Can Delta-8 THC Be Used to Help With Pain?

If you're considering taking Delta-8 THC for pain, you're not alone. Millions of people do exactly that. 

We break down the science behind Delta-8 THC and pain to help you decide if you should join them. 

Key Takeaways

• Delta-8 THC is widely used for pain.
• It interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate pain.
• THC is believed to affect pain signals and how our brains process pain.
• It also has anti-inflammatory effects.

See More: How Do CBD Roll-Ons Work for Pain?

Delta-8 and Pain

Meredith Farrow, founder of Clean Remedies, says,

“Delta-8 THC is widely used for pain. Many find it has relaxing, uplifting effects, which are generally considered milder than Delta-9 THC.” 

Delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid that is naturally produced by hemp plants (and cannabis plants). It is a psychoactive compound.

Like other cannabinoids, Delta-8 THC works by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system. That's a complex network of signals and cannabinoid receptors spread throughout the body. It helps control and regulate all kinds of bodily functions, including mood, memory, temperature, and... pain. 

Delta-8 is more popular than you might expect. Over 19 million US adults have tried it.

Why? Well, many users love Delta-8 for its relaxing, uplifting effects. Some use it for pain, too. 

Delta-8 vs Delta-9 THC

When people say "THC," they're usually referring to Delta-9 THC, not Delta-8. The two forms of THC are very similar and offer similar benefits. 

In fact, the only difference is the placement of a single double bond between two carbon atoms. That tiny change does have some impact, though. 

Delta-8 THC is usually considered to have milder psychoactive effects compared to Delta-9 THC. That's why it has the nickname "diet weed." 

It's also one of the potential advantages of Delta-8 over Delta-9. If you find that Delta-9 gives you a somewhat overpowering high, you might love the relatively milder effects of Delta-8. That could be especially great if you are taking Delta-8 for pain management, instead of recreationally. 

Delta-8 vs Other Cannabinoids

Delta-8 THC is also structurally similar to many other cannabinoids. It's sort of a middle ground between Delta-9 THC and non-psychoactive cannabinoids like CBD, CBN, or CBG. 

That structural similarity is one of the secrets to Delta-8's production. If you've ever looked into it, you might have noticed that most high-quality Delta-8 products are called "hemp-derived."

That's because hemp plants (and cannabis plants) naturally produce only very small amounts of Delta-8 THC. Fortunately, modern hemp plants produce plenty of CBD. That CBD can be converted to Delta-8 THC. 

Legal Status

This conversion process is also why Delta-8 THC is considered federally legal. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp. Plants must have no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight.

As such, THC products derived from hemp are also considered legal under federal law. That includes hemp-derived Delta-8 THC products. State and local laws may vary. 

Drug Tests

While some cannabinoids like CBD won't necessarily cause positive drug tests, Delta-8 THC likely will. Most drug tests look for THC metabolites, which are the compounds your body produces when breaking down THC. 

Our bodies produce the same metabolites when breaking down Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC. Therefore, many drug tests won't be able to tell the difference. 

The Science Behind Delta-8 and Pain

Delta-8 THC is widely used for pain relief and pain management. One 2023 study found that 41% of people who use Delta-8 do so for pain. 

A similar study from the year before looked at what people reported after using Delta-8 THC. The study found that 71% of people experienced "a lot or a great deal of relaxation," 68% euphoria, and 55% pain relief.

It's clear that many people find Delta-8 THC helpful for pain. But why might that be the case?

As we mentioned, Delta-8 THC interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which naturally helps regulate pain. Our bodies produce their own cannabinoid molecules called endocannabinoids, which help modulate pain signals. These molecules bind to two kinds of cannabinoid receptors: CB1, which are mostly in the brain and throughout the nervous system, and CB2, which are found in the immune system.

It's thought that Delta-8 THC can interact with these receptors. By doing so, it may slow or interrupt pain impulses. That process might result in anti-inflammatory effects, too. 

In other words, Delta-8 THC is thought to help with pain in a few different ways. First, it may alter how we perceive pain. Second, it may have anti-inflammatory effects, which could be helpful for many types of pain involving inflammation or swelling. Third, its relaxing effects may reduce the stress and discomfort often associated with or caused by pain. 

