Medically Reviewed By:
Nidra Sidhu, M.D. Integrative MedicineTable Of Contents
Table Of Contents
Delta 8 THC Feeling & Effects
You’ve heard about this new player in the cannabis game and all the benefits it comes with from your friends, and you want to give it a try. But then you don’t want to consume something without knowing how it will make you feel.
We probably have questions such as “What is a Delta 8 THC?”, "Is it federally legal?", “What is a Delta 8 high?”, “How does Delta 8 feel?”, “Does Delta 8 feel like weed?” running through your mind, and we will answer all of them in this guide.
If you are a new user of delta 8, the information contained here will certainly help you towards a better understanding of the delta 8 feeling instead of the traditional THC high.
What is Delta 8?
Delta 8 is a compound naturally found in the cannabis plant. It is a minor phytocannabinoid that is produced in minuscule amounts and is quite difficult to extract on its own. How, then, is it possible to get delta 8 in large quantities for sale?
Cannabidiol and Delta 9 THC, which are also compounds found in the hemp plant, can be converted into Delta 8 through a series of chemical processes. This allows for delta 8 to be produced in larger quantities for commercialization.
In recent years, delta 8 has become popular because is now one of the safest ways to achieve a high without breaking any federal laws. The delta 8 THC high is similar to that of delta 9 THC from marijuana.
For more detailed information on What is delta 8, visit this page.
What Causes a Delta 8 High? Does Delta 8 Feel Like Weed?
Delta 8 is a compound that induces a psychoactive effect when introduced to your Endocannabinoid System (ECS). This is a biological system that regulates various physiological and cognitive processes in your body.
The ECS contains a network of two main cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. CB2 receptors are associated with physiological responses to cannabinoids, while CB1 is associated with psychoactive effects that people refer to as the “THC high.”
Delta 8 drives both the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors assisting the endocannabinoid system to create a body-balancing effect.
Differences Between a Delta 8 High and Delta 9 High?
As stated earlier, the high from Delta 8 is similar to that of delta 9 THC high, but they are not the same. There is a clear difference between the delta 8 THC high and the delta 9 THC experience.
To understand these differences better, you first need to know how different delta 8 is from delta 9.
Delta 8 is an isomer of delta 9. This means that they have the same chemical formula, but their structural arrangements are different. The carbon-carbon double bond of delta 8 is on the eighth carbon, and that of delta 9 is on the ninth carbon, which gives them their distinctive names.
Now, this difference may seem very small, but it is what causes the different effects each compound has on your body.
Delta 8 is known to activate both CB1 and CB2 receptors which connect to your brain and entire body, this helps your endocannabinoid system in creating a body-balancing delta 8 THC experience. Delta 9, however, bonds mostly with the CB1 receptors, which connect to the brain creating a more psychoactive effect.
How Does Delta 8 Feel? Is It Different From The Cannabis Plant?
So we have talked about what causes a delta 8 THC high, and we have also looked at the difference between a delta 8 high and a delta 9 high. Let’s now unravel the delta 8 THC feeling.
What is a delta 8 THC feeling like? Does delta 8 feel like weed?
No, delta 8 does not feel like weed. Instead, delta 8 finds itself sitting between CBD and delta 9 on the “high” scale; it is a bit stronger than CBD but milder than delta 9.
Some cannabis lovers refer to it as “diet weed” since the high it helps you achieve isn’t as intense as that of delta 9.
Many users and our customers have reported that with delta 8 THC you may expect to experience the following health benefits:
The THC high from delta 8 can help you keep calm throughout the day, and although it can be intoxicating, it is unlikely that you will be bound to your couch for hours. The delta 8 THC feeling is mild but different for everyone. You can take delta 8 and still go about your normal activities with an extra boost of energy*. However, benefits may vary depending on the individual nervous system.
The uplifted THC high feelings will help you maintain a sense of calm and a relaxed mind. For a smooth and therapeutic experience, you should try our Delta 8 Gummies 1000 mg or other delta 8 edibles.
Most Common Side Effects
There are, however, possible side effects. Some of these side effects include potential dry mouth. The effects that the delta 8 THC high will give however will vary from person to person. Unlike delta 9 THC users do not typically report being couch-locked.
It is important to keep in mind that the delta 8 THC experience you get from consuming delta 8 isn’t the same for everyone, we will talk more about this later.
How Long Does A Delta 8 THC High Last?
The delta 8 THC can last a few hours, typically between 3-8 hours, depending on your consumption method, genetics, different strains, and if you have high tolerance levels. At higher doses, the feeling may last longer.
Delta 8 THC Edibles
Edibles have to be metabolized by your liver before it enters your bloodstream for them to take effect, takes about 15-30 minutes for the effects to kick in and about 2-3 hours for them to reach their peak. The delta 8 THC feeling from edibles can last between 3-8 hours.
