What Does the Research Say?

Medical research into the benefits and effects of Delta 8 is still very scant. Much remains to be learned about Delta 8 and other cannabinoids from controlled human trials and research. Our review of research studies mentioning Delta 8 THC yielded only a few results.

• Antiemetic (effective against vomiting and nausea) – In this 1995 study, Delta 8 THC completely prevented vomiting with negligible side effects in children who were being treated with cancer drugs.

• Reduced pain and inflammation – the topical application of Delta 8 THC and CBD reduced corneal pain and inflammation in this 2018 study conducted with mice. The results supported reports noted by the researchers that activation of the endocannabinoid system may be analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory.
• Appetite stimulant – this 2004 study found that Delta 8 THC given to mice in very small doses caused “increased food consumption and tendency to improve cognitive function” without side effects. It led the researchers to conclude that a low dose of THC may be a “potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of weight disorders.”

What are Users Saying about Delta 8 THC?

Many users have shared their personal Delta 8 experiences with us in our Facebook groups. This anecdotal feedback can be helpful for beginners and will give you an idea of what others are saying. But since all cannabis products affect everyone differently so don’t assume that you’ll have similar results.

• “I have depression and anxiety. Delta 8 has been the answer to my prayers.”

• “Love Delta 8! Been using gel caps and cartridges for about a month. Takes anxiety way down and noticeable reduction in neck pain.”

• “Makes me feel relaxed. I can literally feel my anxiety melt away. It’s amazing.”

• “Has been the best thing for my anxiety and overall temperament.”

• “Delta 8 relaxes me without causing anxiety. I like the calming effects as well as better sleep.”

• “It’s relaxing and euphoric for me. I enjoyed taking it late afternoon/early evening to wind down and it helped my sleep a lot.”

• “Delta 8 has been nothing short of a godsend. It has helped so tremendously with bipolar symptoms of mania, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. I have been using for over 3 months and vape as needed.”
• “I love Delta 8. For me, it’s pretty much the good parts of THC without the disconnect I sometimes feel. I can use it and still work and be 100% focused. I vape CBD, THC, and Delta 8 and find the best relief is when I do a bit of all 3.”

Will Delta 8 Get You High?

Based on reports from users, taking too much Delta 8 THC can indeed result in psychotropic effects similar to Delta 9 THC. The intensity of those effects vary by person and also depends on how much you’ve consumed.

Some users have reported feeling a “mild, clear-headed high” whereas others say they’ve experienced the higher anxiety, nausea, and paranoia that you might expect from using high doses of Delta 9 THC in marijuana.

Assuming that you want to avoid the effect of feeling an intense “high”, it’s recommended that you take Delta 8 in low amounts. This is especially true if you’re just starting out and not sure of what to expect.

Over time, you’ll get a better understanding of how your body reacts to Delta 8 and be better able to decide how much you should be taking for your desired results.

Are Delta 8 Products Legal?

The legality of Delta 8 THC in the United States is currently a topic of much debate. The 2018 Farm Bill which was signed into law in December 2018 explicitly legalized all derivatives and extracts from the hemp plant. To be legally classified as being from hemp, the levels of Delta 9 THC must be less than 0.3% on a dry weight basis.

What remains unclear is the classification of Delta 8 THC not only in terms of the 2018 Farm Bill but also subsequent rules from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Specifically, it’s not clear whether Delta 8 THC should be treated as being synthetically derived or classified the same as Delta 9 THC. There is hope that there will be more definitive clarifications coming in 2021.

In the meantime, users should be aware of its uncertain legal status. You should also know that your state and local laws may also be more restrictive. If you have concerns from a legal perspective, we recommend that you consult a local attorney.

How Do You Use Delta 8?

If you decide that you want to try Delta 8, the first decision you’ll need to make is how you want to take it. The 3 most common ways for beginners to use Delta 8 are: (1) vaping, (2) gummies, and (3) tinctures.  All of those are available on our PRODUCTS PAGE.

Each of these delivery methods differs in terms of onset speed, duration, and intensity of the effects. Let’s discuss each of these different delivery methods to help you choose the one that may be best for you.

One of the more popular options is to take Delta 8 in the form of gummies. They are a good choice if you don’t want to choose a specific strain or you don’t like the idea of vaping. Gummies are also easy to consume and dose accurately. Each gummy typically has between 10-25 milligrams of Delta 8 THC.

Gummies have the slowest onset time of the different delivery methods. It can take up to an hour to feel any effects because of the pass through the digestive system. The good news is that when it does kick in, the effects can last for up to 4-8 hours.

Because of the absorption through the digestive tract, gummies tend to have more of a “total body” effect. Gummies have the lowest bioavailability, or absorption rate, of the different methods. So generally you’ll need to consume more milligrams of an edible to get the same effects as vaping or tinctures.

Tinctures

Sublingual drops, or tinctures, have always been the most popular way that users take CBD oil. So it’s not a surprise that Delta 8 THC products are now becoming readily available in tincture form. Just like CBD tinctures, Delta 8 tinctures have a carrier oil (usually MCT coconut oil) and are taken by holding the drops under your tongue for at least 45-60 seconds.

The effects from tinctures are normally felt in 15-20 minutes and last for up to 4-6 hours. Tinctures are a good choice for those who don’t need immediate relief and want the effects to last longer than vaping. They have higher absorption rates than gummies so you’ll find they are more cost-effective over time.

Delta 8 THC Dosage Tips

• As is true with any cannabis-based product, there is no “right” dosage or amount to take for optimal results. The effects of Delta 8 and other cannabinoids such as CBD are very individualized. And you can expect to get different effects depending on how much you take. You’ll need to do some experimentation to find your optimal dosage or “sweet spot” amount that produces the effects you desire without unwanted side effects.

• The most important thing to remember from this article is to start low on dosage. This means starting with one puff if you’re vaping, a quarter or half of a gummy (you can cut them into pieces), or just a couple of drops of tincture depending on its potency. By starting low and increasing slowly over time, you’ll be able to find the optimal amount that works best for you.

• If you experience headaches, nausea, or any other undesired effects, you’re probably taking too much. Try lowering the amount you are taking to find your sweet spot.

• If you choose gummies as your delivery method, give it at least an hour and a half before you even consider taking more. A classic beginner mistake is to take a gummy and then think that you need another one after 30-45 minutes because you haven’t felt anything yet. In most cases, your body just hasn’t yet metabolized the first one.
• When you are just starting out, it can be helpful to keep a dosing log of how much you are taking and the effects that you feel. Keeping a record of your experiences can help you find your optimal dosage more effectively.

What are the Best Delta 8 Brands?

The recent surge in the popularity of Delta 8 products has resulted in an increase in the number of companies now selling them online. While having more options is generally good for consumers, it can still be hard to know which brands are safe and reputable.

Here is our list of the best Delta 8 THC brands based on our research and feedback from members of our Facebook groups. As always, we encourage you to do your own research and only buy from reputable brands that make third-party lab reports readily available to you.