According to the CDC, more than 20.4% of Americans suffer from chronic pain as of 2019. 7.4% suffer from chronic, high-impact pain that interferes with their daily lives and their work activities. This may affect their mental health.
If you’re experiencing chronic pain yourself and you’re reading this article, that means you’ve probably heard about cannabis’ pain relief benefits–particularly tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Did you know there are many types of THC? There is the Delta-9 THC and the Delta-8 THC. Both are very popular. We used to refer to Delta-9 simply as THC before it became popular.
This is because Delta-9 has the highest concentration of THC in cannabis while Delta-8 makes up only 0.01%. Delta-8 THC was first discovered in the 1960s. However, it has not been studied as extensively or as widely as Delta-9. Recent research has shown that Delta-8 THC might be an alternative to Delta-9 for pain relief.
Delta-8 products are gaining more attention in the medical and cannabis worlds due to their many medical benefits. Numerous Delta-8 brands are popping up, offering different Delta-8 products. We compiled the best five Delta-8 pain relief products and ranked them according to the reviews. After reading the comparison of Delta 8 and delta 9, you can return to these brands.
What Is Delta 8 THC, And How Does It Differ From Delta 9 THC/
Delta-8 THC, a minor cannabinoid in cannabis plants, is one of the most important. It is a psychoactive compound that can get you high, but not as much as Delta-9. This cannabinoid is often extracted from hemp because cannabis plants only produce a small amount of Delta-8 THC. By treating hemp with solvents, Delta-8 can be extracted from the plant and is then isolated.
Once the extraction, filtering, and distillation processes are complete, you will have a ready-to-use solution of Delta-8 THC. You can use it raw or in a variety of products, such as edibles and vape cartridges. You can even find it in hybrid and Indica strains.
The Molecular Structure Varies
Their molecular structures are the main difference between these cannabinoids. Although they share the same chemical properties, there are minor differences in their molecular chains. The double bond of Delta-9 THC is found in the 9th carbon chain, but the double bond of Delta-8 can be found within the 8th.
Although it may seem insignificant, this minor variation is what allows us to have two cannabinoids at work. This is what results in the different effects that each cannabinoid has.
Delta-8 THC has many benefits that are similar to Delta-9 but the potency is much lower. The side effects of Delta-8 are less severe than those of Delta-9. Although some may think this is a disadvantage, many people believe that Delta-8 THC is actually more potent than Delta-9. This makes it easier to use in the day or for those who do not have legal delta 9 THC. This is a great option for anyone new to cannabis.
Why Do Some Prefer Delta 8 THC To Delta 9 THC?
Every person is unique and each individual experiences the hallucinatory effects that Delta-9 can produce. Delta-8 is preferred by most people who don’t want to get high and are looking for medicinal benefits. Delta-8 gives you a high but it doesn’t send you into a state of mind-bending couch lock. Instead, it puts your body in a deep relaxed, mellow state, which leaves you feeling happy and relieves pain.
Delta-9 can also trigger paranoid delusions and anxiety. It is not a good idea to use Delta-9 for pain relief. Although it can help with chronic pain, it could also cause anxiety and panic attacks that can last for hours. For pain relief, it’s better to use Delta-8. You can not only get rid of the pain and prevent anxiety, but it also boosts productivity, clearer thinking, and helps eliminate stress.
Delta-8 is also legal at the federal level (state laws might differ), making it easier to access than Delta-9. It can be purchased online or in physical shops. It is legal in 39 states and Delta-9 in 11 states.
You can ship Delta-8 products to any state from online retailers. As long as the product is legal in your state. Before you buy Delta-8, make sure you do your research about the marijuana laws in your state.
What Does Delta 8 Do To Help With Pain Relief?
In the 1990s, a few scientists experimented with THC. They discovered that the body had a natural cell signaling system that functions like cannabinoids. It also bonds well with THC. This system is called the endogenous cannabis cannabinoid (or endocannabinoid) system and regulates many systems in our bodies 2.
The ECS has many roles in our bodies. They affect reproduction and fertility, sleep patterns, mood changes, eating habits, and memory. And, of course, pain relief is the main topic.
Before we get into the details of how Delta-8 works with ECS, let’s first look at the components that make up ECS.
