Delta-8 Side Effects (And What To Do About Them)

January 25, 2024

We’ve all been there—you’re in the middle of a sesh and all of the sudden, you get the sneaking suspicion that you might be too high. Don’t worry! Whether you’re feeling a little paranoid or have the world’s worst case of cotton mouth, it will pass. In the meantime, we’re here to help with a list of the most common Delta 8 side effects and what you can do about them.

What is Delta-8?

Delta-8, also known as D8 or Delta-8 THC, is a rare cannabinoid that occurs naturally in hemp plants. It contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight, so it’s federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill and legal to sell, buy, and possess in most states.

If you have more questions, you can read all about it on our blog!

What Does Delta-8 Feel Like?

First of all—yes, Delta-8 will get you high! It’s about half as potent as Delta-9 THC. It’s still a powerful cannabinoid with psychoactive effects, even though it usually produces a milder high than Delta-9 THC products.

No two people experience cannabis products in the same way, so the only way to know for sure how Delta-8 will make you feel is to try it yourself. You can read more about what to expect on our blog in the meantime, though 

Is Delta-8 Safe?

When purchased from a trusted retailer and used responsibly by adults, Delta-8 has been shown to be perfectly safe.

Here at Bay Smokes, we conduct regular lab tests on all of our products using a trusted third party. This ensures the safety, purity, and potency of all of our products.

Remember—Delta-8 can be powerfully psychoactive, especially in edible form. Even if you’re an experienced cannabis user, your tolerance for other cannabinoids might not carry over to Delta-8. Take it slow until you know your tolerance and how Delta-8 will affect you personally.

Does Delta-8 Have Side Effects?

Just like all substances, Delta-8 does have some possible side effects. Thankfully, it won’t give you a hangover like one too many drinks will! However, some of the side effects can feel pretty unpleasant, especially if you’re not expecting them. Read on to find out what the most common side effects of Delta 8 are and what you can do about them.

Intoxication and Mental Effects

Just like Delta-9 THC, overindulging in Delta-8 THC can lead to confusion and intoxication. We won’t spend much time on this one since for a lot of people, the “high brain” is part of the fun.

If you ever feel too confused or plain silly, try getting up and walking around. Clumsiness is another mild side effect, so you’ll probably want to be careful.

Try finding something to focus on, like your favorite funny TV show or movie.

If all else fails, you can always just take a nap!

Anxiety or Paranoia

This is probably the least-fun side effect of Delta-8 and other cannabinoids. Just like Delta-9 THC, Delta8 can help ease anxiety in moderate doses. If the dose is too high, though, Delta-8 can make you feel a little anxious or paranoid.

If you ever take too much Delta-8 and start feeling nervous, the biggest thing to remember is that the way you’re feeling is temporary. The effects of Delta-8 usually only last a couple hours before they start to taper off. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to help yourself.

Try some breathing exercises. Shortness of breath and a fast heartbeat are pretty common when you’re feeling anxious, and doing some deep breathing can help with both of those sensations. Try breathing in to the count of 3 and exhaling for a count of 4, and try to gradually increase that count as you calm down a little.

Find someone you trust. Just telling the people in your smoking circle that you’re not feeling great can work wonders. This can also help if you’re feeling paranoid—no, they’re not all looking at you weird!

Watch a calming video. This might be your favorite TV show or movie that you’ve seen a thousand times before, or just a playlist of relaxing nature videos on YouTube. You’ll be surprised how fast you get sucked in and forget about everything else!

Finally, if you’re getting paranoid, remember that if you ordered from Bay Smokes, Delta-8 is legal in your state and we care about your safety!

Dry Mouth

We don’t know a single cannabis user who hasn’t been here. Dry mouth, or “cottonmouth,” happens when cannabinoids bond to receptors in your mouth (they’re called submandibular glands, speaking of things that would be hard to say with cottonmouth). This keeps you from making more saliva, which makes your mouth feel dry. This side effect is more annoying than anything, but there are a few things you can do about it.

First of all, drink some water! Even though cannabis doesn’t make you dehydrated, it can sure feel like it (and we could all be drinking more water). If you prefer, you can try some juice or another drink, but try to stay away from anything overly sugary or caffeinated because these actually can dehydrate you.

You can also try chewing some gum or sucking on a hard candy. These help your mouth start producing saliva again, and they’re tasty.

Dry or Bloodshot Eyes

This side effect can be pretty annoying, too (but also pretty funny sometimes). This side effect also happens because of your cannabinoid receptors—when cannabinoids bond to certain receptors, it increases the blood flow to your eyes, making them look red and sometimes feel a little irritated.

First of all: don’t rub them! It might feel good, but rubbing your eyes isn’t great for them in the long run.

Eyedrops are essential. You can buy drops specifically formulated to help reduce redness if you’re worried about “looking stoned,” but regular eye drops can also feel just as good.

We hope that helps! Remember—Delta-8 is a powerful cannabinoid that can come with real side effects when not used in moderation. Be safe and stay calm!

Keep in mind, though—we’re not doctors. Consult with a medical professional if you have any concerns or start experiencing severe side effects.