Delta 8 THC Tinctures
Tinctures are placed under your tongue, which avoids having to be metabolized. It enters your bloodstream directly through capillaries in your mouth. For this reason, it takes about 15 minutes for you to have the delta 8 THC experience, and it can last between 3-5 hours.
Delta 8 THC Vapes and Inhalation
This is the fastest way to get a delta THC. The smoke enters directly into your bloodstream through air sacs in your lungs. It takes as little as 6 mins for you to get your delta 8 THC feeling which will take up to 2 hours to reach its peak and then last for about 3-5 hours.
The Difference in Experience
How does delta 8 THC feel for new users? What is a delta 8 high like for a new user?
The delta 8 feeling is different for everyone.
New users of cannabis have to take precautions to avoid a bad experience with delta 8. If you haven’t had an encounter with a cannabis product before, then your body may have a low tolerance for cannabinoids, for this reason, you may want to start with a smaller serving (5-15 mg) of delta 8 online.
For people who have already taken hemp products such as delta 9 THC, your tolerance levels may be higher since your body would be more used to consuming cannabinoids. And if you have been taking delta10, chances are you might have to take a higher serving (mg) of delta 8 to experience the same buzz you get from delta 10.
How Does Delta 8 THC Feel? User Experiences
What is a delta 8 THC high like? Does delta 8 feel like weed? Here are some experiences shared by delta 8 users to help answer these questions.
“I’ve been taking them and haven’t noticed anything bad at all. I just feel energized.”
“It just helps you feel so relaxed with delta 9 I used to feel very bad, and when I switched to these delta 8 gummies it took all of that away. It is a total game changer.”
“These gummies are so tasty and I will tell you what they knocked me out. I’ve had the best nights of sleep ever since I started using them.”
“I absolutely love these. As soon as I experience mild stress, I take some of the gummies and it completely relaxes me - even helps me to sleep.”
You can learn about other delta 8 gummies reviews here.
How to Get The Best Delta 8 THC Feeling
Although the delta 8 feeling may be different for everyone, you can still get the most out of your delta 8 experience by choosing the different consumption methods and ingredients that best suit you.
Delta 8 High (By Consumption)
Delta 8 Edibles - Delta 8 edibles (gummies, cookies, candies, cereal treats) are food products that have been infused with delta 8 THC. Edibles are also known to give a more intense body high, and the effects last longer.
Delta 8 Tinctures - Tinctures are made from hemp-derived concentrate, soaked in alcohol, and converted into delta 8. It is placed under the tongue to be absorbed directly into your bloodstream. Tinctures come with dropper lids for accurate servings.
Delta 8 Vapes - Users argue that this is the most popular method of consumption. Vapes contain terpenes and other hemp compounds that make the flavor appealing to users. Vaping enters your bloodstream faster than tinctures, and the onset of its effects is very quick.
Delta 8 High (By Ingredients)
Cannabis Strains - The delta 8 plant comes in 3 strains, Indica, Sativa, and hybrids. Each strain has unique characteristics, and the type of strain used in the product you consume will determine the “high” you experience.
Hemp Flower - Naturally, hemp flowers do not produce larger quantities of delta 8, they produce more CBD. To increase the delta 8 content in hemp flowers, it is sprayed with delta 8 distillate (learn about CBD distillate here), and this gives it a body-balancing effect when consumed.
Terpenes - Terpenes are found in hemp, and they are responsible for the aromas and flavors of cannabis plants. Naturally, they don’t produce a high, but they work in synergy with other cannabinoids and other compounds in the hemp plant to produce psychoactive effects. For example, linalool is a type of terpene that may help alleviate stress.
When all cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in cannabis work in synergy to increase the therapeutic effect of the hemp plant, it is termed the entourage effect. That is why full-spectrum hemp extracts are considered superior to broad-spectrum hemp and CBD isolates.
Final Thoughts On the Delta 8 THC Feeling
The delta 8 THC can vary from user to user. Most customers report feeling an uplifting and calming high. Always be sure to check if the company has third-party testing through before you buy.
Keep in mind that your delta 8 THC experience depends on the consumption method and the component of the product you choose to consume. The duration and onset of a delta 8 high depending on your mode of consumption, tolerance level, metabolism, and other factors.
If you are not sure which consumption method to try, we suggest you start with our Delta 8 Gummies.
Clayton McCall
Clayton is a Senior Content Specialist, researcher, and holistic healthcare practitioner. Having been in the supplement industry for more than 15 years, Clayton brings a wealth of experience to the delta 8 space. His publications include alternative therapy, stress and coping, and alternative health.
