What do you want to know about Delta 8 THC? Considering Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC are fairly new to the cannabis market, it's important to understand Delta 8 THC effects and how it is extracted. Let's start with the basics — what exactly is Delta 8 THC?
If you are new to CBD or THC, this article is just for you. Delta 8 THC is one of many hemp derivatives that comes from the cannabis plant. It is considered a controlled substance in some states, so knowledge about this unique compound is key to understanding its effects and suggested uses.
Read on for Delta 8 THC explained, including recommended dosing and methods, possible side effects, the extraction process, and more!
Delta 8 THC (Is It CBD?)
Delta 8 THC (D8) is a compound that is naturally present in hemp plants. It is similar to cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD) since it is a cannabinoid-isomer.
In other words, it may have properties similar to CBD, but small differences in chemical structure make a big difference for D8. Understanding how D8 THC is made can help you better understand how THC relates to CBD.
When Was Delta 8 THC Discovered?
While Delta 8 may be the newest trend in the cannabis market, it has actually been around for a while. It was formally discovered in 1965 by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam (the "Father of Cannabis"). Many people refer to Delta 8 THC as a compound that has been "hiding in plain sight" for many years.
How Is Delta 8 THC Made?
Curious about how Delta 8 THC is extracted? Delta 8 THC can be extracted from hemp plants, but only in very small amounts. Luckily, CBD can be converted into D8 THC using a variety of different methods.
Delta 8 THC Versus CBD
It seems like daily, there are more CBD and THC options to choose from. Even regular users might be feeling a bit apprehensive.
Delta 8 can elicit euphoric feelings and is notably more intense than CBD. Interestingly, D8 is just an isomer of CBD. Essentially, their chemical structures are the same, apart from just two small differences.
The most notable difference between CBD and D8 is that D8 is a kind of THC. This means that it is potentially psychoactive. Some brands mix D8 with their CBD, so it is important to understand the differences between CBD and THC.
Hemp refers to cannabis strains containing less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC (D9) by dry weight. D9 THC is responsible for the euphoric, intoxicating "high" experienced with marijuana. Marijuana which is cannabis containing over 0.3% Delta 9 THC.
Both CBD and THC are naturally occurring compounds in hemp. Their differences make them each unique and can allow you to tailor your hemp products to what works for your individual routine.
Delta 8 THC vs Delta 9
Many people prefer Delta 8 to Delta 9 THC. Delta 8 is known for producing a feeling of mild euphoria without the whimsical "high" that Delta 9 THC produces.
D8 and D9 are very similar. However a larger dose of D8 is needed to produce potent effects similar to those of D9 THC.
What Is Delta 8 THC Good For?
Since Delta 8 is considered somewhat of a "happy medium" between CBD and its cousin Delta 9 THC, D8 is one of the trendiest cannabis products to date. Its legality differs by state law, but that hasn't stopped a plethora of D8 products from entering the market.
Gummies and vape products are some of the most popular D8 items available. Learn about the differences in popular D8 THC products using the chart below.
Shop All D8 THC
Can Delta 8 THC Get You High?
With D8, or any substance unfamiliar to you, it is important to learn more about it before putting it into your body.
Delta 8 works with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS) to promote an overall balance in the body.
Learn About Your ECS
Common effects of consuming D8 THC include a potential:
- Increased focus or clarity
- Increased concentration
- Increased feelings of relaxation
- Increased feelings of comfort or calm
- Improved appetite
Most people who take Delta 8 say it makes them feel:
- Pleasant
- Uplifted
- Peaceful
Delta 8 THC vs Delta 9
Delta 8 is known for producing a pleasant, potent effect without causing the same whimsical "high" that the Delta 9 THC (D9) in marijuana does. Delta 9 is the main psychoactive compound found in marijuana.
Delta 8, on the other hand, is less intense. D8 is considered a slower, more subtle cousin of D9. It's well liked because it can keep the mind clear and promote a feeling of productivity.
In essence, D8 has a gentler touch than Delta 9. Both bind with receptors in the body's endocannabinoid system, however the small differences in structure can cause big differences in the effects that the body experiences.
What's Delta 8 THC Level?
Wondering how much D8 THC a product contains? Due to differing legal status by state, there is a lack of research and regulation for products containing Delta 8.
