
Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.
For Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-thc), current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.
Also studied for 3 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)
Although there is interest in using oral delta-8-THC for CINV, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of delta-8-THC for this purpose.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Glaucoma
Although there is interest in using oral delta-8-THC for glaucoma, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of delta-8-THC for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Insomnia
Although there is interest in using oral delta-8-THC for insomnia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of delta-8-THC for this condition.
Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.
Safety & precautions
The U.S. FDA has issued warnings about delta-8-THC. Concerns include serious side effects, accidental poisonings (especially in children who mistake gummies for candy), and the fact that products are not evaluated or approved for safety.
A major issue is manufacturing. Because delta-8 is usually made by chemically altering CBD, the final product may contain leftover chemicals, by-products, or contaminants. Labels are often inaccurate, and some products contain more THC than stated.
People who should be especially cautious or avoid it include those with heart conditions, mental health conditions (such as anxiety, psychosis, or substance use disorders), older adults, and anyone who needs to stay alert or pass a drug test—delta-8 can cause a positive THC result. Do not drive or operate machinery after use.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Avoid delta-8-THC. THC compounds can cross the placenta and pass into breast milk and may harm a developing baby or infant. There is no known safe amount during these times.
Side effects
Because it is psychoactive, delta-8-THC can cause effects similar to other forms of THC, including:
- Feeling high, dizzy, or confused
- Drowsiness or trouble concentrating
- Anxiety, paranoia, or panic
- Dry mouth and red eyes
- Increased heart rate
- Low blood pressure or fainting
- Nausea or vomiting
More serious problems have been reported, especially with high doses, including hallucinations, severe anxiety, and loss of consciousness. Children and pets have been hospitalized after eating delta-8 edibles. Some vape products have also been linked to lung concerns. If someone has severe symptoms, seek medical help right away.
Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-thc): Reported Adverse Effects
Documented safety reports on Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-thc) from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.
There is limited information available about the safety of delta-8-THC. A thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Anxiety, cough, difficulty thinking and speaking, dream-like state, euphoria, feeling "high", paranoia, and vision and time distortion.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Brugada EKG pattern, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS).
Anxiety Psychiatric
A large case series reports psychiatric disorders as some of the most frequently noted adverse effects with delta-8-THC after assessing a public forum of 98,700 subscribers. Furthermore, anxiety and paranoia were 2 of the most cited adverse effect terms, about 16% and 9%, respectively. Additionally, 3 cases report psychosis in adults after ingesting or inhaling delta-8-THC. All 3 patients required admission to a psychiatric hospital and antipsychotic medications prior to discharge. However, 2 of the patients had underlying psychiatric histories.
- Leas EC, Harati RM, Satybaldiyeva N, et al. Self-reported adverse events associated with ?(8)-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-8-THC) Use. J Cannabis Res 2023;5(1):15.
- Miller CR, Burk BG, Fargason RE, Birur B. Delta-8-THC association with psychosis: A case report with literature review. Front Psychiatry 2023;14:1103123.
Cough Pulmonary/Respiratory
A large case series reports pulmonary disorders (e.g., cough, dry throat, dyspnea, painful respiration) as some of the most frequently noted adverse effects with delta-8-THC after assessing a public forum of 98,700 subscribers. Of 183 adverse events related to delta-8-THC reported to the US Food and Drug Administration, 33 report dyspnea, 17 report respiratory disorder, and 15 report cough. Additionally, 2 cases in pediatric patients report slowed respiratory breathing with varying initial presentations of somnolence and agitation after ingesting delta-8-THC in the form of candy at doses of 16 mg/kg and 38 mg/kg. Resolution occurred in both cases with supportive care and intensive care admission for approximately 2 days.
- Leas EC, Harati RM, Satybaldiyeva N, et al. Self-reported adverse events associated with ?(8)-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-8-THC) Use. J Cannabis Res 2023;5(1):15.
- Simon TA, Simon JH, Heaning EG, Gomez-Caminero A, Marcu JP. Delta-8, a Cannabis-Derived Tetrahydrocannabinol Isomer: Evaluating Case Report Data in the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) Database. Drug Healthc Patient Saf
- Bradley EK, Hoots BE, Bradley ES, Roehler DR. Unintentional ingestion of putative delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol by two youth requiring critical care: a case report. J Cannabis Res 2023;5(1):9.
