Is Delta-8 THC Addictive?

From ancient times ascetics from India and the Himalayas would smoke marijuana to perfect their meditation techniques. Since then, it has become part of pop culture worldwide, as marijuana captured the imagination of people of different communities and races.

But have you ever wondered what is present in this plant that makes one feel “high”?

Scientists have recently discovered that the two key chemical compounds in all cannabis plants are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). While the former is psychoactive, i.e., psychotropic, the latter is non-psychoactive.

In this article, we will look into Delta-8 THC, a THC variant that is also psychotropic, and discuss whether or not it is addictive.

THC is available in live flowers (and after the flowers are plucked from the plants) in numerous forms. But the most well-known ones are Delta-8, Delta-9, and Delta-10. While Delta-9 THC is THE compound that makes marijuana live up to its name, the others are known to be more, well, docile. D-9 THC produces the intense euphoria that you would experience on consuming marijuana.

Its psychoactive nature makes Delta-9 THC illegal across most parts of the US. But Delta-8 THC isn’t considered illicit – at least in most States!

Federally, Delta-8 THC consumption is still legal, and so is it in numerous States. But that does not mean that it is absolutely safe to consume as much as you want and that it won’t have any additive effects on you.

Fact: It is psychotropic, addictive, and can have all the side effects associated with marijuana use if you are not careful with the dose.

So, beware of abusing Delta-8 THC because you might as well get addicted to it – and eventually experience all the typical side effects of marijuana abuse.

Delta-8 THC: Side Effects

On consuming any form of THC, no matter the variant, you may experience redness of eyes and cottonmouth, besides withdrawal symptoms and tolerance to the substance, if taken in high amounts.

High doses may also lead to other side effects, such as anxiety, mood swings, depression, hallucinations, and/or paranoia. Besides these, pain, nausea, or appetite loss may occur as well.

So, we suggest you consume Delta-8 THC in moderate doses.

Delta-8 THC: Compared With Marijuana

Delta-8 THC is structurally similar to Delta-9 THC. The difference lies in one carbon-carbon double bond. That alters their binding ability with cannabinoid receptors in the mammalian brain. As a result, Delta-8 THC is less potent than Delta-9, producing a much milder, soothing, and relaxing high.

However, you must remember that you could very well fail a drug test after consuming Delta-8 THC – even though it is legal.

The fact is it is still THC. And the test equipment is designed to detect all kinds of THC compounds as illicit. Tetrahydrocannabinol can remain in your body for just as long as marijuana does. So, if you have consumed Delta-8 THC recently and have an upcoming drug test, you are quite likely to fail it.

Delta-8 THC: Is It Addictive?

You cannot deny that Delta-8 THC alters the mood and numerous other mental faculties, including exhilaration, sense of caution, motor skills, and even memory.

Note that all mood- and mind-altering substances can be addictive.

And so is Delta-8 THC.

However, unlike marijuana or opioids, its level of addiction is much less severe. You will take longer to develop an addiction and/or tolerance to Delta-8 compared to these other substances.

Besides, you should also be aware that addictive substances often cause withdrawal symptoms too. However, the good news is that the withdrawal symptoms of Delta-8 are much less intense than other more potent drugs.

What Causes The Addiction?

Delta-8 THC is an addictive substance. If abused, it may cause addiction like any other psychotropic drug.

Drug addiction is a physiological as well as a psychological phenomenon. If you tend to use a drug frequently for long durations, your tolerance to that drug will increase. That, in turn, may prompt you to increase its dosage as well as the frequency of intake. As a result, you will find yourself using, striking that out, abusing the drug chronically.

With chronic use, your body and mind will start getting increasingly dependent on that drug. Both your brain and body will shut down if the substance is not in your system at all times. This is called addiction. Your body will constantly crave that euphoric feeling that seems to drive you every step of the way.

Although many people have successfully withdrawn from their addiction, drug withdrawal has its effects, too. Common withdrawal symptoms of Delta-8 THC include sleep disturbances, insomnia, depression, paranoia, irritation, aggression, and loss of appetite.

Trust us when we say that addiction is a much scarier experience than just reading about it. So, just to be on the safe side, avoid any kind of substance abuse. Anything within limits can be good and, in excess, catastrophic.

Are You Addicted To Delta-8 THC?

You can rest assured that Delta-8 THC may not be as dangerously addictive as marijuana. Still, it’s best to be on the safe side and consider practicing caution.

If you have a history of substance abuse, you should avoid THC in any form. It’s best to consult your physician or consult an addiction counselor before the situation aggravates.

Know that help is always close by if you need it. If you, a friend, or a family member you know is suffering from any sort of addiction, get help as quickly as possible. There are numerous effective treatment programs that can help you combat and withdraw from your addiction at the earliest.