Are you are looking for a THC product that offers the perfect middle ground? CBD tends to be a great introduction into hemp products for many people and it will continue to produce positive effects for many people.
For those looking for something a little stronger than what CBD can offer, Delta 8 takes things further than just the potential healing properties.
Delta 8 delivers a potent high but not too over the top. Delta 8 isn’t exactly Delta 9 THC but it’s also not quite CBD. If you are looking for the euphoric feeling of getting high but are still needing to remain functional, Delta 8 might be right for you.
Before we dive straight into how Delta 8 can provide the ideal functional high it's important that we first take a look at some details about Delta 8 itself.
What is Delta 8 THC?
We get bombarded with questions and one of the questions we get asked the most is "What is Delta 8?" and so, we thought we'd cover some of the basics first for those who don't know.
Originally discovered back in 1941, Delta-8 THC is one of over 100 naturally occurring compounds, called cannabinoids found in small traces in both the hemp and cannabis sativa plants. Delta 8 THC makes up less than 1% of a mature cannabis plant.
Delta 8 is a psychoactive compound, which does produce intoxicating effects, meaning it does produce a "high", but to a much lesser degree than that of Delta 9. Overall, Delta 8 THC falls in a middle ground between CBD (hemp derived cannabidiol) and regular THC (Delta 9 THC). As a cannabinoid, the possible benefits that Delta 8 brings to the table are very appealing for many.
Does Delta 8 Get You High?
Yes, Delta 8 does get you high just like Delta 9 does, but to a much lesser degree. This means Delta 8 produces a far more functional high for most.
Keep in mind THC (Delta 8 and Delta 9) can affect everyone differently. If you’re a regular cannabis user, Delta 8 may feel more like an amped up version of CBD. However, for anyone who has a lower cannabis tolerance, Delta 8 will probably feel like a milder version of THC.
Is Delta 8 Legal?
Many laws surrounding hemp and the cannabis industry are constantly changing. As of February 2023, Delta 8 THC is legal in most states in the U.S., except for Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, Rhode Island, and Utah.
Initially Delta 8 became federally legal with the passing of The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, often referred to as the 2018 Farm Bill. The passing of this bill is what made it possible to legally extract Delta 8 from the hemp plants so long as the Delta 9 THC concentration of those hemp plants is less than 0.3% THC.
Potential Benefits of Delta 8
There is a slew of potential health benefits of Delta 8. These amazing properties are similar to those you’d expect to find in Delta 9 and CBD, although with a different type of high. Similar to the rest of the cannabis plant, Delta 8 binds to the CB1 receptors in the brain and may help with things like:
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Negative Mood
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
- Pain Relief
Bear in mind, there is a limited amount of scientific research at this point but based on user experiences and feedback, Delta 8 products may be worth considering for anyone who has benefited from and is looking for, an alternative to Delta 9 THC.
Anyone looking for the potential therapeutic or medical uses of the cannabis compound Delta 8 may even find it a better option to try over CBD and other cannabinoids. It may also be a great option for those who don’t want as potent or intense of a high but instead prefer more of a functional high.
Comparing Cannabinoids
Delta 8 vs CBD
It’s no question that many have found the benefits that CBD can offer to be very helpful. Many users report Delta 8 as being a happy medium, falling in between Delta 9 and CBD. The most notable difference is that Delta 8 is psychoactive, delivering on one area that CBD does not deliver on.
Since CBD is not psychoactive, it does not give users a high but does provide a wide array of wonderful benefits. It is ideal for people who want, or even need the benefits of cannabis but are not interested in the mind-altering effects.
In fact, CBD can actually counter some of the psychoactive effects, which is why it is not uncommon to find some products with a combination of CBD and Delta 9 THC or Delta 8 THC. This combination of cannabinoids can also provide users with an entourage effect, providing a synergistic effect for an even further boost of therapeutic and possible health benefits.
Delta 8 vs Delta 9
Delta 9 is the primary psychoactive compound and most prevalent cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant aside from CBD. Its effects tend to be pretty strong and are responsible for the stereotypical high and sometimes can be accompanied by potential side effects.
