does delta-8 make you high?

Does Delta-8 Make You High?

| Spencer Beaudreault

Delta-8 THC is quickly becoming the fastest growing and most popular “new” cannabinoid out on the market. When it comes to delta 8 THC, there are many different questions:

Is delta-8 legal?
Is delta-8 safe?
What even IS delta-8 THC?

The list goes on.

With an increase in popularity comes an increase in curiosity for consumers. Cannabis and cannabinoid proponents are curious to learn more about what delta-8 is and if there are any potential benefits to using it. Yet, perhaps the most common question when referring to delta 8 THC hasn’t changed:

 Does delta-8 make you high?

Does Delta 8 make you high?

In order to answer this question effectively, we have to discuss a few of the specifics of delta 8 THC as well as some of the associated feelings of being “high.”

For those who may have seen our previous post on delta 8 THC, this will come as a bit of a refresher!

Delta-8 THC is a minor cannabinoid that occurs naturally within the cannabis plant. A minor cannabinoid refers to a cannabinoid that is naturally found within cannabis, albeit generally in smaller amounts. Therefore, when compared to the commonly used delta-9 THC, delta-8 THC is found in much smaller concentrations per plant. As for its chemical makeup, delta-8 THC is extremely similar to delta-9 THC. In fact, delta-8 and delta-9 both share the same chemical formula, although they do differ slightly on a molecular level. In addition to this, being that delta-8 is a minor cannabinoid, there is not often a large amount of delta-8 THC within one cannabis plant. Because of this, delta 8 THC is often synthesized from CBD in a process referred to as isomerization. Unlike CBD, however, delta-8 THC is psychoactive, therefore there are psychoactive effects associated with consuming delta-8 just as there are when consuming delta-9.

Which brings us to the next point...

 Clouds to represent Does delta 8 make you high

What does being high on delta-9 THC feel like?

Common emotions and sensations associated with being high on delta-9 THC can vary greatly from person to person based on a wide variety of factors including strain, terpene profile, and weight of the consumer. That being said, physical and mental relaxation, euphoria, hunger, and creativity are all common feelings associated with the use of delta-9 THC. However, a delta-9 high can also cause feelings of paranoia, nausea, and anxiety in some users, generally as the result of a large dose. In a nutshell, being high on delta-9 varies from person to person, and while some may thoroughly enjoy the sensation and benefits that can be found from using delta-9 THC, others may find that they don’t enjoy the feeling whatsoever! Everyone is different, and their individual experiences will reflect that.

Now that we have finished going over a bit about delta-8 THC, and we have discussed several of the potential experiences of being high on Cannabis/delta 9 THC, we can get right into it!

 

So, does delta 8 THC make you high?

Some consumers actually say yes!

Like previously stated, delta-8 THC is a psychoactive compound, and like all psychoactive compounds, there are some alterations in perceptions, moods, and behaviors associated with delta-8 THC. Delta-8, however, is much less potent than it’s more famous cousin delta-9 THC. That being said, the psychoactive effects associated with delta-8 are very much similar to those associated with delta-9. Many consumers have reported feelings of calmness, relaxation, amusement, hunger, and many of the other common sensations and emotions associated with delta-9 THC. A heightened sensitivity to colors, tastes, and smells are also not uncommon, and many users feel happy and giggly. And, while delta-8 side effects can also be similar to delta-9, such as slight paranoia, many consumers state that this is only common at large doses. In fact, one of the most common statements made by delta-8 proponents is that delta-8 seems to be less likely to cause anxiety than delta-9 in some users. For those who may have dealt with anxiousness while using cannabis, delta-8 may not produce those same feelings of anxiousness. Delta-8 proponents have likened it to a mixture of THC and CBD in terms of its calming, anxiety-free experience. It is described as a much more mellow experience than delta-9 THC, even at larger doses. If using delta-9 makes you feel anxious, a delta-8 high may very well be more enjoyable for you!

