It's true that Delta-8-THC is less likely to cause some of the side effects associated with Delta-9, so it's a popular choice even for those who are sensitive to traditional THC products. Still, in rare cases some people have reported one particular side effect from using Delta-8—sudden dizziness, also known as vertigo. So, what's the deal? Can Delta-8 cause vertigo or is there something else at play? Here's what we know:
Table of ContentsDelta 8 THC is a hemp-derived cannabinoid that is almost identical in structure to Delta-9-THC, the most popular and traditional form of THC derived from cannabis. Because Delta-8 is almost identical to Delta-9, it has pretty similar interactions in the body, and also gets you high like classic THC products.
While many people use Delta-8 for its recreational benefits, which include THC’s relaxing euphoria, others choose Delta-8 for its therapeutic potential, which could include relieving pain, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and more.
Vertigo is a term used to refer to sudden dizziness, usually a spinning sensation that makes you feel like either you or the room around you is spinning in circles. Many people experience vertigo when standing up or moving their head quickly from one side to the other.
Typically, though, vertigo is a condition characterized by frequent dizzy spells, and while it may not be permanent or chronic, it can last several days or more. It's also known that you are more likely to experience vertigo with some medications or as a symptom of dehydration or low blood sugar. With that in mind, let’s talk about how Delta-8 comes into play.
The truth is that yes, vertigo can technically be a side effect of Delta-8, but it's definitely not a common occurrence. Additionally, the dizziness sometimes experienced as a side effect of Delta-8 is just that—dizziness—where vertigo is a condition characterized by frequent dizzy spells.
Dizziness is even less common when Delta-8 is used in small to moderate doses, and you may find that only large doses cause the dizzy, vertigo-like sensation.
Also consider that vertigo might not be a side effect of Delta-8 itself, rather it can be a side effect of other Delta-8 side effects, like dehydration. If Delta-8 causes you to become dehydrated, you may experience dizziness as a result. In order to reduce the chance of experiencing any side effects from Delta-8-THC, make sure that you stay properly hydrated and understand how to dose Delta-8 properly.
Vertigo is a very rare risk associated with Delta-8, usually when too much Delta-8 is consumed, but there may be some other potential side effects to consider.
First, we want to point out that most of what we know about Delta-8 risks comes from what we know about Delta-9 because research has yet to evaluate the full safety profile of Delta-8. We also know that Delta-8 is less likely to cause certain side effects than traditional THC, like paranoia and anxiety. It’s also generally believed to have milder effects overall which means that much more Delta-8 needs to be taken to experience the same adverse effects that could be experienced when taking too much Delta-9.
In general, the side effects associated with THC include:
Again, these side effects are most commonly related to high doses of Delta-9-THC, which means they may not exactly translate to Delta-8 products. Delta-8 is believed to have a generally sound safety profile, and one study even found it to have only negligible side effects even when given to children in high doses.
In order to avoid any Delta 8 side effects and just generally ensure a positive experience, make sure you're taking the correction dose of Delta-8. We use the term correct dose lightly since every person's best dose is different. If you are not very experienced with THC products, you may consider starting with a very low dose and working your way up until you meet the desired effects.
In some cases, this may mean starting with a dose around 5-10 milligrams of Delta-8. A Delta-8-THC Tincture is great for measuring a dose in small increments like this. If you aren’t sure where to start, you may want to read “How Much Delta-8-THC Should I Take?”
The chances of Delta-8 causing a chronic case of vertigo are incredibly low, but it is possible that Delta-8 could cause a mild case of dizziness. Typically, just maintaining proper hydration and paying attention to your Delta-8 dosage can reduce the chance of experiencing these side effects. Also make sure that the Delta-8-THC product you choose is a high quality product that's free of contaminants, like pesticides or heavy metals, which may cause side effects on their own.
Delta-8-THC derived from hemp is federally legal and is legal in many U.S. states, which means you can buy it in stores and online from a variety of retailers. Of course, not all Delta-8-THC is made equal, so you need to pay close attention to the quality of a product before you buy.
If you're looking for premium-quality Delta-8-THC products in a variety of potencies and flavors, we recommend checking out our Elev8 Collection. All Vida Optima products are 100% Farm Bill compliant and third-party tested for quality assurance.
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