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Delta-8 THC has become one of the most popular cannabinoids on the market. But as with all cannabinoids, there’s a lot of confusion surrounding this compound. One question always pops up in conversation: will Delta-8 THC get you high? While the answer is pretty straightforward, it’s important to know the context first and understand how this cannabinoid works in your body.
What is Delta-8 THC?
Simply put, Delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid, and it’s one of many compounds that you see in the cannabis plant. Other cannabinoids include popular ones like CBD and Delta-9 THC, but these two are starting to share the spotlight with Delta-8 THC.
Is Delta-8 THC legal?
The legality of Delta-8 THC is a pretty gray area. While the compound is federally legal, it is not legal in all states, even where delta-9 THC is legal. As of July 2021, medical marijuana is legal in 37 states, and recreational marijuana is legal in 18 states. Delta-8 THC derived from hemp, however, falls into its own murky category.
The 2018 Farm Bill states that hemp-derived CBD products are federally legal as long as they contain 0.3% of Delta-9 THC or less. But notice that the bill does not mention any limits on Delta-8 THC. In fact, the bill states that an isomer of any part of the hemp plant is considered legal, and guess what one isomer of CBD is? That’s right — Delta-8 THC. This loophole allows brands to produce and sell Delta-8 THC products legally.
Consequently, several states have started to ban Delta-8 THC remedies, even states where Delta-9 is legal. The reasoning may be that Delta-8 THC is not subject to the same regulation as Delta-9 THC, which means there are few ways to know whether the available products are actually safe.
How does Delta-8 THC work in your body?
If you determine that Delta-8 THC is legal in your state and you buy a high-quality remedy, you may wonder what the compound actually does in your body. With regard to this, Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC have many similarities, but they also have a few key differences. The main difference between the two is the location of the double bond. Delta-8 THC has a double bond on the eighth carbon chain, while Delta-9 THC has it on the ninth carbon chain.
This variance makes the two compounds interact with the cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system differently. For example, Delta-8 THC binds to both CB1 and CB2 receptors, but it bonds more to CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors mediate the psychoactive effects of THC in the brain, and CB2 receptors are more involved in the immune and digestive systems.
This binding might be why the therapeutic potential of Delta-8 THC stands out, as well as why people believe the cannabinoid produces a less anxious, cloudy high than Delta-9 THC.
Will Delta-8 THC get you high?
According to Kat Merryfield, our CEO of Kat’s Naturals, Delta-8 THC can get you high. But if you use the correct dose and combine it with CBD, the psychoactive feeling you’ll experience will be soothing and mellow, allowing you to lie back and relax. However, if you take too much or use a delta-8 THC remedy that doesn’t include CBD, the experience could be more intense.
During Kat’s first time using the cannabinoid, she took a 10 milligram Delta-8 THC gummy before going to a New Year’s Eve party. Because the gummy didn’t contain CBD and had high levels of Delta-8 THC, Kat noticed herself getting anxious. But luckily, she was offered CBD at the party, which helped calm her anxiety.
Since that experience, Kat has combined Delta-8 THC and CBD and has not encountered that anxious feeling again. In her opinion, Delta-8 THC needs another compound to balance it, which is why she always includes CBD in our Delta-8 THC remedies and ensures the levels of each cannabinoid are appropriate. However, not every CBD founder takes the same steps, so it’s essential to consider the company you’re buying from if you want to have a good encounter.
Products with CBD and reasonable levels of Delta-8 THC are best. These types of remedies will produce a more clear-headed and relaxing experience. And they’ll also provide therapeutic benefits that you can enjoy.
What other effects does Delta-8 THC offer?
Many researchers are trying to learn about Delta-8 THC, particularly its medicinal benefits. While studies are ongoing, research currently suggests that the cannabinoid has soothing properties.
For example, a study in 2018 conducted on mice showed that topical Delta-8 THC might help reduce pain and inflammation caused by eye injuries. The research also suggests that when you apply Delta-8 THC topically, it can assist in pain reduction and reduce inflammation through its effects on the CB1 receptors.
Additionally, Delta-8 THC can reportedly ease some symptoms experienced by cancer patients, namely nausea. A study on pediatric cancer patients indicates that participants did not vomit when they took Delta-8 THC before and for 24 hours after cancer treatment. An animal study also reports that taking low doses of Delta-8 THC over a period of 50 days can lead to a 22% increase in food intake.
When will the effects of Delta-8 THC kick in?
How long it takes for the effects of Delta-8 THC to kick in depends on one key factor: your method of consumption.
Vaping or smoking Delta-8 THC will cause you to feel its effects the fastest—it’ll typically take just a few minutes because the compound is absorbed straight into your bloodstream via your lungs. If you use tinctures or oral sprays, you may feel the effects of Delta-8 THC after about 30 minutes. Edibles, on the other hand, take the longest time to provide any effects because your digestive system has to metabolize the THC before it goes into your bloodstream.
These timeframes are not set in stone, though. It really depends on each individual, so don’t worry if someone else starts to feel the effects of Delta-8 THC before you do.
How do the effects of Delta-8 THC impact different users?
There is no way to predict exactly how delta-8 THC will impact you because its effects depend heavily on the user. In addition, the experience for first-time Delta-8 THC users will differ from that of experienced users.
Typically, first-time Delta-8 THC users will have a more intense high than those who frequently use Delta-8 THC or delta-9 THC. However, experienced users will likely have a mellow, clear-headed high from Delta-8 THC.
It depends on you
The chances of Delta-8 THC making you high are…well…high. But still, how Delta-8 THC affects you will depend on your experience with THC, how you consume it, and your dosage. If you have never used THC products before, it is best to thoroughly research and find a reputable brand to increase your chances of having a good, safe experience.
Start using organic, vegan, and eco-friendly Delta-8 THC products by shopping Kat’s Naturals’ chocolate edibles!
