Does Delta 8 Make You High?

Does-Delta-8-Make-You-High

Delta 8 is getting prominent among the THC enthusiasts who want to use THC but do not want to experience the undesirable side effects that accompany Delta 9 THC. Delta 8 THC is different from Delta 9 THC in the positioning of the double bond in its structure, which reduces its potency. Moreover, Delta 8 is technically legal under federal government regulations when it comes from a hemp plant. Does it make you feel high? Yes, it does. But the high is more manageable with milder symptoms.

The hemp plant and its derivatives are seen everywhere. CBD & THC have been the two major extracts that have been recently seen everywhere and in everything. THC, more commonly known as weed, marijuana, etc., has been notoriously known for getting you high. And CBD got attention recently for its numerous positive impacts on your health. Even though the Cannabis industry is expanding every year, there is still a lot to discover about its therapeutic potential for humans. People were more accepting of CBD because it doesn’t get you high. And, the stigma associated with the use of marijuana makes people skeptical about Delta 8 THC. 

From the social media influencers to health & fitness freaks, everyone has been advocating for the benefits of the recent hemp plant extracts – Delta 8 THC. The personal stories and experiences of many people compel you to try them out yourself. After all, who doesn’t want their life to be better? But not everything you find over the internet is an authentic source of information. We receive many queries for information on whether Delta 8 will get you high. Well, to answer it in short, yes. But there is a lot you still need to know about this extraordinary extract. In this article, we have tried to compile all the information you need to clear your mind before trying the Delta 8 products.

Cannabis Sativa – Industrial Hemp Plant

Cannabis Sativa - Industrial Hemp Plant

The Farm Bill 2018 proved to be a boon for the Cannabis industry. It legalized the cultivation of the hemp plant and extraction of various cannabinoids as long as the final product doesn’t contain more than 0.3% of THC. Many studies began hinting at the positive aspects of cannabis, including THC, which was earlier the bad guy. 

Cannabis plants contain many biologically active compounds such as cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes. There are over a hundred cannabinoids present in a Cannabis plant which can be major or minor. The major cannabinoids present abundantly in the Cannabis plants are – Cannabidiol (CBD) & Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). 

  • CBD has no psychotropic properties and is non-addictive. CBD offers bountiful health benefits that work for the overall betterment of health. 
  • THC is psychoactive and may alter the state of mind. It provides many health benefits and gives you a high that is accompanied by certain psychological side effects. 

And the minor cannabinoids, found in lesser amounts, are CBC & Delta 8 THC. 

What is Delta 8 THC?

What is Delta 8 THC

Delta 8 THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is one of the many cannabinoids found in a Cannabis plant. It is similar to Delta 9 THC chemically with a difference in positioning of the double bond. As hinted by the names, Delta 8 has the double bond at the eighth carbon while Delta 9 contains it at the ninth carbon of the structure. The slight difference in the structure makes Delta 8 less potent than Delta 9,[2] thus, making the effects milder, more manageable, without the undesirable and severe side effects.

Most Important Question – Is Delta 8 Legal?

Talking of technicalities, yes it is legal, as of now. The Farm Bill 2018 had no specifications about which extract of the industrial hemp plant is legal and which isn’t. Any product prepared from hemp, as long as it has not more than 0.3 percent of Delta 9 THC, is considered legal federally. Delta 8 is prepared from CBD extracted and isolated from a hemp plant, technically making it legal.

However, some states have prohibited its use, and the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) proposed to list it under the controlled substances category. However, until now no legal policy has been formed or passed at the federal level. Read more about the hazy legal status of Delta 8 here.

Extraction of Delta 8

Extraction of Delta 8

Delta 8 is found in small amounts in hemp plants and other cannabis species because it’s formed as a result of the oxidation of Delta-9 THC. The minuscule concentration makes its extraction process difficult. All of the cannabinoids present in cannabis plants are synthesized from a precursor molecule called cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). CBGA then forms the antecedent for THC – THCA. THCA has no psychoactive properties and gains them once it undergoes the process of decarboxylation. Decarboxylation occurs naturally through aging and drying and speeds up when heat is applied.

To keep everything under legal guidelines, Delta 8 here at Divine Hemps is made from CBD extracted from locally US-grown industrial hemp plants. CBD is isolated first, which is later on amalgamated into Delta 8 through a series of technical steps. 

Does Delta 8 Get You High?

As we already mentioned, yes it does. Delta 8 THC exerts psychoactive effects but with milder potency. Delta 8 is being utilized for its therapeutic value rather than the psychotropic effects it offers. Delta 9, found in Cannabis plants such as marijuana, was utilized for its ability to get you high. It interacts with the Endocannabinoid System’s CB1 & CB2 receptors similarly to other cannabinoids. 

How does Delta 8 THC make you feel?

