Do you ever wonder what Delta-9 THC does to the body?
With all the news about the legalization of cannabis and Delta-9 THC products, this cannabinoid is everywhere in the wellness industry. It seems that everyone is interested in what Delta-9 THC can do. But are you wondering about the effects of Delta-9 THC?
This article has got the answers!
What You’ll Learn Today
- What Exactly Is Delta-9 THC?
- How Delta-9 Works In The Body
- Possible Physical Benefits
- Common Side Effects
- Long-Term Impact On The Body
What Exactly Is Delta-9 THC?
Delta-9 THC is the main active ingredient in cannabis. Delta-9 THC gives you that “high” feeling when you use cannabis. However, there’s more to Delta-9 THC than just its intoxicating effects.
Unlike CBD, Delta-9 THC attaches to the cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body like a key in a lock. This connection is why many people experience elevated energy levels after taking Delta-9 products, though everyone’s reaction can be totally different.
Delta-9 THC laws have changed dramatically over the past few years. Many states have legalized Delta-9 THC for medical and recreational use. That’s why Delta-9 THC products have been flooding the market in so many different forms, from flower to gummies, oils, and creams.
How Delta-9 Works In The Body
When you take Delta-9 THC, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system helps keep the body in balance. The endocannabinoid system impacts essential bodily functions, such as:
- Pain perception
- Immune response
- Appetite regulation
- Sleep
- Mood regulation
Delta-9 THC primarily interacts with the brain and organs’ cannabinoid receptors. Once you consume Delta-9 THC, you may experience physical and mental effects that can last anywhere from one to twelve hours.
The strength of these effects depends on how much THC gets into the bloodstream and how quickly. When you smoke cannabis, the effects are almost instant. When you take edibles, it takes between thirty minutes and ninety minutes to take effect because Delta-9 THC has to go through the digestive system first.
That’s why you may feel more intense effects when you take an edible because the liver metabolizes Delta-9 THC into a more potent form.
Possible Physical Benefits
Many people use Delta-9 THC for its potential physical health benefits.
Pain Relief
Delta-9 THC may have pain-fighting properties that could help with short-term and long-term pain, including:
- Arthritis
- Nerve pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Migraines
Nausea Control And Appetite Boost
One of the most well-known medical uses for Delta-9 THC is to fight nausea and boost appetite. That’s why Delta-9 THC may help people with:
- Chemotherapy-induced nausea
- HIV/AIDS-related weight loss
- Eating disorders
Muscle Relaxation
Delta-9 THC’s muscle-relaxing effects may help people with:
- Multiple sclerosis muscle spasms
- Parkinson’s tremors
- Muscle tension
Better Sleep
Many people say Delta-9 THC can help them sleep better:
- Sleep faster
- Sleep longer
- Fewer interruptions
Keep in mind that there is a lack of scientific evidence to support many of these benefits.
Common Side Effects
Although Delta-9 THC may have physical health benefits, it can also have side effects. Many products containing THC, including Delta-9 THC, can have temporary side effects, such as anxiety, dry mouth, increased appetite, memory loss, red eyes, slower reaction time, and increased heart rate. These effects may fade after the high wears off.
Some of the more severe side effects of using Delta-9 THC include paranoia, hallucinations, panic attacks, nausea, and vomiting. You may experience more severe side effects when you use Delta-9 THC in high doses.
Your method of consumption may also impact the side effects. For example, using cannabis or vaping Delta-9 THC products can irritate your respiratory system and can be associated with bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Long-Term Impact On The Body
There are also long-term effects of Delta-9 THC on the body that you should consider.
Dependency Risks
Some people become dependent on Delta-9 THC. While not everyone will become dependent on Delta-9 THC, it’s a real risk. About 22% of people who use cannabis become dependent on it, which means there’s a dependency risk with Delta-9 THC products, too.
Dependency can manifest as needing more to get the same effects, experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop using, or continuing to use despite negative consequences.
Effects On Development
People who use cannabis during their adolescence are more likely to experience changes in brain development. The science behind these changes is unclear, but we know more research is needed to better understand these effects. That’s why health experts typically advise against Delta-9 THC use in teenagers and young adults.
Effects On The Heart And Immune System
Delta-9 THC can increase your heart rate and affect your blood pressure, potentially causing risks for people with heart disease. There’s also a complex relationship between Delta-9 THC and the immune system, which is still being studied.
Using Delta-9 Responsibly
Here are some tips to consider if you’re thinking about using Delta-9 THC products for wellness:
Start Low, Go Slow
Start with the lowest dose possible and only increase it gradually if you need to. When taking edibles, start with 2.5 to 5mg THC and wait two hours before taking more. When smoking, take one small hit and wait fifteen to twenty minutes.
Choose Your Method Carefully
Delta-9 THC comes in many different forms, and each method impacts the body differently:
- Edibles: Longer-lasting effects, no lung risks, hard to dose precisely
- Tinctures/Oils: Precise dosing, moderate duration, no lung risks
- Vaporizing: Fastest effects, easy to control dosage, lower lung risk
- Smoking: Fastest effects, easy to control dosage, highest lung risk
Know What You’re Getting
Always buy from reputable vendors who provide third-party testing results so you can know what you’re getting.
Consider CBD Balance
CBD may help moderate Delta-9 THC’s effects, as Delta-9 THC and CBD products with both cannabinoids may offer more balanced effects.
Talk To Your Healthcare Provider
Talk to your healthcare provider who understands cannabinoid therapies before using Delta-9 THC for any health benefit. That’s especially important if you take any medications or have health conditions.
Wrapping It All Up
Delta-9 THC’s effects on the body are complex. They depend on many factors, such as dosage, individual body chemistry, method of consumption, and usage patterns.
The potential health benefits make it attractive for many wellness-minded people. However, they must be weighed against possible side effects and long-term considerations.
The science will continue to develop over time, and we’ll learn more about Delta-9 THC’s effects. For now, starting with low doses, listening to your body’s cues, and paying attention to your responses is the smart way to use Delta-9 THC.
Remember that wellness is highly individualized. What works amazingly for one person may not work well for another. Listening to your body’s cues is always the most reliable way to find out.