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Depression is a mental disorder characterized by low mood, lack of motivation, and lack of enjoyment. Today, depression is far too common, but is still difficult to treat with modern medications. The most common prescriptions used to manage depression may help to alleviate some symptoms, but they also come with a range of unwanted side effects, leaving many people searching for a more holistic approach.
As hemp THC products have become more accessible, it only makes sense that people want to know more about Delta-10’s potential health benefits. More specifically, can Delta-10 help with depression?
Unfortunately, we don’t currently have any research to help us understand how Delta-10 or other hemp THC products may affect those suffering with depression. However, we do know that Delta-10 is not so different from Delta-9, the traditional THC product that is approved for medicinal use in over half of U.S. states. So, what does this tell us about Delta-10 for depression? Let’s dig in to the details:
Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by low mood or loss of interest in hobbies or other activities. According to the World Health Organization, Depression affects roughly 280 million people globally every year. It can significantly impair daily life, including within your career, social circle, and home life.
Unfortunately, experts have not pinpointed one specific cause of depression, rather they believe that it could be caused by a combination of psychological, biological, and social triggers. Because it has such a severe impact on day-to-day life, most people need to seek medical assistance in managing their depression. Depression is a medical condition and should always be diagnosed by a medical expert.
When you seek a professional diagnosis for your depression, you'll most likely be guided towards traditional depression therapies, such as prescription antidepressants and mood stabilizers. Some medications commonly prescribed for depression include:
Many people experience positive effects after finding the correct medication, but it can take some time and trial and error to find the right medication for you. Plus, many of the medications commonly prescribed to treat depression come with a healthy list of side effects. Some of the mild side effects from many antidepressants may include:
More severe complications could include worsened depression and suicidal thoughts. Some medications, like Zoloft, even come with a black box warning, which means they can result in death.
Because some prescription medications are so risky, some people prefer to manage their mild to moderate depression through natural methods, like herbal supplementation. Some supplements that are commonly used to manage depression include:
However, these supplements are not necessarily backed by research, and many of them stem from new trends that are only scarcely supported by anecdotal reports.
On the other hand, cannabis has been praised for its therapeutic benefits for centuries, and some sources suggest that it may have benefits for managing low mood. Many people suggest that cannabis helps them manage some of the negative side effects associated with depression, like poor appetite or trouble sleeping.
It's important to understand that Delta-10-THC research is limited, and what we currently know about Delta-10’s benefits mostly center around what we know about Delta-9-THC. Because traditional THC and hemp-derived THC products (like Delta-8 and Delta-10) are incredibly similar and interact with the body in similar ways, many experts assume that Delta-9-THC’s therapeutic benefits may also apply to Delta-10-THC. Delta-10 is much less potent, of course, but that may even pose some additional benefits.
We'll dig into the research regarding THC’s benefits for depression below, but first let's dig into why Delta-10 may offer unique benefits thanks to its lower potency and mild psychoactive effects.
Although Delta-10-THC research is currently limited, there is some research behind Delta-8, another hemp THC isomer that’s known for its mild effects. For perspective, Delta-8 is about half as potent as traditional Delta-9, and Delta-10 is about half as potent as Delta-8. So, Delta-10 is an even milder dosing alternative, which, according to some research, may be a good thing.
One study found Delta-8 to be incredibly effective at reducing nausea and vomiting in pediatric cancer patients. This, of course, has nothing to do with depression, but some of the background details revealed in this research are important.
First, the research centered around the use of Delta-8-THC in pediatric cancer patients, and still found the side effect profile to be incredibly mild. In other words, this study confirms that even when used on children, who arguably have a lower dosing threshold than adults, Delta-8-THC has a low risk of adverse effects.
More specifically, the research found Delta-8 to have a much lower potential for causing anxiety and paranoia, two of the most commonly reported side effects related to Delta-9. The research did not identify why this may be the case, but it does suggest that Delta-8-THC’s milder effects may be a benefit.
In short, Delta-10 may have a unique advantage over traditional THC products because its effects are less intense and less likely to cause anxiety and paranoia. Still, any evidence we have regarding Delta-10's benefits for depression come from what we know about Delta-9, so let’s take a look:
Research concerning the impact of THC on depression and other mental health disorders is mixed, but most experts agree that depression and other mood disorders can be linked to the endocannabinoid system. In one animal study, researchers identified a link between low endocannabinoid levels and chronic stress. The study concluded that cannabinoids in cannabis could be useful at restoring endocannabinoid balance and reducing the symptoms of depression.
Low endocannabinoid levels, a condition sometimes referred to as endocannabinoid deficiency, has also been linked to symptoms like pain, sleep issues, and even chronic disorders like multiple sclerosis. By this theory, endocannabinoid therapy could be useful for managing a range of disorders, including depression.