Fortunately, Hemplucid is devoted to being lucid about our products. That means we disclose exactly how much D8 and D9 each product contains.
All Hemplucid products are tested by a third party to ensure that they exceed purity and quality standards. You can view exactly what's in each batch at lucidlabs.hemplucid.com.
Visit Lucid Labs
Here are some common terms to be familiar with when shopping for CBD and THC products, and can help you to determine exactly how much THC a certain product contains:
- Full-Spectrum CBD- contains CBD, less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), flavonoids, and terpenes
- Broad-Spectrum CBD- contains CBD, is THC-free (non-detectable levels at less than 0.001% THC), flavonoids, and terpenes
- Isolate CBD- contains CBD only (no THC, flavonoids, and typically no added terpenes)
- Delta 9 THC (Δ9 THC)- high amounts can produce psychoactive, intoxicating effects
- Delta 8 THC (Δ8 THC)- closely related to Delta 9 THC, but differences in chemical structure remove some of the psychoactive effects and may produce a mild sedative state instead
Can Delta THC Make You Sick?
Everyone responds to THC differently. Some people are THC sensitive, while others find combining THC products with CBD in their regular routine enhances the "entourage effect."
The most common potential side effects of Delta 8 THC to be aware of include:
- Dry mouth
- Dry or red eyes
- Drowsiness
- Grogginess
- Feeling "high" (can happen with higher doses)
- Tiredness or lethargy
- Getting the munchies
Can Delta 8 THC Cause Anxiety?
In general, THC can cause some people to feel anxiety or paranoia. However, these effects are much more common with Delta 9 THC than they are with Delta 8.
In fact, many people prefer the more gentle effects of Delta 8 due to the smoother, more mild type of "high" it produces. Some even describe the "high" as energizing and instead of anxiety-causing.
How Does Delta 8 THC Make You Feel?
So, how does D8 make you feel? You'll definitely feel a bit of a "high", especially if you take D8 in high doses.
We always recommend that you start with a small amount and work your way up, especially when it comes to THC. The most commonly reported feelings include:
- Euphoria
- Happiness
- Relief
Delta 8 is thought to be a THC at less than half the strength of other kinds of THC, although more research is needed to fully understand its effects.
Where Is Delta 8 THC Legal?
Wondering if you live in one of the states where Delta 8 THC is illegal? The GreenState interactive map is a great resource for finding out if Delta 8 THC is legal in your state.
Regulations can change daily, so it is important to check back regularly to see what the standards are for using D8 in your state.
Many companies take a proactive approach by also restricting access to D8 products to those who are 18-21+ years old. Again, regulations and laws differ by state, so it is key to keep up with the governing rules of your state.
Dosing D8
A crucial part of using Delta 8 THC is understanding general guidelines for use. Here are some common tips and tricks if you are a beginner or first-time user. We want your first experience to be a good one!
Differences in body chemistry aside, there are some basic dosing guidelines. D8 products are generally recommended for ages 21 and up, and not intended for specific health conditions or life stages, such as pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The recommended serving size by experience is as follows:
- Beginner- 5-15 mg per use
- Intermediate- 15-50 mg per use
- Advanced- 50 mg+ per use
Take our D8 gummies for example. Half a gummy is recommended for first-timers, as each gummy contains 25 mg D8 THC each.
There is a bit of a learning curve with other methods, like vaping. Additionally, taking D8 on an empty stomach can speed up the process. Vaping is the quickest method of onset, and it only takes 1-5 minutes to start feeling effects.
Alternatively, edibles and ingestibles can take up to 1-2 hours to start "working" as desired. As you carefully and thoughtfully use D8 products, you can find the balance that works best for you.
The Bottom Line On Delta 8 THC
Delta 8 THC has been around for a while, but it has recently gained traction in the cannabis community. It's considered a "happy medium" between the subtle effects of CBD and the more intense effects of Delta 9. D8 produces a much gentler, more productive "high" without the whimsical effects of D9.
Eager to learn more? Check out Hemplucid University for our expanding library of educational videos.
Learn more
Excited To Try Delta 8?
Explore our entire D8 collection.
Shop Delta 8
References
Anderson RJ. CBD vs THC vs Delta 8: What are the differences and which should you choose? Sfgate.com. Published August 23, 2021.
Cannify. Education (Absorption - A Complete Guide). Cannify.us. Published 2021.
