Is Delta-8 Good for Nausea? What Research Tells Us

by Kat Austin September 24, 2021 8 min read

Is Delta-8 Good for Nausea? What Research Tells Us - VO Inc

Delta-8 is a new addition to the world of hemp-derived wellness, and research is still sorting out all of its potential benefits. Some areas of research are more developed than others, and the use of Delta-8 for nausea is supported by both anecdotal and clinical evidence.

So, whether you're looking for natural nausea relief for a hangover, or just something to keep on hand for when that queasy feeling arises, you may want to consider keeping Delta-8-THC handy.

Don't take our word for it, though. We'll cover the supporting research below, and give you some tips for how to use Delta-8-THC for nausea effectively.

Let's dive in:

How Does Using Delta-8 for Nausea Work?
Delta-8 for Nausea Research
Will Delta-8 Increase Appetite?
Can You Take Delta-8 for Nausea Without Getting High?
Does Delta-8 for Nausea Have Any Side Effects?
How to Use Delta-8 for Nausea
What are the Best Delta-8-THC Products for Nausea?
Resources

Key Takeaways

  • Delta-8-THC’s use for nausea is its most heavily researched benefit.
  • Delta-8 may also help increase appetite, which is often useful when combating nausea.
  • Delta-8’s side effects are thought to be similar to traditional THC’s and most studies describe it as “well tolerated.”
  • There are many different types of Delta-8 products that may be useful for nausea, but you may want to avoid edible products.

Does Delta-8 Help With Nausea?

Delta-8 THC has shown potential in helping with nausea, particularly due to its interaction with the body's endocannabinoid system. Some studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that Delta-8 can reduce nausea and vomiting, making it a possible alternative for those seeking relief from these symptoms.

However, more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness, and it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before using Delta-8 for nausea management.

How Does Using Delta-8 for Nausea Work?

Delta-8-THC's potential benefits for nausea have everything to do with the way that Delta-8 interacts with the body. We know that Delta-8 interacts with the Endocannabinoid System similarly to other hemp-derived cannabinoids.

The Endocannabinoid System is a cell signaling system that's responsible for the regulation of many essential bodily functions. To put it simply, the Endocannabinoid System's job is to maintain a state of balance, called homeostasis, which also involves the regulation of things like metabolism, digestion, and yes, nausea and vomiting.

According to the National Cancer Institute, Delta-8 binds to the CB-1 receptor, which is primarily located in the brain and Central Nervous System. This is the same receptor that Delta-9-THC binds to, and is the receptor responsible for inducing psychoactive effects. Subsequently, research also suggests that the CB-1 receptor plays a role in the regulation of nausea, vomiting, and inflammation in the gut.

A 2011 review published in the British Journal of Pharmacology concluded that the cannabinoids that are useful in treating nausea symptoms do so by acting as agonists of the CB-1 receptor. This further verifies that Delta-8, a CB-1 agonist, has great potential as a therapeutic option for combating nausea.

A variety of different Delta-8-THC dosing methods that may be useful for nausea

Delta-8-THC for Nausea Research

We mentioned that the use of Delta-8-THC for nausea is the most heavily researched area in terms of Delta-8's therapeutic effects. Still, there is only limited research available that explores these effects.

One of the most profound studies regarding Delta 8's antiemetic effects was spearheaded by the father of cannabis himself, renowned Israeli cannabinoid researcher Raphael Mechoulam. This 1995 study centers around the use of Delta 8 THC in pediatric cancer patients to manage nausea caused by traditional cancer treatments, like chemotherapy.

Delta-8-THC was administered to children aged 3 to 13 who were undergoing chemotherapy and suffered from related nausea and vomiting. Delta-8-THC doses were given 2 hours prior to the chemo treatment and then every six hours after the treatment for 24 hours.

