Over the past few years, and particularly since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill in the United States, more and more people have been experimenting with Delta 8 THC as an alternative to the more common and widely-known Delta 9.
The benefits of Delta 8 have been increasingly clear as night and day compared to the THC we are all used to – and in particular, its medical use in treating anxiety symptoms has caught attention.
But what exactly is behind all the fanfare surrounding delta 8 THC? In the following guide, we will take a look at just that. We will explain what delta 8 THC is, what it isn’t, what it can do to help you manage your anxiety, and what delta 8 strain is best for anxiety.
What is Delta-8 THC Hemp Flower?
As you might already know, hemp is home to countless active ingredients and complex chemical compounds. Of these, cannabinoids are the most important due to their unique health benefits and mental effects that distinguish cannabis from other herbs.
THC is one such cannabinoid and arguably the most famous, courtesy of its distinctive psychoactive effects. However, contrary to common belief, not all THC is cut from the same cloth. While the most widespread form of THC is Delta 9, Delta 8 is a slightly different isomer of the same chemical.
When THC-A is converted to THC through decarboxylation, only a fraction ends up in the form of Delta 8 – the remainder almost entirely turns into Delta 9. Because of this, Delta 8 was virtually unknown for many years. With its bigger brother overshadowing and masking many of its effects, they were nearly impossible to observe in practice.
Recently, people have experimented with using artificial means to create highly-concentrated Delta 8 THC products. One of the most common of these is the Delta 8 THC hemp flower – a raw cannabis flower infused with an especially potent Delta 8 THC extract. This dramatically increases the Delta 8 content of cannabis without altering any of its other chemical or health properties.
Compared to Delta 9, Delta 8 THC is less psychoactive, providing milder highs. It is also less sedating and less likely to inhibit normal functioning, both mentally and physically. Many people refer to Delta 8 as the less potent, calmer little brother of Delta 9 – while this isn’t entirely accurate, it’s a good way of putting it in a nutshell!
Is Delta 8 Good for Anxiety?
The medicinal properties of marijuana have been known since ancient times. And at least since the 1970s, we have known that THC plays a huge role in most of these. While regular Delta 9 THC has been explored as a possible treatment for anxiety, among other conditions, it is Delta 8 that truly shines in this regard.
By binding to a class of nerve receptors in the brain known as CB1 receptors, Delta 8 can effectively stabilize your neurochemical household in such a way as to alleviate stress, anxiety, and many other ailments. In this regard, Delta 8 THC is one of the most effective known natural remedies. It has also been seen to exhibit similar strengths in fighting chronic pain, nausea, and gastrointestinal discomfort.
While Delta 9 THC is also known to help mitigate the negative effects of chronic anxiety, there are numerous reasons why Delta 8 might be a better idea. For one, Delta 8 does not act in a physically sedating manner as Delta 9 tends to do. With Delta 8, you don’t have to trade a lack of anxiety for lack of energy.
You will also be able to maintain higher focus and mental energy levels for a longer period. Because Delta 8’s psychoactive effects are generally a lot milder, it also helps prevent some negative side effects typically associated with Delta 9, such as panic attacks and hypertension. Particularly for those suffering from anxiety or depression, this can be crucial.
How Long Do the Effects of Delta 8 Last?
Ultimately, how long the effects of Delta 8 last depends on many complex factors. Your sex, age, weight, diet, means of consumption, dosage, and existing tolerance level to THC all play a role. Therefore, predicting the duration of Delta 8’s effects can be quite tricky.
It is possible to make some blanket statements though. Remember that your mileage may vary! When using edibles, the effects won’t manifest until the Delta 8 has been metabolized completely. This may take upwards of 30 minutes.
Afterward, the effects may last anywhere from 3 to 8 hours or even more (including the coming-down period). Smoking or vaping Delta 8 THC generally produces the same profile of effect duration as Delta 9. The high comes up within 15 to 25 minutes, and the effects take between 2 and 5 hours to dissipate.
What Delta 8 Strain is Best for Anxiety?
If you would like to experiment with Delta 8 THC in order to benefit from its safe, soothing, and health-promoting anti-anxiety benefits yourself, the following section will be right up your alley.
Below, we have assembled a list of some of the best and most effective, potent, and reliable Delta 8 strains for anxiety treatment available today.
