In recent years, cannabis research has grown in leaps and bounds due to the 2018 Farm Bill. This revolutionary law legalized hemp by differentiating it from cannabis. So, today, hemp and its products are legal in the United States but with caveats, of course.
But most importantly, the legalization of hemp means compounds like Delta-9 are now federally permitted in the US. This also means a lot more studies are being done to elucidate its medicinal potential.
There is no doubt that Delta-9 has a significant impact on our mental state. When it comes to anxiety, research findings conflict regarding its exact effect. So, does Delta-9 increase or reduce anxiety?
Key Takeaways
- Delta-9 is a psychoactive cannabinoid that can produce mind-altering effects.
- Research shows that Delta-9 can reduce and increase anxiety depending in a dose-dependent manner.
- Generally, lower doses of Delta-9 are more health-impacting than higher doses.
- THC-infused edibles have longer-lasting effects and, as such, are not ideal for newbies.
What is Delta-9 THC
Delta-9 is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that gives users the “high.” like other herbs, cannabis has a long medical history in many cultures across the world. From India to China, ancient Greece, and Rome, cannabis was also a popular herb due to its medicinal and mind-altering effects.
As the dominant compound in landrace cannabis, Delta-9 is often associated with the visible effects of cannabis, such as increased appetite, euphoria, hallucinations, increased heart rate, and so on.
Delta-9 exerts these effects by stimulating the endocannabinoid system (ECS) via receptors called CB1 and CB2. It is an agonist at both receptors, which explains its broad pharmacological profile, including but not limited to anxiety reduction.
back to menu ↑Potential benefits of Delta-9 THC
The medicinal and recreational benefits of Delta-9 THC include:
- Relaxation
- Decreased anxiety
- Increased appetite
- Feelings of happiness or exhilaration
- Heightened imagination
- Improved sensory perception
However, we need to add that these potential benefits are observable only at lower doses. At higher doses, Delta-9 produces adverse side effects. This is why the 2018 Farm Bill recommends that its concentration should not exceed 0.3% of dry cannabis material. The point is to prevent highly intoxicating cannabis products from being publicly available.
back to menu ↑Potential Side Effects of Delta-9 THC
Taking large doses of Delta-9-THC is not advisable, regardless of whether you are a beginner or a cannabis connoisseur. It rarely ends well, and here are some side effects you may encounter:
- Paranoia
- Heightened anxiety
- Sedation
- Confusion
- Dry mouth
- Feeling uneasy, unhappy, or dissatisfied (dysphoria)
- Low blood pressure (hypertension)
So, the best way to enjoy Delta-9 is to consume it in low to moderate doses. That said, people respond differently to cannabinoids. So an amount that one person responds to perfectly well might trigger unwanted effects in another.
As a result, cannabis experts advise users to always start with low doses. This way, you can assess how you respond and make a better decision on whether to increase, maintain, or reduce the dosage.
back to menu ↑Does Delta-9 Help with Anxiety
Yes, if taken in low to moderate quantities, Delta-9 THC may help reduce anxiety. Here is the thing; Delta-9 THC is a CB1 receptor agonist. This receptor type is predominantly found in the central nervous system, which includes the brain and the spinal cord.
The activation of these receptors by an agonist like Delta-9 triggers wide-ranging physiological and behavioral responses.
As this study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry shows, Delta-9 can reduce anxiety and promote sleep. At the same time, it can also increase anxiety. This dual effect supports the idea that the cannabinoid action mechanism is dose-dependent.
CBD, the other dominant cannabinoid besides THC, produces an inverted U-shaped dose-effect curve in its anxiolytic effects. For example, a study showed that 300mg of CBD induced anxiolytic effects in healthy test subjects, while 100mg and 900mg did not.
Delta-9, like CBD, also exhibits this trait. In one study where participants smoked cannabis cigarettes, the researchers noted dose-dependent changes in cardiovascular effects. Ironically, there were modest changes in cognitive functions like attention, recall, and psychomotor function.
In a randomized, controlled trial, 10mg of dronabinol—a synthetic form of THC—significantly reduced pain intensity and increased satisfaction. However, 20mg of dronabinol did not reduce pain any more than the earlier dose.
