What is Delta-8? Does Delta-8 Get You High? 

Without any doubt, every cannabis user is familiar with one of the most recognized components in marijuana, which is delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. However, we assume what brings you here is the curiosity to know more about its cousin, the newly recognized Delta- 8 THC. According to the National Hemp Association, up to 100 cannabinoids are found in marijuana. One such emerging cannabinoid is Delta- 8 THC, which has made its way into the cannabis industry; from beauty to health products, delta-8 has taken the cannabis community by storm. 

So, if you are thinking of integrating delta-8 into your routine and want to learn what it is, does delta-8 get you high? Then you have landed at the right place.

This article will provide a complete low down on delta-8 THC; its similarities and differences from other THC isomers, is delta-8 THC synthetic? Does delta-8 get you high? And pretty much everything you should know about delta-8 THC. 

First Things First; what is Delta-8 THC?

Have you ever wished to experience extreme relaxation and joy, all with a clear head? Then you may want to try delta-8 THC for good. As mentioned above, it is one out of more than 100 cannabinoids found in marijuana. It is closely related to the famous delta-9 THC or simply tetrahydrocannabinol, but what makes it different is that it originates from hemp, which is legal according to the Farm 18 bill. Let’s discuss what all the buzz is about and does delta-8 get you high?

Most cannabis fans swear by the benefits of delta-8 THC that it causes intense relaxation and pain relief without severe intoxication that can turn into anxiety or paranoia. However, it is important to know the key differences between delta-9 and delta-8 THC.

Delta-8 vs. Delta-9: What’s the Difference?

THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is found in various forms called isomers. It means they all have an identical chemical formula; the difference lies in the arrangement of atoms. When it comes to Delta-9 THC, the double bond is on the ninth chain; for the delta-8 THC, the double bond is on the 8th chain. Hence the names delta-9 and delta-8, respectively.

Another difference is that Delta-9 is the primary cannabinoid found naturally in cannabis in high amounts. On the other hand, Delta-8 also occurs naturally in cannabis but only in minuscule quantities, Now, you know what is delta-8 THC; let’s get straight to does delta-8 get you high?

Learn about Delta-10 THC on our blog.

Does Delta-8 Get You High?

Yes, delta-8 THC does cause a high. You will feel euphoria, a sudden surge of energy, and extreme happiness, but the effects are much milder than traditional delta-9 THC.

According to the Cleveland clinic, “Delta-8 can have about 50% to 80% of the psychoactive effect as delta-9 (THC), which can get you high but not as much. It means the cannabinoid is half as potent as the traditional delta-9-THC. So, its high is not marked by intense intoxication and overbearing effects such as confusion and anxiety.

 Another report by the USCC (US Cannabis Council) says that Delta-8 has a lower affinity to the CB1 cannabinoid receptors in the brain, so it is less potent for getting you high.

Moreover, the effects of delta-8 also depend on the dose you take and your tolerance level to delta-9 THC. Some people pick delta 8 over delta 9 because of its milder high, while some heavy marijuana users claim that delta 8 does not affect them.

How Does Delta-8 Get You High?

So now you know the answer to does delta-8 get you high, let’s discuss how does it actually happen? How this high is produced, and how does it hit our minds?

Like all THC isomers, delta-8 also interacts with your endocannabinoid system (ECS) after ingesting it. To comprehend this mechanism, you must first know what an endocannabinoid system is? 

Every person has a physiological system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). It’s a group of specialized lipid signaling chemicals, receptors, and enzymes that produce and break them down. The primary purpose of ECS is to maintain homeostasis and regulate vital functions in the body, including sleep, pain perception, mood stability, inflammation, appetite, body heat, muscle movement, cognition, and memory. 

Delta-9 THC impacts the ECS by binding with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, delivering its bodily effects. CB1 receptors involve the central nervous system like psychoactivity, pain regulation, motor control, and memory processing. CB2 receptors affect the peripheral nervous system and have to do with pain and inflammation.