Abacus 2.0 Strain
Kicking off our list is Abacus 2.0, a brand-new Delta 8 strain based on an indica-dominant hybrid blend of marijuana. Infused with Delta 8 THC powder as per Botany Farms’ proprietary recipe, Abacus 2.0 is one of the most potent Delta 8 THC strains, and an excellent performer in preventing and managing anxiety symptoms.
Because of its fruity flavor profile, high CBD count, and indica-leaning properties, Abacus 2.0 is a perfect Delta 8 cannabis flower for a calming mood lift and relaxing “soft high” in the evenings or early mornings.
Sour Hawaiian Haze Strain
With an exceptionally strong, sour-sweet aroma and packing CBD counts in the high tens, our Sativa-dominant Sour Hawaiian Haze is proof that the “mild” effects of Delta 8 don’t in any way have to result in a dull experience.
Sour Hawaiian Haze was created as the ultimate Delta 8 strain for anxiety to ease you through your day. It provides a mood and energy boost without being too overbearing, and unlike some other strains, it causes little to no fatigue. Its relaxant effects are prominent but held in check so you can maintain sharp focus and mental alertness.
Sour Lifter Strain
A unique blend of terpenes sending out citrusy notes and a distinctively funky, cheesy aroma, Sour Lifter is a trailblazer among Delta 8 THC strains. Based on the original Lifter strain, which quickly became one of the most sought-after CBD hemp flowers, Sour Lifter is an energizing, upbeat sativa-dominant strain that is an excellent companion to help you stay on top during the day.
Sour Lifter counts among the best Delta 8 strains for anxiety since it not only relaxes you physically without impacting your mental acuity – it also loosens you up a little, allowing social interactions to flow more smoothly. Its complex terpene makeup means that Sour Lifter can improve your well-being on many fronts at once.
From keeping inflammation in check to relaxing the body and mind whilst at the same time providing pain relief and increasing energy levels, Sour Lifter is definitely worth trying if you want to experience the full gamut of what Delta 8 THC can do.
Sour Space Candy
One of the most popular strains for its high CBD content, part of Sour Space Candy’s secret lies in its equally high concentration of Delta 8 THC. Sweet and sour with both fruity and peppery notes, Space Candy stays true to its name as one of the most yummy hemp flowers on the market.
Sour Space Candy features a complex but gentle effects profile as a pure hybrid strain with roughly equal sativa and indica content. It provides a mood lift, eases day-to-day functioning, and relaxes the body, lessening pain and inflammation. Put together, these strengths make it one of the best Delta 8 strains for anxiety – yet another reason why Sour Space Candy has been so consistently popular over the years.
Sour Elektra
Combining a sativa-dominant effects profile with a diesel-tinged aroma, a complex terpene makeup, and beautifully radiant, dense, and colorful buds, Sour Elektra is not just a sight to behold.
It is also one of the most therapeutic and energizing Delta 8 THC strains on the market, and rightfully one of the top sellers over the past year. It goes well with any time of day, and particularly for managing anxiety symptoms over the long term, it remains second to none.
Pineapple Haze Strain
Fruity, fresh, and uplifting, Pineapple Haze is optimized to be the ultimate pick-me-up. Its near-perfect 3:1 ratio of CBD and Delta 8 THC ensures that it provides a high that is energizing and mildly euphoric, yet subtle.
A comfortable and soothing experience are key characteristics of Pineapple Haze, and its notes of exotic fruits and creamy sweetness are nothing but pleasant and energizing.
At Botany Farms, we also offer a Pineapple Haze pre-roll – perfect for when you just need a quick hit to wind down after a stressful day!
White CBG Strain
For a relaxing Delta 8 strain that effectively manages anxiety and provides plenty of euphoric energy, making for a powerful head high, look no further than our White CBG strain. The unique combination of CBG and Delta 8 THC means that White CBG is excellent for pain management, relaxation, and mood management.
It also provides plenty of motivation and energy to move about and get things done throughout the day. Like Pineapple Haze, we also offer White CBG in the form of a packaged pre-roll for maximum convenience and ease of use.
Fruit Loops Strain
An indica-dominant strain bred from Abacus Diesel and Cherry Abacus, Fruit Loops combines some earthy, sour terpenes with hints of floral and fruity elements. It’s excellent at providing relaxation and soothing the nerves. This makes it one of our best Delta 8 strains for managing anxiety symptoms in particular.
