Quick Answer
The amount of Delta 8 THC needed to feel its effects can vary quite a bit from person to person, but generally falls within the range of around 5-20mg for most people. Those new to Delta 8 will likely start feeling effects around 5-10mg, while those with a tolerance may need 15-20mg or more to notice effects. It’s best to start low at around 5mg and work up slowly to find the ideal dosage.
What is Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 THC is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. It is chemically similar to Delta 9 THC, the main psychoactive compound in marijuana, but differs slightly in its chemical structure. Like Delta 9 THC, Delta 8 THC binds to the CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for producing marijuana’s signature high. However, Delta 8 tends to exhibit a lower psychotropic potency than Delta 9 THC, making its effects milder and more manageable.
Delta 8 THC typically produces a clear-headed, energetic high compared to the more sedative, fuzzy feeling induced by Delta 9 THC. It may promote feelings of well-being, relaxation, euphoria and mental acuity along with a calming body buzz. Users often report it reduces stress, enhances enjoyment of activities, and improves focus and creativity.
Delta 8 THC products have surged in popularity recently due to the 2018 Farm Bill federally legalizing hemp and derivatives like Delta 8 with 0.3% or less Delta 9 THC. Delta 8 can now be purchased in all 50 states online and through CBD stores, smoke shops and some gas stations and convenience stores. It’s available in various forms including tinctures, vapes, gummies, capsules, flowers and more.
How is the potency of Delta 8 THC products measured?
Like other cannabis products, Delta 8 THC potency is measured in milligrams (mg). This refers to the total amount of Delta 8 THC contained within a given product. Higher mg amounts reflect more potent concentrations of Delta 8 THC.
For example, a Delta 8 vape cartridge containing 850mg of Delta 8 means the total cartridge holds 850mg of Delta 8 THC oil. A Delta 8 gummy package stating 25mg would mean each gummy contains 25mg of Delta 8 THC.
Knowing the potency or mg amount allows you to more accurately gauge dosage and effects compared to the total volume or piece count. Generally, products will list their total Delta 8 content as well as the amount per serving clearly on the label.
What dosage of Delta 8 causes psychoactive effects?
Most Delta 8 users begin to experience desired psychoactive effects in the range of 5-20mg of Delta 8 THC. However, effects can be felt with as little as 2.5-5mg in highly sensitive individuals.
Here is a general dosage guideline based on user tolerance and experience level:
No Tolerance or New Users:
– Threshold dose: 2.5-5mg
– Mild effects: 5-10mg
– Moderate effects: 10-15mg
Low Tolerance:
– Mild effects: 10mg
– Moderate effects: 15-20mg
– Strong effects: 20-25mg
Medium Tolerance:
– Mild effects: 15-20mg
– Moderate effects: 20-30mg
– Strong effects: 30-50mg
High Tolerance:
– Mild effects: 20-30mg
– Moderate effects: 30-50mg
– Strong effects: 50-70mg+
These ranges assume average sensitivity and absorption. Those with naturally high tolerances may require higher doses, while highly sensitive individuals can get effects from lower doses. Other individual differences like metabolism, weight, age and whether taken on a full or empty stomach can also impact required dosage.
It’s best to start low at 2.5-5mg until you know how Delta 8 affects you specifically before increasing dosage. Never take above 70mg in a single dose until you understand your tolerance.
How long does it take for Delta 8 THC to kick in?
Onset time, meaning how long it takes the effects to fully manifest after dosing, can range quite a bit with Delta 8 THC.
When inhaled through vaping or smoking, Delta 8 kicks in the fastest, usually within 5 to 30 minutes after the first puff or hit.
Sublingual tinctures placed under the tongue come on next fastest, normally between 30 minutes to an hour. This quick activation is because the Delta 8 is absorbed efficiently into the blood vessels under the tongue rather than having to pass through the digestive system.