Another theory involves different forms of cannabis, including those with high CBD levels. One study found that just one puff of high-CBD, low-THC cannabis could help reduce depressive symptoms, while two puffs of any type of cannabis could reduce self-reported anxiety levels. Because hemp THC flower is made with high-CBD hemp flower (but also contains fair amounts of THC), its benefits may fall somewhere in the middle.
Although cannabis may have a positive impact on depression, it may not be the best option for long term use. A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders suggests that THC's benefits for depression are more substantial when used as a short-term therapy, but that chronic use led to no significant change in depressive symptoms.
As you can see, research regarding THC for depression is limited, and it all focuses on Delta-9-THC. Although Delta-10 anecdotally has benefits for uplifting mood, it will be some time before we have the research to fully understand Delta-10’s potential benefits for depression.
To put it briefly, cannabis cannot be prescribed at all. Because cannabis is not FDA approved, a physician cannot write a prescription for cannabis. However, they can recommend cannabis in states where medical marijuana is legal.
In some of these states, depression is a qualifying condition for cannabis use. Medical marijuana patients are required to get a medical marijuana card issued through their state, which requires a doctor's recommendation. However, Delta-10-THC is available online to anyone who lives in a state where Delta-10 is legal and does not require a medical card.
Everyone's experience with hemp THC is unique, so it's impossible to summarize the "best" way to use Delta-10-THC for depression. The dosage method you use, whether it be edibles, smokables, or something else, depends mostly on preference.
You’ll also want to consider the different dosing methods available. Some evidence supports the use of this multi-cannabinoid combination, which is often referred to as a “full spectrum” dose, because it could offer increased benefits (otherwise known as the entourage effect).
CBD is one option that is commonly recommended. It’s known to have a broad range of benefits, including some similar benefits that may be useful for managing depression, but without causing any psychoactive effects that inhibit your ability to function normally. Alternatively, you may consider a more targeted cannabinoid therapy. Our Clarity CBG Mood Tincture offers the benefits of both CBD and CBG, which may have an ensemble effect that boosts mood and mental clarity.
As we mentioned previously, the type of Delta-8-THC product you choose depends entirely on preference, but there are benefits and drawbacks to every dosing style. Some of the most common Delta-10 products include:
Again, everyone responds to Delta-10 and other hemp products differently, which means you’ll need to put some thought into your dosing routine. You may want to experiment with different dosages and dosing methods to see what works best for you.
Because Delta-10 is milder, you may have a greater dosage range. If you are completely inexperienced with THC, you may want to start with smaller doses of Delta-10, around 5 milligrams. Then, you can feel out your Delta-10 response before adjusting your dosage. Some people may not experience any effects from small doses. More experienced consumers may take 20-50 milligrams of Delta-10 per dose.
Read our Delta-10 dosing guide to learn about how much Delta-10 to take. If you want a daily preventative dose that doesn’t cause psychoactive effects, you may consider CBD.
Although the best product type may vary by person, one thing is constant: quality matters.
Regulation is not consistent across the hemp industry, so you may need to do a little research of your own before choosing a hemp THC brand.
Look for a company that uses U.S. grown hemp that's free of pesticides. The brand should also use a thorough testing process to ensure quality, and you should be able to view the third-party test results before you buy. Compare the results to the product label, and check the Delta-10 content to ensure that the product is made with real Delta-10-THC and not a synthetic alternative, which could potentially be dangerous.
Before you start using Delta-10 for depression, be sure to consider any potential risks of Delta-10. Assuming that the product is high-quality and free of potential contaminants, the most common side effects may be similar to that of other THC products.
These potential side effects are usually rare and mild and may include:
There’s also the risk of Delta-10 drug interactions if you already take other medications. Be sure to talk to your doctor before starting Delta-10 or making any changes to your wellness routine.
Of course, the risks increase when using a low-quality product. The most severe risk in using a hemp-derived THC product is getting a product that is contaminated with residual solvents, pesticides, or other chemicals. That’s why it's important to only buy from high-quality, reputable brands that use clean hemp material and third-party testing techniques.
Because Delta-10-THC is federally legal, you can buy Delta-10 in stores and online in many states. Keep in mind that hemp industry regulations vary from state to state, so it's wise to do a little background research before choosing a Delta-10-THC product. Look for a brand with experience in the industry who uses clean hemp and third-party testing to ensure quality.
At Vida Optima, all of our products are made from U.S. grown, premium hemp that's processed in a cGMP compliant facility. Our Elev8 Collection is 100% Farm Bill compliant and third-party tested.
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