Does Delta 8 THC Get You High?

As the cannabis industry grows, research on hemp plants continues to evolve. This increase in research has led to the discovery of many chemical compounds in the hemp plant that are used in cannabis products today. Delta 8 THC, a newly emerging cannabinoid, has been showing up all over the hemp industry – from CBD websites to vape shops. People are eager to try this new cannabinoid, and one question that people are asking is “Does Delta 8 THC get you high?”  It’s important to answer the question “Does Delta 8 THC get you high?” because many CBD users are familiar with taking cannabis products without psychoactive or intoxicating effects, and Delta 8, which has stronger effects, is beginning to change the legal hemp industry – let’s jump in.

What is Delta 8 THC?

Before we answer “Does delta 8 THC get you high?”, we first need to understand what Delta 8 is and how it works.

Delta 8 THC otherwise known as Delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol, is a cannabinoid found in cannabis varieties like federally legal industrial hemp and marijuana. Delta 8 is one of the many cannabinoids found in cannabis and is known for its unique psychoactive effects on anyone who smokes or ingests it.   

Delta 8 THC is known as a ‘cousin cannabinoid’ to Delta 9 THC.  Delta 9 THC, what you probably know as the more commonly known Cannabinoid that is found in higher concentrations in marijuana.  How is Delta 8 THC similar to its cannabis cousin, Delta 9 THC? In terms of similarity, it lies in their chemical makeup; both Delta 8 and Delta 9 have a double bond in their chemical structure, and therefore offer similar psychoactive effects.  

Delta 8 and the Endocannabinoid System

You may be familiar with the various complex systems there are in the human body such as the nervous system, respiratory system, and many more. However, we bet you didn’t know about one of the most important systems in our bodies, the Endocannabinoid System. As humans, we have an Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The ECS is a complex system that’s purpose is to bring our bodies into homeostasis, otherwise known as balance. ECS Receptors (known as CB1 and CB2 receptors) are located all over our bodies which are designed to create Endo-cannabinoids (cannabinoids our body makes)  and accept Phyto-cannabinoids (cannabinoids from cannabis). Each cannabinoid has their own benefit when they interact with our endocannabinoid system. When we consume or inhale Delta 8 THC, the cannabinoid enters into our bloodstream, binds to an ECS receptor, and gets to work. The Endocannabinoid System can explain why our bodies are so receptive to cannabinoids such as Delta 8 THC. Cannabinoids interact with receptors to supplement the Endocannabinoid System which allows our body to work at their most optimal functions. 

Delta 8 Effects: Is Delta 8 Psychoactive?

Delta 8 THC is a minor cannabinoid found in hemp plants. A minor cannabinoid means that it is found in the cannabis plant in lower concentrations while major cannabinoids are found in higher concentrations. Delta 8 is a form of THC, meaning it does have psychoactive effects. However, remember that double bond cannabinoid structure we were just talking about?  The one that both Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC have? This double bond structure is the reason we feel high when we ingest, vape, or smoke traditional THC products with these cannabinoids. So the answer to “Does Delta 8 THC get you high” is absolute. But that is a loaded question. While Delta 8 THC has psychoactive properties, the effects have a few differences from Delta 9 THC. 

Does Delta 8 THC get you high, as high as Delta 9 THC?

As cannabis compounds, Delta 8 THC is just one spot over from Delta 9 THC. Delta 8 THC is found in lower concentrations in the cannabis plant. While Delta 8 THC may have similar effects to Delta 9 THC, the effects of Delta 8 THC are not as strong. In 1995 a study described Delta-8-THC as a miraculous new cannabinoid that had a lower psychotropic potency than Delta-9-THC. While during that time Cannabis was not legal yet, the study was working on finding help for nausea in cancer patients. 

Nowadays, Delta 8 THC users have reported that the Delta 8 high is milder than the Delta 9 high, and also noted there have been fewer negative side effects that correspond with typical cannabis use such as paranoia or racing thoughts. This is good news to cannabis users who prefer the psychoactive effects of cannabis but described their reaction to THC as intense and stress-inducing. These people have been seeking a delta 8 high rather than the other, due to the reduced nature of the hemp cannabinoid. 

Once again as we answer “Does Delta-8 get you high?” we say yes, but not as high as Delta 9. If you are new or sensitive to THC, we recommend giving Delta 8 THC a try since it has less intense effects than its counterpart Delta 9. 

Does Delta 8 THC get you high if you ingest it?

There are many ways to ingest Delta 8 THC such as vapes, edibles, tinctures, and more. Many users say they enjoy taking Delta 8 THC in edible or gummy form. Does Delta 8 THC get you high if taken in edible or gummy form?  Yes, the Delta 8 can create a euphoric and high feeling when ingested. Taking Delta 8 THC edibles may take up to two hours to kick in, but it will create a sensation that could last anywhere from 45 minutes to 4 hours or more. However, it is important to always remember that everyone is different and has different reactions. 

Everyone’s body is different, meaning that we all may react to certain cannabinoids differently. If you are new or sensitive to THC, Delta 8 THC is great since it is not as strong as Delta 9 THC. When taking Delta 8 THC gummies, start with the recommended dosage and wait to see how your body feels. It’s also great to note what your body does not feel. Are you less stressed? Do you feel less pain? After ingesting Delta 8 THC, listen to your body and adjust the dosage if necessary. 