Like Delta 8, effects can range from relaxing euphoric feelings alongside laughter and increased appetite. Delta 9 can also result in some mild negative side effects, such as dry mouth, increased appetite, paranoia, anxiety, and lethargy.
The outcome really depends on the strain, dosage, and the physical and physiological characteristics of the person using it. As with most things, everyone tends to respond differently based on your individual body chemistry.
Delta 8 for a Functional High
Let’s face it, many people want to get high but remain functional. Delta 8 will offer you more kick than CBD, which is what many people are looking. It does this but to a degree that is usable, meaning you can remain productive and function as you go about your normal routine.
While Delta 8 is a derivative of THC, its psychoactive effects are less potent than Delta 9 THC. The effects that Delta 8 produce are similar to Delta 9 in many ways but with a lesser potential for users to experience the common adverse effects. For many, this fact along is what makes Delta 8 a better option for those looking for a much more functional high.
How Do You Take Delta 8?
There are a lot of options when it comes to consumption methods for Delta 8. The method you choose mainly comes down to preference but there are a few differences between these forms that may be worth considering.
No matter the method you pick, it is suggested that you start off with a very small dosage to assess your tolerance first before moving on to higher dosages. This is especially important when the goal is to achieve a functional high and avoid lethargy and any other adverse side effects.
Ways to ingest Delta 8
Delta 8 and other hemp derived cannabis products can be consumed in a number of different ways. There can be many reasons why someone might choose one method over another such as the speed at which the Delta 8 effects set in, to even just personal preference.
Let's take a look at the most common methods and review the differences of each.
Delta 8 Gummies
Keep in mind that Delta 8 gummies, or regular edibles typically take much longer to kick in but do yield much longer lasting effects.
Delta 8 Vape Pens
Hemp derived Delta 8 vape products tend to kick in much faster with the effects subsiding much faster than edibles. This method of consumption is often times best used for those who are looking for immediate effects or quick relief.
Delta 8 Tinctures
Hemp products sold as oil tinctures also have a very quick absorption rate when compared to ingestible products like edibles. Delta 8 tinctures offer a very precise method for dosing and also are great to mix into your favorite drink or beverage.
Delta 8 Flower
Whether you just enjoy smoking Delta 8 just like you would traditional marijuana, Delta 8 flower can be found in may vape shops and sold online. If you are looking for something even more convenient you can also buy Delta 8 pre rolls, which are ready to go right out of the packaging.
Knowing these differences in consumption methods may help you in deciding which is the best fit for you. We typically suggest that beginners start out with both an edible and a vape product, trying small amounts of each separately at first in order to gauge both and decide which form is best for them.
Where to Buy Delta 8 THC
So, you've decided that Delta 8 is exactly what you've been looking for in order to provide you with the functional high that allows you to go about your normal daily routine all while reaping the many potential benefits of Delta 8. The next question is "Where can I buy Delta 8?"
That's a great question, because hemp derived products are federally legal, unless your local and state laws differ, you can usually find Delta 8 THC for sale in vape shops and CBD stores. An even easier option is to buy Delta 8 online. Many online retailers like Everyday Delta offer a wide selection of high-quality hemp derived THC products from top tier Delta 8 brands.
This is not only more convenient for most, but you will typically find a wider variety of options and better prices when compared to buying in store.
Another thing that sets the products Everyday Delta carries is that fact that they only carry products that are all third-party tested for quality and safety. Meaning there is a lab test or Certificate of Analysis (COA) for every product.
Conclusion, Does Delta 8 Provide a Functional High?
It's about time the hemp and cannabis industry opened up to more options for all levels of THC users. Since CBD is one of the first products many people choose to use, it would only make sense that the natural progression would be to explore Delta 8 in small amounts to start, which will take the experience that much further.
For all of those people who want to get high but still stay functional while feeling the added kick that CBD doesn't have, Delta 8 is it.
These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information provided by this website, or by Everyday Delta is not a substitute for individual medical advice. You should consult with a physician before use, especially if you have a medical condition or use prescription medications.