Bubba Kush Strain
Among THC flowers, nearly none have garnered quite the reputation as Bubba Kush has. Known for being particularly easy to grow, yet potent in its effects, Bubba Kush has always been a top seller with a very pleasant flavor profile.
Our new Delta 8 Bubba Kush strain takes what has made this flower such a classic and infuses it with a whopping 9% of Delta 8 THC content. CBD counts come in at 15%, and thanks to its strong indica lineage, this Bubba Kush strain is amazing for letting go and leaning back.
It is one of the strongest relaxants among THC and CBD flowers, providing mental and physical calm and letting anxieties and stress melt away.
Shaolin Gleaux Strain
A brand-new strain sporting one of the highest CBD-to-Delta 8 THC ratios of them all, Shaolin Gleaux is a sativa-dominant hybrid that displays a very vivid and organic spectrum of aromas. As a pleasant analgesic and a little energy boost to supercharge your productivity, Shaolin Gleaux makes for a great choice.
Delta 8 THC Dosage
While Delta 8 THC minimizes many of the risks inherent in consuming Delta 9 THC, that doesn’t mean that it is entirely foolproof. Far from it: carefully watching your dosage is a wise thing to do if you want to avoid unintended side effects. For absolute beginners, microdosing might be a good idea.
Even small servings of 5 mg or less can help mitigate symptoms of anxiety and help you gauge whether you might be particularly susceptible to any THC side effects with Delta 8.
As your tolerance changes with time, or perhaps to get a little bit more of a kick out of your Delta 8, you can gradually increase your dosage to 15 mg or more. Daily Delta 8 users can sometimes get by with servings of 50, 75, even 100 or more milligrams – it all ultimately depends on how used your body is to the Delta 8, and how sensitive you are to the effects.
Delta 8 THC Dosage Chart
Because Delta 8 THC dosage is non-standardized, there are no official measurements or guidelines that you can use to determine what would be appropriate for you. While these tips should apply to most people, different means of consuming Delta 8 THC can make measuring the dosage more or less difficult.
Edibles, such as Delta 8 THC gummies, are probably the most simple to use when maintaining a precise dosage. For example, if you know that your tolerance is low and you have never (or only sparingly) used Delta 8 before, then a single 10 or 15 mg gummy would be a safe and reliable option for a controlled daily high.
Be wary of Delta 8 concentrates! As the name implies, these special Delta 8 THC products are far more potent than regular hemp flowers or edibles. Even at a very mild dosage, they can prove quickly overwhelming to the inexperienced user. On the flip side, of course, concentrates can produce extremely long, powerful highs that can be highly enjoyable if you’re able to handle them.
Best Delta 8 Gummies for Anxiety
By far, no Delta 8 THC product is as beginner-friendly or as safe as Delta 8 gummies. For treating anxiety, they are just as effective as the raw plant while providing a controlled and guaranteed dosage that requires no guesswork on your part.
As a bonus, they also come in many pleasant flavors and are very light on the palate. Our own Delta 8 THC Gummies are dosed with 30 mg of Delta 8 and 2 mg of Delta 9 THC per serving. We recommend taking half a serving to test your tolerance levels, and gradually move your way up from there.
How to Buy Delta-8 THC Hemp Flower Online
Here is one of the benefits of Delta 8 THC that we haven’t mentioned yet: it is, in many parts of the country, significantly easier to purchase, grow, and distribute than Delta 9.
The most recent legal precedent establishing this is the 2018 Farm Bill, that landmark legislation that paved the way for the hemp growing landscape we have now. Under this bill, almost all Delta 8 THC products are safe to buy, sell, produce and possess in many US states because they tend to be derived from natural CBD extracts.
Since the Delta 8 isn’t directly sourced from the THCA or Delta 9 THC of the cannabis plant, it is scheduled differently under the law. Because of this unique legal situation, Delta 8 THC hemp flowers are widely available online, completely legally! While some states have their own legislation limiting or prohibiting Delta 8 THC sales, most do not. Still, be sure to research the exact legal situation for your locality to rule out any accidents.
Here at Botany Farms, we offer a wide variety of Delta 8 THC hemp flowers, including many of the top sellers we reviewed above. Take a look – maybe you’ll find a new favorite strain among our selection! Looking for some relief on-the-go? Roll on thru our shop to check out our Delta 8 THC pre roll and cart options.
