Delta-8’s gr8! (That could be a slogan, right?) Those who’ve tried it swear by its merits.
But, aside from its beneficial properties, does delta-8-THC have the same psychoactive punch as its relative, delta-9-THC? Or does have a mellower influence like its other relative, CBD?
We’re about to find out….
For those not in the know, a brief WTH is D8 explainer may be helpful. So the rest of this makes sense.
This compound goes by many names: delta-8-THC, delta-8, D8, delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol. You will see all of these monikers used — pervasively — anywhere there’s chitchat about it.
Do not confuse D8 with D9, which is what most people mean when they refer to THC. Delta-9-THC is a related but different substance.
Now that you know what to call it, what exactly is it? D8 is a cannabinoid — like CBD and THC — that’s found in or derived from cannabis. Cannabis naturally contains trace amounts of detla-8, but it can also be artificially produced in a lab from THC or CBD.
For a more in-depth description of what delta-8-THC is, we recommend heading over to our post called Delta-8-THC: What It Is, Where It Comes From, How It Differs from CBD & Delta-9-THC.
Well, does D8’s nickname “the legal high” give anything away? Many delta-8 users report getting some level of psychoactive effect from their D8 products.
BUT, delta-8-THC shouldn’t get you as high as THC. Whereas THC would be 10 on the blitzed scale, D8 would only be around a 6.
This is a huge bonus for a lot of cannabis users. D8 is like the Goldilocks of cannabinoids: not euphorically potent as THC, but with a zing you don’t get from CBD. Delta-8’s juuuuust right!
Here’s how one Pure Craft Nano Delta 8 Infused Vegan Gummies fan put it:
”The effect is awesome! It hits me in about 45* minutes and is similar to regular THC gummies, but they don't make me paranoid or give me munchies.” — Jade
Another customer described it as “something similar to a high.” We think these are pretty good assessments of the nature and magnitude of the D8 ride.
* Word to the wise. Most delta-8 products takean hour to an hour and a half before noticeable onset of effects. Because Pure Craft uses anadvanced nano-D8 with superiorbioavailability, our delta-8 gummies are faster acting.
In addition to the possible gentler-than-THC high, you may notice other sensations with D8 usage.
Delta-8-THC could produce a calm-yet-vitalized vibe. Some people observe a stress-release response. Others experience an elevated mood or mindset — contentedness, levity, or cheered up. Like basking or frolicking in the sunshine. Doesn’t that sound nice?
The most frequent comment we get from our customers is that delta-8 helps them relax. They state that, about 45 minutes after eating their gummies, the effects really kick in. And then it’s Chill Out City.
Sometimes it’s not about what you feel but what you don’t feel. Consumers often turn to D8 is because it doesn’t bring on some of the icky side effects. Unlike THC, delta-8 isn’t known for making you paranoid, anxious, on edge, etc.
On the physical side of things, you might see gains as well. Hemp D8 enjoys many of the benefits associated with both CBD and THC — like pain relief. This is why it could be such an effective addition to one’s self-care plan.
Like other cannabinoids, D8’s been crafted into myriad formulations. And this can make a serious difference.
The source of your delta-8-THC is consequential. If it’s derived from or combined with THC, you’re more likely to get a higher high. If your D8 is made from CBD, our Magic (Delta-)8-Ball says “Signs point to you having a much less pronounced high.”
You can find delta-8 preparations like:
The type of product you use can impact the delta-8-THC’s effect on you. For example, inhaled versions — like you’d get in a vape cartridge — might hit you in a fast rush. In this scenario, you could feel higher quicker but for a shorter period of time. Alternately, D8 gummies might ease you into that tamer high more slowly and stick around a bit longer.
And again, the other cannabinoids accompanying your D8 will play a role as well. Especially if you’re partaking of a product that includes THC or uses full- or broad-spectrum CBD. Why, hello entourage effect!
Another noteworthy and high-adjacent way that D8 could mimic THC is in the realm of drug testing.
While there are several different kinds of screening methods used, they typically look for certain chemical markers that are aligned with THC. Because delta-8 has a molecular structure that’s very similar to THC’s, it could show up on a drug test.
Yes, this is a case of a false positive. But, in the scheme of things, that might not matter — it still looks like a failed drug test. It’s recommended that if you know you’ll be taking a drug test — as part of a hiring process for example — you should avoid D8 products for at least a week prior.
Again, the various D8 product formulations could manifest themselves or work their way through your system differently. Just something to keep in mind.
How much D8 you’re taking in is another key determinant in if you’ll start feeling high. Too low of a dose and you might not register any sensation; too much and you could be a human kite on a windy day.
A good way to strike upon the perfect-for-you dose is to begin conservatively. See what the D8 product package suggests as a serving size and gauge your dosage (amount and frequency) from there.
For instance, Pure Craft delta-8 gummies recommend one gummy per day. If you’re a D8 newb, though, you could test the waters with half of a gummy. After 60-90 minutes, if you don’t feel anything — you might have that other half-gummy.
Be mindful that not all delta-8-THC products and formulations will engage with your system in the same way. It may take a while to find that right-sized dose.
Delta-8-THC will probably get you high-ish. It’s much less psychoactively-potent than its cuz, THC, so don’t expect a high of the same altitude. D8 users describe the easygoing euphoria as being calm and energized without the negative side effects associated with THC (e.g., paranoia, anxiety, etc.).
Delta-8-THC has also been known to make people feel relaxed, happy, destressed, uplifted — aka the warm fuzzies. Many physical benefits — similar to THC and CBD — have been observed by D8 users as well.
The kind and amount of D8 product you use will influence the nature, onset, and duration of the delta-8. So, choose your delta-8 products thoughtfully. It may take some time to find the most effective products and dosing for your needs and preferences.
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