Delta 8 Withdrawal And How To Avoid It

With the exploding popularity of delta-8-THC, more questions are arising about how to use it safely. Some people are asking whether or not it is addictive and whether it can cause withdrawal.

Delta 8 THC, similar to Delta 9 THC, may cause withdrawal symptoms if used heavily over an extended period. According to the NCBI, “The most common features of cannabis withdrawal are anxiety, irritability, anger or aggression, disturbed sleep/dreaming, depressed mood and loss of appetite.”

While specific studies on Delta 8 withdrawal are limited, anecdotal evidence also points to symptoms such as sleep disturbances, anxiety, and irritability. To mitigate the risk of Delta 8 withdrawal, it’s advised to moderate Delta 8 intake, take regular tolerance breaks, and adopt a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and effective stress management techniques.

For those experiencing Delta 8 withdrawal, natural sleep aids like chamomile tea or valerian root can be beneficial, as can exercise and meditation. It’s also essential to consult with medical or mental health professionals for personalized guidance.

As you’ll see in this article, the answers to these questions are not as straightforward as we’d like. Delta-8 is new, and there isn’t a lot of science out there to give us definitive answers.

Delta-8 is quite similar to delta-9-THC, though. Delta-9 has been extensively studied and can give us a lot of insight into the safe use of Delta-8.

What Is Delta 8 THC?

Delta-8-THC is one form of THC, also known as tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive component in marijuana. Tetrahydrocannabinol has the chemical structure C21H30O2, which describes several types of isomers, which are different physical arrangements of the same atoms. Most of the time, that chemical formula refers to Delta-9-THC, a more potent version of Delta-8-THC.

Delta-9-THC and Delta-8-THC share many similarities. They offer medicinal benefits, giving cannabis consumers a means to treat pain, nausea, and loss of appetite. They also have nearly identical chemical structures.

Companies across the cannabis industry have touted Delta-8-THC as a milder version of Delta-9-THC. The cannabis product has less intense effects than pure tetrahydrocannabinol, making it more approachable, especially for first-time users. Of course, your experience with Delta-8-THC will depend on how you ingest it.

What Does Withdrawal Mean?

What does withdrawal mean? In short, it is the body’s physical response to the sudden absence or decrease of a substance to which it has become dependent on. Withdrawal symptoms will differ depending on the substance being used and can range from mild to severe.

For example, someone who regularly drinks alcohol or uses certain drugs may begin to adjust to the presence of these substances over time. Their brain may eventually become physiologically dependent on the substance, and if they suddenly stop using it or decrease their intake, they may experience withdrawal symptoms.

In people who develop significant levels of dependence, withdrawal is often an inevitable response to the sudden absence or declining blood concentration of a given substance. If not medically managed, withdrawal from certain substances, such as alcohol and benzodiazepines, can be quite severe and, in some cases, lethal.

Withdrawal is a difficult process to go through, but there is help available. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance dependence, please reach out for help.

What Are The Symptoms Of Cannabis Withdrawal?

Marijuana is addictive, and withdrawal from it can lead to symptoms that include trouble sleeping, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, nearly 1 in 10 Americans who use cannabis will become addicted. This number may be even higher for those who start using marijuana at a young age.(1)

Smoking marijuana a handful of times may not be enough to cause symptoms when you no longer use it. However, withdrawing from regular marijuana use can lead to symptoms that include trouble sleeping, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. The longer you use marijuana, the more likely you are to experience withdrawal symptoms.

Marijuana withdrawal symptoms may not be as severe as withdrawal symptoms from other substances. However, they can still be disruptive to your life and may make it difficult to quit using marijuana. If you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms, it is important to seek help from a medical or mental health professional.

How Common Are Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms?

Cannabis withdrawal symptoms are common among regular users of the drug. In fact, 47% of regular users experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using cannabis.(2)

The most common symptoms include anxiety, irritability, and sleep problems. These symptoms can make it difficult for people to quit using cannabis, and can even lead to relapse.

Cannabis dependence is caused by THC, the main psychoactive compound in the drug. THC binds to receptors in the brain and body, and over time, the body becomes less able to produce its own natural cannabinoids. This leads to dependence on cannabis for normal function.

Withdrawal symptoms occur when people try to quit using cannabis, and their body is no longer able to function properly without it. These symptoms can be mild or severe and can last for days or weeks.

If you’re trying to quit using cannabis, it’s important to be aware of the potential for withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor about the best way to avoid them.

Who Is At Greatest Risk For Cannabis Withdrawal?

Cannabis withdrawal symptoms are most common in people who are admitted to psychiatric units. This is likely because they are more likely to be using cannabis regularly and at high levels. (2)

There is a correlation between cannabis withdrawal symptoms and regular use of other drugs, such as alcohol and cocaine. The risk of cannabis withdrawal symptoms appears to be higher with higher amounts of cannabis use.(2)

Does Delta 8 Cause Withdrawal?