Epilepsy Neurologic/CNS
Delta-8-THC has been reported to cause psychoactive effects and a feeling of being "high". It is estimated to be 50% to 75% as psychoactive as delta-9-THC, the primary psychoactive constituent of cannabis. Effects include euphoria, vision and time distortion, difficulty thinking and speaking, and a dream-like feeling. A large case series reports neurologic disorders (e.g., dizziness, somnolence, altered consciousness) as some of the most frequently noted adverse effects with delta-8-THC after assessing a public forum of 98,700 subscribers. Of 183 adverse events related to delta-8-THC reported to the US Food and Drug Administration, 16 report occurrence of seizure. A 2-year-old child presented with sedation and acute encephalopathy requiring intubation following accidental ingestion of gummies containing an estimated delta-8-THC dose of 15 mg/kg. Resolution occurred after approximately 1.5 days of supportive care. Six cases in pediatric patients, ranging from 18 months old to 16 years old, report 5 ingestions and 1 inhalation of delta-8-THC resulting in neurologic presentations (e.g., lethargy, somnolence, agitation, dizziness, unresponsiveness, or possible seizure) requiring supportive care. Resolution occurred over 2 days in most cases.
- Johnson-Arbor K, Smolinske S. The current state of delta-8 THC. Am J Emerg Med 2021.
- US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 5 things to know about delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol - delta-8 THC. September 2021. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/5-things-know-about-delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol-delta-8-thc. Accessed October 2, 2021
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Increases in availability of cannabis products containing delta-8 THC and reported cases of adverse events. September 2021. https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2021/han00451.asp. Accessed October 2, 2021.
- Leas EC, Harati RM, Satybaldiyeva N, et al. Self-reported adverse events associated with ?(8)-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-8-THC) Use. J Cannabis Res 2023;5(1):15.
- Simon TA, Simon JH, Heaning EG, Gomez-Caminero A, Marcu JP. Delta-8, a Cannabis-Derived Tetrahydrocannabinol Isomer: Evaluating Case Report Data in the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) Database. Drug Healthc Patient Saf
- Akpunonu P, Baum RA, Reckers A, et al. Sedation and Acute Encephalopathy in a Pediatric Patient Following Ingestion of Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol Gummies. Am J Case Rep 2021;22:e933488.
- Bradley EK, Hoots BE, Bradley ES, Roehler DR. Unintentional ingestion of putative delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol by two youth requiring critical care: a case report. J Cannabis Res 2023;5(1):9.
- Shaker K, Nillas A, Ellison R, et al. Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure and Confirmation in Four Pediatric Patients. J Med Toxicol 2023;19(2):190-195.
Hypotension Other
Based on statistics from the American Association of Poison Control Centers, hospitalization occurred in 18% of 661 reported exposures to delta-8-THC in the first 7 months of 2021. In the 8-month period ending in July 2021, 14 of 22 cases reported to the US FDA presented to the hospital for adverse effects related to delta-8-THC-containing products. In addition, the CDC's National Syndromic Surveillance Program (NSSP) has found an increase in visits to emergency departments due to complaints related to delta-8-THC. Symptoms of delta-8-THC intoxication include vomiting, lethargy, hallucinations, lack of muscle coordination, increased and decreased heart rate, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and coma.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Increases in availability of cannabis products containing delta-8 THC and reported cases of adverse events. September 2021. https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2021/han00451.asp. Accessed October 2, 2021.
- US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 5 things to know about delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol - delta-8 THC. September 2021. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/5-things-know-about-delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol-delta-8-thc. Accessed October 2, 2021
- Akpunonu P, Baum RA, Reckers A, et al. Sedation and Acute Encephalopathy in a Pediatric Patient Following Ingestion of Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol Gummies. Am J Case Rep 2021;22:e933488.
Myasthenia gravis Gastrointestinal
A 38-year-old female developed cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) after taking gummies containing delta-8-THC most nights of the week for approximately one month. Symptoms resolved almost immediately after treatment with topical capsaicin cream and intravenous haloperidol 5 mg. A case in a 6-year-old female reports nausea and vomiting after ingestion of delta-8-THC gummies that resolved over 2 days with supportive care.
