While Delta-8 THC has become one of the most widely popular cannabinoids, New and old users of cannabis have switched to this hemp-derived natural compound thanks to its potential wellness benefits and mild, euphoric high.
However, the question of whether Delta-8 THC could also have side effects has arisen among users. And the definitive answer to this is a little more complicated than a yes-or-no answer.
In this article, we’ve gathered some of the most important things you’ve got to know to understand if and how Delta-8 THC can make you anxious. We’ll touch on topics like the factors that could lead to ‘paranoia’, what it feels like, and some tips on how to counter the symptoms.
Why does THC Make Me Anxious?
Generally, Delta-8 THC is known for helping users feel relaxed and calm thanks to its sedative properties, also called “getting high”. However, some factors can cause adverse effects. While Delta-8 is considered to have about half the potency of Delta-9 THC, some things can also sour up the experience of consuming this cannabinoid.
Mainly, the type of cannabinoids consumed in conjunction with THC, the general dose, the delivery method, and the setting can all influence your experience with hemp and cannabis. Let’s explore each of these a little bit further.
Types of Cannabinoids
While Delta-8 THC has become a big seller, products that use blends with different hemp-derived cannabinoids are also available. For example, some products mix more potent cannabinoids, such as HHC, Delta-10 THC, or even THC-P. All of these cannabinoids are stronger than Delta-8 THC and can make the experience a little stronger than you are used to.
However, you can also try Delta-8 with other cannabinoids that have the reverse effect. Some products that use CBN, CBG, or CBD are believed to have fewer adverse symptoms thanks to how they work around our cannabinoid receptors.
If you do want to experiment with a new cannabinoid in a more controlled way, you can try the THC-V and Delta-8 THC blend from our Live Resin Delta-8 + THCV Cart at our store. This delicious Pink Panther Sativa-inspired cart has the perfect dose to try out new cannabinoids without having to compromise quality or potency.
Dose
One of the biggest factors in having anxious feelings while consuming hemp-based products is the dose. A larger dose, even with milder cannabinoids like Delta-8 THC or HHC, can have undesired effects. Even veterans and heavy consumers have probably had one or two anecdotes of mild paranoia or anxiety after a large dose.
It should come as no surprise that excessive doses cause extreme effects. That’s why it’s always a good idea to start low and go slow, increasing the dose little by little to determine your tolerance level.
Delivery Method
Now, the dose is a pretty important factor in undesired side effects, but how you consume THC can change the experience as well. In general, methods that are quick to take effect are also easily metabolized by our bodies.
Smoking and vaping usually get THC into your bloodstream in no time, taking anywhere from seconds to up to 5 minutes to make you feel ‘high’. This also means that if you are sensitive to THC, you might feel anxiety or other undesired effects more easily or when taking larger hits than usual. The good news is that this method also allows you to stop and wait for the symptoms to go down before consuming again.
Other products, like gummies and tinctures, are different, as they are absorbed through the blood vessels under your tongue for tinctures and your digestive system for edibles and gummies. Both of these kinds of products are metabolized through the liver, which is reported to increase the bioavailability of this cannabinoid. And in simpler terms, users have been said to feel stronger and longer-lasting effects when using these methods without microdosing.
Setting
Where and when you consume cannabinoids can change the experience as a whole. Taking THC in public places or with people you are not comfortable with can also lead to unwanted side effects, mainly anxiety and panic. Even your emotional state can affect this, so if you are feeling anxious already, it might be best to wait until you calm down.
What is Delta-8 THC Anxiety?
Delta-8 THC has many potential benefits, from providing energy to helping people focus. However, as with any cannabinoid, it can have side effects when consumed in large doses. While not as common as Delta-9 THC anxiety, its sibling Delta-8 THC can have adverse effects on users.
Some consumers have reported feeling anxiety-like symptoms such as feeling stressed, general discomfort, or even mild panic attacks. This has raised the question: can Delta-8 THC cause anxiety? While we’ve discussed how THC in general can cause these adverse effects, we have to go deeper into Delta-8’s composition.
Getting to know these factors and composition can help understand how these anxiety symptoms occur, and if they can be countered. Let’s delve a little bit deeper into its composition and the side effects.
Does Delta-8 Cause Anxiety?
