Delta 8 Edibles Guide
With the explosion of Delta 8 products in the US, Delta 8 edibles have made their way on the market in a massive way.
With their convenience, discretion, and great taste, Delta 8 edibles have quickly become a favorite option for getting high. Plus, they don’t expose your lungs to burnt plant matter like smoking a joint does!
Most of all, Delta 8 edibles are beloved for their versatility: if it’s a food or a beverage, it can be a CBD edible!
As a result, there’s an endless list of options to choose from, and while it’s great to have so many choices, it can be a bit overwhelming to shop for Delta 8 edibles, even if it’s just Delta 8 gummies, and we understand the struggle.
If you’re new to Delta 8 edibles, and considering giving them a go, here’s a guide that will help.
What is Delta 8?
Before we get into Delta 8 edibles, let’s first talk about what Delta 9 vs Delta 8 is , and why it seems to be in everything right now, from candies to cocktails.
Similar to the THC we know from marijuana, Delta 9 THC, Delta 8 THC is a psychotropic cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. Basically, THC is one of over 100 different compounds found in cannabis, but it can be found in different isomers.
This means that while Delta 8 and Delta 9 have the same molecular formula, their structures are slightly different, which translates into their effects on us–while Delta 9 is known for creating a pretty potent high, Delta 8 has a much more mild effect.
Is Delta 8 Legal?
At the federal level, Delta 8 THC is considered legal because it’s made from hemp which, unlike marijuana, contains a very low amount of Delta 9 THC, which is still banned in most states.
Because of this, Delta 8 products are, in fact, legal in most states, although some still have restrictions on it, while others still ban Delta 8 altogether.
This is why when shopping for Delta 8 edibles, it’s important to understand your state’s laws on Delta 8 products before purchasing.
Do Delta 8 Edibles Make You High?
Yes, Delta 8 edibles can absolutely get you high. While its sibling, the ever-potent Delta 9 THC is known for creating an extra groggy high with heavy limbs, a foggy brain, and a heightened appetite, Delta 8 is much more mellow.
With Delta 8 edibles, most users report feeling calm and relaxed, but still have a sense of clarity and focus.
What to Look for in Delta 8 Edibles
If you’re brand new to shopping for Delta 8 edibles, you might be a bit unsure of what to look for in a quality product.
When shopping for Delta 8 edibles (or any Delta 8 products, for that matter), the first thing to check is the company’s reputation, which you should be able to pull up with a simple search online. Check for reviews on the brand not only on their site, but also on outside forums, Yelp, Google, and Reddit.
Next, it’s important to check the ingredients in a Delta 8 edible–of course, you’ll definitely need to do this if you have any kind of dietary restrictions or allergies, but it’s also worth checking to check for plant-derived terpenes, as well. It’s also a good idea to consider the THC content in the edibles, especially when you’re purchasing gummies, which should have a consistently measured dosage. Typically, the average THC content per gummy is anywhere between 20-25mg each.
Are Delta 8 Edibles Safe?
As a substance that is naturally derived from hemp plants, Delta 8 edibles are safe to use. What’s more, they’re only about 70% as potent as Delta 9, offering a great option for those who’d like a mellower kind of high.
With all this being said, it’s crucial to note that dosage plays a huge role in safety with Delta 8, so make sure that you’re dosing responsibly.
In the next section, we’ll go more into depth on dosing Delta 8 edibles.
How Many Delta 8 Edibles Should I Eat?
When determining your optimal dosage with Delta 8 edibles, two factors are especially going to come into play: the total amount of THC in the entire product, and the strength of Delta 8 per mg.
The overall strength of a product can vary quite a bit, since brands will make them in different strengths and volumes.
But even with the variety, you should still be able to determine the amount of Delta 8 THC in one serving; besides that, Delta 8 companies typically provide the amount per serving on the label.
As for determining your optimal Delta 8 dosage when starting out, it’s always best to start low. A low dosage is going to be different for everyone, but the common beginner range is 5-15mg per serving.
Typically, it is recommended to stay within this range for as long as possible in order to prevent tolerance from building up, but if you’ve been taking Delta 8 consistently for several months, and no longer experience effects from 15mg, or perhaps not at the same intensity as before, you can move into the 15-45mg range, which is typically considered “medium tolerance.” Likewise, stay within this range as long as possible, slowly moving up, and when this range no longer affects you as much, you may then move onto what’s considered the “high tolerance” range, at 45-200mg+ per serving.
Delta-8 Vs Delta-9: What’s The Difference?
While delta-8 and delta-9 share some similarities, delta-8 THC is often said to be about “half as potent” as its counterpart, delta-9.
And this offers appeal, especially to those who experience side effects from delta-9, such as heightened anxiety, as well as drowsiness, paranoia, or increased blood pressure.
How Strong are Delta 8 Edibles?
Delta 8 edibles can be found in a wide range of different strengths and potencies. And similar to other cannabinoids, consumers are advised to choose a product that makes them comfortable.
Generally speaking, the high created by delta-8 is less potent than that from delta-9, and users often describe the effects as similar to the combined effects of CBD and THC, creating a product that’s almost sedative, but has a more intense effect on the body than the mind.
