What Does Delta 8 THC's High Feel Like?

If this is your first time with delta 8 THC, you might be wondering what the high feels like, how it acts on your brain, whether it relaxes you in the same way as delta 9 — and if you can do too much of it and experience anxiety.

Since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp and its derivatives have become legal on a federal level. Thanks to recent technological advancements, Delta 8 THC can be extracted from hemp, so it’s also federally legal as long as it contains 0.3% of delta 9 THC or less.

Yes, you now have a legal alternative to experience the cognitive effects of cannabis without actually buying marijuana.

Wondering what the high from delta 8 THC feels like?

You’ve come to the right place because today, we cover the topic from roots to branches.

Both delta 8 and delta 9 THC are different versions of the THC molecule found in the Cannabis sativa L. plant. However, while delta 9 occurs naturally in high concentrations in marijuana, delta 8 is produced only in negligible amounts.

Namely, delta 8 THC is a byproduct of THC’s degradation over time.

Both compounds have a similar molecular structure with one subtle difference. Delta 8 THC is a double bond analog of delta 9, meaning its double bond is located at the 8th carbon chain instead of the 9th.

That’s why these cannabinoids have a slightly different fashion of interacting with cannabinoid receptors. Both activate the same receptors — CB1 and CB2 — assisting the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in maintaining homeostasis through regulating functions like memory, mood, reproduction, appetite, sleep, pain, and neurogenesis.

CB2 receptors are associated with physiological responses to cannabinoids, while interactions with CB1 receptors lead to a psychoactive experience known as the high.

Delta 8 THC has a lower affinity with the CB1 receptor than delta 9 THC. For that reason, it’s around half as strong as the main active compound in marijuana.

Since delta 9 THC is stronger than delta 8, it has a higher chance of overstimulating the CB1 receptor.

Delta 9 THC has a biphasic nature. In low and moderate doses, it can promote relaxation, euphoria, giggly mood, and relief from tension. However, higher doses — especially in reactive individuals — can cause it to backfire, triggering anxiety and paranoia.

That’s because our brain gets fooled that more anandamide is being produced than it actually needs. Anandamide is one of the two major endocannabinoids produced by our bodies; it’s often called the bliss molecule due to its influence on our emotional well-being. Interestingly, it has a similar molecular structure to THC.

When you take delta 8 THC, it doesn’t stimulate the CB1 receptor to such an extent as delta 9 THC. Therefore, the risk of anxiety and paranoia is much lower. You can feel high but still in control, unlike with delta 9.

Now that you know what causes the THC high and how delta 8 feels different from delta 9 let’s shed more light on what the delta 8 THC high makes you feel.

When you take delta 8 THC, you can expect:

As mentioned earlier, you will experience intoxicating effects, but you’ll find yourself completely capable of performing everyday tasks most of the time. Even moderate or relatively high doses of delta 8 THC are unlikely to get you couch-locked.

Moreover, delta 8 THC can engage focus and energy, improving overall performance and translating higher productivity throughout the day.

The floaty, uplifting sensation helps promote a mellow, calm, and relaxed state of mind. The whole experience is very smooth, and when it comes off, it doesn’t leave you lethargic or sedated.

The high from delta 8 THC is accompanied by several health benefits. According to The National Cancer Institute, delta 8 has “antiemetic, anxiolytic, appetite-stimulating, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties.”

In other words, you can use delta 8 THC to reduce pain, nausea, and vomiting, protect nerve cells, and bring back a healthy appetite.

The delta 8 THC high feels mellow, and the list of health benefits is impressive, to say the least.

That being said, consuming too much delta 8 can trigger some mild side effects, including:

The above side effects can occur if you overdose on delta 8 THC. Although it’s impossible to die from taking too much delta 8, we recommend starting with small amounts and working your way up to the optimal dosage.

If you’re a first-time user and worry you took too much, try to relax and calm yourself down by doing things you enjoy, such as taking a walk in the park, watching TV, taking a warm bath, or listening to music.

The high from delta 8 THC takes longer to kick in, but the effects of delta 8 also last longer. The onset and duration of delta 8 vary depending on your consumption method.

In short, the high may need up to 2.5 hours to take hold, lasting up to 10 hours.

The duration and onset of delta 8 THC depend not only on the method of use but also on your tolerance levels. These are the most important factors determining the type of high from your delta 8 THC product.

Your previous experience with cannabis and delta 9 THC will also affect the delta 8 experience. If you have a high tolerance to THC due to frequent cannabis use, you may need a higher dose to feel the effects.

Caution is required if you’re a new user. When we say “new user,” we’re referring to a person that has no experience with cannabis whatsoever.

It’s best to start with a low dose — 5 or 10 mg — and slowly make your way up to the point where you feel comfortable with the delta 8 THC high. If you don’t have any responsibilities to take care of that day, you can try a stronger dose to see how well you react to the cognitive effects of this cannabinoid.

If you already have some experience with marijuana, you will more than likely need more delta 8 THC to experience the same kind of buzz, especially if you’re a heavy user. Over time, you may want to switch to delta 8 THC after a tolerance break to experience the benefits of cannabis without the anxiety and paranoia.

There are two ways you can modulate your experience with delta 8 THC. You can make the high feel stronger or move it in a particular direction if you want it to be more energizing or relaxing.

Here we explain how to mix different ingredients in your extracts and try different consumption methods.

Learn more: Best Ways to Take Delta 8 THC Products

The entourage effect is a term coined by Raphael Mechoulam and further developed by Dr. Ethan Russo. In this phenomenon, all cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in cannabis work in synergy to increase the therapeutic potential of the whole plant.

That’s why full-spectrum hemp extracts are considered superior to their broad-spectrum counterparts and CBD isolates.

As with any substance that interacts with the brain’s receptors, delta 8 THC can provide various cognitive effects on different users.

The high from delta 8 THC depends on the method of consumption, the dosage, and the combination of compounds that your product contains.

Depending on the selected format, the onset and duration of the delta 8 THC high can vary from several minutes to a few hours.

If you’re looking for a rewarding delta 8 experience, make sure to check out our guide to the best delta 8 THC vendors in 2021.

Do you like the high provided by delta 8 THC? What does it feel like to you? Let us know in the comments!

Nina created CFAH.org following the birth of her second child. She was a science and math teacher for 6 years prior to becoming a parent — teaching in schools in White Plains, New York and later in Paterson, New Jersey.