Often considered as the feeling of uneasiness and dizziness, motion sickness is experienced by almost everyone while traveling by car, train, plane, etc.

As per a recent study, nearly 1 in every 3 people is affected by motion sickness, making it one of the most common diseases.

In most cases, motion sickness is experienced via an upset stomach and dizziness that further translates into becoming pale and feeling headache.

To assess whether or not Delta 8 will work upon motion sickness, it is necessary to understand the reasons that cause it.

What Causes Motion Sickness?

Our peripheral nervous system comprises two types of nerves which are:

  • Sensory Nerve: These are efferent and carry the messages towards the central nervous system or brain.
  • Motor nerve: These are afferent and carry the messages from the brain

Motion sickness essentially happens when the brain cannot correctly process the signals sent to it via the sensory nerves.

This creates a disturbance within the body, resulting in dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and loose motions.

What is Delta 8?

Delta 8 is a natural metabolite, which is a molecule of cannabinoids. It is obtained from the dried leaves of Marijuana following a typical extraction process, which involves the technique of refluxing and usage of organic solvents like Toluene, Heptane, etc.

Delta-8 is widely known for producing solid euphoric effects (milder than Delta 9) that often help to alleviate pain and provide an immense feeling of relaxation.

Besides producing euphoric effects and helping in pain relief, Delta 8 is a robust anti-emetic agent that helps people overcome nausea and acts as a natural remedy for motion sickness.

How Delta 8 Can Help In Relieving The Symptoms Of Motion Sickness?

Delta 8 is a known and scientifically proven cannabinoid compound that gives relief from motion sickness. It is primarily due to its ability to influence and manipulate the Endocannabinoid system (ECS), a collection of several endocannabinoids.

What is an Endocannabinoid system (ECS)?

An Endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a biological system that comprises several endocannabinoids. These endocannabinoids are endogenous substances (as they originate from within the system), lipid-based, and act as neurotransmitters.

These neurotransmitters are attached to the cannabinoid receptors, which are:

  • CB1 (in the case of the Central Nervous System)
  • CB2 (in case of Peripheral Nervous System)

The Role of CB 1 Receptors

Both the receptors CB1 and CB2 are spread throughout their respective nervous systems. Apart from the Central nervous system, the CB1 receptors are also discovered in the Gastrointestinal (GI) tracts. These are known to manage and control several human processes, which are, but are not limited to:

  • Processing of the memory and learning
  • Regulation of pain and metabolism
  • Regulation of intake of food
  • Controls the processes of vomiting and nausea
  • Controls intestinal inflammation

How does Delta 8 control motion sickness?

Delta 8, being a psychoactive substance, gets itself attached to the CB1 receptors located in the Central nervous system and the GI tracts. It acts as an agonizing agent (initiator of a psychological response upon getting attached to a receptor) and relieves the ill effects of motion sickness.

This claim gets further support from a study published in 2011 in the British Journal of Pharmacology, which has further confirmed the efficacy of Delta 8 in dealing with vomiting and nausea.

Is It A Better Option Than Delta 9?

Delta 9 is a psychoactive substance, which is more potent than Delta 8. As per a recent study, Delta 9 was twice more effective than Delta 8 in creating euphoric effects.

Delta 9 gets this strength from its distinct physical structure, which is different from Delta 8 because of the location of a double bond.

Delta 8 is often considered the younger brother of Delta 9; however, the ability of the Delta 8 to cure the symptoms associated with motion sickness is unmatched and superior to that of Delta 9.

It is primarily because Delta 8 is a more robust and powerful antiemetic agent than Delta 9. This statement gains justification and support from a 1995 study conducted by Raphael Mechoulam, an eminent cannabis scientist who has conducted various studies on the various cannabinoid compounds.

Due to its anti-emetic solid properties, Delta 8 gummies are a better option over Delta 9 in situations of motion sickness.

Relieves Secondary Symptoms Associated With Motion Sickness As Well

Apart from an upset stomach, nausea, and vomiting, motion sickness also leads to:

  • Anxiety
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth
  • Insomnia, etc.

These usually happen after the onset of motion sickness in part or whole. Delta 8 also helps relieve these secondary symptoms associated with motion sickness due to its ability to create a robust euphoric effect.

How Delta 8 Creates A Euphoric Effect?

As mentioned earlier, CB1 receptors are found in both the Central nervous system and GI tracts. When Delta 8 binds with the receptors present in the central nervous system, it creates a euphoric effect by stimulating the release of dopamine.

This attachment influences the brain’s reward system and prompts it to release a more significant dose of dopamine, which is carried to the different parts of the brain through the various dopamine pathways.

When it reaches the Nucleus accumbens (a part of the brain associated with providing satisfaction, happiness, motivation, and excitement), it creates an instant euphoria and a strong feeling of artificial pleasure.

It relieves all anxiety disorders and makes a person feel better and merrier.

Side Effects of Using Delta 8 to Relieve Motion Sickness

Like all the cannabinoid compounds, Delta 8 is also responsible for the development of several side effects, which commonly include:

  • An Elevated Heart Rate: Delta 8 can create a “high” effect. This leads to an increase in the heart rate, a condition medically known as Tachycardia. When ignored, it can lead to a variety of illnesses and develop health conditions, such as:
    • Chest pains
    • Palpitations in the heart
    • Shortness of breath
    • Dizziness
  • Increased Blood Pressure: It is seen that intake of more than the prescribed intake limits of Delta 8 can increase blood pressure beyond its normal limits of 140/90.

However, the side effects mentioned above are not entirely proven by science. These are works in progress, and presently, consumption of Delta 8 and intake of mixed cannabinoids are yet to show any adverse changes in the human body.

Conclusion

Delta 8 is a cannabinoid compound that possesses anti-emetic solid properties. This helps it cure the various primary and secondary symptoms of motion sickness.

It binds with the CB1 receptors and helps to create a euphoric effect besides regulating nausea and vomiting. Furthermore, Delta 8 is more effective in treating motion sickness than Delta 9.