In the case of Delta-8, the high is created when Delta-8 binds to the CB1 receptor. It attaches to CB1 similarly to THC, but there is a distinct impact since it has a slightly different chemical structure. It is because Delta-8 is a double bond analog of Delta-9. However, as mentioned earlier, the double bond is located on the 8th carbon atom instead of the ninth. Another difference is that delta-9 THC binds with a higher affinity to the receptor, whereas delta-8 binds with a lesser affinity, creating an easygoing effect. Moreover, Delta-8 has an affinity for CB2 receptors, but less is known about this interaction and its effect.

What Does Delta-8 Feel Like?

If you are a routine marijuana user, you must know how intensely THC affects your brain. THC is biphasic, meaning that if you consume it in moderation, the effects are promising. It will cause extreme relaxation and euphoria, elevate your mood, and helps you with your overall well-being. However, THC is known to trigger anxiety and paranoia in high doses. 

Though you must have understood by now that delta-8 does not get you as high as Delta-9 THC, you might wonder what delta-8 high makes you feel?

When you take delta-8 THC, you can expect to feel uplifted and energized because it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Many cannabis consumers swear by the subtle effects of delta-8. For newbies who want to experience the benefits associated with cannabis to the fullest with a mellow feel, delta-8 THC is what they need.

Is Delta-8 Good for Your Health?

Another common question besides does delta-8 get you high is, does it benefit our health in any way? The fantastic news is that delta-8 high is accompanied by a series of health benefits, making this cannabinoid incredibly popular among cannabis users.

According to research in 2004, delta-8 THC can stimulate appetite even in smaller doses. 

Another study suggested that delta-8 THC can reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea in children. 

Another recent research in 2022 concluded that delta-8 THC promotes relaxation, is an excellent source of pain relief, and doesn’t trigger anxiety and paranoia like its counterpart delta-9 THC. 

However, still more research is required on the medical benefits of delta-8 THC. 

Does Delta-8 Get You High? How Long Does Delta-8 High Last?

Before we dive into how long delta 8 lasts, it is essential to mention that factors such as tolerance and body metabolism play a significant role in how quickly the effects taper off. 

Regular marijuana users prefer Delta 8 vape cartridges and flowers, as these methods take less than 10 minutes to kick in.

However, for first-time users dabbing might be intense. The use of high-purity concentrates increases the THC and the effects can last for 2-5 hours. 

Talking about edibles, Delta-8 edibles and tinctures are the least predictable when delivering the effects. Usually, they take 30 minutes to two hours to kick in and stay in your system for 8 hours. Hence, with these delta-8 products, we recommend the simple rule start with low and go slow. 

Is Delta-8 Legal?

You might be wondering does delta-8 get you high and is it still legal? According to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived delta-8 THC products are deemed legal at the federal level. Hemp grown in the United States must have a Delta-9 THC concentration of less than 0.3%. However, restrictions may vary state by state; it’s always an excellent idea to check your state’s laws before you consume any cannabis product.  

Does Delta-8 Get You High? Delta-8 Side Effects

Like with any medicine or product, delta- THC can also cause some unwanted effects after you consume it. However, most of the time, the side effects are mild. Such as

• Dry eyes
• Dry mouth
• Rapid Heart Rate
• Problem with coordination
• Delayed reaction times
• Memory loss
• Drowsiness

You can resolve these unwanted effects like dry eyes and dry mouth by keeping yourself well-hydrated. Consider adjusting the dose if you feel drowsy, and you are good to go.

Moreover, buying cannabis products from authentic and reliable brands significantly reduces the chances of adverse events after consuming delta-8 THC products. The FDA received adverse event reports from customers and law enforcement expressing 22 patients who ingested delta-8 THC products. 

These adverse events may include

• Vomiting
• Hallucinations
• Difficulty in standing 
• Loss of consciousness

Does Delta 8 Get You High? Final Thoughts

We believe you know the answer better. If you want to experience the benefits of cannabis, but its buzz is too much for you, then delta-8 is the solution. Delta-8 THC is a great cannabinoid combining the subtle effects of CBD and the euphoric feeling of THC. 

Medical Cannabis Doctors is dedicated to providing you with the best medical marijuana experience. If you want to try out the fantastic benefits of marijuana, get your cannabis card in Illinois. Currently. Many states are allowing people with qualifying conditions to use marijuana for health purposes through medical marijuana card.

Reach out to us, you are likely to be just a few clicks away from reaping the benefits of this tremendous natural resource.