What Does Delta 8 Feel Like?

You’ve probably heard of delta-8 THC. It’s become one of the most popular cannabinoids on the market, and people use it for various reasons. However, because delta-8 THC sounds similar to delta-9 THC—the compound that gets you high—a common question always pops up: what does delta-8 feel like?

You might have asked this question as well. If you have, maybe it’s because you want to know if delta-8 will have the same psychoactive effects as delta-9. Or, perhaps it’s because you need to know if delta-8 is worth taking over delta-9. 

On the other hand, there’s a chance you don’t care about the differences between these two cannabinoids and simply want to know the effects that delta-8 offers and whether those effects add value to your health. After all, you don’t want to take something just to take it. Every remedy should have its therapeutic benefits. 

Regardless of why you’re wondering what delta-8 feels like, this article will share what you need to know. You’ll learn everything from the cannabinoid’s benefits to how long those benefits last. 

What is delta-8? 

First thing’s first. Delta-8 is a naturally occurring cannabinoid from the hemp and cannabis plants. It’s a form of THC, and its scientific name is delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol.

Because brands can extract the compound from hemp, some states allow companies to sell delta-8 products. With the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived remedies are federally legal. And even though delta-8 is a form of THC, multiple states are open to brands making products with this cannabinoid as long as companies derive it from the hemp plant.  

Still, not every state is the same. You must do research to discover whether delta-8 remedies are legal in your area before you use them.

Will delta-8 get you high? 

One of the great things about delta-8 is that its psychoactive effect is not as potent as delta-9. When you take the correct dosage of this cannabinoid, you shouldn’t get couch-locked, paranoid, or anxious. 

This cannabinoid’s psychoactive effect is much more mellow, especially when you combine it with other hemp compounds like CBD. In fact, a recent survey found that, on average, when participants explained whether they felt anxious or paranoid while using delta-8 THC, their responses ranged from “not at all” to “a little.”

The survey also found that most participants could perform their daily activities without encountering the adverse side effects—like anxiety, paranoia, and the munchies—commonly associated with forms of THC. Instead of leading to a bad experience, the psychoactive result of delta-8 is not what you’d typically expect. 

This cannabinoid provides a sense of zen and clear-headedness. It helps you feel mindful, focused, present, and uplifted throughout your day. 

What are the health benefits of delta-8? 

Delta-8 doesn’t just put you in a great mood. It also has benefits that add to your health and wellbeing to make you feel good. For example, here are just three therapeutic effects of delta-8. 

1. Enhances your sleep

With delta-8 having more mellow properties, it’s an excellent remedy for sleep. Its stress-relieving, uplifting, and euphoric effects make it easier for you to relax and get ready for bed. If you have insomnia, this benefit may sound especially helpful and desirable. 

2. Deepens relaxation 

According to The National Cancer Institute, delta-8 has anxiolytic effects. With this therapeutic property, the cannabinoid can help enhance relaxation and decrease stress without increasing anxiety, which delta-9 does. 

The reason for this benefit lies in how delta-8 interacts with your body. The cannabinoid binds to the CB1 receptors in your brain, and these specific receptors play a significant role in managing the psychoactive experience you encounter. 

But with delta-8, in particular, the affinity with CB1 receptors is not too great, so that’s why the cannabinoid is effective in reducing anxiety and stress. It operates more like CBD in its ability to help your mind and body unwind and ease muscle tension.   

3. Boosts brain function

Another great thing you can expect from delta-8 is neuroprotection. This cannabinoid reportedly has excellent neuroprotective properties. It can boost brain health by inhibiting the release of adenylyl cyclase and regulating potassium and calcium channels in the central nervous system. 

What’s also great is that delta-8 may be a remedy for neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkison’s Disease. It can enhance the levels of acetylcholine and choline, which might help manage these conditions. 

Additionally, delta-8 can form new neurons in the brain, which may help improve cognitive functioning.