How to Take Delta 8 THC?

One of today’s hottest cannabinoids, delta 8 THC, has been popping up everywhere. As a hemp-derived cannabinoid, delta 8 is legal at the federal level, despite some states trying to ban its sales recently.

When shopping for delta 8 products, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with the plethora of options and brands. Plus, many factors may impact how delta 8 will affect you. So we’re going to cover all the bases, including how to take delta 8 THC, how much you should take, and more.

If you aren’t sure precisely how to take 8 THC, this is the perfect place to start.

How to Take Delta 8 THC: Things to Consider

Delta 8 THC is a natural compound unique to cannabis plants (a cannabinoid). It’s an isomer of delta 9 THC, meaning that it is somewhat psychoactive but produces a milder high than that of delta 9. The primary difference between the two is the location of a double bond.

Delta 8 THC isn’t naturally synthesized by cannabis. Instead, the plants produce very small amounts of it when THC degrades over time. Manufacturers need to add various acids to convert CBD into delta 8 THC, which triggered the Drug Enforcement Agency — and hence the attempts to ban delta 8 in some states.

The best way to take delta 8 THC depends on several personal and environmental factors, such as the time of day, tolerance, strain, and the quality of the product you will be using.

Let’s go over these factors in a bit more detail.

Personal Preference

Perhaps one of the most prominent factors to consider is your preference. Do you like to smoke or vape? Would you rather eat an edible, or do you need to use it in topical form?

If you need a potent, fast-acting method, go for a delta 8 THC vape pen. Vaporized delta 8 provides the fastest effects and delivers more of the active ingredient to your system than other methods.

Tinctures are an optimal option for beginners who are looking for a mix of good bioavailability, fast-acting effects (30 minutes after ingestion), and a relatively long duration.

Oral products like gummies work better for those who prefer to have a premeasured dose of delta 8 in each serving. They take more time to kick in — up to 2 hours — but last for up to 8–10 hours, with peak effects somewhere in the middle.

The best way to find your ideal way to take delta 8 THC is the one that suits your health needs and lifestyle. Experiment with different products to find your perfect match. It may not happen right away, but sometimes, you need to kiss many frogs before you find a prince.

Daytime vs. Night-Time

The time of day also plays a significant role in your experience. There are delta 8 products that are higher-strength, designed to be a bit heavier, and maybe more crafted for nighttime use. Many gummies on the market pack a punch when it comes to potency.

On the other hand, there are plenty of delta 8 products geared towards daytime use. You can find milder options that induce a smooth buzz blended with calm energy. Similar to different cannabis strains, delta 8 THC will also have varying effects based on the strain.

Higher doses of delta 8 will get you more sedated, so if you want to try different states, start with a lower dose of, say, a delta 8 vape pen, and gradually increase it until you reach a comfortable high without any unwanted effects.

Duration & Onset of Effects

Do you need a product that will last long and stick around for a while? Or do you prefer instant gratification?

Delta 8’s performance heavily depends on the product’s bioavailability. Bioavailability refers to the amount of delta 8 THC entering your bloodstream after being processed in the gut and liver.

Different products will offer different bioavailability levels. Oral forms of CBD, such as edibles, have the lowest bioavailability compared to other delta 8 THC products. They must travel through the digestive system, where some of the delta 8 will be destroyed. Their effects last around 10 hours.

Sublingual delta 8 THC products like tinctures are more bioavailable. That’s because they can penetrate the bloodstream via capillaries under the tongue — avoiding the first-pass metabolism in the liver. The effects of delta 8 tinctures last for up to 6 hours.

The most bioavailable option would be using delta 8 vapes or smoking delta 8 flowers. Vaping causes the delta 8 THC to absorb through the lung tissue and almost immediately enter the bloodstream. Vaping is the best method if you’re looking for a quick-acting, cerebral buzz. You will be able to feel the effects within 10 minutes, but they will be relatively short-lived compared to tinctures and gummies because they last for up to 3-4 hours.