Does Delta 8 THC get you high if you vape or smoke it?

Will Delta-8 THC get you high if I vape or smoke it?  Yes, the Delta 8 high when inhaled will create a high that will likely proceed less amount of time than ingesting Delta 8 THC. Cannabis users may prefer to vape or smoke Delta 8 THC since the effects kick in much more quickly than edibles. 

When shopping for Delta 8 products to vape or smoke, it is vital to note the ingredients in your product. It is ideal that your vaporizer products do not contain any fillers or cutting agents. To ensure you are smoking a high quality product, make sure your vaporizer products are third party lab tested, pure, and uncut. 

Does Delta 8 THC Get you high if applied topically?

Can Delta 8 THC get me high if I apply it topically?  A Delta 8 THC topical is highly improbable to get you high since the topical application does not pass into your bloodstream. 

How do you know which Delta 8 THC product is for you?

There are many Delta 8 THC products on the market right now. You may be wondering, which product is best for me? There are many factors to consider when purchasing a Delta 8 THC product. If you want your effects to be quicker and not last as long, try vapes. If you want a long lasting effect for up to four hours, edibles are the way to go. 

It is also important to note if the Delta 8 product you are trying has been combined with other cannabinoids. CBG and CBN are two popular minor cannabinoids that can be found in conjunction with Delta 8 THC products. If you are seeking a product to help with sleep, CBN is perfect for its speed sedating properties. On the other hand, if you want a Delta 8 THC product that also has elevating benefits, try CBG. CBG is growing in popularity for its uplifting and energizing effects. 

Lastly, when choosing a Delta 8 THC product, make sure you are buying products that are crafted from clean and high quality sources. While some companies use artificial flavors or unnecessary chemicals in their Delta 8 products, many brands craft their products with the cleanest and highest quality ingredients. Also, products that are third party lab tested will ensure quality, potency, and free of contaminants. 

What are the effects of delta 8 THC?

Now that we have answered “Does Delta 8 THC get you high?” we can look at what other outcomes or benefits this cannabinoid offers.   

We already know that using Delta 8 THC has an effect on our Endocannabinoid System that creates a ‘Delta 8 THC high’. This ‘high’ has been recognized to help consumers unwind, get better sleep, and reduce symptoms like pain.  But this ‘Delta 8 high’ is not all it can do.  Similar to other cannabinoids Delta 8 THC has shown to have other medical benefits as well (chronic pain ).  

Here are some scientific studies on Delta 8 THC and its effects. 

Reduced Pain: In 2018 the Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research Journal Published a study in which found Delta 8 THC to show a significant reduction of pain in mice. Another study had similar findings in rats. Researchers can link these findings to how Delta 8 affects humans. 

Anti-Nausea Properties:  In the as mentioned earlier 1995 Study, they found that Delta 8 THC significantly reduced nausea in children from ages 3-13 years old with hematologic cancer.

Appetite:  A 2004 Study analyzed the effects of Delta 8 THC and on appetite control. The researchers concluded that low doses of Delta-8-THC showed significant therapeutic potential when treating weight loss disorders.

As we said before, everybody is different which means that our bodies can react differently to Delta 8 THC. You could be wondering, how much Delta 8 THC should I take? A lot of this depends on your tolerance. If you are a regular Delta 8 THC user, it is likely you have already found out what dosage works best for you. If you are new to Delta 8 THC, it is important to start slow and work your way up if necessary. 

Does the Delta 8 THC high give you a hangover or drowsy feeling? 

“Now that I know “Does Delta 8 Get you high?” Will it cause me to feel a hangover or drowsy after I use it for sleep?” is another question we get when it comes to using Delta 8 THC.  The body has different reactions to everything in terms of the endocannabinoid system, which controls and regulates sleep, brain function, appetite, etc. The introduction of delta-9 THC often leaves consumers feeling drowsy both before bed and waking up. The delta 8 THC high, as we saw earlier, has much more modest side effects than Delta 9 THC, so there is likely none to less drowsiness. 

If Delta 8 THC gets you high, is Delta 8 THC Legal?

There are many regulations surrounding cannabis and marijuana products. In 2018, the Farm Bill was amended to contain the federal legalization of hemp and its components (controlled substances act). This takes into account any cannabinoid found within what is known as federally legal medical marijuana.  Delta 8 THC is technically authorized on the federal level as long as the cannabinoid is extracted from such hemp; however, some states have decided to bar Delta 8.  These states are Arizona, Arkansas, Alaska, Delaware, Iowa, Idaho, Montana, Mississippi, Nevada, Nebraska, and Utah. 

Takeaway “Does Delta 8 THC get you high?”

• Delta 8 THC is a cannabinoid from the cannabis plants


• Delta 8 THC is related to Delta 9 THC 


• Delta 8 THC has a similar and mild ‘high’ sensation to Delta 9 THC


• Delta 8 THC has other advantages to the body and mind


• Delta 8 THC is federally legal as long as it comes from the cannabis plant

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