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Cannabis or marijuana contains delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the mind-altering chemical that gets you high. Because cannabis products are illegal in many states, people have begun selling an alternative that is often referred to as “diet weed.”
Delta-8 THC is one of the 100s of cannabinoids found in the cannabis sativa plant.[1] It is an isomer of delta-9 THC and is considered less potent. Typically, delta-9 THC is derived from hemp, which means it contains minimal percentages of THC when compared to delta-9.
Since delta-8 is not as potent, some people believe that it is safe to abuse. That said, it is possible to become addicted to delta-8. If you stop using delta-8 after a period of dependency, you will experience withdrawal symptoms.
Delta-8 withdrawal can begin as early as one day after your last dose and continue for 2 weeks. You might experience side effects like headaches, excessive sweating, anxiety, depression, and intense cravings for the drug.
In this article, you will learn:
- Is delta-8 dangerous to abuse
- The symptoms of delta-8 withdrawal
- How long does delta-8 withdrawal last
Is Delta 8 Dangerous?
Delta-8 is not as strong as delta-9, so people think it’s a safe alternative. Unfortunately, there are still risks associated with abusing delta-8. First, you can develop a substance use disorder from the physical symptoms it causes by affecting your endocannabinoid system.
Other dangers associated with abusing delta-8 weed include:
- Abnormal heart rate
- Impaired reaction times
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tics and tremors
- Memory loss
- Anxiety
- Injuries due to impaired judgment and coordination
The Food and Drug Administration also warns that delta-8 products are not evaluated or approved by the FDA. Additionally, they have found that adverse events often include side effects like “hallucinations, vomiting, tremors, anxiety, dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness.”[2]
What are the Symptoms of Delta 8 Withdrawal?
If you develop a cannabis use disorder from abusing delta-8, you will experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using it. While withdrawal might be less severe than if you were abusing delta-9 THC, it can still be painful and uncomfortable.
The common symptoms of delta-8 withdrawal include:
- Intense drug cravings
- Headaches
- Increased body temperature and sweating
- Insomnia or sleep disturbances
- Anxiety and irritability
- Depression
- Upset stomach and loss of appetite
The nature and intensity of delta-8 withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person. It also depends on the frequency and dose of delta-8 you were accustomed to using. For example, someone who smoked delta-8 THC multiple times a day might have more potent withdrawal symptoms than a once-daily user.
How Long Does Delta 8 Withdrawal Last
The exact length of time that delta-8 withdrawal lasts can vary from person to person. However, most people follow a general timeline that can help you determine how long you’ll need to attend a detox program.
1 to 2 Days
The first symptoms of delta-8 withdrawal will begin one to two days after your last dose. The initial symptoms tend to be mild. You might experience cravings for delta-8, headaches, or slight tremors in your hands.
3 Days to 1 Week
Between three days to one week after your last dose of delta-8, you will begin experiencing peak symptoms. This means your withdrawal symptoms will be at their most severe. You might notice symptoms like intense anxiety, strong urges to abuse delta-8, vomiting, tremors, insomnia, and feelings of depression.
You must be receiving care from a medical detox facility at this time. Without medical care and psychological support, your symptoms could lead to a relapse. By attending a detox program, you increase your chances of long-term sobriety.
1 to 2 Weeks
After one week, your physical symptoms will begin to subside. Typically, they completely stop affecting you two weeks after your last dose. However, you might continue to experience psychological symptoms of withdrawal like anxiety, depression, insomnia, and cravings.
If you have lasting psychological symptoms after two weeks, you probably have a condition called post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS).[3] While it can be hard to cope with PAWS, medical detox programs can provide you with medication and counseling that makes it easier to overcome your symptoms and focus on other areas of recovery.
Find Help for Delta 8 Abuse and Addiction
If you engage in substance abuse, it’s time to consider attending an addiction treatment program. While many people refer to delta-8 as diet weed, it can still lead to intense withdrawal symptoms. As a result, you should choose a facility that offers a medical detox program like the Mandala Healing Center.
At the Mandala Healing Center, we offer a combination of detox, cognitive behavioral therapy, relapse prevention planning, and peer support. You will receive the tools and support you need to achieve long-term sobriety.
Call us today to learn more about delta-8 addiction treatment and how to get started.
References:
- Biomed Central (BMC): Delta-8-THC: Delta-9-THC’s nicer younger sibling?
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA): 5 Things to Know about Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol – Delta-8 THC
- Science Direct: Identification and Evidence-Based Treatment of Post–Acute Withdrawal Syndrome
