Delta 8 THC is one of the newest, most popular cannabinoids we’ve seen in the cannabis market lately. However, people are still a bit unsure about its properties, how it works, and even what kind of experience delta 8 brings. Specifically, a lot of consumers have begun asking, “Does delta 8 get you high?”
If you’re curious about delta 8’s effects and how it feels after you consume it, you’re not the only one. That’s why, today, we’re addressing D8 potency. Below, you’ll find all the answers you need and more to the question, “Will delta 8 THC get you high?”
What is Delta 8 THC?
First thing’s first, it’s crucial to make sure you fully understand what THC delta 8 is before we talk about its psychoactivity.
Delta 8 THC is a cannabinoid found in cannabis plant varieties. Naturally, this cannabinoid is only present in small, practically miniscule amounts that makes it nearly impossible to pick up its properties in regular cannabis flower. Thus, manufacturers have started extracting D8 directly from hemp-derived CBD. This way, consumers have been able to fully experience the effects of such a unique cannabinoid.
You’ll find delta 8 THC in so many different product forms. Just like delta 9 THC, you’ll find D8 gummies, tinctures, vapes, and more. However, it’s crucial not to get delta 8 THC mixed up with delta 9 THC. While these two cannabinoids have very similar names, they do not present the same properties. We’ll talk more about it later, but delta 9 THC Is going to be way more potent, presenting more significant highs than D8. Because of this, you don’t want to get them confused.
In terms of legality, delta 8 THC is legal under the 2018 Farm Bill as long as the product comes from hemp and doesn’t contain more than 0.3% delta 9 THC. Unfortunately, as THC delta 8’s popularity spread, states themselves began implementing their own D8 regulations. Now, we see 19 states that have either banned or placed strict regulations on delta 8 THC products. Hopefully, as more information comes out about delta 8’s benefits and safety, we’ll see those states loosening their grips on D8 prohibition.
Next, let’s talk about delta 8 THC’s effects and, more importantly, answer the question, “Can delta 8 get you high?”
Does Delta 8 Get You High?
Yes. Plain and simple, delta 8 does have the ability to get you high. However, the psychoactivity levels of D8 are much lower than what you’d expect from delta 9 THC. So, when people ask, “Does delta 8 get you high?” It’s important to specify that it does, but may not in the way you’re imagining. To help explain this contrast, let’s directly compare delta 8 and delta 9 THC.
Delta 9 THC is known for its high psychoactivity levels. In terms of structure, the cannabinoid has a double-bond present on the structure’s ninth atom. For a reason that researchers are still a bit unsure of, this double-bond placement on the ninth atom is likely what leads to the cannabinoids’ effortless ability to bind to CB receptors throughout the body. With delta 9 THC, not only does the cannabinoid work with cannabinoid receptors in the nervous system, but it works with ones in the brain, too. Thus, that is how you get these strong psychoactive effects.
Delta 8 THC, on the other hand, is only mildly psychoactive. While it has the ability to get you high, it isn’t as intoxicating as its more abundant counterpart. D8’s chemical composition is nearly identical to D9’s, minus one thing: the double-bond structure. With delta 8, the double-bond occurs on the eighth atom. This slight change makes it so that delta 8 THC doesn’t bind with the receptors in the brain as strongly as delta 9 does. Thus, the high is there, but it’s not as intense as delta 9. For many people, this is ideal.
While a lot of consumers enjoy delta 9 THC for its intoxicating factors, this can often be too powerful for many. The intense highs can lead to uncomfortable experiences, leading you to be turned off by cannabis products. However, delta 8 THC provides a much more gentle approach.
How High Does Delta 8 Get You?
Now that you know the answer to “Can delta 8 get you high?” Let’s talk about how high delta 8 THC can get you.
First and foremost, the intensity that you feel from your delta 8 THC is going to depend on various factors. If you have a high tolerance to THC, for example, then you’re likely going to find that D8 feels incredibly mild. If you’ve never had THC, though, delta 8 can feel more powerful, providing a stronger high.
You can also purchase delta 8 THC products in varying strengths. Thus, if you buy a 20 mg edible versus a 100 mg edible, you’re going to have two completely different experiences. Beginners should always err on the side of caution and go for the lower doses to ensure a pleasant high. But, don’t worry! We will talk more about dosing later, too.
