The Effects & Benefits Of Delta 8 THC

January 23, 2024

Everyone from cancer patients to someone who just wants to chill on their couch can enjoy the effects and benefits of Delta-8 THC. Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, an isomer of the well-known delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is the best cannabinoid you’ve never heard of. Not only can it provide numerous medical benefits, but it can also make you feel downright euphoric. 

In this article, we will check out some of the heavenly effects of a Delta-8 high, as well as explore some of the ways it can help treat a variety of ailments. Time for a deep dive into Delta-8.

Effects of Delta-8 THC

Would you like a high that still allows you to function? Delta-8 embodies this perfectly. If for you Delta-9 THC is too intense, and cannabidiol (CBD) is not quite enough, try Delta-8! It has a lot of the same benefits as CBD, but with a bit of the fun high of THC. It’s a perfect balance in our opinion.

In fact, it has about 50 to 70% the intensity of a Delta-9 THC high due to its lower psychotropic potency.

Here are the typical effects you will feel from Delta-8:

• Increased body awareness

• Uplifting feeling in the body

• Euphoria

• Tranquility

• Relaxation

• Dreamy introspection

• Mild and clear cerebral high

Cerebral High

BothDelta-8 and Delta-9 THC are psychoactive drugs, meaning they can alter your perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, or behavior. It can be a pleasant escape from reality, yet still allows you to deal with reality.

Because there is less intensity than THC, this allows for a cerebral high that is mild and clear. You won’t get the anxious worries and paranoid looking-out-the-blinds feeling. Instead, you can still manage in the adult world because your focus and energy levels are engaged. Your cognitive function could be even better.

Body High

You can also experience a deliciously uplifting body high. Some users describe it as a “floaty” feeling, making you feel weightless. This can help promote a mellow, calm, and relaxed mood.

Being in this calm state is probably what allows people to function better in their lives. When they don’t have the normal anxieties of life weighing them down, there is a sense of well-being that allows you to truly enjoy the moment. And isn’t that what everybody wants?

Strain Determines Effects

In nature, cannabis strains are distinguished by their cannabinoid and terpene content. The combination of these compounds determines the overall effects of the strain.

Some strains will have different characteristics than others. Therefore determining what strain to buy will determine the majority of effects you will feel.

The three varieties of hemp Delta-8 may come from are:

• Sativa:

   

  Sativa plants are taller and slimmer, with long, thin leaves. When consuming D8 from this type of plant, you will experience more of a head high. It will feel uplifting, euphoric, and more creative. You will also feel more energetic and alert, so it is best to use Sativa during the daytime. 

• Indica:

   

  These types of cannabis are shorter and bushier, with short, wide leaves. Delta-8 from an Indica plant will give you more of a body high, reduces pain, and promotes relaxation. You may even feel an increase in appetite. Since it acts as a sedative, it might be best to consume Indica at night. 

• Hybrid:

   

  When two strains are crossed together, this creates a Hybrid strain. It will exhibit qualities from each. Since there are many new strains out there, it is hard to pin down definitive characteristics. 

Duration of Effects

The effects of Delta-8 often take longer to set in and last about half as long as a THC high. Depending on how you consume the product, whether, through ingestion or inhalation, the effect will occur after varying times.

Delta-8 will affect people differently, and everyone’s high is different. This is because we all have different genes, lifestyles, and habits that affect our bodies. Additionally, your previous history with cannabis and other intoxicants will affect the D8 experience, upping your tolerance level and possibly dampening some effects.

That being said, here are the possible times of the onset, peak, and duration of a D8 high:

• If you’ve vaped Delta-8 cartridges or pods:

   

  You can expect the onset of effects to begin in about 6 minutes. Effects last up to five hours and the peak of the effects can be anywhere from 30 minutes to 2.5 hours in.

• If you’ve ingested Delta-8 edibles or tinctures:

  This method takes a little longer due to the time needed to metabolize the compound. The effects may begin about 30 minutes to 1.5 hours in. It will hit you pretty much all at once. You may feel the effects up to 5 hours later, with the peak happening 1 to 2 hours in.

Once the high is over, you won’t feel drained or exhausted as with other substances. Simply a smooth come up, a chill buzz, and then a smooth come down at the end.

