Delta 8 For Anxiety- How It Works

If you are prone to anxiety, you probably avoid most cannabis concentrates. But, that doesn’t have to be the case with delta-8 THC.

If you are prone to anxiety, you probably avoid most cannabis concentrates. But, that doesn’t have to be the case with delta-8 THC. This cannabinoid provides the medicinal effects of THC without the potent psychoactivity. Think of delta-8 THC as the middle ground between delta-9 THC and CBD. While hemp CBD is a viable option for anxiety relief, it doesn’t necessarily work for everyone. So, if you are looking for a natural anxiety reliever with a kick, this phytocannabinoid might be right for you.

Exploring delta-8 THC? Check our comprehensive user guide on delta-8 THC.

What Is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 THC is a type of cannabinoid naturally found in trace amounts in the hemp plant (about 0.01%). Similarly to cannabinol (CBN), delta-8 is THC’s byproduct created when the hemp flower is exposed to oxygen.

Because the hemp plant doesn’t naturally produce this phytocannabinoid in large amounts, manufacturers use cannabinoids like CBD to create readily-available products. Today’s market offers a variety of d8 THC vape concentrates, tinctures, oils, edibles, sprays, and other products.

Will delta-8 get you high? According to users, this cannabinoid will get you “stoned” rather than “high.” The reason for that is its lower psychotropic potency compared to delta-9.

Delta-8 is about two-thirds less potent than delta-9, producing more of a body high that keeps the user relaxed but clear-headed.

Further reading: Delta-8 vs. delta-9: what’s the difference between these two cannabinoids?

Delta-8 for Anxiety Relief — How Does it Work?

Delta-8 THC produces its anxiety-relieving effects in the body by activating the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The endocannabinoid system is a cell-signaling system made up of cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes. The main role of the endocannabinoid system is to balance out the inner workings of the body, aka maintain homeostasis.

The ECS regulates functions like pain, inflammation, mood, sleep, learning and memory, digestion, appetite, etc. So, outside factors like elevated stress levels present a challenge to the homeostasis.

Studies show that the endocannabinoid system is centrally involved in regulating anxiety and fear responses [1]. To mediate anxiety, d88 THC binds to one of the main endocannabinoid receptors, the CB1 receptor. One study singled out the CB1 receptor as a major player in anxiety. The study found that when the CB1 receptor is blocked, the subject shows increased anxiety [1].

This cannabinoid is an agonist to the CB1 receptor — or a compound that initiates a physiological response when combined with a receptor. This means that by binding to the CB1 receptor, delta-8 activates the anti-anxiety and stress-relieving effects in the body.

Delta-8 for Anxiety — What Does Research Say?

According to the National Cancer Institute, this phytocannabinoid displays anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) qualities similar to delta-9 THC. There is little clinical research investigating delta-8 THC’s anxiety-reducing potential. One thing’s for sure, most users agree that it causes a calm, focused high and makes them “worry-free.”

Anecdotal evidence shows that delta-8 THC doesn’t feature the anxiety or paranoia that delta-9 THC is known for. This may be connected to the cannabinoid’s binding affinity to the CB1 receptor, which is three-fold lower compared to delta-9 THC [1].

A 1995 study published in Life Sciences performed on children undergoing chemotherapy found that kids don’t show signs of psychoactive effects after taking delta-8 THC. Aside from slight irritability in some of the kids, its consumption didn’t cause any anxiety, antsiness, or other adverse side-effects [1].

How to Use Delta-8 THC for Anxiety

Delta-8 THC products come in different forms, allowing you to experiment with several methods of consumption before finding what suits you the best. This cannabinoid comes in the form of:

Vape concentrates
Oils and tinctures
Edibles (gel capsules)
Hemp flower pre-rolls enriched with delta-8 THC oil and terpenes
CBD-rich hemp flower sprayed with delta-8 THC oil

But, the most important aspect of using delta-8 THC for anxiety or stress is getting the dosage right. With delta-8 being a relatively new cannabinoid on the market, learning how your body responds to it is key. The best way to approach delta-8 THC dosing is to microdose.

If you prefer vaping and smoking over other methods of consumption, take one puff at a time and notice how it makes you feel before going in with another pull.

The body absorbs delta-8 THC faster through inhalation than other forms. Microdosing helps you determine the number of hits you need to take to feel the calming effects without any panic. You should also consider taking your delta-8 after having a meal to avoid a more intense reaction.

Another thing to consider when dosing delta-8 THC for anxiety is the purity of the product. That said, check for total THC content and use products that come with a Certificate of Analysis. If you are dealing with anxiety, you probably avoid most THC concentrates.

Now that you know that this secondary cannabinoid is different from delta-9, you should also make sure you know the THC levels in the products. At Mr. Hemp Flower, we are fully transparent about our products’ origin, and we provide labs with each item.

Getting the right dosage will take some trial and error. Especially if it’s your first time using it for anxiety. But, as the anxiety-relieving effects of this cannabinoid start to kick in, feel free to increase your dose and enjoy your worry-free moments.

Side Effects and Safety Concerns

The effects of delta-8 THC on anxiety need further exploration. Studies performed on humans show that this cannabinoid has a generally safe profile. One study found that delta-8 THC increases heart rate in humans and slows heart rate in animals [1].

Another study found that delta-8 THC increased blood pressure in animals [1]. It’s also important to note that its side-effects may be correlated with the dosage. Like with any other cannabinoid (including CBD), taking a large dose may exacerbate your anxiety symptoms.

In fact, studies show that high doses of compounds that stimulate the CB1 receptor may potentiate stress and anxiety-like responses.

Last but not least, anecdotal evidence shows that delta-8 produces favorable effects on anxiety — calming the body and mind without significant adverse side effects. Dealing with anxiety or stress on the regular may wreak havoc in your body. Delta-8 THC is here to help you wind down and relax your mind.

Where to Buy Delta-8 THC for Anxiety?

Recognizing high-quality delta-8 THC products is the first step to safely consume this cannabinoid for anxiety. At Mr. Hemp Flower, we offer a line of high-grade delta-8 THC products.

As a reliable supplier of CBD-rich flower, we source our hemp directly from vetted U.S. growers and manufacture our products using organic ingredients. All of our products are tested by an independent lab and come with a Certificate of Analysis.

The hemp flower produces this cannabinoid in trace amounts naturally, so the closest thing to a delta-8 flower is our Delta-8 Flower Stormy Daniels or Elektra Delta-8 Hemp Flower. We chose these two strains because they are loaded with cannabinoids and terpenes and make an excellent combination with our premium oil. Our customers love our delta-8 CBD flower that proved effective for sleep and kicking anxiety to the curb. If you are more into vaping, check out our Delta-8 Vape Carts.