Chronic pain affects an estimated 50 million Americans, all of which can be a result of different causes such as injuries, inflammation, autoimmune disorders, and pre-existing conditions. Despite how debilitating chronic pain can be, it can be challenging to manage effectively for many people.
Historically, the most common approach to managing chronic pain relief has been through the use of pharmaceuticals, particularly opioid painkillers such as Oxycotin and Hydrocodone. Unfortunately, the opioid pandemic over the past few decades has shown that this approach could potentially cause more harm than it is doing good.
Even though these medicines require a prescription from a doctor for their use and are often prescribed in limited quantities, these drugs have shown a high risk for dependency and addiction leading to possible abuse or overuse in patients. In 2019 alone, opioid-related overdoses claimed the lives of nearly 50,000 Americans, translating to over 100 fatalities per day.
Delta 8 for Pain Management: Key Takeaways
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Delta 8 THC has been shown to assist in curbing inflammation and mitigating pain signaling to pain receptors in the brain and central nervous system (CNS).
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Delta-8 THC may reduce pain by curbing inflammation and mitigating pain signaling in the brain.
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The effects of Delta-8 THC are mediated by the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates essential functions such as pain perception, sleep, memory, mood, body temperature, immune function, appetite, etc.
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Delta-8 THC interacts with CB1 receptors in the brain and CNS. These are the same receptors that interact with Delta-9 which produces the psychoactive buzz or "high".
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Delta-8 THC is a psychoactive compound that is roughly 50% as potent as Delta-9 THC. The high is milder and is less likely to produce unpleasant side effects like anxiety and paranoia.
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Not all effects of Delta-8 THC for relieving pain stem from its interaction with CB1 receptors. Delta-8 also activates the CB2 receptors, which control immune responses and inflammatory processes.
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When buying Delta-8 products online, be sure to look for third-party lab reports that refer to the current batch. The hemp-derived THC and CBD market is unregulated, and there’s a potential risk of buying contaminated or harmful products if you don’t do your research and make your purchase from reputable online retailers like Everyday Delta.
Delta 8 THC for Pain Relief: Does it work?
The question remains "Can Delta 8 help with pain?" The answer is yes in some cases. It is very possible that Delta 8 may very well be the solution you are looking for to help you alleviate pain. Like many other cannabis compounds, Delta 8 THC binds to the endocannabinoid receptors found in the body.
To fully determine if Delta 8 THC is a good option for pain relief, it's important to fully understand where this minor cannabinoid comes from and what it is.
What Is Delta-8 THC?
Originally discovered back in 1941, Delta-8 THC is one of over 100 naturally occurring compounds, called cannabinoids found in small traces in both the hemp and cannabis plants. Delta 8 is considered a minor cannabinoid, which means that it makes up less than 1% of a mature cannabis plant.
As a cannabinoid, the benefits that Delta 8 brings to the table are very appealing for many and make for a great alternative to those who are either unable to access THC legally or those who prefer a more mellow alternative to Delta 9.
Since Delta 8 is a psychoactive compound, it does produce a "high", but to a much lesser degree than that of Delta 9 THC. It can be considered a middle ground between Delta 9 THC and CBD. Delta 8 causes users to feel euphoric and uplifted.
Anyone looking for the potential therapeutic or medical uses of Delta 8 may even find it a better option to try over CBD products or even marijuana. This can especially be true for anyone who is suffering from anxiety or prone to panic attacks.
Delta 8 vs Delta 9 THC for Pain Relief
Both Delta 8 and Delta 9 offer similar potential health benefits which include the ability to relieve pain, manage inflammation, fight fatigue, and of course, help those who are looking to live a life with less pain and inflammation.
The biggest difference between these two cannabinoids is the strength of their psychoactive effects. This is tied to the fact that they differ slightly in their chemical structures. Delta 8 has a double bond located at the eighth carbon chain, while Delta 9 has this same bond located at the 9th chain. This causes Delta 8 to have a weaker affinity to bind with the cannabinoid receptors, specifically the CB1 receptors in the brain which can lead to a mild high.
Those who choose to use Delta 8 THC as a method of pain relief should be aware that, since it is less potent, they will most likely need to roughly double their dose to achieve similar types of psychoactive effects as they would expect with cannabinoids like Delta 9.
Even though Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC offers some of the same benefits, the analgesic properties that Delta 8 offers may aid in desensitizing the CNS to pain signals effectively acting as a way to increase pain tolerance. On top of that, research has shown that Delta 8 may also offer anti-inflammatory properties which can regulate inflammation, reduce pain, and swelling.
Common Reasons People Use Delta 8 THC
There are a number of reasons why many people choose to use Delta 8. Its popularity continues to grow and for good reason. There are many potential Delta 8 benefits. According to clinical studies done at the National Cancer Institute, Delta 8 THC has potential antiemetic (reduces nausea), anxiolytic (reduces anxiety), appetite-stimulant, analgesic (pain-relieving), and neuroprotective properties. Some of the other many benefits that users have reported experiencing include:
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Sleep
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Reduce Stress
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Help with Anxiety
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Increase Appetite
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Relieve Chronic Pain
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Muscle Recovery
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Anti Inflammation
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stress and anxiety management
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Manage depression
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combat nausea and vomiting,
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Increase motivation
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Aid in focus (microdosing)
Bear in mind, there is a limited amount of scientific research at this point but based on user experiences and feedback, Delta 8 THC products may be worth considering for anyone who has benefited from and is looking for, an alternative to medical marijuana. It may also be a great option for those patients who don’t want as potent of a high.