Pain Cardiovascular
An otherwise healthy 31-year-old male experienced sudden onset substernal, non-exertional chest pain within 20 minutes of taking a gummy containing delta-8-THC. Brugada type I pattern was noted on EKG, with notable progression from a baseline EKG 2 months prior that showed Brugada type III pattern. EKG returned to baseline by 16 hours post-ingestion and the Brugada pattern ultimately resolved by one-month follow up. Three cases report tachycardia in pediatric patients after unintentional ingestion of delta-8-THC that resolved with supportive care.
- Jo NY, Chu CC, Ramsey BC. Brugada Electrocardiogram Pattern Induced by Recreational Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): A Case Report. Cureus 2021;13(10):e19058.
- Bradley EK, Hoots BE, Bradley ES, Roehler DR. Unintentional ingestion of putative delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol by two youth requiring critical care: a case report. J Cannabis Res 2023;5(1):9.
- Shaker K, Nillas A, Ellison R, et al. Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure and Confirmation in Four Pediatric Patients. J Med Toxicol 2023;19(2):190-195.
Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center
Dosing
There is no established or standardized safe dose for delta-8-THC. Products vary widely in strength, and because the market is poorly regulated, the amount listed on the label may not match what is actually in the product.
If a product is used, the general harm-reduction advice is to "start low and go slow," follow the product label, and wait long enough to feel the effects—edibles in particular can take a couple of hours to kick in, leading some people to take too much. Keep all products locked away from children and pets.
Because of the safety and quality concerns, it is best to talk with a pharmacist or doctor before using delta-8-THC, especially if you take other medicines or have any health conditions.
Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-thc) & Pregnancy
Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-thc) & Breastfeeding
© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center
Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center
References & further reading
The 11 references that drive our Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-thc) monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
- Johnson-Arbor K, Smolinske S. The current state of delta-8 THC. Am J Emerg Med 2021. PubMed
- Rosenthal J, Howell M, Earl V, Malik M. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome secondary to delta-8 THC use. Am J Med 2021. PubMed
- US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 5 things to know about delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol - delta-8 THC. September 2021. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/5-things-know-about-delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol-delta-8-thc. Accessed October 2, 2021
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Increases in availability of cannabis products containing delta-8 THC and reported cases of adverse events. September 2021. https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2021/han00451.asp. Accessed October 2, 2021.
- Akpunonu P, Baum RA, Reckers A, et al. Sedation and Acute Encephalopathy in a Pediatric Patient Following Ingestion of Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol Gummies. Am J Case Rep 2021;22:e933488. PubMed
- Jo NY, Chu CC, Ramsey BC. Brugada Electrocardiogram Pattern Induced by Recreational Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): A Case Report. Cureus 2021;13(10):e19058. PubMed
- Leas EC, Harati RM, Satybaldiyeva N, et al. Self-reported adverse events associated with ?(8)-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-8-THC) Use. J Cannabis Res 2023;5(1):15. PubMed
- Simon TA, Simon JH, Heaning EG, Gomez-Caminero A, Marcu JP. Delta-8, a Cannabis-Derived Tetrahydrocannabinol Isomer: Evaluating Case Report Data in the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) Database. Drug Healthc Patient Saf PubMed
- Bradley EK, Hoots BE, Bradley ES, Roehler DR. Unintentional ingestion of putative delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol by two youth requiring critical care: a case report. J Cannabis Res 2023;5(1):9. PubMed
- Shaker K, Nillas A, Ellison R, et al. Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure and Confirmation in Four Pediatric Patients. J Med Toxicol 2023;19(2):190-195. PubMed
- Miller CR, Burk BG, Fargason RE, Birur B. Delta-8-THC association with psychosis: A case report with literature review. Front Psychiatry 2023;14:1103123. PubMed
This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.
Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-thc): Common Questions
What is Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-thc) used for, and does it work?
Does Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-thc) interact with prescription medications?
How are Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-thc) interactions rated?
Is it safe to take Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-thc) with my medications?
Where does this Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-thc) interaction information come from?
Is delta-8-THC the same as regular marijuana?
Will delta-8-THC show up on a drug test?
Is delta-8-THC legal?
Is delta-8-THC safe to use?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
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