The Endocannabinoid System Explained
There are two main receptors in the ECS that can be found throughout the body: CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors can be found in the brain’s central nervous system, while CB2 receptors can be found in the peripheral nervous system.
There are many sensory nerve receptors in the peripheral nervous system that respond to different stimuli. These include the photoreceptors and mechanoreceptors as well as the thermoreceptors and photoreceptors. The most important sensory nerve receptors are the nociceptors, which are responsible for pain.
Our brains are essentially told by our nociceptors that we are in pain. This tells the brain how severe the pain is and where it is coming from. This allows your brain to send back signals that stop your nociceptors from sending more pain signals to it. Your body will experience minor pain relief by doing this.
The ECS is limited in its ability to relieve pain. It sends signals to warn us not to cause more pain. If you break a bone, for example, your brain would tell you to stop moving in a certain direction to avoid more pain. However, it doesn’t relieve the pain completely. This is where Delta-8 THC can be of assistance.
Delta-8 and the Endocannabinoid System
Even though our ECS is not activated by cannabinoids it continues to function. However, ingesting cannabinoids will increase its effectiveness. Inhaling or ingestion of Delta-8 THC activates the ECS and activates its receptors.
THC is able to bond with CB1 receptors in the brain. These receptors help to block pain signals from our nociceptors. The THC binds to the CB1 receptors and helps relieve pain further. Additionally, the high can be used as an analgesic or relaxant.
Numerous studies have shown that Delta-8 can relieve pain in both animals and humans. It was also discovered that Delta-8 works well in chronic pain relief, rather than acute. One study was done on patients with fibromyalgia. This is a chronic musculoskeletal condition. The analgesic properties in cannabis helped to improve the condition of those who took 8.3 grams of cannabis every day for 11 months.
A placebo-controlled study was also conducted on 21 patients aged between 25 and 69 who were suffering from chronic neuropathic symptoms. The results showed that Delta-8 THC patients experienced a significant reduction in chronic pain. Patients were able to take 40-80 mg. Three hours after the dose, the analgesic effect was much stronger. They were also more effective in relieving mild to moderate chronic pain than they were for severe chronic pain.
Another study on mice showed that Delta-8 had both analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
More studies need to be conducted, particularly on humans, to fully understand the potential of Delta-8 THC for pain relief and its anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have shown that Delta-8 THC can be used as a medical treatment for chronic pain. Delta-8 THC would be safer than opioid pain relief medications because it is less potent and has a lower risk of addiction and abuse.
This article was written by a cannabinoid medicine specialist at DRIP Cannabinoids. https://www.dripcannabinoids.com/ joined the market in June 2020. We quickly established our mission: providing customers with the purest oil on the market, and in tandem providing a premium final product. Through each and every one of our products, DRIP strives to relieve people from the discomfort, stress, and anxiety of daily life by giving them access to cutting-edge cannabinoids such as Delta-10 and Delta-8 THC. DRIP’s formulas and procedures are all designed with the purity and safety of the customer in mind.
FAQs
What is better for pain Delta 8 or Delta 9? ›
Delta-9 can trigger anxiety and paranoid delusions. It can be used to relieve chronic pain but it can also cause panic attacks and anxiety that can last hours. Delta 8 is a better choice for pain relief. It can help you get rid of pain and anxiety and it can also increase productivity and clearer thinking.
Will Delta 9 help with pain? ›Psychometric parameters (PDI, SF-12, QLIP, HADS) and pain intensity improved significantly during delta 9-THC treatment. Opioid doses were reduced and patients perceived THC therapy as effective with tolerable side effects. About 25% of the patients, however, did not tolerate the treatment.
How much stronger is Delta 9 than 8? ›Delta 9 is significantly more potent than Delta 8. Some experts believe it to be about twice as powerful overall. Side effects are more severe with Delta 9, including paranoid delusions, mental cloudiness, motor impairment, and anxiety.
Is Delta 9 anti inflammatory? ›Δ-9 THC – Inflammation
THC is 20 times more anti-inflammatory than aspirin, twice as anti-inflammatory as hydrocortisone, and has well documented analgesic and anti-inflammatory benefits including arthritic and inflammatory conditions.
