Delta-8 Withdrawal Timeline
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What Is Delta-8?
Delta-8 is a shortened version of delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol. It is one of more than 100 cannabinoids that have been identified in the cannabis sativa plant. It is also an isomer of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, which is commonly referred to as THC.
Delta-9, which is more plentiful and more powerful than delta-8, is primarily responsible for marijuana’s psychoactive effects. It is also regulated much more strictly in the United States than delta-8 is. This is why you may sometimes see delta-8 products sold in locations where “regular” marijuana or cannabis is prohibited.
Since cannabis plants contain such a minor amount of delta-8, most delta-8 that is available for sale has been lab-created as a concentrate from cannabidiol, which is derived from hemp.
While delta-8 isn’t as potent as delta-9, that doesn’t mean that the substance has no effects whatsoever. Delta-8 use can cause intoxication, just not to the level that delta-9 does.
Is Delta-8 Dangerous?
Delta-8 products are sometimes referred to as diet weed, because they aren’t nearly as strong as products that contain delta-9. However, less powerful is not the same thing as harmless. As we noted in the previous section, delta-8 can have intoxicating effects. It can also put people at risk for various forms of harm, such as:
- Injuries due to impaired judgement and coordination
- Abnormal heart rate
Anxiety - Delayed reaction time
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tics and tremors
- Memory loss
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned about the following dangers related to delta-8:
- Products that are marketed as delta-8 may contain a variety of additional chemicals or other contaminants.
- Since delta-8 products have not been evaluated by the FDA, consumers may not know exactly what they are putting into their bodies when they use products that are marketed under this name.
- From Jan. 1, 2021, to Feb. 28, 2022, national poison control centers received more than 2,300 calls about delta-8 exposure. 70% of these cases required evaluations at hospitals or other healthcare facilities, and one case (involving a child) ended in death.
One of the more widespread concerns about delta-8 is that it can be much easier to acquire than delta-9. Since it is often sold in gas stations, convenience stores, or online – and because there are no federally established minimum age requirements to purchase this substance – it can be an enticing product for younger people.
In a March 2024 press release, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reported that 11% of high school seniors have used delta-8. NIDA also reported that the rate of delta-8 use among 12th graders is higher in states where cannabis is illegal (14%) than in states where cannabis is legal (8%).
“We don’t know enough about these drugs, but we see that they are already extremely accessible to teens,” NIDA Director Nora Volkow said in the release. “Cannabis use in general has been associated with negative impacts on the adolescent brain, so we must pay attention to the kinds of cannabis products teens are using, educate young people about potential risks, and ensure that treatment for cannabis use disorder and adequate mental health care is provided to those who need it.”
Delta-8 Withdrawal Timeline
If you have been using delta-8 on a regular basis, you can become dependent on it. If you then try to abruptly stop using the drug, you may experience physical and psychological distress. The delta-8 withdrawal timeline can include the following symptoms:
- Intense cravings
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Disrupted concentration
- Appetite loss
- Anxiety
- Depression
The nature and intensity of these symptoms can vary from one person to the next. In general, though, the delta-8 timeline usually looks something like this:
- Symptoms typically begin to set in within a day or two after you last used delta-8.
- Symptoms usually intensify throughout the first week of the delta-8 withdrawal timeline, before reaching peak severity.
- By the end of the second week, most physical symptoms should have subsided. However, it’s not uncommon to experience cravings and some other psychological symptoms for an extended period.
- Residual cravings, irritability, and some other psychological symptoms can persist for a month or longer.
Benefits of Detox for Delta-8 Withdrawal
To ensure that you can successfully complete the delta-8 withdrawal timeline, you may want to think about entering a detoxification, or detox program.
While you’re in detox, you will be cared for by professionals who can help you manage your symptoms and keep you as comfortable as possible.
Other benefits of detox for delta-8 withdrawal:
- You will be in a closely supervised, drug-free environment. This means you won’t have access to delta-8 or any other substances that could derail your recovery efforts.
- Detox professionals are familiar with all aspects of the withdrawal process. They can explain what you’re experiencing and give you informed estimates of how long your symptoms will last. This can remove fear of the unknown and provide you with additional peace of mind.
- Depending on the parameters of the detox you’re in, you may be able to participate in therapy while you’re still in the process of withdrawing. This can help you manage your symptoms and begin to develop the skills that will help you build a healthier life.
Once you have completed detox, your treatment team can recommend appropriate follow-on care. This can help you establish a stronger foothold in early recovery and prepare you for long-term success.
Find Delta-8 Detox in Nashville
If you’re ready to end your delta-8 use, Music City Detox is here to help. At our detoxification center in Nashville, Tennessee, you can complete withdrawal under the care of a team of experienced professionals.
While you’re with us, we can work with you to determine the full scope of your needs, help you set meaningful short- and long-term goals, then identify the services and resources that can support your continued progress in the weeks and months to come.
To learn more about us or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Admissions page or call us today.