Ingestible edibles like gummies, capsules and baked goods take the longest to feel, typically between 60 to 120 minutes. This extended timeframe results from the Delta 8 having to be metabolized and pass through the digestive system before entering the bloodstream and reaching the brain.
Factors like your own body chemistry and whether taking Delta 8 on an empty stomach can make onset faster or slower across these estimated windows. Give the Delta 8 at least 2 hours to fully kick in before deciding to take more.
What does a Delta 8 high feel like?
Delta 8 THC produces a pleasant, functional high free of anxiety, paranoia or hallucinations. It delivers uplifting, clear-headed effects often described as:
– Relaxing body buzz
– Improved focus
– Euphoria, contentment
– Reduced stress, anxiety
– Enhanced sensory perception
– Increased enjoyment of activities
– More energy, creativity
The high has been called “marijuana-lite” due to providing a milder, less sedative high than Delta 9 THC. It allows you to feel peaceful and blissful while still able to stay productive and social. The mood-boosting qualities make Delta 8 great for enhancing everyday activities without causing impairment or couchlock.
Some may feel slightly sleepy after higher doses, but generally Delta 8 avoids heavy sedative effects. It provides a smooth high suitable for day or nighttime use. The duration lasts around 2 to 4 hours before fading.
Does Delta 8 THC make you fail a drug test?
Yes, Delta 8 THC can and will make you fail a marijuana drug test. Standard urine tests cannot distinguish between Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC metabolites. When you consume Delta 8, it gets converted in the liver into THC-COOH, which is what drug tests look for.
Even low doses of Delta 8 THC can build up enough THC-COOH to produce a positive result for at least several days, sometimes weeks after your last use depending on frequency of use, dosage amount, and your own body chemistry. Therefore you should avoid Delta 8 if being drug tested.
Is Delta 8 THC legal?
Delta 8 THC exists in a legal gray area. Technically, it is legal on a federal level thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill decriminalizing hemp and hemp-derived products. However, some states have banned Delta 8 at a local level due to its psychoactive nature.
Here are the legality issues to be aware of when it comes to Delta 8 THC:
– Federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, but the DEA still considers it a controlled substance in the same category as marijuana extracts (dubiously).
– 18 states have banned Delta 8 THC locally: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Washington and Wyoming.
– In states where adult-use or medical marijuana is legal, Delta 8 exists in a grey area of legality and may still be prohibited.
– The FDA does not allow companies to market Delta 8 products as dietary supplements and has issued warning letters to some Delta 8 companies. But enforcement has been limited so far.
Due to rapidly shifting laws, always check your own state and local laws before acquiring Delta 8. Purchase only from reputable companies that provide third party lab tests.
Does Delta 8 THC show up on drug tests?
Yes, Delta 8 THC can and does show up as marijuana on standard drug tests. Although chemically distinct from Delta 9 THC, most drug tests look for the presence of THC metabolites, which will be present in your system after using either Delta 8 or Delta 9 THC.
Therefore, you should avoid Delta 8 THC if you are subject to any type of marijuana drug testing, such as for work, school, probation, athletics, pain management programs and more. The THC metabolites can remain detectable in your urine for up to 3 days for infrequent users and up to 30 days for heavy users after stopping Delta 8.
False positives are also possible on initial screening tests, requiring a confirmatory lab test using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to distinguish between Delta 8 and Delta 9. But most standard 5-panel and 10-panel workplace drug tests will not take this extra step, instead reporting any THC metabolite as a fail.
How long does Delta 8 stay in your system?
Delta 8 THC generally stays detectable in your system for 1 to 3 days after last use for infrequent users. But with frequent, chronic use, Delta 8 metabolites can produce positive drug tests for 30 days or longer after stopping.
Here are some general timelines for how long Delta 8 THC stays in your system:
– Occasional users (1-2 times per week): 1-3 days
– Moderate users (every few days): 5-7 days
– Frequent users (once daily): 10-15 days
– Heavy users (multiple times daily): 30+ days
However, Delta 8 processing time varies greatly person to person based on dosage, frequency and length of use, metabolism, BMI, fluid intake, exercise, etc. The more you use Delta 8, the longer it takes to clear completely.
