Despite the soaring popularity of delta-8 products, many people still don’t know how to get the most from them or use them responsibly. That’s no surprise. Delta-8 works a bit differently from regular THC, and there’s a massive variety in the quality of products available.
There’s no set delta-8 dosage or chart – however, new users should err on caution. First-timers should start with 10 milligrams or less, while regulars can confidently increase to higher dosages. Delta-8’s psychoactive effects are less intense when taken with non-intoxicating cannabidiol (CBD), and users report a more relaxing experience.
Not sure where to start with delta-8? In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about taking delta-8 products, with advice for newbies and veterans. In just a few minutes, you can take delta-8 with total confidence!
How Strong is Delta-8?
Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8) is a psychoactive substance, but it’s less potent than the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that marijuana users are more familiar with. Scientific research suggests that delta-8 is between 50 to 75% as potent as THC.
Not all studies agree on the exact drop in potency, but all agree that delta-8 is somewhat weaker than THC – so you will have to factor that in when dosing with delta-8.
In practical terms, this means you would need around one-third to twice chart as much delta-8 dosage to experience the same high that you would get from THC. However, while less potent, delta-8 is less likely to cause anxiety and paranoia than THC.
How Much Delta-8 Should I Take?
There’s no set delta-8 dosage or chart – it depends on your requirements. For instance, a lower dosage is best if you want a mild high where you can still function and carry out your daily tasks. More significant amounts will suit you better if you’re in for a long recreational session and chasing intense highs.
Your ideal delta-8 dosage chart will also hinge on whether your product contains CBD. Non-psychoactive CBD has a calming effect, reducing the potency of delta-8. Therefore, if your delta-8 product is also infused with CBD, you’ll need to take more to get stoned.
Recommended dosages
First-timers looking for a pleasant recreational experience should start with up to 10 milligrams of delta-8. If you’re new to delta-8, your body will have no tolerance, meaning your cannabinoid receptors are more sensitive to the delta-8 compounds. Hence, your dose goes further.
For those whose chart indicates delta-8 once or twice a week, a dosage between 10 and 40mg should suffice. This heftier quantity will give you a feel for the more intoxicating effects of delta-8 without completely overwhelming you.
Seasoned users with a high delta-8 tolerance can happily take more than 40mg at a time – some hardcore consumers take 100mg or more! However, the massive dosage of delta-8 in your chart will produce powerful mind-altering effects, so only go for it if you’re ready.
What factors can affect my high?
Factors such as body weight and, with edibles, taking delta-8 on an empty stomach can affect the strength of your high. Those with a below-average body weight will need delta-8, whereas those with an above-average weight will have to take more.
Delta-8’s effects kick in faster when edibles, such as gummies, are consumed on an empty stomach. The rapid onset of effects can result in a more intense high than many anticipate with edible products.
How do Delta-8 Products Work?
Not all delta-8 products work in the same way. Sure, they are all psychoactive and will get you stoned, but the intensity of the effects and the way they take hold is determined by the consumption method.
In this section, I’ll detail the type of experiences you can expect from the most popular delta-8 products on the market.
Delta-8 cartridges, disposables, and flower
I’ve grouped these three as they are all taken in the same way, via inhalation, and therefore administer the same effects.
Vaping cartridges, disposables, or smoking flowers brings a vigorous high within a few minutes. The delta-8 cannabinoids reach cannabinoid receptors in the brain almost instantly after being absorbed through the lungs. Effects gradually intensify for up to an hour before plateauing and slowly easing off.
Getting the dosage spot on is tricky with these products, especially flowers. If you’re smoking pre-rolls, the packaging should provide information on the amount of delta-8 in a joint or blunt. But you’ll have to make a rough estimate if rolling your own.
Some vape cartridges and disposable devices release a fixed amount of delta-8 with each puff, which is ideal for an accurate dosage chart. However, you will have to estimate your dose with many vaping products.
CBD Genesis Delta 8 Gummies
Delta-8 edibles (i.e., brownies, gummies, sours) and capsules work via oral consumption, making them take effect slowly. However, these delta-8 products last longer than vape cartridges, flowers, and tinctures.
Edibles and capsules kick in slowly because the cannabinoids cannot start binding with cannabinoid receptors until the stomach has digested the foodstuff or capsule. Only after the stomach absorbs the cannabinoids into the bloodstream can they start getting you high.
Capsules are known for taking even longer than edibles, as the delta-8 isn’t released until the body breaks down the capsule. Whether you’re taking edibles or capsules, be prepared to wait up to 90 minutes before feeling the psychoactive effects.
However, once delta-8 consumed orally starts to work, you’re in for the long haul! Many users report feeling stoned for up to eight hours – those with low tolerance may experience a prolonged high.
