Is Delta 8 for Anxiety a good idea? Let's find out.
You might be avoiding cannabis concentrates because you're prone to anxiety—but that doesn’t have to be the case with Delta 8 THC. Delta 8 THC is not as potent a psychoactive substance as Delta 9, and it has fewer side effects. But how does Delta 8 for anxiety work?
Whether or not a Delta 8 product helps with anxiety is dependent on the quality of that particular product. If it can harness cannabis' entourage effect to reduce stress, it's worth trying.
Delta-8 THC can provide the potential medicinal benefits of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) without some of its more intoxicating side effects. One of Delta 9's THC's well-known side effects is actually the opposite- it could give fuel to your anxiety-ridden fire. If you are looking for a natural anxiety reliever that provides a boost of energy, this phytocannabinoid might be right for you.
What is Delta 8?
Delta-8 THC is present in hemp, but only in small amounts (about 0.01%).
Delta-8 is another form of THC produced when hemp flowers are exposed to oxygen.
The hemp plant doesn't produce high levels of the Delta 8 cannabinoid. Manufacturers have to rely on technology and other cannabinoids to get usable amounts of Delta 8 THC. Most manufacturers will use CBD since the hemp plant contains higher levels of cannabidiol. There are many different Delta 8 products to choose from, and consumers are spoiled for choice!
But that doesn't make shopping for Delta 8 an easy task. As we mentioned, quality makes all the difference when using Delta 8 for anxiety. You don't want to buy a product that has more levels of Delta 9 than companies advertise. Products with higher levels of Delta 9 THC could end up worsening your anxiety.
So the key to using Delta 8 for anxiety?
Find a quality product. There is one simple thing you can do to make sure you get your hands on a quality product. Use third-party lab results to sift out your options.
If you come across a brand that does not show the details of their hemp source, then they might be doing that for a reason. Or if the company has COAs advertised, but for some reason, you can't find them, it should raise some red flags.
COAs are important because you can see all the cannabinoids listed on their test results. You can check whether there is any Delta 9 THC and exactly how much Delta 8 is in the product. You can also check for other cannabinoids and terpenes.
These are the things that give hemp its potential medicinal properties, so having them listed on a COA is essential. If a brand doesn't want to show you their COAs, then it's probably best to move on.
If you have any other questions about the product, then you can contact the company and ask them for more information. They should be happy to answer your questions, as long as they aren't shady.
Did you know?
Coolout offers third party test results to back up all of their Delta 8 products. You'll never be left wondering whether your money is going to a trustworthy brand.
How Does Delta 8 Work with the ECS?
Delta-8 THC stimulates the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the body, which could ultimately relieve anxiety.
But what is the ECS?
An ECS system consists of cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes. The ECS is pretty important for the body, too. It works to reduce imbalances in the body and maintain homeostasis–a fancy word for 'balance'.
Without systems working in harmony, we start to feel out of balance, or experience health issues. These health issues can be mental, or physical. When it comes to anxiety, the ECS can work to reduce the anxiousness we are experiencing. But sometimes, it needs a little help. And that's where cannabinoids like Delta 8 come in.
The ECS is known to regulate:
- Pain sensitivity
- Inflammation in the body
- Our mood (including anxiety, PTSD and stress)
- Sleep patterns
- Memory
- Appetite
- Digestion
What happens to our bodies when it is exposed to excessive stress or anxiety? It begins to bring our body and bodily systems out of its harmonic balance.
When it comes to anxiety and the ECS, they are inextricably linked. The ECS system is one of the center pillars for regulating responses to fear and pain. Experts believe that Delta 8 can help by binding the CB1 receptor, which is a big factor when it comes to anxiety. Some studies have found that when the CB1 receptor is blocked a human may experience heightened anxiety levels.
By activating the CB1 receptor, the Delta 8 cannabinoid helps the ECS to regulate our anxiety and stress levels.
How to Use Delta-8 THC for Anxiety
Delta-8 THC is a relatively new cannabinoid on the market, so learning how your body responds to it can be tricky. The best way to approach Delta-8 is by starting off slow—less than 10 mg will be more than enough for most beginners! And that goes for people wanting a gentle experience with Delta 8 but just enough to stave off anxious feelings.
There are many different Delta 8 products on the market. Similar to the rest of the cannabinoid family you’ll be able to find everything from gummies and vapes to tinctures and drinks. But not all of these products are conducive to getting just the right amount of Delta 8 to keep anxiety at bay.
If you’re looking for the perfect D8 product for anxiety, you should check out Coolout’s Delta 8 drinks. With the Goldilocks’s amount of 8 mg per can, you’ll be sipping your stress away in no time.
Will Delta 8 Make you feel high?
Will Delta-8 get you high? Users say this cannabinoid will produce a slighter high than regular THC. This makes sense because Delta 8 is approximately 50% less potent than THC, rendering its effects equally less potent.
Users also say that Delta 8's effects can be felt in the body rather than in the mind. If you are familiar with marijuana and THC, then you can liken this to more of an 'indica' effect rather than a 'sativa'.
But no, it won't make you couch-locked as a strong THC-containing indica would. It's too mild for that. Unless, of course, you consume a large amount. Instead of causing a potent mind-altering high, users report that Delta 8 makes you feel clear-headed yet simultaneously lightly energized and relaxed.
Are there any Side Effects or Safety Concerns of Delta 8 for Anxiety?
Delta-8 THC has been shown to be beneficial for some individuals suffering from anxiety or stress. However, it is important that the dosage used by a patient be tailored according to their needs
Since Delta 8 is a fairly new phytocannabinoid compared to CBD and THC, people are still discovering how it affects them. Too much Delta 8 could leave you feeling anxious and paranoid, similar to THC.
So, what's the best thing to do? Start low, and go slow!
A Delta 8 drink is the best way to start off your D8 journey. They make it easier than ever to get your Delta 8 dosage and ensure you don't have any side effects to deal with. With a dose of 8 mg per can, you can enjoy a gentle Delta 8 experience.
There is still much to learn about the effects of delta-8 THC on anxiety. But, some human studies have shown that this cannabinoid is well tolerated. Other studies have shown evidence to the contrary. The thing is, we need more studies to fully understand this cannabinoid's full range of effects, especially when it comes to anxiety.
Some Studies on Delta 8 and Anxiety
A recent study on the blood pressure in rodents, which examined the effects of both Delta 9 and Delta 8 THC found that it increased the blood pressure. At the end of the day, the Delta 8's effects may vary, depending on the amount taken. Most of the studies that produced adverse side effects were focused on high doses of the cannabinoid.
A low dosage Delta 8 drink is highly unlikely to make your heart beat faster or raise your blood pressure.
It's the same with all the other cannabinoid products- don't overdo it. Start low, and increase the dosage in increments if you feel the need.
Anecdotal evidence from users paints a pretty picture of Delta 8 products for anxiety. As long as the dosage is low, that is. The favorable effects include a calm sensation that permeates both body and mind, free from negative side effects.
The Bottom Line: Delta 8 for Anxiety
We all know the torture that anxiety can put us through. Why not give yourself the tools to keep your anxiety at bay? Check out Coolout for Delta 8 products to help you cool out, chill out, and enjoy a restful state of being.