Delta 8 can definitely help with pain and we recommend trying this out if you feel like it's right for you. The Delta 8 THC compound in cannabis helps our body respond to pain signals sent by our central nervous system and cannabinoid receptors located throughout our body.
Which Delta is best for pain? ›Delta 8 THC has many of the same benefits as delta 9 THC — including pain relief. At the same time, it's twice less potent than its cousin, which makes it a great alternative for people who don't get on well with the psychoactive properties of marijuana.
Which is better for pain CBD or Delta 8? ›THC gummies with Delta 8 are more potent than CBD gummies, which means they will deliver more pain relief and other benefits. CBD gummies, on the other hand, are more widely available and less dangerous than Delta 8 THC candies.
Which Delta 8 is best for pain? ›- Everest Delta 8 THC Gummies.
- Pure Craft Delta 8 THC Gummies.
- Summit THC Delta 8 Gummies.
- OtterSpace Sour Watermelon D-8 Gummies.
- Delta Remedys.
- Diamond CBD Delta 8 THC Gummies.
- TRE House Delta-8 THC Gummies.
- 3CHI Delta 8 THC Gummies.
Potent Gummies: These gummies contain delta-9 – 10 mg, to be exact. It is great for experienced users, and newcomers can cut them in half. Just don't take too much, as you may end up feeling uncomfortable as a result. They're great for relieving anxiety/ pain or getting some sleep after a busy day.
Is 10 mg of Delta 9 a lot? ›For reference, 10mg of delta 9 THC is usually a good dose for anyone looking to experience the euphoric effects. However, if you are totally new to delta 9, it is best to stick with a lower dose of 5mg or less.
How many mg of Delta 9 does it take to get high? ›
To achieve a maximum desired "high", both groups smoked similar amounts (about 13 mg) of delta 9-THC. Heavy users tended to have higher plasma levels than light users. The systemic availability of smoked delta 9-THC was significantly higher for the heavy users (heavy users 23 +/- 16% vs 10 +/- 7% for light users).
Does Delta 9 get you stoned? ›THC is the cannabinoid responsible for making people experience an intoxicating effect when they consume cannabis. The most abundant form of THC is delta-9, which has an intoxicating effect. In other words, delta-9 is what makes you feel high.
Is Delta 8 used for pain? ›About half of the participants (51%) used delta-8-THC to treat a range of health and medical conditions, primarily anxiety or panic attacks (69%), stress (52%), depression or bipolar disorder (46%), and chronic pain (41%).
How does Delta 9 make you feel? ›On the psychic area Delta(9)-THC may induce unpleasant reactions such as disconnected thoughts, panic reactions, disturbing changes in perception, delusions and hallucinatory experiences. However, the long term effects on the psyche and cognition are not known as there are no reports of prolonged use of Delta(9)-THC.
What are the health benefits of Delta 9? ›...
Potential Benefits
- Relaxation.
- Decreased anxiety.
- Increased appetite.
- Feelings of happiness or exhilaration.
- Heightened imagination.
- Improved sensory perception.
The delta-8 THC, derived from hemp, is effective at reducing swelling, inflammation, and excessive cell regeneration in the body. It has been used by professional athletes for many years because of its ability to calm and soothe muscle spasms and other symptoms that occur during intense physical exertion.
Does Delta 10 help with pain? ›With that being said, Delta 8 is better for pain and inflammation. Delta 10 is more known to provide a soothing feeling of relaxation. This is a great stress reliever for someone who wants to take a slight edge off after a long day, but Delta 8 is more intense so you can reduce pain and inflammation faster.
Does Delta 8 show up on drug tests? ›Therefore, participants using delta-8 will likely screen positive for cannabinoids—either from the delta-8 metabolites themselves or from other cannabinoids that are present in the product being used.
Does delta-9 affect blood pressure? ›Abstract. In contrast to the tachycardia and unchanged or increased blood pressure seen after single doses, prolonged delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) ingestion produced significant heart rate slowing and blood pressure lowering in hospitalized volunteers.
Can Delta 8 put you in a coma? ›Any child who ingested or has otherwise been exposed to products containing delta-8 THC or other forms of THC should be seen immediately by health care professionals. THC use in children can cause low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, severe sedation, coma and psychological effects.
