Information on cannabis products containing delta-8-THC

In recent times, cannabis samples (flowers, hashish and oils) in which delta-8-THC - together with delta-9-THC - was analysed have increasingly turned up in various drug-checking services in Switzerland. Delta-9-THC is called the "normal" THC and is, next to CBD (cannabidiol), the best-known ingredient of the cannabis plant. Delta-8-THC occurs naturally, if at all, only in very small amounts in the cannabis plant. It can, however, be produced from a CBD extract, which is chemically treated by means of an acid in a solvent. It has a similar intoxicating effect to delta-9-THC, but is slightly less potent. The conversion of CBD to delta-8-THC also produces the well-known delta-9-THC as well as numerous synthesis by-products about whose effects nothing is known. It cannot be ruled out that these further by-products have toxic effects. Since these synthesis by-products are not separated by the manufacturers and are thus applied to cannabis flowers or products together with delta-9-THC and delta-8-THC, an unknown health risk is taken when consuming them.

One assumption is that - similar to synthetic cannabinoids - this phenomenon is CBD cannabis, which is legal in Switzerland, or Delta-9-THC-poor industrial hemp and, after applying the aforementioned chemical mixture, is sold as Delta-9-THC-containing "natural" cannabis. The aim is to produce a psychoactive material for the purpose of inducing intoxication, maximising profits, etc.

We advise against the consumption of such samples!

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