Possible Side Effects

Although a Delta-8 high can be a completely wonderful experience, it is also possible for some mild side effects to take place. As with any substance, there may be a few drawbacks. They are:

• Increased heart rate

• Reddening of the eyes

• Dizziness

• Dry mouth

• Paresthesia

• Tinnitus

• Weakness

• Muscle tension or tremor

• Reduced motor control

• Fatigue

• Changes in visual or auditory perception

• Time distortion

• Difficulty in thinking, speaking, reading, or remembering

Typically these effects may happen if you take too much. To avoid this, start with small doses and work your way up to an amount that works for you. And remember that everyone is different. We especially recommend this tactic to first-time users.

If you are worried that you took too much, try to remain calm. Remember that the feeling is only temporary and it will pass when the high subsides. Find a way to relax by doing something you enjoy. This can be something like taking a walk in nature, watching your favorite show or movie, listening to your favorite music, or taking a pleasurable bath.

Effects Based on Previous Experience

As we’ve mentioned earlier, the type of high you feel may be based on your amount of experience.

• If you are a first-time user:

  We recommend you be cautious. A first-time user is someone who has had no experience with cannabis products whatsoever, including marijuana or CBD. As a first-time user, it is important to start in low doses, working up to a level that is comfortable to you after each experience.

  This way you will not be surprised by any effects since you have no experience to compare it to.

  If you’ve experienced marijuana, you will have some idea what to expect. However, keep in mind that the high will be much less intense.

  But if you’ve only tried CBD products, Delta-8 can feel more intense. This is because CBD contains little to no THC, thus will have no psychoactive high. Therefore psychoactive effects can feel completely foreign to you.

  For first-timers, we recommend you are in a comfortable place. Make sure you don’t have any responsibilities to take care of, and that you won’t be driving. You will have a more pleasant experience the more relaxed you are.

  Take a small dose and enjoy!

• If you are an experienced cannabis user:

   

  So when it comes to cannabis, you’ve been there done that. If this is the case, you will more than likely not be hit hard by the effects of Delta-8. This is especially the case for chronic cannabis users. Delta-8 is much less potent in comparison and therefore will be easier to acclimate to.

  If you are a marijuana user who is often overcome by the paranoia, anxiety, and foggy brain of THC, D8 might be the perfect substitute! You will enjoy more mellow effects but can still enjoy a fun body and cerebral high. Welcome to the Delta-8 world!

Benefits of Delta-8 THC

With Delta-8, you don’t just experience these amazing effects. There are also a ton of health benefits that can come from this compound. This makes it not only a recreational substance but a medicinal one. A perfect combination.

The National Cancer Institute states that Delta-8 is “an analogue of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with antiemetic, anxiolytic, appetite-stimulating, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties.”

So, in plain English, you can experience effects like decreased nausea, anxiety, pain, and it can also bring back a healthy appetite. Additionally, there has been some evidence that Delta-8 can promote better memory retention and may help treat cancer. Let’s explore the research regarding these benefits.

• Decreases nausea:

   

  Nausea occurs as a symptom of many disorders, as well as a side effect of many treatments. One of those nausea-inducing treatments is chemotherapy. In 1995, Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, the same doctor who discovered Delta-9 THC, discovered that after taking Delta-8 THC, children undergoing cancer treatment saw an improvement in their nausea and vomiting.

  These patients, aged 3 to 13, showed no psychotropic effects. Delta-8 THC is 200 times more effective as an antiemetic than D9. In some cases, it is 3 to 10 times less potent.

• Reduces anxiety:

  People experiencing Delta-8 THC do not feel paranoid or anxious. Users report feeling uplifted and alert, yet still calm and relaxed. D8 is much less likely to induce anxiety in high doses than Delta-9 THC. This is an especially attractive quality for people who are using the cannabinoid for health benefits.

  Delta-8 interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors in our bodies. It has been proven that the CB1 receptor in our endocannabinoid systems has a link to anxiety. When D8

  binds with CB1, it activates effects that promote relief from stress and anxiety. 

• Appetite-inducing:

  Patients experiencing loss of appetite from cancer and other illnesses have seen an increase in appetite, which allows them to get the vital nutrition needed. In 2004, a study on mice backed up these results.

• Pain-relieving:

  Delta-8 has been shown to provide pain relief and reduce inflammation. In 2018, a study of mice with corneal injury under the influence of Delta-8 THC showed a reduction in their pain score. It also showed that D8 blocked the pain and had anti-inflammatory effects through the CB1 receptor. This showed that D8 could help treat ocular pain and inflammation.

• Anti-cancer:

  In 1974, a study was conducted on the effects of Delta-8 THC on

  rats

  . Unexpectedly, the researchers found that the cannabinoid had cancer-killing properties. There was not much follow-up research after this amazing discovery. The public is mostly unaware of the findings due to the decades it took for the government to admit the find.