Delta 8 THC feeling has been described by the users as a clear-headed high and no effects on the ability to concentrate. A 1995 study shows that it has negligible side effects in children when used along with chemotherapy treatment.[1] There are many other positive impacts Delta 8 has on the body that have caught the eyes of scientists.[3,4] 

The onset, intensity, and duration of effects depend on the purity of Delta 8 products. When consumed orally, you may feel the effects anywhere between 45 minutes to 4 hours. The best experience is always credited to the sublingual use of Delta 8 in the form of a tincture. For instance, our Delta 8 Tincture with 1000 mg strength starts working within 1-2 hours. Some users have even reported feeling the magic of this tincture within 30-45 minutes. Our Delta 8 Tinctures are in 2000, 3000, and 5000 mg strengths. 

The side effects attributed to the use of Delta 8 THC resemble those of Delta 9 THC. However, it should be clear before moving on that there is not enough scientific research on humans available at the moment, and to say something substantial would require more extensive research on this topic. Moreover, the effects of Delta 8 THC differ from person to person because of their unique biochemistry. 

How Much Delta 8 Would Get You High?

For experienced THC users, Delta 8 experience may seem timid in comparison. However, if you are using THC for the first time, you may feel it hits strongly. How much it takes to get the experience is unique for every person because of the body’s chemical make-up. It is highly recommended to use with a small dosage and once you are aware of how it affects you, increase the dosage to achieve your desired outcome.

The recommended dosage may vary among different manufacturers. You must follow their advice for optimal results. Usually, for first-time users, a dose of 5-15 mg is recommended. While for experienced & regular users, a dose of 15-45 mg can be consumed. When you use a chemical regularly, the body develops a tolerance to its concentration. For those who are used to the effects of Delta 8, a higher dose of 45 – 150 mg may prove effective. Our high-strength 5000 mg Delta 8 Gummies Jar is popular among THC enthusiasts. 

To Conclude

Delta 8 does get you high but there are no serious side effects reported that accompany Delta 9 THC. This makes it a perfect choice for those who are looking for a buzz but within tractable levels. However, it should be noted that the experts are still working to uncover the impacts of Delta 8’s use on humans. 

Quick Queries

Isn’t Delta 8 the same as that of Delta 9?

  • No. Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC are similar in their chemical structure but the slight difference in their structure affects the potency of Delta 8, making it less potent in comparison to Delta 9.

 

Is Delta 8 superior to Delta 9?

  • Delta 8 can be considered superior because of its federal legal status. Plus it provides all the benefits of Delta 9 with less severe side effects.

 

What should I look for while buying Delta 8 online?

  • Always make sure that Delta 8 is derived from hemp plants. When extracted from hemp plants, it contains less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC making it legal.
  • Look for reputable suppliers online which you can confirm by checking their third-party laboratory testing reports for quality & potency. (Find ours here).

 

Can Delta 8 show up on a drug test?

 

Does Delta 8 make your eyes red?

  • Red eyes have been reported as a side effect due to unusually high doses of Delta 8. There isn’t enough research to ascertain how it may affect you in the long run. But it is speculated that the side effects may resemble the milder versions of that of Delta 9.

 

Can I buy Delta 8 products if I am 18 years of age?

  • Although there is no minimum age requirement proposed by the federal government, different state legislations have made it mandatory for you to be at least 21 years of age to buy Delta 8 products.

References

 

  1. Abrahamov A, Abrahamov A, Mechoulam R. An efficient new cannabinoid antiemetic in pediatric oncology. Life Sci. 1995;56(23-24):2097-102. doi: 10.1016/0024-3205(95)00194-b. PMID: 7776837. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7776837/
  2. Abrahamov A, Abrahamov A, Mechoulam R. An efficient new cannabinoid antiemetic in pediatric oncology. Life Sci. 1995;56(23-24):2097-102. doi: 10.1016/0024-3205(95)00194-b. PMID: 7776837. http://www.druglibrary.net/olsen/HEMP/IHA/iha02210.html
  3. Avraham Y, Ben-Shushan D, Breuer A, Zolotarev O, Okon A, Fink N, Katz V, Berry EM. Very low doses of delta 8-THC increase food consumption and alter neurotransmitter levels following weight loss. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2004 Apr;77(4):675-84. doi: 10.1016/j.pbb.2004.01.015. PMID: 15099912. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15099912/
  4. Thapa D, Cairns EA, Szczesniak AM, Toguri JT, Caldwell MD, Kelly MEM. The Cannabinoids Δ8THC, CBD, and HU-308 Act via Distinct Receptors to Reduce Corneal Pain and Inflammation. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2018 Feb 1;3(1):11-20. doi: 10.1089/can.2017.0041. PMID: 29450258; PMCID: PMC5812319. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29450258/
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Author

Charlie Thompson

Charlie Thompson is an expert cannabis botanist and a plantsman who believes that our lives revolve around plants and that a person can create the healthiest version of himself by exploring the power of plants. Charlie, who's the Chief Editor at Divine Hemps suggests that choosing the right CBD product is as crucial as getting the right form of treatment for your ailment. He closely works with the team of Divine Hemps and helps them create unique formulations of CBD that are tailored to customer's needs and are safe, pure, and lab-tested.

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