What's stronger Delta 8 or delta-9 gummies? ›
Delta 9 is considerably more potent than Delta 8. Some believe it to be about twice as strong overall. Side effects are also more considerable with Delta 9. These can include paranoid delusions, mental fog, impaired motor skills, and increased feelings of anxiety.
Is Delta 8 used for pain? ›About half of the participants (51%) used delta-8-THC to treat a range of health and medical conditions, primarily anxiety or panic attacks (69%), stress (52%), depression or bipolar disorder (46%), and chronic pain (41%).
Which is better for pain CBD or Delta 8? ›THC gummies with Delta 8 are more potent than CBD gummies, which means they will deliver more pain relief and other benefits. CBD gummies, on the other hand, are more widely available and less dangerous than Delta 8 THC candies.
What is the best Delta 8 for pain? ›- Everest Delta 8 THC Gummies.
- Pure Craft Delta 8 THC Gummies.
- Summit THC Delta 8 Gummies.
- OtterSpace Sour Watermelon D-8 Gummies.
- Delta Remedys.
- Diamond CBD Delta 8 THC Gummies.
- TRE House Delta-8 THC Gummies.
- 3CHI Delta 8 THC Gummies.
In addition, Δ9 -THCA-A exerts anti-arthritis activity through CB1 receptors and PPARγ pathways, highlighting its potential for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
How much delta-8 should I take for pain relief? ›A good delta-8 serving to start with on your first time is 10-15 mg. For most delta-8 gummies, this is roughly half a gummy. Cut a gummy in half, and then wait at least 30 minutes to see how you feel before taking any more. If you're using a delta-8 tincture, this is roughly half a dropper full, or 0.5 mL.
Does delta-8 reduce inflammation? ›1',1'-Dimethylheptyl-delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol-11-oic acid: a novel, orally effective cannabinoid with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Does Delta 9 affect blood pressure? ›Abstract. In contrast to the tachycardia and unchanged or increased blood pressure seen after single doses, prolonged delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) ingestion produced significant heart rate slowing and blood pressure lowering in hospitalized volunteers.
Is 150 mg of delta-8 a lot? ›Strong Dose
For advanced consumers, the dose can range anywhere from 20 – 150mg. This level is only recommended for those that are very familiar with their reaction to Delta 8 THC. If regular dosing amounts are not strong enough, this level might work better for you.
With that being said, Delta 8 is better for pain and inflammation. Delta 10 is more known to provide a soothing feeling of relaxation. This is a great stress reliever for someone who wants to take a slight edge off after a long day, but Delta 8 is more intense so you can reduce pain and inflammation faster.
How long does it take for delta-8 to leave your system? ›
The half-life of Delta 8 THC has been reported as anywhere from 40 minutes to 7 hours. Delta 8 THC can linger in the body much longer than other metabolites and it is generally believed that Delta 8 remains detectable in the body for one to three days after consumption.
Can delta-8 put you in a coma? ›Any child who ingested or has otherwise been exposed to products containing delta-8 THC or other forms of THC should be seen immediately by health care professionals. THC use in children can cause low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, severe sedation, coma and psychological effects.
What is the strongest delta-8 disposable? ›Strongest & Best Overall: Binoid
Each one of Binoid's potent delta-8 disposable vapes was ideal for lowering stress levels and providing a sense of euphoric calm.
Delta 9 is considerably more potent than Delta 8. Some believe it to be about twice as strong overall. Side effects are also more considerable with Delta 9. These can include paranoid delusions, mental fog, impaired motor skills, and increased feelings of anxiety.
What kind of CBD gummies are best for pain? ›- Exhale Wellness: Overall Best CBD Gummies for Pain On The Market, Editor's Choice.
- BudPop: Strongest Hemp Gummies with Turmeric Extract For Inflammation.
- Cheef Botanicals: Highly Potent CBD Oil Gummies for Joint Pain Relief.
Cannabidiol, commonly referred to as CBD, is a new and relatively understudied treatment for pain, including back pain. Studies suggest it may help relieve inflammation, which is often a factor in chronic back pain.