In addition to this, there are consumers who have reported that they do not often feel the slight confusion or brain fog that is commonly felt when using cannabis. This may in fact be due to the lower potency generally associated with delta-8 when compared to delta-9. It may, however, simply be the nature of the cannabinoid and the small differences than that of delta-9 THC. It is said that a delta-8 high does not result in the same level of grogginess that delta-9 is known for, as well! Regular users of cannabis may also be familiar with a sensation commonly referred to as “couchlock” or being “stuck to the couch.” This sensation can be relaxing for some while stressful for others, as they feel heavy and can’t seem to get up from the couch. Delta-8 THC is not often reported to cause the couchlock feeling, and it appears that some consumers prefer this feeling of a clear and focused mind to traditional cannabis. They may find it easier to perform tasks while using delta-8 THC instead of delta-9 THC, or may simply enjoy the experience better with a clearer head, so to speak. Furthermore, the experience of a delta-8 THC high is believed to last about the same length of a delta-9 THC high, depending mostly on the method of dosing. Delta-8 THC edibles and delta-9 THC edibles can each last up to 7 or 8 hours, while smoking or vaping delta-8 THC or delta-9 THC can both last up to 4 or 5 hours. While the intensity of the experience may be much lower for delta-8, the length of that experience seems to last just about as long as traditional delta-9!

So, delta-8 THC may provide consumers with a clearer headed, more alert, and less “couchlocked” high! That being said, even with consumers who state that a delta 8 high provides a clearer mind than delta-9, delta-8 THC can have the ability to impair you, especially if ingesting a large dose. Therefore it is important to make sure that you are safe when using delta 8 THC. Keep in mind that all consumers are different, and different substances will affect different people, in different ways. More research on delta-8 THC must be done before we fully know the exact effects that it can have on our perceptions and behaviors, as well as any potential benefit that may be associated with delta-8. It is a psychoactive compound, and as previously stated, it may not be for everyone, and some users may not particularly care for the effects of delta-8 THC. It is entirely reliant on the specific consumer and their own experience.

person on a mountain with arms up in the air representing does delta 8 get you high

At the time of this writing, delta-8 THC is federally legal for use in the United States. Although 18 states do have various rules, regulations, and sometimes outright bans on delta-8 THC products, most states do not. Delta-8 has been hailed by many as a safe and legal high for those in states where cannabis is still illegal.

There are, however, some safety concerns that can be associated with delta 8 products.

For starters, the less regulated a substance or product is, the higher the chance of lower quality, black market products. Companies may or may not be held to a set standard or forced to adhere to specific rules. Consumers would have no real way of knowing what they are getting when purchasing a black market delta-8 THC product. In addition to the potential for black market delta-8 THC products to be unreliable and downright dangerous, care must be taken when extracting delta-8 THC from the cannabis plant as well as when converting CBD to delta-8 THC. Depending on the specific process and substances used, potentially dangerous chemical contaminants could arise while converting CBD to delta-8. Therefore it is extremely important that the lab creating the delta-8 THC products is knowledgeable and experienced in the process, as well as using methods that are safe and secure when creating delta-8 products. The uncertain regulation in regards to delta-8 leaves consumers in many states doing research on their own when it comes to various delta-8 products. As such, many more reputable companies who manufacture and sell delta-8 products often include more information and lab results on their products upon request. Regardless of whether it is legal and regulated, you must do your research and due diligence when consuming any substance.

That being said, it is safe to consume for average adults as long as you do your research on the source you are getting delta-8 THC from. Delta-8 THC products that are commonly available online or at head shops include delta 8 gummies, delta 8 capsules, delta-8 disposable vape pens, and delta-8 vape cartridges. Like delta-9 THC, there are many effective and efficient ways to ingest delta-8 THC. Make sure that you do your research and consult with your doctor before you make the decision to try a delta-8 product, or really any product.

So, does delta 8 get you high?

Looks like you’ll have to see for yourself!

Spencer Beaudreault

Spencer Beaudreault is the Founder of Hero Brands, a Business Development & Marketing Expert, and a lifelong advocate & user of cannabis, hemp, & plant-based alternatives.
Tags: Delta-8