In general, most people report that delta 8 provides a gentle, subtle high that’s not too intense but still noticeable blissful. These highs tend to be calming and good for those with excess stress and anxiety. If you consume delta 8 products and find that the high isn’t strong enough, you can always increase your dose or try a different, more concentrated product. However, you must increase your dose carefully to ensure that you don’t upset your body by consuming more than it was comfortable with.
The Common Effects of Delta 8 THC
Does delta 8 get you high? You bet! But, it does more than just provide a nice, subtle intoxication. Delta 8 THC is becoming quite popular due to its potential therapeutic results. Many consumers find that D8 provides more support than typical delta 9 THC, making it their go-to cannabinoid when things get rough.
As we mentioned above, delta 8 THC tends to be great for inducing feelings of relaxation. While some people may find that delta 9 THC can exacerbate feelings of anxiousness, it appears as though delta 8 THC does the opposite. While more evidence is needed to draw concrete conclusions, the cannabinoid’s less-potent high may be the reason so many people feel at ease after consumption.
Many consumers report that delta 8 THC helps induce feelings of euphoria and weightlessness, making it easy to feel balanced and comfortable. In fact, consumers often find that D8 is effective for reducing feelings of discomfort throughout the body. While the compound isn’t going to rid you of your pains entirely, it seems as though it may help them become much more manageable.
All in all, it’s important to remember that every person will have a unique experience with delta 8 THC. That is because this cannabinoid works differently in the body according to what your body needs help and support with. Since you don’t have the same body chemistry as someone else, the effects are going to be individualistic! The best way to find out what a delta 8 experience is like is to try some products for yourself.
THC Delta 8 Dosing and Usage Recommendations
Even though delta 8 THC isn’t incredibly psychoactive, it’s important to be careful with dosing to ensure a comfortable, pleasant user experience.
If you’ve never had delta 8 before, it’s always important to start with a low dose. This gives your body the chance to adjust and react to the cannabinoid. If you find that you have a poor reaction, then you know that D8 isn’t for you. But, if the effects aren’t strong enough, you can always increase your dose by just a few milligrams. Whenever you’re increasing doses, you must do so at small increments. Increasing too much at once can cause adverse reactions or an unpleasant D8 experience.
For those of you who are comfortable with delta 9 THC, you don’t have to start with as low of a dose as those who haven’t had THC before. Even though it is a different form of THC, your body will still be somewhat used to having such cannabinoids. But, you should still begin with a lower dose than you would with your delta 9 THC. This is the best way to make sure that D8 is a good cannabinoid for your health and wellness.
As we mentioned at the start, you can find delta 8 THC products in so many different forms. Beginners should try low-dose D8 gummies or even D8 oils as they’re easy to dose (and enjoy). With D8 edibles, though, you have to keep in mind that the effects won’t kick in immediately. Instead, you’ll have to wait about an hour or two for them to fully hit, so be patient! With D8 oils, if you consume them sublingually, the effects should occur within about 15 - 30 minutes.
Mastering Safe Use of Delta 8
To ensure that you’re consuming only the best delta 8 possible, you have to be cognizant of a few things. First, delta 8 THC is seriously unregulated right now; thus, you have to be careful about where you buy your products from.
You should only purchase from brands that have their products’ third-party lab-test results readily available for viewing. These test results demonstrate how pure and quality your products truly are — from an outside perspective, too. The tests analyze the extracts for any impurities they may have, giving you the ultimate peace of mind that what you're consuming is as safe (and pure) as it gets.
When looking at a delta 8 THC brand, it’s a good idea to see if they have any customer reviews or testimonials. You should also always double-check the ingredients they use in their products, and if they’re open about their extraction processes. All of this information should be readily available. Otherwise, it might mean that brand has something to hide.
Don’t worry. Even though there are some sketchy brands out there, there are plenty of reputable, trustworthy brands for you to purchase your delta 8 THC from.
So, Will Delta 8 THC Get You High?
Let’s go back to our initial question: will delta-8 THC get you high? Yes, delta 8 THC gets you high, just in a different way than delta 9 products do. These products are becoming incredibly sought-after for their unique benefits, including their gentle psychoactivity levels. Now, you can buy D8 in practically any form that most appeals to you. Just make sure you’re careful when purchasing and always double-check third-party lab-test results so you can consume with total confidence.
Before you know it, you may find that delta 8 is your new, go-to cannabinoid. Experience the unique high that D8 brings and start shopping for your ideal product today.
