Delta-8-THC is gaining popularity for its mellow psychoactive effects and federal legal status, with Delta-8 edibles being a top choice due to their taste and convenience. But before diving in, it's important to understand the pros and cons of Delta-8 edibles.
What are the pros and cons of Delta-8 edibles? Let's explore the key benefits and drawbacks to help you decide if they’re right for you.
Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:
Looking for Delta-8 edibles you can buy online? Our Elev8 Collection has everything you want and need.
Table of Contents
Benefits of Delta-8 Edibles
Drawbacks of Delta-8 Edibles
Pros and Cons by Edible Type
Conclusion: Pros and Cons of Edibles
Pros of Delta 8 Edibles | Cons of Delta 8 Edibles |
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First and foremost, let's discuss the benefits of Delta-8-THC edibles, because they are truly the most popular dosing method today.
First, Delta-8 edibles are a reliable method for reaping the general benefits of Delta-8, which may include relief from pain, stress, anxiety, sleep quality issues, and more. In general, Delta-8 edibles will provide the gentle lift that Delta-8 is known for, which is often described as euphoric, relaxing, and uplifting.
Some sources report, however, that Delta-8 edibles may produce effects that are slightly more intense than other dosing methods because of the way they are metabolized in the gut. Either way, at the baseline, edibles are simply a vehicle for the Delta-8-THC dose, so if it’s psychoactive effects you’re after, edibles can deliver.
Still, the specific dosing method may have a few benefits compared to other Delta-8 product types:
First, Delta-8-THC edibles are known to have long-lasting effects. In some cases, Delta-8-THC edibles may have effects that last between 6 to 8 hours, which is substantially longer than the effects from inhaled Delta-8-THC, which may dissipate after only 3 hours. For people who use Delta-8 therapeutically, these long-lasting effects are a significant advantage.
They also offer the greatest variety in terms of potencies and flavor options. The possibilities for new Delta-8-THC edible formulas are endless, so it's easy to find an edible that suits your picky palate or adventurous nature.
Delta-8-THC edibles have one other substantial benefit—they are pre-measured and precisely dosed. That means that it's easy to know exactly how much Delta-8-THC you're taking, and there's no guesswork or sticky oils involved.
In most cases, Delta-8 edibles are individually packaged, which makes them ultra portable. They may actually be the most convenient option for traveling with Delta-8-THC.
Finally, the most obvious benefit of Delta-8 edibles is that they're delicious. That makes them a great dosing option for anyone, but especially for anyone who has trouble tolerating the flavor of hemp oils or who cannot smoke Delta-8-THC flower.
Other than the potential for a rare Delta-8-THC side effect, which is present with all dosing methods, Delta-8-THC edibles do have one significant drawback—they take a while to kick in.
Because traditional edibles are swallowed and need to be processed by digestion, they can take up to 90 minutes to be absorbed. For some, this offers the benefit of slow rolling effects, but many people don't care to wait over an hour to reach their peak elevation after taking Delta-8-THC.
There is one convenient and unique way to circumvent this, however. Sublingual-style Delta-8-THC edibles offer all of the same benefits of regular D8 edibles, but without the same drawback.
This type of edible is designed to be dissolved in the mouth. There, it can be absorbed by the mucous membranes where it immediately enters the bloodstream. That means that it can take effect quickly just like a Delta-8-THC tincture, in as little as 15 minutes. Most people experience peak effects after only half an hour.
Because a portion of the Delta-8-THC is still swallowed, the effects may be long-lasting, too. Sublingual-style edibles also offer all the other benefits, of course, like individually portioned doses, portability, and extremely palatable flavors.
Sublingual-style edibles are not yet commonplace in the Delta-8 market, but this unique dosing style is at the heart of our Elev8 Collection.
Our sublingual style edibles, like our Delta-8-THC Caramels and our Tropical Thunder Fruit Chews are individually packaged for convenience and, like all Vida Optima products, are 100% Farm Bill compliant and third-party tested.
We’ve discussed the pros and cons of Delta-8 edibles, but what about the pros and cons of different types of Delta-8 edibles? Here’s a quick comparison:
Delta-8-THC gummies are the most straightforward type of edible available. And they are individually dosed, chewy, and delicious. In all honesty, it's hard to beat a traditional THC gummy.
Still, they have some drawbacks, like that they don't usually come individually wrapped. They also digest like a traditional edible, which means you may wait over an hour to feel the effects. Delta-8 gummies are still a good bulk buy option if you use D8 edibles on the regular.
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Sublingual edibles come in many different styles, but they all generally function the same. This type of Delta-8 edible melts in your mouth, which means it can provide fast acting effects while still being delicious.
They also are usually individually packaged and precisely portioned, which means they offer dosing control and portability. The only potential drawback of sublingual-style edibles is that the effects may not last quite as long as traditional edibles, but only because they kick in more quickly.
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Although they are marketed as a totally different dosing style, Delta-8-THC tincture oils are, in fact, a type of Delta-8 edible. They're taken sublingually, which means they do take effect quickly, in as little as 30 minutes.
Because they're in liquid form, they allow you to precisely measure each dose, which is great for someone who alters their dosage frequently or who hasn't yet figured out how much Delta-8-THC they need to take.
Tincture oils do have a couple of drawbacks, like that they need to be measured each time which isn't exactly convenient for dosing on the go. Some people don't care for the flavor of Delta-8 hemp oil, but a flavored tincture may remedy this problem.
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If we zoom in on traditional edibles, the benefits and drawbacks are easy to identify. Edibles are individually portioned doses that are generally more portable than oils and flower, but they may have slow-rolling effects that take over an hour to kick in.
When we look at the full picture, we quickly find that sublingual Delta-8 edibles circumvent these drawbacks. A sublingual-style edible may offer all of the same benefits of traditional edibles, but they also have fast acting effects that you’ll feel in less than half an hour.
In other words, there’s a Delta-8 edible that meets almost any need, and you can find a variety of different potencies, flavors, and styles in our Elev8 Collection.
Delta-8 THC is generally considered to have a similar safety profile to Delta-9 THC, but its effects on the heart are not well-studied. Some users may experience increased heart rate or changes in blood pressure. If you have heart conditions or concerns, consult with a healthcare provider before using Delta-8.
Cons of Delta-8 THC may include potential side effects such as dry mouth, red eyes, dizziness, and paranoia. Additionally, since Delta-8 is less researched compared to Delta-9, there’s limited information on long-term effects and safety.
Bad experiences with Delta-8 gummies can include stronger-than-expected psychoactive effects, leading to discomfort or anxiety. Some users may also report digestive issues or poor taste. The variability in potency between products can contribute to these negative experiences.
Delta-8 THC can potentially affect blood pressure, though its impact may be less pronounced compared to Delta-9 THC. Some users might experience a temporary increase in blood pressure or heart rate. If you have high blood pressure or cardiovascular concerns, consult your doctor before use.
Negative side effects of Delta-8 gummies can include dry mouth, dizziness, increased heart rate, and potential anxiety or paranoia. As with any THC product, individual reactions can vary, and high doses may increase the likelihood of experiencing these side effects.
Delta-8 THC is generally considered safe for most people when used responsibly. However, because it is less studied than Delta-9 THC, its long-term effects and safety profile are not fully established. Using Delta-8 in moderation and choosing products from reputable sources can help minimize risks.
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