Delta-8 THC has both psychoactive and intoxicating effects, and according to research, it has about 50% of the potency of “regular” THC, also known as Delta-9 THC. This is the psychoactive component of marijuana, and it is considered a controlled substance by the US DEA, unlike Delta-8 THC.
While both are different, the way they interact with our bodies is pretty similar. This is why one of the main side effects that might be present in higher doses is anxiety. Users have reported this as well with methods that give a stronger high, like edibles.
But Can Delta-8 Cause Anxiety?
In larger doses, Delta-8 THC can cause anxiety, While still weaker than other cannabinoids, specifically regular THC, it has the possibility of causing anxiety symptoms This is because it can still, in high doses, affect our nervous system and cause undesired effects on the body and psyche.
With that said, research has also shown that the adverse effects reported for this cannabinoid are way less present than in other cannabinoids, specifically those of Delta-9 THC. More systematic research is needed to understand the exact way it can produce this discomfort.
Does Delta-8 THC Make You Paranoid?
While consuming Delta-8 THC may help you alleviate some anxiety symptoms, consuming too much of it can have an adverse effect. Users have reported feeling excessive fear and anxiety, which, in sensitive users, can lead to paranoia. However, not all cases go all the way to paranoia.
Most of the time, users have reported feeling jittery or anxious, but not as strongly as having panic attacks. So the key takeaway from this is that the biggest risks of Delta-8 come from a lack of regulation and dosage, rather than the chemical on its own.
It is important to be mindful of dosage, the method of consumption, and if the person is sensitive to cannabinoids or not. And of course, if you plan on taking Delta-8 THC for wellness purposes, we’d recommend checking in with your healthcare provider first.
Delta-8 Paranoia Effects
There’s information about Delta 8's adverse effects besides paranoia and anxiety. According to online anecdotal sources, it can also lead to temporary speech impairment and heavy feelings of grogginess. It can also cause nausea and dizziness, which, together with paranoia, can be hard on your overall state.
Consumers of Delta-8 THC have also been said to find relief after a few hours while staying hydrated. Other users have said they feel better when adding some CBD to the mix, but we’ll touch on that in the next section.
How to Avoid Weed Paranoia
According to users, the best way to avoid paranoia is to use CBD while taking Delta-8 THC or any intoxicating cannabinoid like HHC. This way you get to enjoy the calming effects and sedative properties of cannabis, without having to deal with anxiety.
The science behind this is basically how cannabinoids work with our nervous systems. While Delta-8 THC binds to the proteins in our endocannabinoid receptors, CBD works around them. By competing for the receptor’s connection, when used together, CBD lowers the binding potential of Delta-8 THC. It also helps with relaxation and anxiety symptoms, and studies even show it could be helpful to aid with sleep disorders.
Our Live Resin Delta-8 THC Tincture at the Botany Farms store could be a perfect alternative to pure THC products, as it contains 1000mg of our high-quality CBD and 500mg of premium Delta-8 THC extract. By mixing both cannabinoids in a potent live resin, organic, non-GMO formula, you can enjoy the best of both worlds with minimal unwanted side effects.
How to Calm Down from Weed Paranoia
One of the best ways to calm down is to use a high-CBD strain, such as Zombie Kush. This kind of flower can interact with our endocannabinoid receptors and block how THC binds to them.
Zombie Kush is a heavy-indica strain that could help with THC anxiety, mainly if you’ve had products like dabs or even wax. Besides its delicious flavor profile and its amazing looks, users have reported feeling deeply relaxed with this flower. Going for CBD-only products can also be an option, as users have said that “taking a break” can be useful to calm down their symptoms in general.
Another tip that could work to calm down paranoia is to limit your THC or Delta-8 THC dose. Start with smaller hits or cut the edible into small pieces so you can start slowly. If you want to try microdosing with gummies, we have our Delta-8 THC Gummies at the Botany Farms store.
These come with 30mg of Delta-8 THC, are non-GMO, and are fully vegan. These can be cut into pieces and taken in smaller doses to help your body understand the effects of this cannabinoid. Or mix them up with a CBD product to help you find the correct dosage of both.
Whenever trying a new delivery method, remember that a little goes a long way, so start with the lowest dose possible and slowly build up as you feel the desired effects.
