Delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid that's been gaining a lot of attention as a "legal way to get high."
You may be familiar with the cannabinoid THC—the main psychotropic compound in marijuana, which is still federally illegal but legal for medicinal and recreational use in some states.
There are many different variations of THC. Delta-9 THC is the most talked about and studied, but delta-8 is an interesting isomer that lends similar effects but without many of the undesirable side-effects of marijuana use.
In this article, we'll dive into what delta-8 THC feels like compared to delta-9 THC and discuss some of its uses for supporting a healthy and active lifestyle.
How Does Delta-8 Get You High?
THC's psychotropic effects are caused by the interaction with the CB1 receptors in the brain.
CB1 and CB2 receptors belong to the endocannabinoid system, responsible for maintaining homeostasis (balance) in the body. It influences the release of nearly all neurotransmitters in the body, two of the key hormone releases involved with the high experienced from cannabis are dopamine and serotonin to elicit the feelings of euphoria and changes in our perception of vision, tastes, and scent.
The high from THC only lasts for a few hours, depending on whether it was inhaled (2–4 hours) or ingested (4–6 hours) and how much you consume.
What Does The Delta-8 THC High Feel Like?
Many people are turning to delta-8 THC as the legal loophole to enjoy the psychotropic effects of the cannabis plant. The best way we can describe the feelings of delta-8 THC is that it's like a cross between CBD and delta-9 THC.
Delta-8 interacts with the same receptors in the central nervous system as delta-9, but its psychotropic effects are less prominent, though many people claim it seems to last longer.
The delta-8 THC high is said to be much more subtle. People report that they feel less anxious and are more clear-headed when they take delta-8 than delta-9, making it the perfect daytime high and social activities.
Common Effects From Delta-8 THC High:
- Energizing
- Uplifted mood
- Stimulated hunger
- Sense of calm and contentment
- Increase in introspection
Delta-8, in essence, is a weaker version of THC that may make the psychotropic effects of cannabis more approachable for new users or people with low tolerances to THC. You'll need to take double the dose of delta-8 to feel the same effects level as you would with delta-9.
Since delta-8 does affect your sense of perception, you shouldn't drive while taking delta-8 THC.
Delta-9 THC Gummies 10MG
Learn MoreHow To Use Delta-8 THC to Get High
Delta-8 is a versatile cannabinoid that can be extracted and formulated into different products from oils, capsules, gummies, smokables, and topicals—just the same way you'd enjoy your favorite CBD products.
The only difference is that delta-8 THC is not as widely available as delta-9 THC or CBD products online. The naturally low concentrations of delta-8 in hemp plants make it difficult to source and concentrate. When shopping for delta-8 products online, always make sure that it comes from hemp—not marijuana—or you could find yourself breaking federal laws.
The best way to make sure you know exactly what you're purchasing is to refer to the company's Certificate of Analysis by an accredited third-party lab. These tests will verify the cannabinoid profile and potency and point out any potentially harmful contaminants left over from the farming and extraction process.
Let's go over how to use the different formats of delta-8 THC.
1. Delta-8 THC Concentrates
Concentrates like glass, shatter, powders are made by isolating a single compound through multiple distillation techniques to get pure delta-8 THC. The tricky thing is that you can expect higher concentrations of delta-9 THC in some of these concentrates because it's very difficult to separate the two isomers. Make sure you read the Certificate of Analysis to ensure the product has the levels of delta-8 you're looking for.
Delta-8 THC concentrates are commonly smoked in a dab rig, vaped, or used in at-home cooking recipes. Smoking concentrates isn't for the faint of heart—it's the fastest and most potent method of administration, making it hard to take accurate doses in small increments.
2. Delta-8 THC Oil And Tinctures
Another popular delta-8 THC product is oils or tinctures. It's a combination of delta-8 THC-rich hemp extract and a carrier oil such as olive oil, hemp seed oil, or coconut oil.
Delta-8 THC oils can come in a range of potencies from 500 mg – 2000 mg +
You can take oils and tinctures sublingually (under the tongue), where the cannabinoids can enter the bloodstream through the mucous membranes and network of microcapillaries for faster-acting effects, or you could add the drops to your food and drinks.
3. Delta-8 THC Edibles
Gummies, chocolates, and baked goods are a great introduction to the effects of delta-8 because it takes a lot of the guesswork out of figuring out your doses.
Delta-8 gummies contain a set amount of active ingredients, anywhere from 5–25 mg of gummies, and they taste great. Edibles tend to have a much longer on-set of effects. Depending on your metabolism, you'll start to feel it 20–45 minutes after eating them, and they gradually get stronger, and the high lasts much longer than smoking it.