How Does Delta-8 THC Work for Pain?
There are two mechanisms that Delta 8 leverages to relieve pain.
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Reduce inflammation, alleviates discomfort, burning, swelling, and itching.
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Limits pain signals to the brain ultimately making it more manageable.
Delta 8 effects and impact on pain are mediated by the body's ECS.
How the Endocannabinoid system works
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex network that regulates and creates homeostasis, or balance, for the systems and organs in the body. Functions such as memory, mood, pain perception, immune function, stress responses, body temperature, sleep, fertility, and appetite are all regulated by the ECS. It also contains receptors called cannabinoid receptors.
There are two types of these cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are primarily found in the brain and central nervous system which control functions such as memory, mood, pain signaling, and learning. CB2 receptors on the other hand are found in the nervous, immune, and blood systems. These regulate metabolic, pain, immune, and inflammation processes.
How does Delta 8 THC interact with the ECS for Pain Relief?
Delta 8 interacts with the ECS but how exactly does that relate to pain relief? Well, because Delta 8 activates the CB1 and CB2 receptors it is able to modulate pain signaling to the brain, which can temporarily increase the pain threshold and therefore reduce the felt intensity of physical discomfort.
Not only that, it can also cause the release of adenosine which has been shown to reduce inflammation. As you can see Delta 8's interaction with the ECS allows it to act via both mechanisms mentioned earlier to help with pain.
Types of Delta 8 Products
There are many types of Delta 8 products to choose from, which is best for you will come down to personal preference. Let's take a look at the most common. Here are the most popular product types and methods of consumption:
Delta 8 Vapes
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There are two main types of vapes. The most convenient are disposable vapes, which are ready to go out of the box vape pens and are as simple as they sound. The second type are vape cartridges that attach to a standard 510 threaded battery.
Delta 8 Gummies
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Delta 8 gummies are one of the most popular types of products. Each gummy comes in a premeasured amount making dosing very easy. These will kick in a bit slower since they must first be absorbed in the digestive tract first. Effects normally kick in within an hour to an hour and a half. You may find that Delta 8 edibles offer a more potent effect than other forms.
Delta 8 Tinctures
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Like CBD oil, Delta 8 tinctures are administered under the tongue by holding the oil under your tongue for 60 seconds before swallowing and are therefore absorb sublingually. This method offers quick onset within 30-40 minutes with effects lasting up to 4-6 hours.
Delta 8 Flower
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Just as it sounds, you can also buy CBD and Delta 8 hemp flower which is CBD flower sprayed with a Delta 8 distillate. This offers a combined synergistic effect to enhance the benefits of pain relief.
Delta-8 THC Dosage Guide for Pain
While not everyone will experience the same effects, here is a general guideline for those looking to try Delta 8 for pain. If you are brand new to hemp-derived products we highly suggest you start off with a very small amount and only work your way up to larger doses once you've given yourself proper time to assess your tolerance.
Minor Pain with a low user tolerance - 5mg - 15mg
Medium Pain with a medium tolerance - 15mg - 50mg
High Pain with a high tolerance - 50mg - 100mg +
It is important that you plan on using Delta 8 THC for pain relief that you first talk with your health care provider. This will help you in finding your optimal dosage and be sure to avoid any negative interactions with any medications you may be taking.
Where to Buy Delta-8 THC for Pain?
The most convenient way to buy Delta 8 for pain is to purchase it online. You will find many reputable online retailers like Everyday Delta which carry a larger selection of products and options from trusted brands than what you may be able to find locally.
Not to mention you will likely find even better prices when you buy Delta 8 online. Those are just a few reasons why buying Delta 8 online is the best route to go. In fact, it's as simple as buying anything else online.
FAQ
Is Delta 8 or Delta 9 Better for Pain Relief?
It depends on the type of symptoms you have. Delta 9 may be the better option if you suffer from nerve pain and both cannabinoids would be great options for symptoms of inflammatory pain. Most people with the goal of reducing anxiety will be better suited to use Delta 8 for pain due to its lower psychoactive potency.
Is Delta 8 or CBD Better for Pain?
Interestingly enough, both. That's right, taking CBD together with Delta 8 will provide a more effective anti-inflammatory effect and an overall more synergistic relief than when compared to using each of these cannabinoids alone by both targeting the same cannabinoid receptors.
Is Delta 8 Safe?
More research is still needed on long-term safety but it is considered generally safe to use and is enjoyed by many.
What are the Side Effects of Delta 8 THC?
Some commonly reported side effects can include dry mouth, red eyes, slowed reaction times, grogginess, and increased appetite.
It's important to note that these adverse effects can typically be avoided by sticking to low doses. If you do experience these effects they will subside with time.
Is Delta 8 THC Legal?
Delta 8 THC is considered legal at the federal level when it is derived from the hemp plant. In order for the cannabis plant to be considered industrial hemp it must contain no more than .3% Delta 9 THC on a dry weight basis.
Keep in mind that local and state laws may conflict with federal law regarding their legality.
Conclusion, Should You Use Delta-8 THC for Pain Management?
Whether or not you choose to try Delta 8 or other cannabinoids to help you relieve pain is up to you. We understand that for those who are suffering from symptoms of chronic pain finding targeted relief can make a world of difference.
Anecdotal evidence definitely shows that Delta 8 may offer some promising analgesic and anti-inflammatory benefits to those searching for long-term relief from pain. If you do decide to try it you should first consult with your doctor before doing so.
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