Introduction
Many people seek out natural wellness solutions because of pain.Whether you have a sore joint, muscles that hurt after working out, or chronic pain, many individuals prefer to deal with pain without a lot of prescription medications. Many of the plant-derived options on the market are seeing success, but Delta-8 THC gummies have surged in popularity due to their convenience and effectiveness.
Delta-8 THC gummies provide the unique attributes of cannabinoids packaged in a sweet, easy to chew gummy. Many consumers report that Delta-8 THC balances relaxing properties and pain relief.
What is Delta-8 THC?
In contradistinction to Delta-9 THC, which can be overwhelming to its users, especially those just enter cannabis use, Delta-8 THC experience is milder and results in relaxation, mild euphoria, and some pain relief without the heavier high or anxious side effects that come with Delta-9 THC.
However, after it is incorporated into a gummy, Delta-8 THC are certainly in the range of the THC family of compounds.
How Delta-8 Gummies May Help with Pain
Delta-8 gummies may help with pain management in a number of ways:
- Pain modulation
Delta-8 binds with CB1 receptors in the nervous systems affecting how intense the signals of pain will be communicated to our brain in comparison to other cannabinoids. - Anti-inflammation
Many types of pain exist because of inflammation, and Delta-8 can help diminish an inflammatory response. This can be beneficial with joint pain and stiffness and overall pain management. - Muscle relaxant
For patients who have pain due to muscle tension, Delta-8 can produce a calming effect that will help ease relief of tension from muscles. - Mood enhancer
A person can have a greater perception of what pain is if they are experiencing stress or anxiety, and with the elevated mood effect from using Delta-8 gummies, the indirect effect of pain management will occur. - Sleep for healing
The body has its best healing potential when we are able to rest and enter a deep sleep state of nutrition. Delta-8 is sedating which will help to not only get to sleep but to stay asleep, aiding in pain management.
Why Choose Gummies for Pain Relief?
Delta-8 can be found in a variety of delivery systems like tinctures, vapes, capsules, and edible gummies. Gummy preparations are very popular, because they offer many benefits:
- Consistent Dosing: Each gummy is dosed accurately with an exact amount of Delta-8, so you do not need to worry about dosing.
- Long Lasting Duration: Gummy preparations are metabolized and the Delta-8 is released slowly for an effect that lasts about 6- 8 hours.
- Discreet and Convenient: Gummies look like candy, and can be easily transported and consumed anywhere.
- Tasty: A flavored gummy can help mask the taste of hemp which is sometimes unpleasant and is much easier to take daily.
For pain relief, the longer duration of gummies is a benefit over a quicker acting delivery method like vaporizing Delta-8, which is quick but short acting.
Types of Pain that Delta-8 Gummies may address:
- Chronic Back Pain
Other users of Delta-8 gummies experience some relief from chronic pain and its effect with muscle and nerve pain in the lower back. - Soreness Post-Exercise
Athletes and fitness enthusiasts are taking Delta-8 pre-exercise and in particular (especially) post-exercise for soreness and recovery. - Neuropathic Pain
More research needs to be done…with that said, Delta-8 makes a strong connection to CB1 receptors, and this might lead to effectiveness for nerve pain. - Migraines
Calming effects, anti-inflammatory effects, and we will have to see if they are effective for migraines as well.
How Long Do They Take to Work?
When you consume a Delta-8 gummy, it will need to be dissolved and metabolized by your body prior to the molecules being able to enter your bloodstream and is why it takes, generally speaking, some time to begin experiencing any effects, which may take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours.
The nice aspect about this type of experience is that once you have begun to feel effects, they are generally gradual and prolonged. So if you’re seeking daytime pain relief or nighttime pain relief, gummies can really aid in feeling comfortable for long lasting relief rather than redosing regularly.
Finding the Right Dosage
Delta-8 does tend to have psychoactive properties although significantly less than Delta-9, and so the dosage of Delta-8 is also important to keep in mind. A new user to Delta-8 should typically start with about 5-10 mg per gummy and a user with prior experience to Delta-8 should start with a dose of 20-40 mg per gummy (or gummy equivalent or higher depending on prior tolerance and overall pain severity).
Considerations when dosing:
- Start below the dosage level and increase beyond that dosage
- Wait approximately 2 hours before taking another gummy to prevent overly taxing your system
- Compare how your body responds, keep track of that response, and continue adjusting dosage upwards to your comfort level if you want to!
Safety & Side Effects
Delta-8 is relatively safe, with most adults likely to be fine with Delta-8. As with everything with cannabinoids, there are side effects that can occur if you take it at a higher dose:
- Dry Mouth
- Red Eyes
- Increased appetite
- Minor Drowsiness/Dizziness
What to Look for in Delta-8 Gummies
Not every gummy is equal. Below are considerations to keep in mind before making a purchase.
- Hemp Source: Once again, the best option is if it comes from organically grown hemp.
- Testing by a Third-Party Lab: You should always ask for (or at minimum, if it doesn’t come with it) a Certificate of Analysis (COA) that provides evidence of the potency and purity.
- Transparency: A legitimate manufacturer will disclose how much Delta-8 is in every serving in either the product label or promotional material.
- Flavor Options: You will likely be consuming them daily, as such you will want to consider flavor.
What Science Says About Delta-8 and Pain
While Delta-8 studies are presently less advanced in comparison to CBD and Delta-9, studies and anecdotal evidence are showing promise:
In an article published in Life Sciences Journal in the 1970’s , (although research has been conducted since), Delta-8 THC is reported to produce very similar pain-relieving effects to Delta-9 THC but with fewer side effects.
In a survey published in the Journal of Cannabis Research in 2022, researchers found that a lot of consumers who used Delta-8 cannabis wanted to relieve chronic pain, stress, and sleep problems because of their positive effects.
There are also studies in animals showing the potential for Delta-8 in reducing inflammation and perception of pain as well.
These results suggest that Delta-8 has a genuine opportunity to work as a natural alternative if the clinical research is furthered utilizing human subjects.
Lifestyle Benefits Beyond Pain Relief
Delta-8 gummies are not just for pain relief, however– Delta-8 has other benefits regarding wellness for potential satisfactory living:
- Decreased stress and anxiety
- Increased mood and relaxation
- Increased appetite for people with lack of appetite
- More restful sleep
Final Thoughts
Delta-8 gummies have found a place in the natural wellness space by combining a mild psychoactive experience and potential pain relief, and easing inflammation. They provide an easy, sweet tasting, alternative for pain that lasts a day or two.
As long as you are dealing with high-quality labs that do third-party testing, starting at low doses, and recognizing how you feel while using it, you should probably be in for a safe and supportive experience.
Anyone looking to find another tool in their toolbox for pain, Delta-8 gummies may serve you more than just pain management use, it may allow for a more balanced, calmer, and more pleasant approach to living.
FAQs
How long does Delta 8 take to work?
Delta 8 Gummy must be digested. The effects usually begin within 45 minutes to 2 hours. The relief is long lasting with 6-8 hours.
How much delta 8 gummies should an individual take?
Dosage varies on body weight, metabolism and pain relief. Start with 5-10 mg of CBD gummy. The seasonal users should start with 20-40 mg gummy.
Are these gummies safe to consume on a daily basis ?
Yes, Delta 8 gummies are third party lab tested which means it is safe to consume.
Are delta 8 gummies legal?
Yes, it is legal under the 2018 farm bill.
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