As cannabis continues to grow for its recreational use, numerous research works assess its effectiveness as a source of relief from stress and anxiety. The Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a cannabinoid gaining more popularity in such studies because of its calming effects. Let me tell you about Delta-8’s effectiveness in stress and anxiety management.
Key Takeaways
- Delta-8 is a psychotic substance like Delta-9, but its effects are milder.
- Synthetic forms of Delta-8 THC can be created in high concentrations to potentially treat stress, pain, and anxiety.
- Scientific research is still early, so most evidence comes from personal experiences.
- Consuming high doses of Delta-8 comes with side effects like dry mouth, nausea, hallucinations, and a change in appetite.
Delta-8 THC and Its Effects on the Body
Before looking at the possible effects of Delta-8 for stress and anxiety, let’s quickly glance at what it is. Delta-8 THC is a kind of cannabinoid that is naturally present in the marijuana plant. It is similar to Delta-9 because both compounds are psychotic, this means they are triggers for the “high” feeling you get after consuming cannabis.
However, Delta-8 is well-known as the milder version of Delta-9 THC. There are many Delta-8 products on the market, including gummies, vapes, tinctures, brownies, and edibles. However, these products have a higher volume of Delta-8 than what’s naturally obtainable.
Still, whether you use Delta-8 in its natural form or the synthetic variant, there are reports that it might assist with medical conditions like anxiety, stress, pain, and depression. This is because Delta-8 triggers the same CB1 receptors in the brain as Delta-9, but offers a more relaxed feeling.
However, it’s crucial to state that most reports about Delta-8’s effectiveness in treating such conditions are from personal experiences and not largely on extensive research work.
What’s the Science of Delta-8?
As stated earlier, the belief around Delta-8 being effective for stress and anxiety is heavily dependent on word of mouth. Right now, there is little scientific proof to back its use for medicinal purposes, but it shows promise.
For instance, the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) states that Delta-8 might have anti-anxiety properties. So, there’s a scientific consideration of its calming effects. In addition, the study established that more cannabis users prefer Delta-8 THC for stress relief because of its lower intensity and reduced psychotic effects.
However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the use of Delta-8 products despite their potential anxiolytic and neuroprotective abilities. It’s also important to mention that most research works conducted around the use of Delta-8 are either preclinical or anecdotal. That means a proper human test is yet to be conducted to ascertain medical facts.
Medical Benefits and Side Effects of Delta-8
People who consume Delta-8 through smoking, vaping, and cannabis products acknowledge its psychotic effects. However, unlike Delta-9, they prefer the mild euphoric effect that Delta-8 THC offers. According to these users and some studies, Delta-8 can potentially provide relief to people with the following medical conditions:
- Severe pain
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress.
I would like to warn you! Delta-8 has similar side effects to Delta-9. Moreover, Delta-8 products are not FDA-approved, so you could overdose or ingest more than what your body chemically requires due to the lack of a prescription. Also, most of these Delta-8 products use additional chemicals, which could expose you to additional risks. Some of the common side effects include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Memory loss
- Hallucination
- Appetite and weight changes
- Loss of coordination or consciousness.
What Are the Alternatives to Delta-8 for Stress and Anxiety?
If you’re particular about relatively safer ways to use Delta-8 for stress and anxiety relief, you can find various alternatives to Delta-8 from your healthcare provider. First, you could explore other treatments that do not require cannabis use or consumption, depending on your medical condition.
For instance, you may consider exercise, yoga, and therapy for stress and mood disorders. There are also conventional alternatives that can help manage your condition. And if you’re particular about marijuana-based products, you can consider FDA-approved CBD products tailored to your treatments. Remember that CBD and Delta-8 THC are different, CBD doesn’t induce psychotic effects.
Is Delta-8 a Good Choice for Anxiety and Stress?
Despite its mild psychotic properties and relaxing effects Delta-8 only shows potential for stress and anxiety relief right now. It is still in its infancy stage in terms of scientific research and findings. Before using any Delta-8 product, ensure you do your proper research. If you’re curious, speak to a medical professional to get a proper dosage or to know if there are other non-cannabis medications you can consider.
Ultimately, I would like you to ensure you understand your state laws around Delta-8 consumption to avoid potential issues even if you choose my regulated and lab-tested Delta-8 products.