Is Delta 8 THC Addictive?
If you or someone you know uses Delta 8 THC, you’ve probably wondered:
Is Delta 8 THC addictive?
In this article, we’ll break down everything science knows about Delta 8, including:
- What Delta 8 THC is
- The effects of habitual use
- What the science says about its addictiveness
- A whole lot more!
You’ll also discover the best place to purchase your Delta 8 products and review some frequently asked questions for more clarification on the matter.
What is Delta 8 THC?
First, it’s important to understand what Delta 8 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is before learning more about its side effects.
Delta 8 THC is a cannabis compound and is legal due to the 2018 Farm Bill.
It’s weaker than Delta 9, which is the main compound in marijuana that will get you high. Delta 8 on the other hand is extracted from hemp.
You can smoke it, vape it, or ingest it in edible form.
Delta 8 Vs. Delta 9 Usage
When comparing the two, most people say that delta 8 gives you a calmer, more moderate high than delta 9.
If using delta 9, you risk more adverse effects since it produces a more potent high than delta 8 THC.
Both can produce the adverse effect of dry mouth and euphoria, so be aware of this if you don’t like these feelings.
The Effects of Habitual Delta 8 THC Use
There are some side effects of habitual use of delta 8 THC.
These side effects are typically mild and very similar experience to that of regular cannabis., most notably red and/or dry eyes.
As for regular use, here’s what we know.
Tolerance:
Over time, when taking delta 8 regularly (like most substances including coffee), your body will build up a certain level of tolerance, requiring higher dosages to achieve the same feeling.
Dependence:
Just like any other substance, Delta-8 can become habit-forming when used extremely frequently, but you have to consume a lot of delta 8 very consistently to build up any significant physical dependence.
Withdrawal:
Withdrawal occurs when you are physically addicted to a substance and happens when you stop taking it. Only in the most severe cases of addiction to delta 8 will you notice mild withdrawal symptoms such as a headache, nausea, and lethargy.
People who are physically addicted to alcohol often report severe withdrawal symptoms, while those addicted to their morning cup of coffee will likely be irritable for a few days if they stop drinking caffeine for a few days.
In users that consume large quantities of Delta 8 consistently, very mild withdrawal symptoms like headaches are sometimes observed, but these pale in comparison to most other commonly consumed substances like nicotine, alcohol, or many prescription medications.
Addiction:
Addiction goes beyond dependence and is a chronic condition. In this case, you need the substance to feel normal. Although there may be a negative impact when taking the substance, you continue to take it anyway.
Just like any other substance, delta 8 can become addictive if you don’t take regular tolerance breaks, just like how someone who drinks coffee every day becomes cranky if they don’t get their daily cup of coffee first thing!
Tolerance Breaks
Smoking a lot? Then you may need some tolerance breaks.
The truth is that tolerance forms quite fast after you start using it. After about two weeks of using it, you’ll notice that you need to increase the dose level to feel the same effects you did at the beginning.
A tolerance break (or T-break) will typically range anywhere from a couple of days to about a month or more for most people. You should plan to skip some doses of it every once in a while. You’ll likely need to abstain for roughly two to four weeks if you have been using it every day to reset your tolerance.
Can Delta 8 Be Addictive?
So, is Delta 8 THC addictive? Delta 8 isn’t considered addictive necessarily because it doesn’t cause full-blown dependency and withdrawal like stimulants, opiates, and other addictive substances. However, if abused, just like anything else, Delta 8 THC can become addictive and habit-forming, but with regular tolerance breaks and using it in moderation, you are unlikely to become addicted or experience any significant withdrawal symptoms.
Delta 8 THC Addiction Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of Delta 8 THC addiction are:
- Having to increase the dose to feel high
- Needing to use it to avoid withdrawal symptoms
- You have trouble eating, sleeping, or focusing when you aren’t high
- Mentally preoccupied with using it or mental cravings
- Lying to others about your use of it
- Keep using it despite the negative consequences
- Trouble cutting back or inability to control your use
How to Prevent Delta 8 Addiction
The upside is that there are ways to prevent Delta 8 addiction.
First, ask yourself why you are using it, which is the best way to prevent a Delta 8 addiction. Think about if your use of the substance is healthy or unhealthy.
If you’re just using it to chill out and relax currently then you’re probably in the clear.
However, if it’s negatively impacting your finances, relationships, or health and you continue to use it then you may be leading toward an addiction. In this case, take part in some tolerance breaks.
Delta 8 Addiction Resources
Delta 8 can become addictive for some people. If you do use it then remember to use it with caution and be aware of your habits.
If you regularly use it then review again the symptoms of dependence as well as how to prevent it.
Worried that you’re overdoing it? A simple tolerance break of 2 to 4 weeks is enough to help most people.
Frequently Asked Questions about Delta 8 Addiction
There are some frequently asked questions about Delta 8 addiction that may help you have an even better understanding of it. These include the following:
What does Delta-8 do to your brain?
As far as what Delta 8 does to your brain, you might feel a sense of euphoria and an increase in creativity when using it. You may be more focused on what you’re doing or on artistic activities and it can cause changes to your perception.
Can you take Delta-8 every day?
Yes, it’s an ideal substance that you can use daily. It has many therapeutic benefits to offer but keep in mind that daily use may have some drawbacks such as increased tolerance. Therefore, you may want to consider some tolerance breaks.
What are the side effects of Delta-8 THC?
Delta 8 causes some side effects such as anxiety, dry mouth, slowed reaction time, and bloodshot eyes. Very rare but extreme cases typically with other underlying illnesses may experience tremors, confusion, vomiting, or hallucinations as well. This can also be caused from bad products, that do not have clear dosage labeling or testing and in some cases do not contain Delta-8 THC. These are some of the adverse side effects to know.
How do you wean off Delta-8?
There are some ideal ways and best practices for weaning off Delta 8. Start by taking 3 days off per week which is the most effective approach. However, other options include taking a week off every three weeks or taking a month off every three months.
Where to Buy Delta 8
As always, the quality of your product of Delta 8 matters. Here at Gold CBD, we offer a wide variety of CBD and Delta 8 products you may be interested in purchasing that will not only meet but exceed your expectations.
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