Anxiety affects over 40 million adults in the United States, making it one of the most common mental health issues in the country. For many, cannabis is a safer alternative to pharmaceutical anxiety medication. Many cannabis users take CBD and psychoactive cannabinoids like delta-8 or delta-9 THC to relieve their anxiety. But, delta-8 may not be the best anxiety reliever for everyone.
Is Cannabis Good for Anxiety?
In many cases, cannabis can be very helpful for anxiety. The biggest factor is how much you take. There is limited scientific research on the effects of cannabis on anxiety, especially THC. But, a 2010 study found that CBD oil helped relieve anxiety symptoms in users with SAD (Social Anxiety Disorder). CBD helped trigger changes in blood flow to different regions in the brain associated with emotion and stress.
While CBD has very strong anti-anxiety properties, what about delta-8 THC? There are no independent studies to show delta-8’s effect on anxiety. But, with delta-8’s mild, euphoric effect, there is evidence to show it may aid in relaxation and mood elevation. Because delta-8 is far less potent than delta-9 THC, many users don’t experience the paranoia, heightened anxiety or feelings of dread associated with a high delta-9 dosage.
Symptoms of anxiety show up differently for everyone. Some may suffer from acute anxiety in the form of panic attacks. Others may suffer from anxiety in social situations or during travel. Many have diagnosed anxiety conditions such as SAD or GAD. How anxiety shows up for you can help determine if cannabis can help you feel better.
CBD and THC Interactions: The Yin + Yang of Cannabis.
If you decide to use cannabis for anxiety relief, go low and slow until you find a dose that works for you. If you begin to feel more anxious, paranoid or dizzy from taking too much THC, CBD is a great way to balance out the high. As author Martin A. Lee writes in his book “Smoke Signals”, “Cannabidiol balances the buzz and softens the euphoria–or, in some cases, the dysphoria–induced by THC, which, in concentrated form, can make people feel very loopy and weird. CBD is the yin of THC’s yang.”
As with delta-8, CBD should work the same way. If you suffer from acute anxiety, consider keeping a bottle of CBD oil or a CBD vape on hand in case you take too much delta-8. Luckily, delta-8 is a lot milder and doesn’t seem to cause as many negative effects as traditional THC.
Remedies for Anxiety
Feeling anxious and worried isn’t fun for anyone. Luckily, there are plenty of natural remedies to help treat anxiety, with cannabis being just one of many options.
- Spend time outdoors: Doing an outdoor activity or even just sitting on your porch can do wonders for your mental health. Not only are you soaking up plenty of vitamin D, many studies have shown how being in nature helps relieve stress and anxiety. Pair that with a delta-8 vape or edible to enhance your experience even more.
- Do something creative: For many sufferers of anxiety, doing something creative such as painting or playing an instrument is a great way to release all that built-up energy and worry. Delta-8 can also be incorporated to promote creativity and focus.
- Talk to someone: There is nothing wrong for seeking professional help for anxiety. For some, just having someone to talk to makes a big difference.
- Experiment with cannabis: If you find that delta-8 isn’t helpful for anxiety, try experimenting with CBD, CBN or other non-psychoactive cannabinoids.
What’s the Best Delta-8 Product for Anxiety?
There isn’t one designated delta-8 product for anxiety. Like with any other health issue, everyone’s remedy is different. For acute anxiety, inhalable or nano-emulsified delta-8 is the quickest way to find relief. But, vaping or smoking isn’t ideal for everyone.
For chronic anxiety, edibles and tincture are typically more effective since they stay in your system longer. But, delta-8 is very personal. Overall, going low and slow is the way to go. Taking too much delta-8 can cause increased anxiety in some people, especially those who already suffer from anxiety.
So, does delta-8 cause anxiety? It really depends. Some users can experience increased anxiety while other may experience relief. If you want to try delta-8 for anxiety or have concerns, please visit a legitimate dispensary or hemp shop. If you have questions about delta-8, visit us at Delta Force Delivery.
