As Delta 8's popularity continues to rise, people are finding even more possible uses and benefits from using Delta 8. Delta 8's potential ability to reduce anxiety and ward off stress are just two examples of these possible therapeutic benefits.
Does Delta 8 really help with anxiety?
It's no secret that some people have chosen to and been able to integrate medical cannabis as an alternative to pharmaceutical drugs as a way to help them cope with mental health conditions, but what about using Delta 8?
To best answer that question, it's important to first understand what Delta 8 is and how it works. It's also important to compare both CBD and Delta 9 to determine which of these cannabinoids, both of which are found in cannabis plants, deal with anxiety and stress and if they are right for you.
What is Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 has been considered to be the little cousin to marijuana. It can be found within the cannabis plant, which is made up of over 100 different cannabinoids. CBD, Delta 8 THC, and Delta 9 THC are all just individual cannabinoids. Within the Hemp and CBD market, Delta 8 products have exploded. You can now find all kinds of different options available to you.
Not everything is fully understood about Delta 8, but what we do know is how it compares to CBD and Delta 9. Delta 8 is more stable with milder psychoactive properties and fewer adverse effects than Delta 9 (THC most commonly associated with Marijuana). Yet it does have psychoactive properties, where CBD does not. Most refer to Delta 8 as a good middle ground with a psychoactive potency about 50-60% to that of Delta 9.
The chemical structure of this compound is different than Delta 9 in that it has a double bond at the 8th atom, hence the 8 in the name. Whereas Delta 9 THC has this same double bond located at the 9th atom. This difference is what makes Delta 8 more stable.
As far as effects go, Delta 8 produces less of a sedative effect than what is typical with conventional THC. This is why people will often refer to it as "diet weed". Many Delta-8 users report an array of benefits, all of which seem to be linked to their use of THC products. These benefits range from increased relaxation, pain relief, and anxiety relief.
How does Delta 8 work?
Delta 8 does not differ much when compared to regular THC, and in fact, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system just like marijuana does. It actually binds to the CB1 receptors, which are the same cannabinoid receptors Delta 9 THC targets.
These CB1 receptors are present in the brain and central nervous system. This interaction of cannabinoid receptors is what opens up a number of neurotransmitters available at once.
The fact that Delta 8 also targets the CB2 receptors, which are located primarily in our digestive and immune system, explains why Delta 8 feels less potent in terms of intoxicating effects. The compound is not just interacting with the CB1 receptors alone but is being spread out and absorbed across both CB1 and CB2 receptors.
If you are looking for the benefits of THC but are trying to avoid the lethargic effects, Delta 8 is a great option for you. Delta 8 allows you to still be functional and productive while still providing similar potential benefits of cannabis.
Potential Benefits of Delta 8 THC
Research on Delta 8 unfortunately is nowhere near where it could be. With the iffy legal position of all thing's cannabis related, there is limited research being conducted on these compounds and topics.
Some of the early research that has been done has shown promise in providing various potential health benefits to include mental health. Besides the obvious effect of euphoria, here is a list of potential benefits that may interest you.
Antiemetic Effects
Delta 8 research on the topic of its ability to ease the symptoms of nausea is the most prevalent of all Delta 8 research. User feedback has also shown this to be the case.
A review from 2011, which was published in the British Journal of Pharmacology determined that cannabinoids such as Delta 8 THC are useful in treating the symptoms of nausea in a way that they act as agonists of the CB1 receptors to produce therapeutic effects. This makes sense since Delta 8 THC is a CB1 agonist, making it a great choice for combating nausea.
Stimulate Appetite
Issues with appetite can challenge those suffering from anxiety, depression, or even those who are going through certain medical treatments. Cancer patients often suffer from nausea, which can make keeping food down a challenge.
This is also a real issue for anyone of course because a healthy appetite is essential in order to consume adequate nutrients through food sources along with proper supplementation. With the use of low doses of THC products such as Delta 8, users may be able to combat low appetite.
Neuroprotective Properties
As we get older our brains naturally degrade with time. It is no secret that we all could benefit from slowing this process if we can. Stimulation of the brain by keeping it active has shown to slow this degradation. Some early research has also shown that Delta 8 can encourage our brain to create Acetylcholine, which is a compound that is a neurotransmitter. Meaning it is possible that Delta 8 could provide cognitive support, neuroplasticity, and memory support.
