Contributor: Bridgett Beau Johnson
So, you have heard about the new kid on the block of cannabinoids, Delta-8 THC. Everyone is talking about this product and for good reasons like Delta-8 THC guides. It is the new legal way to get high. Marijuana is still illegal at the federal level unless you live in states like California, where it is legal.
You can’t smoke marijuana without the risk of getting arrested, but you can get the same feeling with Delta-8 THC. Just like marijuana, you can smoke or vape Delta-8. For the best vaping experience, choose Delta-8 cartridges as they are designed explicitly for vaping THC.
Of course, like every new product, people have a lot of questions regarding Delta-8. How long does it stay in your system? Can it be detected in drug tests? And the ultimate question is, how does Delta-8 feel?
Delta-8 THC High
It is easier to understand the type of high Delta-8 delivers if you have smoked marijuana before. Cannabis, in its natural form, has a very intense high. But Delta-8 offers a much mellow high, nothing close to the strong hit of marijuana (Delta-9 THC).
People who use Delta-8 claim that it is more relaxing and leaves them clear-headed. You can take Delta-8 and still be able to perform tasks with ease.
Not everyone experiences the same effects with Delta-8. Since it has much lower concentrations of THC, some individuals might not even feel the high. If you have developed tolerance to marijuana, you might find Delta-8 too weak for your liking.
The difference between Delta-8 and Delta-9 highs comes from their affinity for cannabinoid receptors in the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). These receptors regulate various body processes, including pain, sleep, appetite, mood, and the general feeling of well-being.
Delta-9 has a higher affinity for endocannabinoid receptors than Delta-8, making its effects more intense. Due to its low affinity, the Delta-8 high is weak or mellow, making it a great therapeutic form of THC.
How you react to Delta-8 or Delta-9 depends on how much endocannabinoids your body produces. If your body produces low levels of endocannabinoids, you will feel a more intense high, and the side effects will be more intense.
Side Effects of Delta-8 THC
If there is a reason that stops some people from using cannabis, it’s the side effects. Delta-8 does not have the side effects of marijuana. People react differently to cannabis, and some users complain of experiencing anxiety, paranoia and even psychosis, especially with high doses. These side effects are what makes marijuana illegal and limits its therapeutic benefits.
It is not possible, at the moment, to tap Delta-9 THC’s therapeutic benefits without the side effects. Since it’s impossible to control these side effects, which also make Delta-9 addictive, many countries have banned its use.
You don’t have to worry about the side effects of THC when taking Delta-8. It does not have these side effects. With a less intense high and no side effects, Delta-8 is a breakthrough for people who need the benefits of THC.
How Soon Is the Onset of Delta-8 High?
Like all cannabinoids, the delivery method affects the onset of effects. Vaping and smoking have the quickest onset, with edibles having the slowest. An individual’s tolerance, body weight, and body chemistry affect how soon you feel high and how long it lasts.
If you need a method that has a quick onset, vape Delta-8. The disadvantage with methods that have quick onsets is that the high does not last long. You will feel the effects in less than five minutes, but then they’ll start fading in about 30 minutes.
Can You Fail a Drug Test?
The most common question after that of Delta-8 high is, “can I fail a drug test if I take Delta-8 THC?” The answer is YES. While Delta-8 might be legal, you can still fail a drug test. It is an analog of Delta-9 and contains the same psychoactive compound (THC) as Delta-9, and drug tests that check for marijuana in your system will find THC in your urine samples.
It’s advisable not to use Delta-8 for several days if you are scheduled for a drug test. Cannabinoids are detectable up to 48 hours, or more, in your body. Of course, the high will only last a few hours, but the chemical compounds will still be in your system long after the high is gone.
Conclusion
At least, you now understand what to expect if you plan to try Delta-8. If you have used marijuana before, there is nothing much to expect rather than a mellow, relaxing high. You already have an idea of how your body reacts to cannabis, which will make your experience smoother.
For a novice user, you might want to go easy at first. Don’t underestimate the high of Delta-8. While it might be mild, start with a small dose and evaluate your response. Adjust the dose by a few milligrams daily, if you have to, until you find your desired dosage.