That being said, too much delta 8 in one sitting could lead to uncertain effects. For instance, some people might experience side effects if the dose they consume is too high.
How Long Does it Take for Delta 8 Edibles to Kick in?
The time required for delta-8 edibles to hit the bloodstream will come down to a few different factors, such as metabolism and body type. Tolerance levels will also play a role in the time needed for delta-8 edibles to kick in.
Typically, though, consumers can expect their wait time to be around 30 minutes before their delta-8 edibles kick in. For some individuals, however, it may take several hours before they feel the effects.
How Long Does a Delta 8 High Last?
Delta-8 is known to have an effect similar to the active component in marijuana, delta-9 THC. And likewise, they tend to share similar durations.
Depending on the type of product taken, a delta-8 high typically lasts at least two hours, but can go as long as eight. While this is a considerable range, different factors will affect the lasting time of a high.
For starters, consider the type of delta-8 product you’re using; this will have a significant impact on not only the time span, but the way it makes you feel. Delta-8 edibles, for instance, are absorbed through the liver, where they’re processed and broken down over a more extended period of time. Smoking or dabbing, on the other hand, causes a high that kicks in quickly, but doesn’t last as long.
Potency, of course, is also a significant factor–a higher concentration of THC will contribute to a more intense high, which will, in turn stay in the bloodstream longer.
Aside from the product itself, also consider your own body–particularly your tolerance, as well as your body type and metabolism.
The frequency with which you use delta-8 will have an effect on your experience, as well as your age, gender, and weight. For instance, a customer with a faster metabolism will process delta-8 edibles more quickly, but the effects may fade more quickly as well.
Are Delta 8 Edibles Better Than Vaping?
If you ever find yourself choosing between delta-8 edibles and delta-8 vapes, it’s always helpful to take your needs and goals into account.
If you’re looking for something that’s fast-acting, delta-8 vapes may be the better option for you–when inhaled, delta-8 instantly reaches the bloodstream through the lungs, creating a high in minutes, or even seconds.
But if you seek a method of consumption that’s simple, fuss-free, and delicious, delta-8 edibles are the best option. Thanks to the discretion they offer, delta-8 edibles are easy to carry around throughout the day, and they can be enjoyed without gaining any unwanted attention.
And while delta-8 edibles may take longer to kick in, they also release in the body for a longer duration; in other words, you’ll probably be high for longer.
Delta-8 edibles come in a wide range of options, but gummies are some of the most popular around, thanks to their extensive shelf life, easy dosing, and tasty flavors.
How Do Delta-8 Edibles Make You Feel?
Delta-8 and delta-9 both come from cannabis, and they’re both variants of THC. However, they do possess some key differences.
For starters, cannabis is typically quite low in delta-8, which is why it’s typically converted from other cannabinoids in a lab.
And while delta 8 and delta 9 share some similarities in their molecular structure, there is one key difference: while delta-9 has a double bond on the 9th carbon chain, delta-8 has it on the eighth, hence the distinctions “delta-8” and “delta-9.”
As a result, delta-8 tends to interact with our bodies differently, as well–specifically our cannabinoid receptors. It’s theorized that both delta 8 and delta 9 activate CB1 and CB2 receptors, which help maintain homeostasis through functions like sleep, memory, mood, appetite, and much more.
And it’s been theorized that while interactions with CB1 receptors tend to contribute to the “high” of the experience, CB2 receptors are believed to have more correlation with physiological responses.
Generally, delta-8 is believed to have a lower affinity with the CB1 receptors compared to delta-9, which may be the reason why delta-8 is known to produce a milder high.
Still, the high created by delta-8 THC is nothing to scoff at; when enjoying delta-8 edibles, users often report feelings of relaxation, uplifted mood, euphoria, and heightened body awareness.
This buoyant, uplifting effect helps promote a mellow calm, bringing on a relaxed state of mind.
Are Delta-8 Gummies Legal?
Delta-8 THC is classified as legal at the federal level, since it’s extracted from industrial hemp, rather than marijuana.
At this time, Delta 8 THC is legal in many states, but not all. For instance, some states have legalized it only for medical purposes. There are also some states that restrict its usage to a certain guideline, or ban it altogether.
Before purchasing any delta-8 product, always make sure to check the legal status in your state.
Are Delta-8 Gummies Safe?
As delta-8 edibles are getting more and more attention, we’re seeing a growing number of stores making room for it on their shelves.
But never fear: there are ways to make sure that you’re shopping from a reliable brand.
First, make sure to choose clear labeling. Figuring out the best dosage for your needs is already a challenge, so why complicate things even further by purchasing vaguely labeled products? Make sure to always shop for delta-8 edibles clearly labeled with the potency and ingredients.
It’s also important to shop from brands that practice third-party testing.
Cannabinoid products such as delta-8 edibles are not regulated by the federal government at this point, the most reputable brands will hire a third-party lab to test every batch of products for heavy metals, pesticides, and any potentially harmful contaminants.
With the ever-increasing number of options in delta-8 edibles, making the right choice can feel like a challenge, even when you have an idea of what you’re seeking for your needs and wants. With all of the brands and products, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but don’t stress–at JustDelta, we have everything you need!