Deb PK, Al-Attraqchi O, Chandrasekaran B, Paradkar A, Takade RK. Chapter 16- Protein/Peptide Drug Delivery Systems: Practical Considerations in Pharmaceutical Product Development. Basic Fundamentals of Drug Delivery. 2019:651-684.
Health Hub Digital Limited. CBD Oral Strips: an easier, more discreet and effective way of CBD consumption. Hubpublishing.co.uk. Published 2021.
Leafly Staff. What is delta-8? Leafly.com. Published March 31, 2021.
Smith A. What Are The Effects of Delta 8 THC? Here's the Ultimate Guide. Discovermagazine.com. Published July 19, 2021.
Thomas BF, ElSohly MA. Chapter 3- Medical Cannabis Formulations. The Analytical Chemistry of Cannabis. 2016:43-61.
FAQs
How many hits of Delta 8 do you need? ›
Delta 8 THC flower is just CBD hemp flower infused with a delta 8 THC distillate. Like vapes, you should take 1.5 milligrams, or 1–3 puffs, as a good amount to start with. However, delta 8 THC flowers are more difficult to dose because the delta 8 may not be evenly distributed throughout the bud.
How does Delta 8 THC make you feel? ›Most will describe taking Delta 8 as a very pleasant and uplifting experience. It tends to bring a deep feeling of relief and peacefulness to its users. Some might even say it gives them a floating feeling, as if all of the weight has been taken off of them.
Will Delta 8 get you high? ›3. Delta-8 THC has psychoactive and intoxicating effects. Delta-8 THC has psychoactive and intoxicating effects, similar to delta-9 THC (i.e., the component responsible for the “high” people may experience from using cannabis). The FDA is aware of media reports of delta-8 THC products getting consumers “high.”
What does Delta 8 do to your brain? ›The psychoactive compound in marijuana attaches to cannabinoid receptors in your brain and impacts your nervous system by altering the way you perceive things. What this means is, it creates a high or intoxicated feeling by disrupting your body's normal function.
Can I take Delta-8 everyday? ›As much as we'd love to sign on to the fact that Delta-8 can be used all day, everyday, any time of the day, there are a few conditions where you should not take it.
Does Delta-8 show up on drug tests? ›Delta-8 is less potent than delta-9, but interacts with the same brain receptors and can produce a “high.” Unfortunately, delta-8 interferes with testing for delta-9 in both presumptive and definitive urine drug tests, according to Quest Diagnostics Medical Science Liaison, Jack Kain, PharmD.
Is Delta-8 natural or synthetic? ›Delta-8, as it's usually referred to, occurs naturally in very small trace amounts, so most commercial delta-8 is completely synthetic, derived from cannabidiol in hemp.
How long does it take for Delta-8 to wear off? ›According to studies, the body flushes around 80-90% of the THC out of your system in five days. The remaining 10-20% may linger for up to five more days before getting flushed out completely. Hence, it takes roughly 5-10 days for the body to eliminate delta-8 THC metabolites from your system.
What kind of high do you get with Delta 8? ›In general Delta 8 THC will produce a euphoric effect that feels similar to that of THC, with some slight variations in the type of high it will produce. It is also said by some to produce more cerebral effects than any other cannabinoid, possibly even producing a slight energetic buzz, which can be rather pleasant.
Does Delta 8 have side effects? ›Delta-8 THC gummies and candies have been eaten by children by mistake, leading to hospitalization. Side effects might include extreme tiredness, low blood pressure, and slowed heart rate.
Is Delta 8 good for you? ›
Delta 8 THC is like a middle ground between CBD and delta 9 THC. It does get you high but not over the edge; on top of that, it offers several health benefits typical of cannabinoids, such as relief from pain, nausea, inflammation, loss of appetite, and depression.
What happens if you take too much Delta-8? ›Delta-8 THC is not poisonous. But, like delta-9 THC, consuming too much can lead to unwelcome side effects: lethargy, low heart rate, and other signs of being uncomfortably high.
Does Delta-8 give you memory loss? ›Delta 8 was found to help improve memory and other cognitive skills in the study. It also aided in the reduction of feelings of depression.
Can Delta-8 make you psychotic? ›Consuming delta-8 can lead to many unintended side effects, including psychosis. Psychosis can occur due to the regular consumption of cannabis products and can even trigger long-lasting mental health conditions.
