Marijuana contains Delta-9 THC, which is the mind-altering substance that causes you to get high. Most states still criminalize cannabis, which means people are finding new loopholes to sell THC products. The hottest new marijuana trend is something known as “Delta-8 THC.”
To explain, Delta-8 THC is one of the hundreds of cannabinoids found in the cannabis sativa plant.[1] Because it is an isomer of Delta-9 THC, it is considered less potent. Some people refer to Delta-8 as “diet weed.”
Because Delta-8 is less potent than traditional weed, many people believe it is safe to abuse. Unfortunately, you can still get addicted to Delta-8 and experience physical symptoms of withdrawal when you stop using it. Symptoms might include cravings, headaches, sweating, upset stomach, and more.
Delta-8 withdrawal can begin as early as 24 hours after your last dose and continue for up to 2 weeks. As a result, it is best to seek help from a medical detox center when attempting to overcome Delta-8 addiction.
What you will learn:
- Is Delta-8 addictive?
- What are the symptoms of Delta-8 THC withdrawal?
- What is the Delta-8 withdrawal timeline?
Can You Get Addicted to Delta-8?
Cannabis products like Delta-8 are addictive. If you are addicted to Delta-8, you do have a form of cannabis use disorder. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Recent research estimated that approximately 3 in 10 people who use cannabis have cannabis use disorder.”[2]
The signs of Delta-8 addiction include:
- Being unable to control how much or how often you abuse Delta-8
- Experiencing urges or cravings to consume it
- Wanting to quit but being unsuccessful
- Failing to meet responsibilities at home, school, or work because of Delta-8 use
- Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities to have more time to abuse it
- Using Delta-8 to cope with mental health symptoms or stress
- Isolating from friends and family or social situations
- Needing to use Delta-8 products before engaging in certain activities
- Having to increase your dose of Delta-8 to experience the desired effect
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you don’t use it
If you or a loved one suffers from Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) addiction, it’s time to seek professional help. At PAX Memphis, we can connect you with a detox program or addiction treatment center to kickstart your recovery journey.
What are the Symptoms of Delta-8 Withdrawal?
If you are addicted to Delta-8, you will experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using it. While the side effects of withdrawal might not be as potent as Delta-9 THC, you should still seek help from a substance abuse detox center.
The symptoms of Delta-8 withdrawal may include:
- Intense urges and cravings to use Delta-8
- Headaches and mental confusion
- Increased body temperature and excessive sweating
- Insomnia or nightmares
- Irritability, anxiety, and mood swings
- Depression and suicidal thoughts
- Upset stomach and loss of appetite
Even though Delta-8 is derived from hemp, it still causes psychoactive effects. This is why it is possible to become addicted and experience withdrawal when you stop using it. While withdrawal might not be severe, relapsing is common among individuals who do not attend a detox program.
How Long Does Delta-8 Withdrawal Last?
While the exact length of time that Delta-8 withdrawal lasts varies from person to person, there is a general timeline that most people follow.
24 to 48 Hours
The initial symptoms of Delta-8 withdrawal will arise within 24 to 48 hours of your last dose. Heavy and chronic users will experience symptoms faster than others. That said, the early symptoms of withdrawal tend to be mild, including side effects like headaches, tremors in the hands, and upset stomach.
3 Days to 1 Week
The symptoms of Delta-8 withdrawal will peak sometime between the 3rd day and a week after your last dose. In other words, your symptoms will be at their most severe. You could notice effects like severe anxiety, intense cravings, vomiting, tremors, and insomnia or night terrors.
Because withdrawal symptoms are severe at this stage of withdrawal, you should be under the care of a medical detox program. The medical professionals will provide you with medications to lessen your symptoms and increase your chances of long-term sobriety.
1 to 2 Weeks
Between 1-2 weeks after your last dose, your withdrawal symptoms will begin to subside. It is possible to experience psychological symptoms for much longer. If this occurs, you might have post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS).[3]
PAWS causes prolonged psychological withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, mood swings, depression, insomnia, and cravings. While it can be difficult to cope with, having the support of a medical detox program makes it much easier to overcome.
Find Help for Delta-8 Addiction
If you or a loved one abuse cannabis plants or Delta-8 THC, it’s time to seek professional help. Addiction treatment programs can provide you with the tools and services you need to achieve long-term sobriety.
At PAX Memphis, we can connect you with a Delta-8 rehab center that suits your specific needs. Our addiction experts can provide you with an in-depth assessment to determine what type of program is best for you, whether you need specialty services and more. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
References:
- The National Library of Medicine (NLM): 5 Things to Know About Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol: Delta-8 THCThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Cannabis Facts and Stats