  Studies on animals in 2006 showed evidence that D8, D9, and CBN may inhibit lung cancer. In 2013, the National Cancer Institute cited in a report that D8, D9, and CBD can stop tumor growth.  

As it stands today, the research of Delta-8 benefits is still in its infancy. There is still a lot not yet known. Delta-8 continues to grow in its popularity, and we hope to see more and more research in the coming years. We will keep you posted.

Customize the Effects and Benefits

Knowing how cannabis can affect and benefit you allows you to customize it to your needs. Since the hemp plant comes in a variety of strains and is made of so many cannabinoids and other compounds, this gives you a smorgasbord of options to choose from.

As we’ve mentioned earlier, there are Indica, Sativa, and hybrid strains. Strains are made up of specific cannabinoids and terpenes. A great way to personalize your experience is to buy a Delta-8 THC product with terpenes. Terpenes are aromatic oil compounds found in cannabis plants, as well as other plants, that produce different scents and flavors. You can use terpenes to personalize your experience to your individual needs. Here are some of the most common terpenes:

• Myrcene:

  This terpene is the most common one found in hemp. It smells herbal, musky, and earthy and is said to help calm and relax, as well as promotes sleep.

• Linalool: 

  Also known as the lavender terpene, this one has a floral aroma with a bit of spice. It is said to help reduce stress and promote good sleep.

• Pinene: 

  This terpene can be found in pine needles, orange peels, rosemary, and parsley. It smells of pine and is said to promote alertness and memory retention. Pinene has the opposite effect of linalool.

• Humulene:

  You can find this terpene in hops, basil, and cloves, and has a hoppy scent. It is known for fighting inflammation and relieving pain.

• Limonene:

  Found in citrus peels, this one has a natural citrus scent. It is said to help relieve stress and boost mood.

When cannabinoids and terpenes native to cannabis are combined, it produces an entourage effect. This effect is the theory that the components of the product work more effectively when working synergistically with other native compounds. This is because the product is mimicking nature.

So if you have the opportunity to consume Delta-8 with other cannabinoids and terpenes, the effects will be even more pronounced. Highly recommended.

Some other cannabinoids that assist terpenes to create an entourage effect with Delta-8 are:

• Cannabidiol (CBD):

  Hemp contains large amounts of CBD content, which is one of the most well-known and researched cannabinoids. CBD is popular because it has many health benefits, including help with anxiety, pain, inflammation. At the same time, it doesn’t have psychotropic effects.

• Cannabichromene (CBC):

  Though not as popular as other cannabinoids, CBC shows great promise in pain treatment. CBC is found in substantial amounts in the hemp flower, and when paired with THC, researchers believe it magnifies its analgesic effects.

• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC):

  THC

   

  is present in hemp, but only in amounts of 0.3% or less. This is the same compound that produces the “high” that marijuana users experience. However, the low amounts in hemp will not produce a high. Even though THC may be highly controversial, it has proven health benefits. Due to these benefits, it is often recommended to be consumed in small amounts alongside other cannabinoids to balance out effects. Hemp provides the perfect balance of it all, in our opinion. 

• Cannabigerol (CBG):

  Sometimes known as “the mother of all cannabinoids,” CBG is the precursor to both THC and CBD. This cannabinoid is showing a lot of promise in the treatment of various health conditions, but more research is needed. It may help decrease pain, anxiety, and inflammation.

• Cannabinol (CBN):

  Another compound found in hemp, CBN is known for its sedative effects. It is created when THC is heated and broken down and is one of the rarest cannabinoids in hemp. Even though it is created as a byproduct of THC, it is not strong enough to produce a THC-like high.

Get Your Hands On Some

Step aside medical marijuana, you have a contender. Delta-8 is an extremely beneficial form of THC that is giving weed a run for its money. And due to hemp’s newfound legality set in motion by theFarm Bill, you can now easily get your hands on some. You don’t even need to frequent the dispensaries tofind it. Whether it be through the form of a vape cartridge, gummies, or distillate, we have the utmost confidence you too will enjoy the effects and benefits of Delta-8.

As a disclaimer, we want to state that this content is for informational purposes only. It is not provided to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or ailment. It should not be interpreted as instruction or medical advice to displace the advice of your doctor or other medical professionals. We recommend talking to your doctor to prepare a treatment plan for any diseases or ailments.