Edibles and capsules are popular because they are easy to dose accurately with. Each capsule, gummy, or brownie should contain a set amount of delta-8, so you always know how much you’re taking, right down to the milligram.
Delta-8 Tinctures
The psychoactive effects of delta-8 tinctures vary depending on how you take them. Oral consumption is possible by mixing tincture oils into food and beverages. Expect edible-like effects if you go down this route.
However, sublingual absorption is a more common method of consumption with delta-8 tinctures. Taking delta-8 oil under the tongue speeds up the onset of effects, as the delta-8 bypasses the stomach and is absorbed directly into the stomach via the sublingual glands in the mouth.
Delta-8, taken sublingually, begins having an effect within five to 10 minutes. Like inhalation, the high intensifies quickly and peaks after an hour. The effects steadily wear off, and your experience should be over after three to four hours.
Delta-8 tinctures do not compromise on the speed of delivery like edibles do, but they are a healthier alternative to vaping and smoking products. The label on the tincture bottle should provide information on the total amount of delta-8 and how much is administered with each full dropper.
Delta-8 Concentrates
As the name suggests, delta-8 concentrates are considerably more potent than other delta-8 products. You can vape, or smoke concentrates for a speedy high or stir them into beverages if the cannabinoids are already activated.
Interestingly, many say delta-8 concentrate experiences last several hours longer than other delta-8 products. There is little authoritative research on cannabis and hemp-based concentrates.
However, the drawn-out effects may be related to the body being overwhelmed by a massive, sudden intake of delta-8 cannabinoids.
Regardless, if you plan on taking delta-8 concentrates, get ready for a lengthier high than you would expect from standard vaping or edible products.
How Terpenes Affect Delta-8 Products
Not all delta-8 products contain terpenes but be ready for different effects from those that do. Natural terpenes are common in delta-8 products made with full-spectrum hemp extract. In addition to bringing aroma and flavor, terpenes also affect your height.
Delta-8 products infused with terpenes are divided into sativas, indicas, and hybrids. Let’s explore these categories in more depth.
Sativas: Sativa-dominant delta-8 products are super energizing and mentally stimulating; they also help to improve focus and concentration. Sativa products are most effective in the morning and early afternoon and are perfect for dealing with fatigue.
Indicas: Delta-8 products with indica terpenes lean toward more soothing and relaxing effects. The body high associated with marijuana shines through when taking indica products. Ideal for unwinding in the evenings, Indica-dominant delta-8 products may also improve sleep quality.
Hybrids: These products fall somewhere in between sativa and indica products. Combining the best of both to generate a balanced experience, delta-8 with hybrid terpenes works well, whatever the time of day.
If you don’t enjoy feeling too slouchy but don’t like the headrush of sativas, hybrids should suit you well.
How to Reduce Your Delta-8 High
It can take some time to acclimatize to delta-8 due to the slightly weaker potency, which leads you to take more. Sometimes, you may take a little too much and suffer a “bad trip” entire of anxiety and paranoia.
Firstly, take a deep breath and remember that the effects are only temporary. But if that doesn’t calm you down, there are other measures you can take.
I always recommend taking CBD to calm an unpleasant high. If you’re wary about taking a hemp-based product to counteract the effects of another hemp-based product, don’t be!
CBD affects the endocannabinoid system differently from delta-8 – it’s not just non-psychoactive, but anti-psychoactive! Vaping CBD e-liquid or taking CBD oil under the tongue should have you feeling better after a few minutes.
Beyond that, find a comfortable and relaxing place to chill out. Perhaps put your favorite TV show on and grab a few snacks. Do your best to take your mind off your bad trip; it will be over before you know it!
Staying Safe with Delta-8
Staying safe with delta-8 products starts with only buying third-party lab-tested products. Always ask for and check the certificate of analysis when buying a delta-8 product to confirm that it is safe, legal, and genuine.
When using delta-8, take it easy! It’s not a race, and there are no prizes for getting as stoned as possible. Newbies, in particular, should dose up with caution and familiarize themselves with the effects before chasing mind-blowing highs.
Be extra careful with edibles, capsules, and other orally consumed delta-8 products. The delay in psychoactive effects may lure you into taking a second dose. But topping up too quickly makes you more likely to feel uncomfortably high for several hours.
You don’t have to worry about the dosage as you get more experienced with the delta-8 chart. New users, however, should maintain a rigorous approach and dose with precision.
Is Delta-8 Legal?
Delta-8 products are legal at the federal level in the United States. The delta-8 cannabinoid became legal in 2018 when Congress passed the Agriculture Improvement Act (Farm Bill). However, delta-8 is only legal in hemp-based products with less than 0.3% THC.
Recently, some states have banned delta-8, adjusting their hemp laws. As of November 2022, delta-8 is illegal in the following states: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Kentucky, Idaho, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and Washington.