Another study examined the pain relief effect of THC-dominant flowers with different potencies, i.e., 0%, 2.5%, 6%, and 9.4%. The results showed that the flowers with 6 and 2.5% potencies yielded similar pain relief effects.
Generally, other experiments have shown that the dose-response curve of Delta-9 is not linear. While the dose-response relationship of cannabinoids needs further research, linear and U-shaped dose-response curves have been observed.
In sum, Delta-9 may offer some anti-anxiety relief in low doses.
back to menu ↑Does Delta-9 cause Anxiety
Yes, it also appears that Delta-9 can cause anxiety.
As this study published in Psychiatry Research shows, cannabis use has been noted to increase anxiety.
Other studies suggest that long-term cannabis use can lead to panic attacks and anxiety symptoms, and disorders. So, evidence abounds that Delta-9 can increase and decrease anxiety.
Because Delta-9 can bind to both the CB1 and CB2 receptor, it can modulate anxiety both ways.
However, an animal study demonstrated that low doses of Delta-9 are anxiety-reducing while higher doses tend to increase anxiety. So, for a safer cannabis experience, research recommends using lower doses of Delta-9.
back to menu ↑Best Method to Try Delta-9 THC
most cannabis users are interested in its psychoactive and healing effects. However, these effects depend on several factors.
For example, the form in which you consume ∆9-THC and its potency determine the effect. Edibles are known to induce the strongest impact, although they take time to kick in.
Aerosols, oils, and tinctures kick in pretty fast, typically within minutes, but their effects are short-lived. This means you may need to dose frequently if it is a long-term health issue.
So, the best method to try Delta-9-THC ultimately depends on your objective(s) and preference. But if you are looking for long-lasting effects, THC-induced edibles are probably your best bet.
Though popular, smoking is not an ideal way to take ∆9-THC; that is because smoke contains toxic carcinogens that can harm the lungs and cause respiratory diseases.
Instead of smoking, vape carts are likely safer and healthier because they do not produce smoke. The carts have a heating mechanism that vaporizes the oil or flower. So instead of inhaling smoke, you inhale the vapor.
back to menu ↑Tips for Delta-9 THC Beginners
Delta-9 THC is a strong mind-altering compound that should be consumed with great caution. While its potential benefits are no doubt appealing, it can cause serious unwanted effects if abused.
As is always the case, beginners are likely to get excited by ∆9-THC’s euphoric effects and overindulge. This is totally unadvisable – we recommend consuming ∆9-THC in lower doses. Generally, 3mg of ∆9-THC is a good starting point for most newbies.
In fact, the lower you keep your doses, the better because lower doses tend to have the best results. Also, people develop a tolerance for ∆9-THC, meaning with time, they require larger doses to get the same effects. This predisposes you to potential abuse.
We need not remind you that cannabis is the most abused illicit substance globally. It has even been labeled a “gateway” drug though this is contested. But it serves to highlight its potential for abuse.
We also recommend starting with oils and tinctures. These induce short-lived effects that wear out within 2-3 hours. So if you get any unwanted side effects, you won’t suffer for long. You can imagine feeling paranoid for 4+ hours, as can be the case with potent edibles.
For best results, consume ∆9-THC products infused with CBD. CBD mitigates THC’s psychoactive effects, meaning you can enjoy a mind-lifting “high” that makes you more productive.
back to menu ↑Where to Buy Delta-9 THC Edibles Online
Delta-9 THC edibles can be purchased online from stores and shops licensed to sell these products.
However, we recommend buying Delta-9 THC edibles from reputable sources that specialize products that can address wide-ranging health concerns. We also recommend checking the dosage per gummy, as some of the strongest delta 9 gummies on the market might not be the correct product for your desired effect.
So, whether you are dealing with chronic insomnia, pain, inflammation, or racing thoughts, Delta 9 THC natural health and wellness products may offer the relief you seek. Check out our featured range of hemp-derived products below>
The good news is you can enjoy these delicious gummies whether you are in Ohio or Texas because Delta-9 is now federally legal in both states.