The study concluded that Delta-8-THC was 100% effective at reducing vomiting in all 480 participants. It also suggested that Delta-8 was potentially more useful for managing nausea than Delta-9, because it could be given in larger doses without the same adverse effects, even in children. This was also one of the first studies to determine that Delta-8’s psychoactive effects are significantly milder than Delta 9’s. In this case, Delta-8 was reported to be about half as potent.

Other minor studies have also verified Delta-8-THC's benefits for combating nausea, leading to a pharmaceutical patent regarding the use of Delta-8-THC as an antiemetic. The research used to secure the patent reveals that Delta-8 may be up to 200% more effective at reducing nausea than Delta-9.

This limited evidence leads the way for more research regarding the use of Delta-8 for nausea, and highlights the potential of Delta-8 for related pharmaceutical applications.

Will Delta-8-THC Increase Appetite?

When you're experiencing nausea, it’s usually hard to eat, much less keep anything down. And that's unfortunate, because when you're sick you need as much nutrition and hydration as possible. Luckily, Delta-8 may be able to help stimulate your appetite so you can get down that bowl of chicken soup and that extra water.

Delta-8 may naturally improve your appetite just by calming your nausea, but Delta-8-THC is also known to stimulate appetite in a similar manner to traditional THC products.

A 2004 animal study found that Delta-8-THC stimulated appetite in mice. The research compared Delta-8-THC to Delta-9 and found Delta-8 to be more effective.

Generally, the appetite boost sets in about half an hour after Delta-8 takes effect. Just be careful not to overdo it if you've been feeling nauseous, and especially if you've been vomiting.

Can You Take Delta-8-THC for Nausea Without Getting High?

Many people want to experience the benefits of Delta-8 for nausea but don't necessarily want to feel intoxicated the entire time. It's understandable, which is why many people would rather reach for the over the counter nausea medications than traditional THC products.

A man measuring a dose of Delta-8-THC for nausea

There may be another option so that you don't have to resort to unnatural solutions. In some cases, people report a good experience when using Delta-8 microdoses to combat nausea. Microdosing, or the act of taking very small doses of something, may allow you to experience the therapeutic benefits of Delta-8 without the psychoactivity. 

To do this, you may want to grab a fast acting dosing method, like Delta-8 flower or a tincture. You may also find that you need to take the small doses more frequently throughout the day to manage nausea consistently. To learn more about this method, read “Can you Microdose Delta 8?

Does Delta-8 Have Any Side Effects?

There have not been any research efforts specifically dedicated to identifying the side effects of Delta-8, but it is generally thought to have a side effect profile that's similar to Delta 9's. That's because Delta-8 and Delta-9 are incredibly similar.

In fact, the molecules are only different by one carbon bond, and the two have very similar interactions in the body. Much of the research about Delta-8's therapeutic effects also suggest that Delta-8 is usually well tolerated. Based on what we know about traditional THC and various anecdotal reports, here are some of the most common potential side effects of Delta-8:

  • Headaches
  • Tiredness
  • Anxiety
  • Paranoia
  • Increased heart rate
  • Irregular heart rate
  • Dry mouth
  • Increased appetite
  • Confusion

How to Use Delta-8 for Nausea

If you're ready to combat your nausea with natural hemp-derived Delta-8-THC, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, you may want to choose a fast-acting dosing method to combat nausea, because some products may take over an hour to kick in. A Delta-8-THC vaporizer, Delta-8 flower, or sublingual products may take effect in 30 minutes or less.

Also note that the effects from Delta-8 products may last anywhere from 4 to 6 hours. That means you may need to take more than one dose throughout the day if your nausea persists.

Delta-8 Dosage for Nausea

When considering Delta-8 THC for nausea, starting with a low dose is recommended due to individual differences in tolerance and body chemistry.

A common starting dose is around 5-10 mg, which can be gradually increased if needed. Some people may find relief with as little as 5 mg, while others might require a higher dose, but it's crucial to increase the dosage slowly and consult with a healthcare provider to determine the safest and most effective amount for managing nausea.

