Depression is a mental illness characterized by a low mood, a lack of motivation, and difficulty finding enjoyment and things you used to enjoy. Because depression has such a negative impact on a person’s overall quality of life, it’s easy to see why so many people seek out prescription medications to treat their depression. Others, on the other hand, are concerned about the side effects of many of the medications commonly used to treat depression, so they take a more holistic approach.
There are numerous herbal remedies on the market that claim to alleviate depression, but we’d like to discuss the advantages of one of the hemp industry’s newest innovations: Delta-8-THC. Do many people claim that Delta-8 can improve their mood, but is delta 8 high effective in treating depression? It turns out that it could be beneficial in more ways than one. Here’s what we know so far:
Is Delta-8 Effective In The Treatment Of Depression?
It’s important to understand that Delta-8-THC research is limited, and what we currently know about Delta-8’s benefits is mostly based on what we know about Delta-9-THC. Because the two cannabinoids are so similar and interact with the body in such similar ways, many experts believe Delta-9-THC’s therapeutic benefits may also apply to Delta-8-THC.
We’ll get into the research on THC’s benefits for depression later, but first, let’s look at some of Delta-8’s unique benefits that may make it a good therapeutic alternative to Delta-9.
Although Delta-8-THC research is currently limited, one study found Delta-8 to be extremely effective at reducing nausea and vomiting. Of course, this has nothing to do with depression, but some of the background information revealed in this study is important.
First, the study focused on the use of Delta-8-THC in pediatric cancer patients, and the side effect profile was found to be incredibly mild. In other words, this study confirms that Delta-8-THC has a low risk of adverse effects even when used on children, who may have a lower dosing threshold than adults.
Delta-8 has a much lower potential for causing anxiety and paranoia, two of the most commonly reported side effects associated with Delta-9. The study did not explain why this might be the case, but it does suggest that Delta-8-THC’s psychoactive effects are milder than those of traditional THC. In fact, the study claims that Delta-8 is only about half as potent.
Delta-8 may have a distinct advantage over traditional THC products because its effects are less intense and less likely to cause anxiety and paranoia. Nonetheless, any evidence we have for Delta-8’s benefits for depression stems from what we know about Delta-9.
How To Use Delta-8-THC For Depression
Because everyone’s experience with Delta-8 is different, it’s impossible to summarise the “best” way to use Delta-8-THC for depression. The dosage method you use, whether edibles, smokables, or something else, is largely determined by personal preference.
It might take a little more effort to figure out how much Delta-8-THC you need to take. Many people simply begin with a low dose (between 5-10 mg) and gradually increase until they experience relief. You might be interested in reading “How Much Delta-8 Should I Take?” to get a better idea of the dosage range for Delta-8 products.
Consider combining Delta-8-THC with a non-psychoactive hemp-derived cannabinoid that can help manage symptoms. Because Delta-8-THC is psychoactive, it may not be appropriate for all situations and may not be the best option for daily use.
