Delta-8 cartridges, tinctures, and edibles have mostly garnered attention as legal highs, but could these hemp-based products also have therapeutic value? While research is limited, what we do know about the substance suggests that delta-8 for pain could be a good idea!
In this detailed review, I want to dig into the current scientific evidence on delta-8 and outline why it may help with pain. I will also discuss what to look for when buying delta-8 for pain and the benefits of various delta-8 products. But let’s start with my top five delta-8 products!
1. Delta 8 Factory – Delta-8 THC Dabs
With these high-strength dabs, you can experience potent and rapid delta-8 relief, as large doses take effect in just a few minutes. Delta 8 Factory’s hemp-derived dabs contain 90% delta-8, with 900mg of extract in this 1g product.
If standard delta-8 products aren’t quite enough, then consider trying dabs – although I wouldn’t recommend them for first-timers. Choose between a broad range of third-party approved delta-8 dabs from Delta 8 Factory.
Flavors: Incredible Hulk, Key Lime Pie, Grape God, Melonatta, Sour Grape, AF Goofy, AK47, Candyland, Gods Gift, Trainwreck, Wedding Cake, Purple Punch, Wildberry Kush, Strawberry Cough, Banana Kush, Do-Si-Dos
2. Treetop Hemp Co – Delta-8 THC Gummies
You can’t go wrong with Treetop Hemp Co! I love their delta-8 gummies, which pack in a hefty 30mg per serving and taste as good as your favorite candy brands. Each bag contains 10 gummies, giving you 300mg of delta-8 extract per purchase.
These edibles are strong enough for those who need extra relief but can easily be divided into two for users seeking milder effects. An excellent all-rounder from a reputable, third-party-tested brand, Treetop Hemp Co’s gummies can help get your pain under control.
Flavors: Peach Rings, Rainbow Belt, Sour Snakes, Watermelons
3. CBD Farmhouse – Delta-8 THC Moon Rocks
The powerful effects of delta-8 moon rocks make this premium offering the perfect choice for pain. While not for newbies, moon rocks can satiate users who need large amounts of delta-8 in a speedy fashion.
These moon rocks are made with indica or hybrid CBD-rich flowers and submerged in super-strong delta-8 distillate before being dusted with kief to jack up the relaxation and relief.
Fast-acting, impressively potent, and remarkably pure, don’t miss these delta-8 moon rocks from CBD Farmhouse. Available in two sizes: 1 gram, 3.5 grams
4. CBD Genesis – Delta-8 THC Gummies
Enjoy extended relief from chronic symptoms with the long-lasting benefits of delta-8 gummies. With 25mg of delta-8 per gummy, expect potent effects that stick to you throughout the day and save you from topping up your dose every few hours.
These square-shaped gummies let you keep your delta-8 consumption lowkey – you can’t tell them apart from typical candies! Remember that the effects may take up to an hour to kick in. Third-party tested and approved by Marin Analytics.
Sizes: 25-count (500mg), 50-count (1250mg), 100-count (2500mg)
5. CBD Genesis – Delta-8 THC Vape Cartridges
Quickly alleviate pain symptoms with delta-8 vape carts. These 1ml (1000mg) carts contain purified, hemp-derived delta-8 extracts and beneficial terpenes, which also provide mouth-watering natural flavoring.
For daytime pain relief, the energizing effects of sativa vape carts have you covered. You may prefer Indica products when winding down in the evening. All delta-8 carts have less than 0.3% and are third-party approved.
Flavors: Candy Land (Sativa), Strawberry Cough (Sativa), Blueberry Lemon Haze (Hybrid), GG#4 (Hybrid), Girl Scout Cookies (Hybrid), OG Kush (Hybrid), Strawnana (Hybrid), Wedding Cake (Hybrid), Frooty Pebbles (Indica), Granddaddy Purp (Indica), Skywalker OG (Indica)
What is Delta-8?
Delta-8 – or delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol to use its full name – is a naturally occurring and psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis. The substance has become popular with recreational users, who enjoy delta-8’s intoxicating effects, and the compound may have therapeutic benefits, too.
An isomer of delta-9-THC (THC), delta-8 is almost identical to its renowned tetrahydrocannabinol cousin. Both cannabinoids act on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the same way as partial CB1 and CB2 receptor agonists.
THC and delta-8 produce psychoactive effects by binding with CB1 receptors in the central nervous system. However, delta-8 is less potent than THC, according to the Expert Committee on Drug Dependence, an arm of the World Health Organization.
Is Delta-8 Effective for Pain?
Few studies have examined delta-8’s effects in-depth. But since we know that delta-8 is so similar to THC, we can confidently assume that delta-8 replicates THC’s effects, albeit to a lesser extent. Here’s the good news: THC has a long history of use as a painkiller.
Before diving into the evidence, I want to clarify something. Neither THC nor delta-8 is approved as a pain-killer in the United States. The research is encouraging but not yet definitive. Please do not take the following information as medical advice.
Research from Dr. Ethan Russo, published in Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management, shows that THC-based drugs are beneficial for some types of pain, including neuropathic pain.
In 2019, the PAIN journal featured a study that demonstrated the analgesic effects of pharmaceutical-grade cannabis in patients with fibromyalgia. The scientists tested various combinations of THC and CBD but have called for further research to better understand the effects.