What is the fastest way to get delta-8 out of your system? ›The most effective way to clear Delta 8 from your system is to drink plenty of water. This will help you flush more Delta 8 THC via urination and will help dilute the remainder of the THC metabolites in your system.
Is Delta-8 an Indica or Sativa? ›Delta-8 Indica Strains
Most often, indica strains are used to produce that much-desired body high. Delta-8 indica strains might not make you feel couch-locked, but they're likely to help you feel relaxed. They're also known to help stimulate the munchies.
Delta 8 THC is Not The Same As K2
Delta 8 THC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in the hemp plant. Once isolated, the Delta 8 can be added to products for consumption. K2, on the other hand, is entirely human-made. It was specifically made to try to get around existing drug laws around marijuana.
Delta-8, like delta-9 THC, can help with inflammation reduction. This will aid in the relief of pain and its symptoms. Delta-8 THC is an effective pain reliever because it alters the user's perception of pain. According to reports, delta-8 is effective in reducing chronic pain associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Is Delta 8 the same as CBD? ›Is delta-8 the same as CBD? Delta-8 and CBD are both cannabinoids, but delta-8 has more in common with delta-9 THC than CBD. Unlike CBD, delta-8 produces psychoactive effects.
Is Delta-8 good for sleeping? ›As an analog of delta 9, delta 8 THC uses similar mechanisms to support healthy sleep patterns. It can improve your sleep routine in many areas, including the production of melatonin and dopamine, less noticeable nightmares, and an indirect influence on the sleep-wake cycle, such as relief from pain and anxiety.
Does Delta-8 help with depression? ›
Deal With Depression & Anxiety
Delta 8 works like a charm on depression and anxiety. It helps regulate your body's blood, lower your depression and anxiety. Experts believe that treating patients with Delta 8 can help reduce mental stress and anxiety.
Yes, Delta 8 does give you a high. It can send you to the heights of euphoria, happiness, and energy. However, Delta 8's potency is much less than that of Delta 9.
How many mg of Delta-8 should I take? ›Unlike the name suggests, the delta 8 THC flower is just a CBD hemp bud sprayed with delta 8 THC distillate. Similar to vapes, you should take 1–5 milligrams or 1–3 puffs as a good starting dose.
How does Delta-8 affect mental health? ›Because delta-8 THC activates the same cannabinoid receptors as delta-9, prolonged use of delta-8 could also lead to cognitive decline. “It's reasonable to assume that the side effects of delta-8-THC would overlap with those of delta-9 THC,” Piomelli says.
What does Delta-8 do for anxiety? ›Anxiolytic: delta 8 THC is a potent relaxant due to its aforementioned connection with the two cannabinoid receptors. It can reduce anxiety, bolster your response to stress, and induce a calm state of mind.
How long will a Delta-8 cartridge last? ›The typical Delta-8 vape cartridge shelf life is about 18 months. That's a whopping year and a half you have to enjoy each cartridge! If you buy in bulk, that means the taste, aroma, and potency will stay good for at least 18 months, which sounds like a win-win to us.
How long does it take for Delta-8 to kick in? ›When taken orally, the cannabinoid will kick in around 30 to 90 minutes and will last around four to five hours. Delta-8 THC comes in other forms of ingestible products like capsules and beverages. When ingested, your body has to digest the consumable before you get high.
What is the fastest way to get Delta-8 out of your system? ›The most effective way to clear Delta 8 from your system is to drink plenty of water. This will help you flush more Delta 8 THC via urination and will help dilute the remainder of the THC metabolites in your system.
How do you know when your Delta-8 is empty? ›Metallic or Burnt Taste
Your vape functions by gently heating the distillate oil via a small coil located directly below the main oil chamber. When the cartridge is nearly empty, this coil doesn't have enough delta 8 to capture the heat it puts out.
Delta-8 THC is not poisonous. But, like delta-9 THC, consuming too much can lead to unwelcome side effects: lethargy, low heart rate, and other signs of being uncomfortably high.
Does Delta-8 have side effects? ›
Delta-8 THC gummies and candies have been eaten by children by mistake, leading to hospitalization. Side effects might include extreme tiredness, low blood pressure, and slowed heart rate.