Some people prefer to use the microdosing technique we mentioned above, while others find that larger doses keep their nausea at bay for a longer period of time. To learn more about Delta-8-THC dosing, read "How Much Delta-8 Should I Take?

Keep in mind that everyone's experience with Delta-8 is unique, so just pay close attention to how you feel and adjust your dosage amount and dosing routine accordingly.

What are the Best Delta-8-THC Products for Nausea?

Virtually any type of Delta-8-THC product will offer similar therapeutic benefits, but many people prefer fast acting doses for combating nausea. Also, you'll probably want to avoid stocking up on Delta-8-THC edibles for this purpose, since it can be difficult to get any type of food down when you're feeling queasy.

A Delta-8-THC vaporizer, one of the most convenient dosing methods for fast acting effects.

Instead, consider the following products and the unique benefits of their dosing method:

  • Delta-8-THC Flower: Flower is a natural method for consuming Delta-8 that may offer a balanced experience. The natural hemp provides the benefits of a full spectrum cannabinoid profile, natural terpenes, and quick delivery. The effects from smoking Delta-8-THC flower will kick in after only a few minutes, so you can easily take small doses periodically until you start to feel relief.
  • Delta-8-THC Vaporizer: A Delta-8-THC vape offers the same fast-acting effects as flower. Plus, you can use the same "dose stacking " trick to take small doses until your nausea subsides.
  • Delta-8-THC Tinctures: Tinctures take a bit longer to take effect (around 30 minutes), but they offer a unique opportunity to precisely measure your Delta-8 dose. You place the tincture oil under your tongue and then swallow the remainder. A good Delta-8-THC tincture will have a very mild taste, so it may not be difficult to tolerate even when you're feeling nauseous.

Looking for premium Delta-8-THC?Check out our Elev8 Collection. All Vida Optima products are made according to the industry’s highest standards and are 100% Farm Bill compliant.

You may also want to read:

FAQ: Delta 8 and Nausea

Which Delta is best for nausea?

Delta-8-THC is often reported to help with nausea and vomiting, as it can interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to potentially reduce these symptoms. However, individual responses can vary, so it may be helpful to start with a low dose and adjust as needed.

Does Delta 8 affect stomach?

Delta-8-THC can affect the stomach in a few ways. While it may help alleviate nausea and stimulate appetite for some, others might experience gastrointestinal discomfort or upset. Monitoring your body’s response and adjusting the dosage can help manage these effects.

What are the positive side effects of Delta 8?

Some positive side effects of Delta-8-THC include reduced anxiety, improved mood, better sleep, and increased appetite. It's important to note that the effects can vary based on individual tolerance and dosage.

Does CBD help nausea and vomiting?

CBD has been studied for its potential to reduce nausea and vomiting, especially in cases related to chemotherapy. Some research suggests that CBD might help alleviate these symptoms, but more studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.

What relieves nausea fast?

Common remedies for quick relief from nausea include drinking clear fluids, consuming ginger or peppermint, eating small, bland meals, and resting. Over-the-counter medications like antihistamines or antiemetics can also be effective, but consulting a healthcare provider is recommended for persistent symptoms.

What gummies are best for nausea?

Gummies containing ginger or peppermint are often recommended for nausea relief due to their natural anti-nausea properties. Delta-8-THC gummies may also provide relief for some people, but it's best to choose products from reputable brands and start with a low dose.

Resources

  1. “NCI: Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol” https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-drug/def/delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol?redirect=true
  2. “The role of cannabinoids in regulation of nausea and vomiting, and visceral pain” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25715910/
  3. “Regulation of nausea and vomiting by cannabinoids”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165951/
  4. “An efficient new cannabinoid antiemetic in pediatric oncology” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7776837/
  5. “Cb-delta8-thc composition”https://patents.google.com/patent/US20070149611A1/en
  6. “Very low doses of delta 8-THC increase food consumption and alter neurotransmitter levels following weight loss” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15099912/

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