Will Delta-8 THC Get You High? (What You Need to Know)

by Kat Austin February 26, 2021 5 min read

Will Delta-8 THC Get You High? (What You Need to Know) - VO Inc

 Delta-8-THC has entered the scene, and it’s legal and accessible across the U.S. Of all the questions buzzing around about this new hemp-derived cannabinoid, one stands at the forefront— Will Delta-8-THC get you high like Delta-9?

The answer is yes...and no.

Confused? No worries! We’ll clear up everything you need to know about Delta-8’s psychoactive effects below:

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • Delta-8-THC is psychoactive, but its effects are generally milder, clearer, and less sedating than Delta-9 THC.

  • Dosing varies by product and individual—start low (5–10 mg) and increase gradually to find your ideal dose.

  • The duration of the high depends on the consumption method—vapes kick in faster but fade quicker, while edibles take longer to hit and last much longer.

  • Delta-8-THC should be used responsibly by adults only, as it can still impair function and produce strong effects, especially in high doses.

Is Delta-8-THC Psychoactive?

Hemp flower, used to make a variety of Delta 8 THC products

Simply put, yes, Delta-8 is psychoactive, but it may not be quite what you think.

Like Delta-9-THC, the main psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis, Delta-8 has a strong affinity for the CB-1 receptors that affect the brain and central nervous system.

In fact, the Delta-8 and Delta-9 molecules are nearly identical save for one atomic bond. So, in all aspects of the phrase, Delta-8 will get you high.

Those who have tried it generally agree that Delta-8’s high can’t be directly compared to what you may experience with Delta-9. Instead, Delta-8 is thought to be about half as potent, and it’s actually known as adegraded form of THC. Many people suggest that the high is still prominent, but milder and less hazy or sedating.

There hasn’t been much research regarding Delta-8’s effects, but some theories suggest that its mild psychoactivity may make it a better option for certain therapeutic uses where Delta-9’s potency is a disadvantage.

Still, the euphoric effects of Delta-8 are nothing to overlook. Users report feeling clear-headed, relaxed, uplifted, and balanced after using Delta-8-THC products.

How Much Delta-8 to Get High?

After learning about Delta-8-THC’s reduced potency compared to Delta-9-THC, many people incorrectly assume they need to take much larger doses to experience the same psychoactive effects. If you’re more experienced with Delta-9, or if you’ve never tried THC at all, you may also be wondering how much Delta-8 to take.

There’s no cut and dry answer, but you probably don’t need copious doses. Although similar, Delta-8 and Delta-9 have different effects, and doubling your Delta-8 dose won’t offer you a Delta-9 experience. Just like with dosing CBD, individual dosing needs vary.

Many people take doses of 5 mg (and sometimes lower) to reap the benefits of a gentle high. Other products offer doses at 10 mg and higher. The best technique may be to start low and increase your dose as needed until you better understand your personal dosing threshold.

Also like CBD, different products absorb in different ways.

Delta-8-THC vaporizers take effect quickly, so they are a great way to gently stack doses until you reach the desired effects. Delta-8 edibles offer a convenient pre-measured dose that may help you keep track of how much THC you’ve ingested. Either option is fine so long as you start slow and don’t overdo it.

How Long Does a Delta-8 High Last?

The effects from Delta-8-THC can last anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, and the duration of effects depends on a number of different factors, like weight and metabolism.

It also depends how you take Delta-8-THC. Vaporizers, which have fast-acting effects that you can feel in a matter of minutes, may wear off in only a few hours. Edibles, on the other hand, may take over 2 hours to take full effect and the high may last 6 hours or more.

Delta-8 Safety and Precautions

Because it is newly legal, researchers have not yet put much emphasis on Delta-8, and we don’t know everything there is to know about how it works or its safety profile. Instead, many people piggyback off of the safety profiles of CBD or Delta-9 to determine if Delta-8 is safe.

Delta-9 does pose a few drawbacks for some people, like paranoia or haziness, but Delta-8 isn’t known to impose these same effects. Like other cannabinoids, Delta-8 has not been linked to any serious adverse reactions.

Still, you should always proceed slowly with any psychoactive substance. Just like with Delta-9, Delta-8-THC should only be used by adults, and it should always be used responsibly. Although the impact of overindulging may not be life-threatening, it’s hardly comfortable to be “too high.”

Take Delta-8 consumption seriously and do not attempt to operate heavy machinery while intoxicated.

Delta-8-THC is also not FDA approved to treat or manage any conditions, but many people report various health benefits similar to those of Delta-9. If you intend to try Delta-8 as a therapeutic supplement, talk to your doctor first.

Where to Find Delta-8 THC Products?

Delta-8-THC derived from hemp is federally legal, which means you can buy it in stores and online from a variety of retailers. Of course, not all Delta-8-THC is made equal.

If you're looking for premium quality Delta-8 products in a variety of potencies and flavors, our Elev8 Collectionhas what you need.All Vida Optima products are 100% Farm Bill compliant and third-party tested for quality assurance.

Conclusion

Delta-8-THC does get you high, but in a way that many users describe as smoother, more uplifting, and easier to manage than traditional Delta-9. Whether you're curious about its recreational potential or exploring its wellness benefits, it’s important to understand how it works, how to dose it properly, and how long the effects might last.

If you're planning to try Delta-8, be sure to purchase from reputable sources and take a “start low, go slow” approach. And as always, consult a healthcare provider if you're using cannabinoids for therapeutic purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Delta-8 THC High

What does a Delta 8 Indica high feel like?

A Delta-8 Indica high is usually calming and relaxing, often described as body-heavy without the intense couch-lock of traditional THC. Many users report feeling mellow, slightly sleepy, and stress-free.

Can you drive high on Delta 8?

No, driving under the influence of Delta-8 is unsafe and illegal. Even though it's a hemp-derived cannabinoid, it can impair coordination and judgment like Delta-9.

Is Delta-8-THC stronger than CBD?

Yes, Delta-8 is psychoactive while CBD is not. Delta-8 produces a mild high, whereas CBD is used mainly for relaxation and wellness without altering your mental state.

Can you go to jail for Delta-8?

Delta-8 is federally legal under the Farm Bill, but some states have banned it. If it's illegal in your state, possession could lead to fines or jail time, so check your local laws first.

Does Delta-8 show up on drug tests?

Yes, Delta-8 can trigger a positive result on a drug test for THC. Most standard tests can’t distinguish between Delta-8 and Delta-9 metabolites.

Resources

  1. “Delta8-Tetrahydrocannabinol”https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/delta8-Tetrahy

  2. “An efficient new cannabinoid antiemetic in pediatric oncology”http://www.druglibrary.net/olsen/HEMP/IHA/iha02210.html

  3. “Cannabis: From Cultivar to Chemovar II—A Metabolomics Approach to Cannabis Classification”https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/can.2016.0017


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