7 Big Myths About Intoxicating Hemp

Walk into any gas station or CBD shop today, and you’ll probably see colorful gummies, vapes, or candies promising a “legal high.” These are usually marketed as intoxicating hemp — products made from hemp plants that can get you high but claim to be safer than marijuana.

The truth is, much of what you hear about these products is clever marketing. The hemp industry has spun a web of half-truths to dodge real oversight and keep the money flowing.

Let’s break down 7 of the biggest myths about intoxicating hemp so you can make smarter choices before trying that next Delta-8 gummy.

Intoxicating hemp products like Delta‑8 THC are often marketed as legal, safe, and natural, but the truth is more complicated. This guide uncovers 7 common myths about intoxicating hemp so you can choose safer products and protect yourself and your family.

What Is Intoxicating Hemp?

Before we get into the myths, here’s what intoxicating hemp really means. Hemp is legally defined in the United States as cannabis that contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight. Delta-9 is the main compound that gets people high when they use marijuana.

To work around this limit, companies extract CBD from hemp and then chemically convert it into other psychoactive forms of THC, like Delta-8, Delta-10, and HHC. These compounds can absolutely make you feel high, but they often fall into a gray area because they come from “legal” hemp.

This loophole is exactly what makes intoxicating hemp so controversial.

Myth #1: Intoxicating Hemp Is Fully Legal

A lot of brands claim these products are legal across the United States. This is only half true.

While the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp, lawmakers didn’t expect companies to turn CBD into other intoxicating compounds. Many states have since implemented their own bans and restrictions. More than 20 states have now banned or limited Delta-8 THC and similar products.

The FDA has also warned people about possible health risks. Always check your local laws before you buy.

Myth #2: It’s All Natural

The hemp plant is natural. But the intoxicating compounds in these products usually are not.

Delta-8 and Delta-10 exist naturally in hemp in tiny amounts. To produce enough for commercial products, labs use chemical reactions to convert CBD into these forms of THC. This often involves acids, solvents, and metal catalysts that can leave behind unwanted residues if the process isn’t done right.

Is that “all natural?” Not exactly. Always ask for lab reports to see how clean your product really is.

Myth #3: It’s Safer Than Marijuana

Many companies claim Delta‑8 or Delta‑10 products are safer than regular cannabis because they’re “hemp‑derived.” But that overlooks a big difference: quality testing.

Licensed cannabis sold in regulated dispensaries is tested for potency, pesticides, mold, and residual solvents. Many intoxicating hemp products skip this entirely.

Recent independent tests, like those shared by AP News, show some Delta‑8 THC products contain Delta‑9 THC above the legal limit or misleading labels. That’s why it’s crucial to choose trusted brands that test their products properly.

For example, if you’re curious to try Delta‑8 more transparently, look for reputable gummies like Calm by Wellness Delta‑8 Gummies. Brands like this share lab reports and clear ingredient details so you know exactly what you’re getting.

So while regulated cannabis isn’t perfect, it comes with clearer safety rules — and your hemp products should too.

Myth #4: The FDA Has Approved It

Some brands imply that intoxicating hemp products are FDA-approved. That’s false.

The FDA has never approved Delta-8 THC, Delta-10, or other synthetic cannabinoids for people to use. They’ve sent warnings to companies making unproven health claims.

If you see a company advertising that their gummies or vapes are FDA-approved, that’s a huge red flag.

Myth #5: You Won’t Fail a Drug Test

Some people try Delta-8 or other hemp-derived THC because they think it won’t show up on a drug test. Unfortunately, that’s wishful thinking.

Your body processes Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC in the same way. So even if you use “legal hemp,” you can still fail a test for marijuana.

Myth #6: It’s Harmless for Kids and Pets

A lot of Delta-8 gummies and edibles look like regular candy. Kids can easily mistake them for treats. This is why calls to Poison Control about accidental Delta-8 ingestion have gone up in recent years. Pets can get sick too if they eat hemp edibles left on the counter.

If you keep these products at home, treat them like alcohol or prescription meds. Store them safely and keep them out of reach.

Myth #7: It Helps Small Hemp Farmers

You’ll hear the hemp industry say that intoxicating hemp keeps small farmers afloat. But in reality, it’s mostly large processors and labs that profit from converting CBD into THC.

Many small hemp farmers actually want clearer rules and stronger safety standards. When bad actors flood the market with cheap, low-quality products, the entire hemp industry’s reputation takes a hit.

Buying clean, lab-tested CBD or full-spectrum hemp from trusted growers is one way to truly support family farms.

Is Intoxicating Hemp Always Bad?

Not necessarily. Adults have the right to make informed choices about what they use. But without proper testing and clear rules, these products can pose risks you might not see on the label.

If you do choose to try intoxicating hemp, be smart:

✔️ Look for updated lab reports (COAs) from independent labs.
✔️Check for tests that cover heavy metals and solvents.
✔️Store gummies and vapes away from kids and pets.
✔️Know your local laws before you buy.
✔️Start with a low dose and see how your body reacts.

What Needs to Change?

If intoxicating hemp is here to stay, it should be produced, tested, and labeled with the same care as licensed cannabis. Some states are moving in this direction, but many still lag.

Until better rules are in place, consumers have to do the homework themselves. Ask questions, check test results, and stick with brands that care about safety and honesty.

The Takeaway

Hemp has real value as a crop and as a source of non-intoxicating CBD. But when companies twist loopholes to sell unregulated products that can get people high, it creates confusion and potential harm.

Don’t fall for flashy packaging or misleading claims. The more you know about intoxicating hemp, the better choices you can make for yourself and your family.

If you found this helpful, share it with a friend who wants the real facts about intoxicating hemp. Knowledge is the best protection.