Is there a positive connection between Delta 8 and headaches? In other words, can Delta 8 help to address the symptoms of a headache?
Let’s be clear. There isn’t definitive, peer-reviewed research that proves Delta 8 is an effective headache treatment. However, there is research on the effectiveness of similar cannabinoids and their potential to treat headaches. Additionally, we know that many of our customers count on Delta 8 for pain relief, headaches included.
Keep reading for a brief review of Delta 8. Then, we’ll share more information about the possible relationship between Delta 8 and headache relief.
What is Delta 8?
Delta 8 THC is a psychoactive chemical found in cannabis and hemp plants. These chemicals are called cannabinoids.
Delta 8 is similar to, but structurally distinct from, Delta 9 THC. Delta 9 is the major active chemical in cannabis plants. It’s known for giving users elevated mood and a sense of euphoria — a high. Delta 8 tends to have more mild effects than Delta 9, but the experiences they offer are similar overall.
Looking for in-depth information about Delta 8?
Our Ultimate Guide to Delta 8 THC has the answers to a wide variety of questions. Here, we’ll focus on a few of the most common questions about Delta 8 and their answers.
Where Does Delta 8 Come From?
Delta 8 can be found in relatively small amounts in both cannabis and hemp plants. That naturally occurring Delta 8 can be extracted from those plants. Then, it’s processed and used to create a variety of Delta 8 products. More commonly, CBD is chemically converted into Delta 8, then used to make vapes, edibles, flower, and similar Delta 8 offerings.
Is Delta 8 Legal?
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the commercial production of hemp plants containing no more than 0.3% Delta 9 THC. On the federal level, hemp-derived Delta 8 is legal. A variety of brands and retailers have sold Delta 8 products for the past several years.
However, it’s important to remember that state and local laws can be more restrictive. Certain states and municipalities limit or prohibit the sale of Delta 8 and other hemp-derived products. Always make sure to check state and local laws before you make a purchase.
What Effects Does Delta 8 Have?
Delta 8 is known to have similar but more mild effects as compared to Delta 9. Peer-reviewed research published in The Journal of Cannabis Research found three major user-reported effects of Delta 8:
- Relaxation (reported by 71% of users)
- Euphoria (68%)
- Pain relief (55%)
Based on those user reports, the study suggests that Delta 8 has more mild side effects as compared to Delta 9. These include difficulty concentrating and altered perception of time. A strong majority of users did not experience paranoia (83%) or anxiety (74%).
Delta 8 and Headaches: Can It Help?
What We Do and Don’t Know About Delta 8 as a Headache Treatment
Delta 8 THC is a relatively new topic of sustained focus for researchers. In simpler terms, there’s a lot we don’t know about Delta 8.
The same is true of related cannabinoids, like CBD. There is some promise seen in early research related to CBD as a treatment for migraine headaches, for example. However, that research hasn’t yet progressed to the point where there is a clear answer. At least one that stands up to rigorous scientific inquiry.
We do know that a significant number of Delta 8 users self-report pain relief as a major effect they experience. Delta 8 can help its users relax and generally feel better, too, based on the user survey previously cited. Those benefits could help reduce the severity of headache symptoms or make them more tolerable.
Let’s put it another way:
- Does Delta 8 help with headaches? It would be irresponsible to give a simple and definitive “yes” or “no” answer.
- Can Delta 8 help with headaches? Yes, it’s possible that Delta 8 can help with headaches. Some users choose Delta 8 specifically to address headache symptoms, and its most common effects could help deal with a headache.
Research exists related to other cannabinoids (similar to, but distinct from Delta 8) and headaches as well. Let’s take a closer look.
What Does the Research Around Cannabinoids and Headaches Tell Us?
A recent peer-reviewed literature review published in The Cureus Journal of Medical Science focused on medical cannabis, headaches, and migraines.
This review found that medical cannabis (i.e. Delta 9 THC and CBD) reduces both the duration and frequency of migraines. It also reduces the frequency of headaches of unknown origin.
The review noted that continued research into medical cannabis is important. Why? Because the available findings demonstrate a positive relationship between cannabis and headaches.
Complementary Therapies in Medicine published a survey of adult cannabis users in states where cannabis is legal for commercial sale. The survey focused on migraine sufferers who use legal cannabis as self-treatment.
Slightly more than three-quarters of survey respondents said they use legal cannabis to treat their migraines. A majority did not participate in a medical cannabis program, instead purchasing legal recreational cannabis.
The most impressive finding is likely that cannabis provided relief. Even when controlling for the severity of one migraine to the next, that was true. Users generally found more relief from cannabis as compared to other treatments.
Can Delta 8 Cause Headaches?
We know that some users turn to Delta 8 to help address the pain associated with headaches. Can Delta 8 itself cause headaches?
Based on user reports, Delta-8 headaches are not a commonly reported adverse effect. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible for it to happen, however. A small number of Delta 8 users do get headaches after they consume this cannabinoid.
Wondering “Why does Delta 8 give me a headache?” Here are some possible answers to consider:
- Dehydration. Dehydration is a common cause of headaches, Medical News Today explains. Some people may be more likely to notice a dehydration headache because of the psychoactive effects of Delta 8. That’s true even though Delta 8 isn’t the actual cause.
- Increased light and sound sensitivity. Delta 8 can alter your perceptions to a degree, including making light and sound seem more intense. In some cases, that could be enough to trigger a headache.
- Impurities in Delta 8 products. Not all Delta 8 products are made to the same standards, unfortunately. Impurities in these products could cause a headache. Always look for retailers that share independent lab testing results and partner with leading brands.
Is Delta 8 an Option to Self-Treat Headaches?
Yes, Delta 8 is used for its pain-relieving properties by many users. The sense of relaxation and euphoria it offers may also help.
We don’t want to say or imply that Delta 8 is effective at preventing migraines or migraine symptoms. However, users of Delta 8 and other types of cannabis report positive results.
The most important suggestion we can make in this regard is to talk to your doctor. Speak with them about using Delta 8 as part of your migraine headache treatment.
Your physician can help you use Delta 8 more safely. They could explain the potential for drug-drug interactions between any current prescriptions and the cannabinoids you take.
High-Quality Delta 8 You Can Count On
At Delta 8 Resellers, we work with only the best brands in the industry. That means we deliver only exceptional Delta 8 products to our customers. No matter why you want to use Delta 8, look for a retailer you can count on — like Delta 8 Resellers.
