Even if you’re a diehard toker, you’ve probably noticed that delta-8 THC is gaining more press in prominent pot publications. Arguably, delta-8’s current success is due to its accessibility in non-cannabis-friendly states. However, delta-8 proponents claim this cannabinoid has many unique features versus delta-9, especially for anxiety patients.

Indeed, countless customers claim delta-8 THC gummies are superb for stress relief. Patients with a low THC tolerance may experience better results with delta-8 versus jumping straight into high-intensity delta-9 products.

How Does Delta-8 Compare With Delta-9 THC?

Considering all the fanfare surrounding delta-8 THC, you might assume researchers discovered it a few years ago. In reality, scientists have known about delta-8 since the 1940s. However, due to tight regulations on cannabis in the 20th century, it wasn’t easy for universities to test anything related to THC until recently.

Arguably, scientists wouldn’t be interested in delta-8 THC had it not been for the recent “hemp boom.” After the US government legalized hemp derivatives, many customers became interested in obscure “alternatives” to delta-9 THC.

Because the 2018 US Farm Bill only banned delta-9 THC, hemp cannabinoids like delta-8 are viewed as a legal way to “get high.” Although some states have introduced delta-8 bans, this cannabinoid is technically legal under federal law.

Legality aside, there are a few other differences between delta-8 and delta-9 THC. From a structural standpoint, delta-8 has a double-bond on its eight carbon chain, while delta-9 has this special bond on its ninth chain.

Apparently, this minor change influences how these THC cannabinoids interact with the ECS. Although delta-8 lands on CB1 receptors, it doesn’t appear to be as potent as delta-9 THC. According to anecdotal testimonies, delta-8 provides a subtler, relaxing experience compared with delta-9’s more aggressive head-rush euphoria.

What Makes Delta-8 THC Gummies So Good For Anxiety?

So, why are so many anxiety patients interested in delta-8 THC gummies? In a word: potency. Well, to be more accurate, a lack of potency.

While delta-8 is stronger than non-psychoactive cannabinoids, it’s less intense compared with delta-9 THC. For many inexperienced customers, this puts delta-8 in the “sweet spot” where they could feel THC’s relaxing qualities without side effects.

Using delta-8 in a gummy form makes it even less likely that anxiety patients will experience a panic attack. Like other edibles, delta-8 gummies take longer to enter the bloodstream. Also, when these products enter a person’s body, they won’t have the full intensity as a vape cart or smokable flower.

So, not only is delta-8 less pronounced versus delta-9, the absorption rate associated with edibles cuts the risk of paranoia. While delta-8 isn’t as “risk-free” as CBD, it appears to offer more of delta-9’s anti-anxiety properties without as much of a risk for paranoia.

However, there are special considerations worth keeping in mind before experimenting with delta-8 THC gummies.

For starters, customers need to be extra careful when dosing delta-8 gummies. It’s relatively easy to take too many edibles early-on and experience significant side effects an hour later.

Please start with just one delta-8 gummy and wait about 45 minutes to feel the edible’s effects. If you don’t feel the relief you’re looking for, try one more gummy and monitor your body’s response.

Also, please remember delta-8 THC gummies can’t provide acute anxiety relief. Since it takes about one hour for delta-8 edibles to kick-in, they are better suited for conditions like generalized anxiety disorder rather than panic attacks or night terrors.