Product Potency

The product’s strength will also determine the cognitive impact on the user.

For example, some products will be more concentrated, leading to more potent effects.

Always pay attention to the product information and follow the dosage guidelines.

Choosing The Right Delta 8 THC Products

Now that we’ve gone over different factors that may change your delta 8 experience, let’s look at the most common product types.

Tinctures

Delta 8 THC tinctures are taken sublingually (under the tongue). Taking delta 8 in this form can bypass the digestive system because most of it is absorbed through your mouth’s sublingual gland.

Tinctures usually kick in within 30 minutes. They come in varying strengths, so it’s best to start with a low potency, and once you find your effective dosage range, decide whether you stick to this version or level up to a stronger product to increase cost-efficacy.

Edibles

There are plenty of options available on the market for delta 8 THC edibles. Some brands offer specialty snacks, like delta 8 infused cakes or cookies, while others focus on more accessible snacks like gummies. Unfortunately, as we mentioned earlier, delta 8 products that have to be consumed and digested will lose some potency.

The seemingly endless variety of edibles available today can be quite appealing. Although delta 8 THC edibles are usually a bit higher priced, you’re not getting as much delta 8 as you would with a tincture bottle.

Edible delta 8 THC products tend to last longer than other methods. However, the duration comes at a cost. It takes around 2 hours for them to begin working.

Vaping/Smoking

By vaping delta 8 pens or smoking delta 8 THC flower, your body can absorb delta 8 directly through the lungs. You should start feeling the effects within minutes after taking a puff. In addition, vape cartridges and delta 8 THC flowers contain other cannabinoids and terpenes that work together to create a better experience.

Something to keep in mind is that delta 8 THC flower is created by using high CBD hemp strains that have been coated with delta 8 distillate (there are no delta 8 plants). Also, smoking delta 8 flower exposes the cannabinoid to high temperatures, which means you may not be ingesting as much delta 8, not to mention the presence of carcinogens in the smoke.

Capsules

Capsules come with a pre-measured dose of delta 8 THC. One of the main reasons so many individuals prefer capsules is that they are flavorless and convenient. You take them like any other encapsulated supplement — by popping them on your tongue and washing it down with some water.

Capsules are even less bioavailable than edibles, even though the two are consumed orally. This is because you chew up edibles, and some of the delta 8 THC they contain will absorb via blood vessels in your mouth. Capsules are not chewed but instead sent directly to your stomach.

Topicals

Topicals target and isolate a specific area of pain or discomfort. Balms, salves, and lotions won’t get you high. Instead, the delta 8 interacts with the skin’s ECS, regulating your system and producing homeostasis. Delta 8 THC infused topicals are hard to find today but will be more widely available as the market expands.

Delta 8 THC Dosage: How Much Should I Take?

There is no “one size fits all” when deciding how much delta 8 THC you should take. This process will require some experimenting, but it shouldn’t be too hard if you consider some of the following factors.

Certain variables, such as age, tolerance, metabolism, and weight, can impact your experience. You’ll also want to consider your desired effects. Smaller doses usually yield more uplifting results, while more significant amounts will cross over into heavier effects.

Start with whatever your particular product suggests. If that doesn’t work out for you, try increasing your dose slightly. Never take a large amount of delta 8 THC if it’s your first time, as it can cause unwanted side effects that can catch you off guard.

Key Takeaways: How To Take Delta 8 THC

There truly is a delta 8 product out there for everyone. Plus, you don’t have to just use one method or take it at a particular time to enjoy it. For example, many individuals prefer taking smaller doses throughout the day, while others like to go with heavy doses in the evening.

From the biological perspective, vaping is the most effective way to take delta 8 THC. Vaporization is a fast-acting method, producing the first effects after a few minutes.

Tinctures score second place here. They’re a middle ground between vapes and gummies because they offer quite decent bioavailability and a fast onset of effects.

Gummies, on the other hand, are good if you’re looking for longer-lasting results and don’t mind lower absorption rates.

It all boils down to how the product fits your lifestyle.