These findings are exciting and back up decades, if not centuries, of positive anecdotes surrounding cannabis and pain relief. That said, we should remember that THC and delta-8 are not quite the same and that users will likely need comparatively higher doses of delta-8 to get the same level of relief.
However, thanks to the reduced potency, delta-8 is less likely to cause side effects such as paranoia and anxiety. If these unwanted reactions have previously put you off therapeutic THC products, you may want to try delta-8.
Types of Delta-8 Products
Delta-8 comes in various forms, and we often see hemp companies putting a fresh spin on things. While not an extensive list, here are a few types of delta-8 products you may see.
Vape juices: Covering standalone e-liquids, cartridges, and disposables, vape juices rapidly deliver delta-8’s effects into your system. These efficient and convenient products are perfect for when you need quick relief.
Flower: Typically made by smearing or soaking CBD-rich hemp flower with delta-8 distillate, delta-8 flower products offer a similarly speedy experience. You can grind up and smoke flowers in joints or bongs or enjoy it in a dry-herb vaporizer.
Tinctures: Sublingual absorption of delta-8 still provides fast effects but is less risky than smoking or vaping. You can also use tincture oils as a food ingredient or by adding them to your drink.
Edibles: Gummies, brownies, and other candies all come under delta-8 edibles. These products give you more drawn-out effects, which is ideal if you’re combating chronic symptoms. Delta-8 capsules work in the same way as edibles.
Concentrates: The strongest products of the bunch, wax, shatter, dabs, and crystals, produce intense delta-8 effects. Suitable for seasoned users only, delta-8 concentrates should be a last resort if regular products fail to ease your pain.
Is Delta-8 Legal?
According to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived delta-8 is legal at the federal level in the United States. But delta-8 extracted from marijuana is classified as a Schedule 1 drug. The Farm Bill defines “hemp” as having no more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis.
In reality, while a naturally occurring substance, most delta-8 products do not contain pure hemp extract. Hemp doesn’t generate enough delta-8, making extraction both a time-consuming and prohibitively expensive process.
Instead, companies make delta-8 from CBD isolate in a laboratory using isomerization. While the legality of the process has been questioned, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) recently re-asserted that THC is the only controlled substance in hemp.
Although the federal government does not restrict delta-8, various US states have imposed their own bans. As of November 2022, delta-8 is banned in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Kentucky, Idaho, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and Washington.
What to Look For When Buying Delta-8 For Pain
Ready to find out whether delta-8 can help with your pain? Excellent! If you’re new to delta-8, I recommend the vape cartridges and gummies in my top five list, as opposed to the dabs and moon rocks. But if none of my picks take your fancy, here’s what to look for when shopping!
Third-Party Lab Reports
Every delta-8 company should have no issues providing customers with third-party lab reports of its products. Independent certification helps authenticate the safety and quality of delta-8 products, which is necessary due to the absence of FDA regulation.
Third-party tests show how much THC is in a delta-8 product (hopefully less than 0.3%!) and the concentration of delta-8 and other cannabinoids. These analyses can also detect residual heavy metals and other potentially dangerous foreign substances.
Scammers are always looking for marks, luring them in with cheap, low-quality, and unapproved delta-8 products. Trust me – it’s never worth risking your money or health by using sketchy brands.
Delta-8 Strength and Other Cannabinoids
As a psychoactive substance, getting the potency right with delta-8 matters more than with CBD. New delta-8 users should look for low-strength products and perhaps even brands that mix delta-8 with CBD extract to ease the intoxication.
Meanwhile, more regular users might want stronger products to ensure they still get the same level of relief over time. Like with THC, the body does acquire tolerance to delta-8 with consistent use.
Terpenes
Delta-8 products with terpenes may enhance your pain relief and promote a more positive experience. For instance, if you want something to relax your muscles after a hard, physical day, a delta-8 vape cart with calming indica terpenes could work wonders.
Equally, if the pain bothers you during the day but you can’t risk feeling fatigued, an energizing delta-8 product with sativa terpenes might be more to your liking. And if you want well-balanced effects and the best of both – try a hybrid!
How to Store Your Delta-8 Products
You should store all delta-8 products in cool, dark, and dry conditions and always away from direct sunlight to protect against ultraviolet ray degradations. Products should also be kept in airtight containers or bags to prevent oxidation, which occurs due to oxygen exposure.
Keep delta-8 gummies in the fridge to stop them from melting. While no less effective, it’s more difficult to get accurate and consistent doses with melted gummies.
How Long do Delta-8 Products Last?
The duration of delta-8’s effects depends on the type of product. If the product involves inhalation (e.g., smoking flowers, vaping cartridges), the effects wear off after about three hours. Tincture oils taken under the tongue (sublingually) last a little longer.
However, delta-8 in edibles and capsules can stay effective for twice as long due to the differences in oral consumption and the slower absorption rate. Meanwhile, delta-8 concentrates seem to last for 12 hours or more, however they are consumed.
Purchasing Delta-8 Online vs. Shops Near Me
Since becoming legal in 2018, delta-8 products have soared in popularity, with vendors from all fields wanting a slice of the pie. But I recommend always buying delta-8 from online retailers that specialize in hemp products.
Staying safe with delta-8 comes above everything else, and proper hemp vendors care more about your well-being than gas stations, headshops, and similar stores looking for a quick buck.
Top hemp retailers have a reputation to uphold, hence why they won’t take chances on obscure brands with dodgy backgrounds. When buying from somewhere, you’ll always have access to any relevant third-party lab results.