4. Delta-8 THC Topicals
Applying delta-8 THC lotion or balms to your skin won't get you high, but it can provide powerful benefits towards muscle recovery and soothing muscle discomfort.
Rather than entering the bloodstream to exert its effects throughout the body, delta-8 interacts with endocannabinoid receptors on the skin to optimize the skin organ's function.
Topicals are also great for targeted effects as you can apply the delta-8 rub on the area of concern and reapply as needed without feeling intoxicated.
What Are The Common Side-Effects Of Delta-8 THC High?
The possible adverse effects of delta-8 THC specifically isn't an area that's well researched, but it's understood to have very similar side-effects as delta-9 THC.
Some of the common negative effects of delta-8 include:
- Confusion
- Feelings of anxiousness
- Drowsiness
- Fast heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Dry mouth
- Munchies
These listed effects are temporary, and no known long-term consequences surround delta-8 THC use, making it a considerably safe compound.
The biggest concern surrounding delta-8 THC is the lack of regulation around it. There are brands out there selling poorly sourced or even synthetic cannabinoids that pose health risks, which it's why it's so important to shop diligently for your delta-8 products by ensuring it comes from a reputable hemp source with third-party lab testing to verify its contents and safety.
Neurogan's Delta-8 THC Gummies:
Our research and development team has been at the forefront of finding innovative ways to leverage the holistic benefits of the hemp plant in easy-to-use products.
Full spectrum extracts contain minor cannabinoids and beneficial terpenes to amplify and balance the delta-8 experience through the entourage effect.
Our Delta-8 THC gummies are DISCONTINUED & won't be returning anytime soon; we recommend our Delta-9 gummies as the closest and best option available.
The Takeaway: What Does The Delta-8 THC High Feel Like?
The delta-8 high is very similar to the delta-9 THC from marijuana use, except it's much more mellow, clear-headed, and less likely to produce feelings of nervousness or anxiousness, which is a common effect of THC.
Delta-8 and delta-9 are so similar that it's difficult to differentiate the two when it comes to testing, which is why if you anticipate drug screening, you should avoid delta-8 THC. Regardless of whether it came from a legal hemp source or not, you could still fail your drug test with delta-8 THC in your system.
Make sure you shop for delta-8 THC carefully as there is an alarming amount of fake products and even potentially dangerous synthetic cannabinoids on the market, so shop from brands you trust that all provide third-party lab tests.
FAQ
What does the Delta-8 THC high feel like?
The delta-8 THC high, according to studies, is far more subtle. Delta-8 is said to make people feel less agitated and clear-headed than delta-9, making it perfect for daytime highs and social events.
How to use Delta-8 THC
Delta-8 THC is accessible in several forms. Delta-8 THC Concentrates are smoked, vaped, and utilized in home cookery recipes. Delta-8 THC Oil and Tinctures can be administered sublingually (under the tongue) or through edible gummies.
What are the common side effects of Delta-8 THC?
Some of the most common negative effects of delta-8 include are confusion, anxiety, drowsiness, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, dry mouth, and cravings.
Does Delta 8 pre rolls get you high?
Yes, Delta-8 pre-rolls can produce a psychoactive effect. Delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid with psychoactive properties, and its consumption may result in a noticeable but less intense high compared to Delta-9 THC.
Does Delta 8 live resin get you high?
Delta 8 live resin is a cannabis concentrate that contains Delta 8 THC, a psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. When consumed, it can induce psychotropic effects, leading to a "high" similar to that of Delta 9 THC, though generally milder.
How long does Delta 8 get you high?
Typically, the high from Delta-8 THC can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, with peak effects occurring within the first 1 to 2 hours after consumption.
Does Delta 8 flower get you high?
Yes, Delta-8 flower can produce psychoactive effects and get you high. Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, and while it is less potent than Delta-9 THC, it can still induce mild euphoria and intoxication when consumed.
Does 50mg of Delta 8 get you high?
A 50mg dose of Delta-8 THC is generally sufficient to induce psychoactive effects in most individuals, including those with some THC tolerance. 50mg dose of Delta-8 THC may produce mild to moderate intoxication, euphoria, and altered perception.
Does Delta 10 get you more high than Delta 8?
Delta-8-THC is generally considered to be much more potent than Delta-10-THC, which can lead to stronger psychoactive effects and potentially more pronounced side effects.
Does Delta 8 gummies get you high?
Yes, Delta-8-THC gummies can induce a psychoactive effect, resulting in a "high" similar to Delta-9-THC, though typically reported to be less intense. Consuming Delta 8 can lead to various physiological and psychological effects, including euphoria and altered perception.