Analgesic Properties
CBD and other hemp products have been shown to be a great option for many seeking pain relief. Often found in many varieties to include topics such as lotions and rubs. Much like CBD, Delta 8 has shown promise in its analgesic properties as well. consumer experiences have shown success in using Delta 8 to relieve both acute and chronic pain.
Anxiety Relief
Delta 8 has been shown to encourage the body to regulate pain and anxiety through its ability to bind to the CB2 and CB1 receptors. The anxiolytic properties that help assist with dealing with the anxiety symptoms. This doesn't appear to directly target the source of stress but does allow users to manage the symptoms and ultimately find relief.
Does Delta 8 Help with Anxiety?
Is Delta 8 good for anxiety? Taking a look at all the evidence it seems to suggest that it is helpful. When comparing CBD to Delta 8, it seems that both compounds are effective at alleviating anxiety symptoms due to the fact that they both function in similar ways.
To understand this, we have to take a look at the endocannabinoid system a bit closer. This system is the hub or station that is responsible for sending signals throughout the body. It's made up of enzymes and cannabinoid receptors to include both the CB1 and CB2 receptors, which absorb these compounds.
The goal of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is to maintain a balance, or homeostasis in the body. With that said, anxiety is a symptom of elevated or out of skew stresses in the body, this stress is what often causes the feelings of anxiousness most experience when stress levels are elevated. The CB1 receptor in particular play a big factor in anxiety. If blocked, your feelings of anxiousness will increase.
Research done by the National Cancer Institute shows that Delta 8 THC contains the same anti-anxiety properties as Delta 9 THC. However, most people don't want the higher psychoactive effects, which can hinder their ability to go about their everyday life and remain productive. Despite the lack of clinical research on the topic, most people can attest to the fact that Delta 8 products do allow them to lessen their worries, concerns, and fears.
CBD vs. Delta 8 for Anxiety
Chances are you are familiar with CBD or have at least heard about it. It would be wrong to consider Delta 8 as the same thing, even though they are both derived from the cannabis plant. Some users even choose to use both compounds because they have been found to be synergistic when used together.
CBD vs Delta 8, what is the difference?
The key difference between these two cannabinoids is the psychoactive effects. Users can expect feelings of euphoria when taking Delta 8, which is something that CBD does not provide. CBD is non-psychoactive and in fact can counter the intoxicating effects when taken alongside Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC.
Anecdotal reports show that Delta 8 will certainly give you a euphoric feeling when taken. And while CBD has been shown to support people who suffer from chronic anxiety, Delta 8 still remains more effective in the mechanism that it affects both the mind and body.
Potential Health Benefits Compared
Anxiety and depression symptoms can vary greatly. THC products like Delta 8 offer different potential benefits, especially when looking at the secondary symptoms stemming from anxiety.
CBD is best suited for making you relax, stimulating appetite, and assisting in sleep. Delta 8 offers all of these same potential benefits along with the euphoric feeling that can truly assist people with warding off feelings of anxiety. All while not being too psychoactive, not limit productivity, and provide fewer adverse side effects.
To Recap, Can Delta 8 Help with Anxiety?
Delta 8 can be a great alternative to traditional options such as pharmaceutical drugs to combat anxiety. Since cannabis regulation vary from state to state, Delta 8 THC tends to be more commonly accessible. Pair that with the fact that the potential reliving effects of Delta 8 kick in almost immediately, it may be a great choice if you are suffering from a mental health condition like anxiety.
With anything, the key is to find an option that works best for you. Everyone will have different preferences and require a different dosage to meet their needs. No matter which hemp products that you choose, it is essential that you find a high-quality product that has third party testing to back it up. This means you are getting not only a product that works as intended but that you are confident does not contain any additives or harmful chemicals.
Everyday Delta offers only the best Delta 8 brands that have been third party tested and certified. If you decide that Delta 8 may be right for you, check out our large selection of the best Delta 8 and CBD brands, we are sure to have something for everyone.
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