That versatility is why Delta-8 THC is so widely used for pain. It means that Delta-8 THC may be useful for many different kinds of pain. 

Bonus: Your Guide to Using a Delta 8 Tincture

Managing Pain

Joint Pain

Joint pain is extremely common, especially in older adults. Tens of millions of people experience it. 

As one study noted, joint pain is the "largest medical request" for the use of medical cannabis. According to that study, "the preclinical and human data that do exist indicate that the use of cannabis should be taken seriously as a potential treatment of joint pain."

One 2024 study looked at whether Delta-8 THC can help with joint pain. Mice that were given Delta-8 THC engaged in more behaviors that would otherwise be suppressed by pain, such as climbing. Delta-8 also reduced inflammation.

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain refers to any pain that persists or recurs for months on end. It's important to try to identify the cause. If that's not possible, pain management is the next step. 

Research suggests that THC, including Delta-8 THC, may help with chronic pain. For example, one 2023 review of dozens of studies concluded that cannabinoids, including THC, can help with chronic pain management. 

Neuropathic Pain (Nerve Pain)

Neuropathic or nerve pain is a type of chronic pain. It happens when the nervous system is damaged or malfunctions. The system starts sending pain signals even when there is no reason for it to be doing so.

Remember, Delta-8 THC is thought to interrupt or moderate pain signals. Research suggests it may be helpful for neuropathic pain.

For example, one study looked at THC and radicular pain, a type of nerve pain. Participants who were given THC rated their pain levels lower than those given a placebo. On average, participants' self-rated pain decreased by one-third after taking THC.

Interestingly, the study also found that greater self-reported pain relief was associated with fewer connections between parts of the brain that process pain. The researchers suggested that THC might help with pain by "disrupting signals between these pain processing pathways."

Where to Get High-Quality Delta-8 THC Products

If you want to join the millions of people using Delta-8 THC, whether for pain or any other reason, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, quality is important. Studies have found that many Delta-8 THC products contain toxic contaminants. Look for manufacturers that test their products.

Clean Remedies sends all of its hemp products, including Delta-8 THC products, to an independent lab for testing. You can view the results of this test by scanning the QR code included with your product.

Another thing to consider is what other cannabinoids are present in your product. Some Delta-8 THC products may contain just Delta-8 THC, which is fine. 

But studies suggest that other compounds found in hemp, including other cannabinoids and terpenes, may also help with pain. You might therefore want to grab a product that includes the natural range of compounds found in hemp.

Clean Remedies' Delta 8 THC Tincture Oil is exactly that. It's a one-to-one blend of Delta-8 THC and broad-spectrum hemp extract. You can take it straight from the bottle, mix it in your favorite soothing drink, or use it to make delicious homemade edibles.

Of course, you could also skip the cooking and grab some professionally made Delta-8 edibles, too. Our Delta-8 THC strawberry-flavored gummies each contain 10mg of high-quality Delta-8 THC. For something a little stronger, try our natural green apple-flavored gummies, each with 20mg of Delta-8.

“These are euphoric,” notes Clean Remedies founder Meredith Farrow. “These are very uplifting, they’re euphoric, with a calming body sensation. I like to use them to help me unwind in the evening, to help me go to sleep and stay asleep.”

If you’re not too keen on using Delta-8 THC, try something with Delta-9 THC instead. From a creamy Delta-9 chocolate bar to fruity Delta-9 THC gummies, we have something for every mood, moment, and mindset.

Conclusion

Delta-8 THC is widely used for pain. It's believed to help in various ways, including interacting with pain signals, how the brain perceives pain, and inflammation that may be impacting pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Delta Is Best for Pain Relief?

Both Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC are widely used for pain relief. Delta-9 is generally considered to have more intense effects, while Delta-8 is usually associated with gentler effects. 

Does Delta-8 Help With Pain?

Research suggests that Delta-8 may help with pain. It's believed to interact with the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate pain. Delta-8 THC may also have anti-inflammatory effects. 

Is Delta-8 Stronger Than CBD?

Delta-8 THC is psychoactive, while CBD is not. In terms of getting you high, Delta-8 is stronger. Both Delta-8 THC and CBD are used for pain. 

Keep Reading: Does Delta 9 Make You Sleepy?

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The content on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other healthcare professional. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or health concerns.