Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the popular and a great natural remedy for mental health issues. Its non-psychoactive profile, potent nature, and strong anti-anxiety property have made it beneficial in reducing anxiety. Just like CBD, Delta-8 THC is a psychoactive cannabis compound used for wellness.
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It’s been touted as a great alternative therapy for anxiety since experts believe it can help ease mental stress. But which one is beneficial for reducing anxiety between Delta-8 vs. CBD? Well, keep on reading to find out.
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Research on CBD and Delta-8
Anecdotal evidence suggests that Delta-8 and CBD have nearly similar effects on anxiety symptoms. However, it’s important for users to consider the effects they desire when choosing between the two. This is because Delta-8 has traces of psychoactive THC, which may show up in a drug test. If you regularly undergo drug tests, then you should consider using CBD, which is non-psychoactive.
Delta-8vs. CBD: Which One is Right for Reducing Anxiety?
Delta-8 THC, just like CBD, has become increasingly popular due to claims of mental health benefits. It’s said that Delta-8 usually works like a charm on anxiety. Meanwhile, CBD is one of the most sought-after alternative anxiety treatments. So, between Delta 8 vs. CBD, which one is right for reducing anxiety? Let’s check this out.
How They Work
Delta-8 is a powerful anxiolytic. It’s a renowned relaxant that can help improve your response to stress, reduce anxiety, and induce calmness. Delta-8 THC normally works by producing euphoric effects, but they are milder than the effects of Delta-9 THC, the prominent psychoactive compound in cannabis. It simply bonds less successfully with the CB receptors in the brain. As a result, it tends to produce less intense highs. It should be noted that it may also have more affinity for CB2 receptors than Delta-9.
Meanwhile, CBD has strong anti-anxiety effects that help to ease symptoms of stress and anxiety. It normally works by binding to the GABA receptor subtypes that support anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and neurological action. Other studies also show that it can alter the flow of blood in the brain. By reducing blood flow to the brain area responsible for triggering anxiety, the symptoms of this condition end up getting reduced.
Effects On the Brain
Looking at the impact of Delta-8 vs. CBD on the brain, their impact on perception and cognition is different. Delta-8 THC has a stronger impact, and that’s why some people prefer using delta for pain since it effectively blocks pain response. Note that it might take a while for it to trigger a high feeling; it won’t result in paranoia or trigger anxiety for sensitive users.
CBD helps to modulate brain connectivity and activity in neural systems that are relevant for anxiety and psychosis. Thus, it can positively reflect therapeutic effects. Neuroimaging studies indicate that acute CBD can lead to significant alterations in connectivity patterns and brain activity, especially when it comes to the performance of cognitive tasks. It can modulate resting limbic activity in users with anxiety. This is usually promoted by its strong anti-anxiety properties.
Timing of Effects
If you want to experience the effects of Delta-8 and CBD within the shortest time frame, then consider products like CBD oil for anxiety or any edibles that have higher bioavailability. The effects normally take less than 20 minutes to start. But generally, effects tend to vary from person to person. They may not always be immediate, depending on the mode of intake. This is because the amount of time also heavily relies on the method of consumption.
For example, if you take Delta-8 gummy for anxiety, then the effects might take between 1 hour to 90 minutes before your body can finally start to digest and absorb it. Meanwhile, the effects should peak soon thereafter and can last between three to eight hours. The same applies to CBD.
Can Delta-8 and CBD Be Combined?
You can combine Delta-8 with CBD for anxiety. Generally, Delta-8 isn’t as psychoactive as Delta-9 THC. Its ability to affect the way the mind function or cause a euphoric feeling is, therefore, quite low. It’s even best when you combine them together if you want to significantly reduce the psychoactive effects.
Using this combination will give your body access to the benefits of both cannabinoids. However, you will experience little to no high. This normally occurs because the CBD compound interacts with the same receptors as THC. Thus, it will prevent the activation of the receptor. Additionally, Delta-8 will still provide the body with its benefits.
Safety Concerns
Since both delta-8 and CBD are organic cannabis compounds, they have a good safety profile. But it should be noted that people react to similar compounds differently. So, there are still safety concerns related to both of them. But due to the lack of extensive research, the extent of their adverse effects is still unknown. Current reports and consumer reviews indicate that Delta-8 can result in side effects such as:
- Numbness
- Low blood pressure
- Paranoia and confusion
- Lethargy and drowsiness
- Increased symptoms of anxiety
- Change in heart rate (reduced or increased)
On the other hand, potential side effects of CBD include:
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Reduced appetite
- Low blood pressure
To avoid the dry mouth effect, ensure that you sufficiently hydrate before, during, and after using CBD. Additionally, ensure that you purchase premium products to avoid experiencing some of these side effects.
Final Thoughts
Both Delta-8 and CBD can help manage symptoms of anxiety. But while CBD is non-psychoactive, Delta-8 has THC that can alter the way the mind functions. Additionally, evidence suggests that using Delta-8 can result in dependency since its more addictive. Thus, most people prefer using CBD since it doesn’t cause a feeling of euphoria. Besides that, CBD won’t alter your body mass significantly and result in obesity, unlike Delta-8. So, if you were to choose between CBD and Delta-8, the former seems to be the best alternative. However, ensure you consume it in recommended dosage to avoid unwanted side effects.