For those facing a drug test, it’s ideal to err on the side of caution and avoid Delta 8 for at least 30 days in advance to ensure passing. Be aware cheap home tests may not detect all metabolites.
Is Delta 8 THC safe?
When sourced from reputable brands, Delta 8 THC is considered generally safe for most healthy adults when used responsibly. However, there are some risks and side effects to be aware of:
– May be unsafe for pregnant/nursing women, children under 21 years, and those with medical conditions.
– Can potentially trigger anxiety, rapid heartbeat or shortness of breath in sensitized individuals, especially at higher doses.
– Some users report mild dry mouth or eye redness.
– Operating vehicles or machinery is not advised when under the influence.
– With extremely high doses, there is a low risk for nausea, vomiting, or sedation.
– Unknown long-term effects with frequent prolonged use; may impact hormone and reproductive health.
– Quality and safety concerns with products from disreputable brands. Avoid gas station or smoke shop brands with no lab testing.
Proper dosing and avoiding overconsumption can reduce risks. Talk to your doctor before using Delta 8 if on medications or diagnosed with any medical disorders.
Is Delta 8 THC synthetic?
Most commercial Delta 8 THC is synthesized from CBD isolate sourced from hemp using solvents and acids. This differs from the traditional method of extraction directly from cannabis flower. Therefore, some argue Delta 8 products are technically synthetic.
However, the Delta 8 THC molecular structure itself is identical to the natural Delta 8 found organically in cannabis. Synthesized Delta 8 still binds to the endocannabinoid system in the same manner as cannabis-derived Delta 8.
So in terms of effects, there is little difference between synthetic Delta 8 vs naturally extracted. Both are psychoactive and provide therapeutic benefits. Just be sure any synthetic Delta 8 you purchase has been properly purified and tested for contaminants and solvents.
Is Delta 8 THC federally legal?
Technically yes – Delta 8 THC is currently legal on a federal level thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. This legislation removed hemp and derivatives like Delta 8 from the Controlled Substances Act provided they contain 0.3% or less Delta 9 THC.
However, there is still debate whether Delta 8 legalization was intentional or a legislative loophole. The DEA still considers Delta 8 illicit under the Federal Analogue Act. And the FDA prohibits marketing Delta 8 as a dietary supplement.
So while federally legal in theory, in practice Delta 8 occupies a precarious position federally and risks shifting legal interpretation. States also hold power to ban Delta 8 locally. Check your local laws before purchasing.
Does Delta 8 THC get you high?
Yes, Delta 8 THC can get you high, but in a milder, clearer manner compared to traditional Delta 9 THC. It delivers a functional, energetic buzz perfect for creative endeavors, social events, concerts or outdoor activities.
The high feels uplifting and motivating rather than sedating. There is no fuzzy intoxication or impaired judgment. Most users report it reduces anxiety, elevates mood, deepens focus and increases appreciation of arts, food and music.
However, Delta 8 is roughly 50-75% as strong as Delta 9 THC, so the high is much more manageable without anxiety or paranoia even at higher doses. It lasts around 2 to 4 hours. The euphoric qualities make Delta 8 great for enhancing everyday tasks and recreation.
Conclusion
Determining your ideal Delta 8 THC dosage requires starting low and increasing slowly as the effects can vary dramatically by individual. For most users without a tolerance, noticeable effects start in the range of 5-20mg of Delta 8 THC. Highly sensitive individuals may only need 2.5-5mg, while those with higher tolerances may need up to 50mg or more.
Always wait at least 2 hours before taking more to allow the Delta 8 to fully kick in. And be sure to purchase from reputable brands that provide third party lab testing for purity and potency. Used responsibly, Delta 8 provides a functional high that can enhance mood, focus, creativity and enjoyment of daily activities.
