Delta-8-THC: A prohibited psychoactive substance

OTHER NAMES

Δ8, D8, Delta-8
Δ8-THC, D8-THC
Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol
Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol
Diet weed
Marijuana lite

Prohibited Status

Prohibited

What is delta-8-THC?

Delta-8-THC is a psychoactive (or, mind-altering) cannabinoid found in small quantities in the Cannabis sativa plant. This substance can also be synthetically created in the laboratory from hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD). Synthetic delta-8-THC is commonly found in commercial products such as edibles (gummies, chocolate, snack foods), beverages, vape pens and cartridges, oil, tincture, and topical products. These products are readily available in vape shops, gas stations, convenience stores, and online retailers.

Is delta-8-THC a prohibited substance?

Delta-8-THC is a Schedule I controlled substance (DEA Controlled Substances Code Number 7370). According to the Controlled Substances Act, a Schedule I substance is a “…drug with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.”
Delta-8-THC, regardless of origin (synthetic or extracted from Cannabis sativa plants), is prohibited for use by DoD.
Use of delta-8-THC can cause a positive result on a routine military drug test.
Use of delta-8-THC is in violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) according to DoDI 1010.01 and Service-specific policies (Army DAIN-PRT (600-85), Navy ALNAV 074/20, Air Force DAFMAN44-197, and Coast Guard COMDTINST 1000.10B).

What are the safety concerns regarding delta-8-THC use?

Service Members should beware of misleading marketing language that might suggest that delta-8-THC products are safe. According to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) consumer update, “…delta-8 THC products have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA for safe use in any context.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also warn about health risks associated with delta-8-THC products.

Reported harmful effects of delta-8-THC use include:

Psychiatric risks include anxiety, paranoia, hallucination, mania, and delusion.
Other adverse effects such as dizziness, shortness of breath, increased heart rate, tremor, seizure-like activity, and even death have been reported.

Use of commercial products containing synthetic delta-8-THC, which may be produced in unsanitary and poorly managed conditions, also raises safety concerns.

Service Members are at risk of consuming hidden substances of unknown identity and amount or higher-than-declared amount of delta-8-THC in mislabeled, contaminated, or adulterated delta-8-THC products.
At high doses, delta-8-THC use may produce similar adverse effects to those of delta-9-THC (the main psychoactive ingredient of marijuana).

Bottom Line

Delta-8-THC is a psychoactive substance.
Delta-8-THC is on the DoD Prohibited Dietary Supplement Ingredients List.
Delta-8-THC products of any kind are prohibited for use by Service Members.
Use of delta-8-THC carries significant health and career risks.

Posted 12 June 2025

References

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