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Some people get a "rebound headache" from high dose THC, while others claim that THC is a savior when it comes to managing uncomfortable headaches.
Of course, many anecdotal reports come from consumers experimenting with Delta-9-THC, the traditional THC products derived from marijuana. Traditional THC is much unlike many of the hemp-derived THC products on the market, many of which are milder in nature and highly therapeutic.
The question is, what about the new hemp-THC products gracing the market, like Delta-10 and Delta-8? Can they cause headaches, too?
Delta-10 in particular has a reputation for being mild with little to no side effects. So, does Delta-10 cause headaches? Or could it be a cure?
Unfortunately, we don't have any evidence to help us understand how Delta-10 works as a headache treatment. We do, however, have some anecdotal reports that help us understand how Delta-10 may affect you and whether it can be behind those sticky rebound headaches.
Whether you're here because you're wondering if Delta-10 can treat headaches or because you tried Delta-10 and your head started booming, we’ll help you work out all the answers. Here's what we know:
Using Delta-10-THC for Headaches
Before we can address whether Delta-10 causes headaches, we want to touch on why this is such a surprising potential side effect. Although the therapeutic benefits of hemp THC are still being researched, many people claim that pain relief, including from headaches, is a primary benefit. This is true for Delta-8, at least, which is the most well-researched and wide-spread hemp-THC to date.
Delta-10 is even milder than Delta-8, so if it does help with headaches, it may do so with far less impairment. Research on Delta-10 is limited, but we do know that THC isomers derived from hemp have been successfully used in animal trials for managing pain.
In one 2018 animal study, Delta-8-THC’s interaction with the CB1 receptor (the central nervous system portion of the Endocannabinoid System) enabled it to mediate pain and inflammation. In fact, Delta-8 was noted to be significantly effective in managing pain and inflammation due to corneal injuries. The authors concluded that Delta-8 has promising pain-relieving effects that may translate to human studies, but more research is needed.
The National Cancer Institute also recognizes Delta-8-THC as an “analogue of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with antiemetic, anxiolytic, appetite-stimulating, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties," which implies their acknowledgement of Delta-8's pain-relieving effects.
Unfortunately, much less is known about Delta-10's ability to manage pain, especially in the case of headaches. For now, many experts assume that the effects would be similar because Delta-8 and Delta-10 have similar reactions in the body.
Due to a gap in current research, we haven't really pinned down every single side effect of Delta-10-THC or the likelihood of their occurrence. Still, we know from anecdotal reports that Delta-10 may, in fact, cause headaches for some people.
It's not a wild accusation since Delta-9 may also cause mild side effects for some people, like headaches, nausea, or anxiety. Still, this side effect is rare, and most people tolerate Delta-10 well.
So, why could Delta-10-THC possibly cause headaches? It varies from person to person, but here are some possible reasons:
Have you ever noticed that THC makes you thirsty? This phenomenon is jokingly referred to as "cotton mouth," but it's a very real side effect of THC use. It happens because THC increases the metabolism and the rate at which your body uses water, so you feel thirsty to signal you to drink more.
If you don't increase your water intake, or if you were already dehydrated to begin with, it's possible that any THC could cause dehydration that causes a headache. It's important to stay hydrated all the time (even when not using THC products), which may help you avoid this side effect.
As you may know, THC increases your metabolism. Not eating enough can definitely cause a headache, and these effects can be sped up when your metabolism is increased. If you haven't eaten enough prior to taking Delta-10-THC, it can definitely cause a headache, though this may be less of a problem with Delta-10 than with Delta-8 since Delta-10's appetite stimulating effects are less potent.
Delta-10's psychoactivity is much milder than Delta-9's, but it still has similar characteristics. For most people, a THC-induced high causes increased sensitivity to light and sounds, which is why certain atmospheres can harbor a euphoric experience.
This increased sensitivity could cause a headache, especially in people who are already sensitive to light or sound. If you have impaired eyesight, it's especially important that you wear your glasses or contacts while using Delta-10 so that you aren't straining your eyes, which can definitely be a recipe for a headache.
Delta-10 is thought to be far less likely to cause anxiety than Delta-9 or even Delta-8, which is why it's often said to be a great option for beginners or for those who are sensitive to traditional THC products. Still, it's possible that Delta-10 just isn't for everyone, and some people may still experience some anxiety while under the influence of THC. In some cases, anxiety manifests in physical ways, like an increased heart rate or a headache. If you notice a bit of anxiety alongside your headache, this may be the case.
Hemp industry regulations are still pretty scattered, and while some states do have a more strenuous quality assurance program, others do not. It’s incredibly important that you buy Delta-10 from a trustworthy source.
Delta-10 products that are cut with synthetic cannabinoids are not only illegal, but they can be dangerous. Other ingredients, like various fillers and artificial flavors used to make cheap versions of Delta-10 products, may also cause a headache or other unwanted side effects.
We don't know everything there is to know about the Endocannabinoid System, but we do know that it is incredibly complex. Its primary purpose is to maintain homeostasis, or a state of balance within the body. We know that Delta-10 binds with Endocannabinoid receptors in the brain and Central Nervous System. It's possible in some cases where the Endocannabinoid System is already in perfect balance that using cannabinoids can cause overregulation, which could result in mild side effects like a headache.
If Delta-10 does cause headaches, can you avoid them?
We'd first like to point out that headaches are not a common side effect of Delta-10-THC, and most people can use Delta-10 without any adverse effects at all. Still, if you do find yourself developing a headache after using Delta-10, there may be some steps you can take to prevent it from happening. If you want to give Delta-10 another go, implement these tips:
While most of the side effects reported after Delta-10-THC use are mild, you should definitely take side effects seriously. If you experience a severe headache after using Delta-10-THC, like a migraine, or a headache that is debilitating, stop using Delta-10 immediately and talk to your doctor.
Often, a severe headache like this is not caused by Delta-10, but could be caused by an underlying issue. If you haven't already gotten a diagnosis for your severe headaches, it's important to get checked out to rule out any serious problems. If you want to try Delta-10 again in the future, get approval from your doctor first, and follow the steps we laid out above.
While it's possible for Delta-10 to cause a headache, it's not a common side effect. Most people use Delta-10-THC with no adverse reactions at all. Staying hydrated, eating well, and avoiding overstimulation can help prevent a headache from happening. If you're worried about Delta-8-THC side effects, we suggest starting with small doses. Read "How Much Delta-10 Should I Take?" to learn more.
To find high-quality hemp THC products, check out ourElev8 Collection. You'll find hemp-derived THC edibles, tinctures, flower, and more that fit all potency and dosage needs.
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