While we know that the hemp plant contains all kinds of valuable properties that can benefit us on a daily basis, those of us who follow a halal lifestyle need to be a bit more discerning when it comes to what we’re putting into our bodies.
Even natural derivatives that are considered harmless and are fully legal can contradict our religious values.
Now that the hemp plant is more mainstream, companies/manufacturers are producing a wider array of hemp-derived formulas than ever before.
We have talked at length about CBD from previous blogs, but what about the “newer” cannabinoid on the market, delta 8 THC? Most importantly, is delta 8 halal? Let’s find out.
WHAT EXACTLY IS DELTA 8 THC?
Delta 8 THC is a cannabinoid found in the flowering buds of the hemp plant. This is where we also find cannabidiol (CBD). Delta 8 makes up about 0.1% of the hemp plant.
However, delta 8 products specifically contain a concentrated extract of the cannabinoid to produce stronger effects for which it’s known for.
Now, delta 8 THC is an intoxicating cannabinoid. Meaning, it will get you high. It’s about 30% less intoxicating than delta 9 THC, and not as disruptive to a person’s mental clarity.
Ultimately, it’s still a mind-altering compound. That’s not to say, however, that delta 8 only gets you high. Because it’s a cannabinoid like CBD, it does come with some pretty useful properties. These can relate to physical discomfort, mood, appetite, energy, etc.
WHY IS DELTA 8 THC CONSIDERED HARAM?
If you have been hoping to give delta 8 THC a try, we hate to burst your bubble. This is one hemp derivative that’s clearly haram. Even though it’s a natural substance, and even though it comes from the same plant that gives us cannabidiol, the fact that this compound causes mind-altering effects means that there is no doubt it is classified as haram for anyone of faith.
We know that intoxicating substances are deemed haram, and delta 8 THC is no exception. Even though the high is milder than that of delta 9 THC, the fact that it causes intoxication is responsible for its classification.
SOME MAY CONSIDER EXCEPTIONS
As you know, different scholars and imams debate about what is considered haram and what is considered halal. There is a lot of nuance in these conversations that can lead to different experts having different views.
For instance, some view cannabis as halal because it’s a natural substance produced by our creator.
While some disagree, you can find an imam who will tell you that cannabis is actually permissible in certain circumstances. Even more experts believe that if a doctor has prescribed cannabis, then it’s halal.
Why? Because the user is not seeking out intoxication but medicinal properties.
We cannot comment on the nuance of this topic, since we are manufacturers of hemp products, and only an imam or physician can give you guidance as to what you may or may not take to maintain a halal lifestyle.
What we can say is that should a physician recommend delta 8 THC for one reason or another, you should consider speaking with your imam to determine whether or not that would make using it permissible.
Still, you’d want to make sure you’re purchasing delta 8 products that are halal-certified. For example, even if the delta 8 is deemed permissible in a special case, consuming delta 8 gummies made with gelatin, as most are, would be considered haram, since most gelatin comes from pigs.
WHY IS CBD HALAL THEN WHILE DELTA 8 THC IS NOT?
You might be wondering why two compounds that exist next to one another in the same plant can have different levels of halal status. After all, clearly we consider cannabidiol to be halal, as we produce CBD-based products for our customers.
Again, this has to do with its potential to intoxicate. CBD is not psychoactive. It does not interact with the same brain receptors as delta 8 that cause intoxication. Even in high doses, cannabidiol will not cause mind-altering effects.
Also, remember, in order for a CBD-infused product to be officially sold as a halal product, it must pass halal certification from an accredited organization. This means that a scholar and experts has deemed cannabidiol halal, and therefore feels comfortable authorizing the use of these products.
HEMP PRODUCTS AND THEIR TRACE AMOUNTS OF THC
At HalalCBD, we carry broad spectrum CBD products. This means that they contain a hemp extract that consists of naturally occurring compounds found in hemp, minus the trace amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
However, there are full spectrum hemp products on the market as well. These types contain the small amount of THC found in hemp, which is not intoxicating in such a trace level. So, are these products haram? Again, this is a gray area that we cannot comment on since we’re not religious authorities. What can be said is that our broad spectrum hemp products are fully THC-free and halal certified. So, you don’t have to worry about whether or not you’re adhering to halal guidelines.
DECIDING TO TAKE DELTA 8 THC
Should you feel that delta 8 THC is not haram based on your unique circumstances or beliefs, you’ll still need to make sure that every other aspect of the product is done according to halal standards. Essentially, you will have to really follow how a company manufactures their product, carefully read through the ingredients, and review the halal certification.
THE FINAL VERDICT: DELTA 8 THC IS NOT HALAL
We are going to go ahead and say that delta 8 THC is clearly haram. Primarily, because it’s an intoxicating substance that the large majority of people use for recreational purposes. Good news is that CBD is rich in many of the same properties that delta 8 can offer.
HalalCBD aims to comply with halal guidelines and why we carry THC-free CBD products. That way, there’s no gray area that can leave our customers feeling confused. Should you feel like there could be a medical benefit to THC based on your unique situation speak with your imam & physician who is authorized to answer any questions that you may have.