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Have you ever heard of a “rebound headache” from THC? It’s a common claim that you’ll find when inquiring about THC’s side effects. In a modern era of hemp-derived THC products, many people want to know if ultra-potent THC-O products can have the same effect. And if so, can they be avoided?
There’s plenty to learn about THC-O and it’s potential side effects, but we want to narrow our focus down on this common concern. So, let’s find out–does THC-O cause headaches?
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Before we can dive into the reason that THC-O could cause headaches for some people, we want to touch on one very important point–THC-O is much more potent than traditional THC products.
In fact, it’s thought to be about three times as potent as Delta-9-THC, and Delta-8 may be more accurately described as borderline hallucinogenic. In addition to being much more potent, the high from THC-O is described as being more uplifting and not as sedating, akin to potent sativa-dominant strains of cannabis.
In short, you should definitely expect some of the same effects you'll get from traditional THC, but on a much more potent scale. Typically, THC-O is meant to be taken in smaller, manageable doses in order to provide a mild to moderate euphoric experience.
Read “THC-O Effects” to learn more.
Just like THC-O’s effects are pretty similar to Delta-9’s, the side effect profile of THC-) is thought to be very similar, too. That means that it’s very possible that some people may experience headaches as a side effect of THC-O, but there may be some factors that lead up to this experience.
For instance, side effects like headaches, nausea, or anxiety may be linked to overconsumption. Here’s the gist of how that works–the Endocannabinoid System, or the bodily system that cannabinoids can interact with, is responsible for maintaining balance.
In a case where your endocannabinoid system is running a bit low on endocannabinoids, or the cannabinoids that are naturally produced by the body, cannabis consumption could help to “level you out” so to speak. This is the primary idea behind why cannabis is thought to be useful for conditions that are possibly linked to clinical endocannabinoid deficiency. This may be a key factor in how cannabinoids help to provide therapeutic effects (like potentially relieving headaches, nausea, or anxiety).
But lets say your endocannabinoid system is already “leveled,” or maybe its even over-regulated, meaning you have too many endocannabinoids circulating your body. What then?
Well, intaking too many cannabinoids, or intaking a heavy dose of a cannabinoid as potent as THC-O, may have the opposite effect. In other words, over consumption could cause a dysregulation that leads to headaches or other side effects for some people.
The good news is, THC-O’s side effects are rare and usually mild, and you may be able to avoid them entirely by taking your dosing journey slow until you understand how your body reacts to THC-O. In fact, we often recommend microdosing THC-O to new THC consumers since it can be helpful for finding the perfect THC-O dose.
Let’s say the headache isn’t linked to overconsumption or endocannabinoid dysregulation like we mentioned above. Then, we need to look deeper to find the cause behind a headache that’s seemingly induced by THC-O. Here are some possible reasons you may experience this side effect:
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. Ultimately, this could lead to dehydration if you don’t increase your water intake, which is a leading cause of dehydration.
As we mentioned, Delta-8 THC-O, like other THC products, may boost your metabolism and increase your appetite. If you aren’t well nourished, this could cause a headache. Make sure that you eat well before taking your THC-O dose, or fix yourself some healthy snacks to enjoy when the dose kicks in.
Part of THC’s psychoactive effects include an increased sensitivity to light and sound which could potentially result in a headache. You may be able to avoid this by choosing a calm environment, and make sure to wear your lenses if you have impaired vision.
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 THC-O from a trustworthy source.
THC-O 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 THC-O products, may also cause a headache or other unwanted side effects.
We mentioned that you can likely avoid the headache potentially caused by THC-O by simply managing your THC-O dosage closely. The same is true for other THC-O side effects. In fact, overconsumption is the most common reason that you may experience side effects from THC.
Here are some other tips to help ensure that your THC-O experience goes smoothly:
Generally speaking, a severe headache is not a commonly reported side effect of using THC. However, you should definitely take this side effect seriously when it arises.
If you experience a severe or debilitating headache after using THC-O, you should seek medical assistance. This may be caused by an unwanted ingredient or chemical in the THC-O product you choose, or could even be related to an underlying health condition.
While it's possible for THC-O to cause a headache, it's not a common side effect. Most people use THC-O 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 THC-O side effects, we suggest starting with small doses. Read "How Much THC-O Should I Take?" to learn more.
To find high-quality, hemp-derived THC products, check out ourElev8 Collection. You'll find a wide range of federally legal edibles, tinctures, flower, and more that fit all potency and dosing needs.
25mg of THC-O is considered a relatively high dose, especially for those new to THC-O or with low tolerance. It's recommended to start with a lower dose to gauge your body's reaction.
Headaches after consuming edibles can be due to dehydration, the quality of the product, or individual sensitivity to THC or other ingredients in the edible. Ensure you stay hydrated and consider trying a different product if headaches persist.
The health effects of THC-O are still being studied, but it is known to have psychoactive properties that can induce relaxation and euphoria. Some users report more intense effects compared to other forms of THC. Always use with caution and consult a healthcare provider if you have concerns.
The effects of THC-O can last anywhere from 4 to 6 hours, depending on the dose, method of consumption, and individual metabolism. Edibles may have longer-lasting effects compared to inhalation methods.
Yes, THC-O is generally reported to be more potent and can produce a stronger high than Delta 8 THC. Users often find THC-O to have more intense psychoactive effects, so it's recommended to start with a lower dose to assess tolerance.
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