While there are no specific studies on delta-8 THC withdrawal, we can make some reasonable assumptions based on what we know about delta-9 THC. Based on this information, it’s likely that delta-8 withdrawal is possible. Here is what we know.

  • Heavy prolonged use makes one more likely to experience cannabis withdrawal.
  • People with pre-existing psychiatric conditions are more likely to experience withdrawal.
  • People who combine cannabis with other drugs are more likely to experience withdrawal.

What’s The Best Way To Avoid Withdrawal?

The best way to avoid delta 8 withdrawal is to moderate your intake. Here are some easy tips.

  • Take days off. Don’t use delta 8 every day.
  • Find other ways to relax, energize yourself and have fun.
  • From time to time, take a tolerance break. A tolerance break is an extended period of time, a week or more, where you don’t take delta 8, so you can reset your body’s response to it.
  • Be healthy. Eat a balanced diet, get regular exercise and plenty of sleep, and make sure to use healthy tools to manage your stress and anxiety.
  • Be mindful of how much you are using delta 8. If you notice that you are increasing your usage, it’s probably a good time to take a break.
  • Finally, if you are having trouble using less it could be a sign of delta 8 addiction. Reach out to a doctor or mental health professional for additional help.

What Should You Do If You Are Experiencing Delta 8 Withdrawal?

If you’re experiencing Delta 8 withdrawal, there are a few things you can do to ease the symptoms. First and foremost, be patient and kind to yourself – your body is going through a lot of changes, and it will take some time to recover.

You can expect a few sleepless nights when you give up Delta 8, especially if you’ve been using it to help you sleep. Some people also start having strange or disturbing dreams. If you’re having trouble sleeping, try taking a natural sleep aid like chamomile tea or valerian root.

It’s quite common to feel anxious when you stop using Delta 8, but there are a few things you can do to ease the anxiety. Exercise is a great way to release tension and clear your mind. Meditation and breathing exercises can also be helpful.

Some people say they feel irritable and angry when they stop using Delta 8. If you’re feeling this way, try to find healthy outlets for your anger, such as exercise, journaling, or talking to a friend.

You may also experience flu-like symptoms like sweats, chills, headaches, and muscle pains. These symptoms are normal and will eventually go away. In the meantime, you can take over-the-counter medication for the pain and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

Food may taste different when you’re withdrawing from Delta 8, and your appetite may change. Try to eat healthy, balanced meals and drink plenty of water. Avoid processed foods and sugary drinks, which can make you feel worse.

 Delta 8 withdrawal can be difficult to deal with, but it doesn’t last forever. With a little patience and care, you’ll soon be feeling better.

FAQ

What Is Delta 8 THC, and Is It Similar to Delta 9 THC?

Delta 8 THC is a form of tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive component in cannabis. It shares a similar chemical structure and offers medicinal benefits like Delta 9 THC but is considered to be milder. Both can be used to treat pain, nausea, and appetite loss.

Can Delta 8 THC Cause Withdrawal Symptoms?

While there’s limited research specifically on Delta 8 THC, it’s reasonable to assume that it can cause withdrawal symptoms similar to those seen with Delta 9 THC. Symptoms may include trouble sleeping, mood swings, and anxiety.

How Can I Safely Manage Delta 8 Withdrawal?

To avoid or manage Delta 8 withdrawal, consider moderating your intake and taking periodic tolerance breaks. If you experience withdrawal symptoms, consult a medical or mental health professional for personalized guidance.

References

  1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21145178/
  2. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2764234
Katie Devoe

Katie Devoe

Katie Devoe is an entrepreneur, educator, and cannabis thought leader. She has been a guest speaker at numerous conferences and developed the CannaCertified cannabis education platform.

• Cannabis and Hemp Enthusiast
• One of the first female business owners in the hemp and cannabis industry
• Co-founder of one of the largest and most established CBD manufacturers in the country
• Spent the past decade leading brands in the hemp and cannabis industry
• Developed a certification program
Connect with Katie on LinkedIn

Get a quote from Katie on your product idea today!

Katie Devoe

Katie Devoe

Katie Devoe is an entrepreneur, educator, and cannabis thought leader. She has been a guest speaker at numerous conferences and developed the CannaCertified cannabis education platform.

• Cannabis and Hemp Enthusiast
• One of the first female business owners in the hemp and cannabis industry
• Co-founder of one of the largest and most established CBD manufacturers in the country
• Spent the past decade leading brands in the hemp and cannabis industry
• Developed a certification program
Connect with Katie on LinkedIn

Get a quote from Katie on your product idea today!

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