Does Delta 8 Get You High?

Does delta 8 thc get you high? Some users say Delta 8 will get you stoned. Some users mention feeling little or nothing in terms of intoxication. Delta 8 is psychoactive (has psychoactive properties), but its intoxicating properties are not the same as delta 9 THC.

Similar to CBD, delta-8 also binds to CB-1 cannabinoid receptors (same receptors) in the central nervous system, but delta-8 THC appears to react differently due to its slightly modified molecular structure. Many users reported clear-headed, anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), and non-sedative effects. In certain ways, the results of delta 8 are the opposite of delta-9 THC. But they are all different, and the goods and strengths vary, so always err on the side of caution.

HOW DO YOU USE DELTA-8 THC?

Delta-8 THC is usually generated in a distillate form. This is because it exists in such low concentrations in the cannabis plant. Delta-8 can be distilled in a dense, transparent liquid that looks like any CBD distillate. This involves a multi-step process in which the hemp plants passes through refining stages, including extraction, hibernation, and decarboxylation.

Delta-8 distillate is sold in cartridges or syringes and can be vaporized with a regular cannabis Sativa pen or dab rig. It can also be combined with the CBD flower to activate the Δ8THC potency stage. Since distillate is technically edible, it can be ingested orally, but little research has been done on the effects of delta-8 when it is metabolized in the body. A few delta-8-THC infused oral tinctures (for sublingual use) are also available.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF DELTA-8 THC?

The side effects of delta-8-THC like dry mouth as observed by the researchers were very negligible. Particularly when compared to some of the most popular pharmaceutical alternatives. Much further research is still needed, but delta-8-THC appears to possess many of the beneficial properties of cannabis plants, with slightly fewer adverse effects compared to delta-9-THC.

It’s still a form of THC molecules, however. Any cannabis products with high THC levels known as a psychoactive compound should always be used with caution. Although delta-8-THC is said to be less psychoactive, online users have stated that it is possible to overdo it. Start slow and low and test your tolerance. Just because you’re getting less high doesn’t mean you’re not getting high at all. One last thing to remember is that delta-8-THC can also cause redness in the eyes, particularly at higher doses.

Isn’t it interesting how two cannabinoids, almost similar on a molecular level, can cause such different effects when interacting with the human endocannabinoid system?

POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF DELTA 8

Research on the benefits of Delta 8 has so far been minimal. Here are some of the possible benefits of current research:

ANTIEMETIC: DECREASES NAUSEA

A 1995 Life Sciences research shows the ability of delta-8 THC to alleviate symptoms of nausea with minimal side effects in infants, ‘Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol was administered (18 mg/m2 in edible oil, p.o.) to eight children aged 3-13 years with various hematological cancers, treated with different antineoplastic drugs for up to 8 months. Vomiting was completely avoided. The observed side effects were marginal.”

APPETITE-STIMULANT

Research published in Pharmacol Biochem in 2004 showed that delta-8 THC, also at extremely low doses, improved appetite and cognitive function in mice. ‘Delta(8)-THC (0.001 mg/kg) caused increased food intake and a propensity to enhance cognitive function without cannabimimetic side effects. Therefore the same dose of THC could be a possible therapeutic agent in the treatment of weight disorders with limited side effects associated with cannabis use.”

ANALGESIC: PAINT TREATMENT

A review by Cannabinoid and Cannabis Research in 2018 demonstrated potential for the treatment of pain relief and inflammation with topical delta-8 THC and CBD products) “Our results provide novel evidence that phytocannabinoids Δ8THC and CBD… are antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory in an experimental corneal hyperalgesia model.”

ANXIOLYTIC (ANTI-ANXIETY)

A 2010 study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology shows that delta 8 THC has potential anti-anxiety properties without causing side effects or increased heart rate, which is a common side effect of other anti-anxiety medications. ‘In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subject design study, the acute effects of Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC; 0, 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 mg) and Delta(8)-THC (0, 1.25, 2.5 and 5.0 mg) on anxiety, mood, and cardiovascular measures were investigated. Both THC doses caused significant increases in self-rated ‘high’ and ‘stoned,’ as well as ratings of ‘feeling high’ on the Visual Analogue Mood Scale, but only the Delta(9)-THC doses increased heart rate.”

DELTA 8 THC SAFETY

Like with any new product (like Delta 8 vape juice or Torch Diamond THC-O 2g Disposable), always start slow and low when trying Delta 8 for the first time. Although it is said to be less psychoactive than its counterpart Delta 9, it can still cause redness in the eyes and over-stimulation if too much is taken at once. As research is still in its preliminary stages, not much is known about the long-term safety of Delta 8 use. Some experts believe that it could potentially help with certain medical conditions, but more research needs to be done in order to confirm this. Always consult with a doctor before trying any new form of medication, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions.

Delta 8 THC is a new and relatively unknown cannabinoid, so not much is known about its long-term effects. Although it is said to be less psychoactive than delta 9 THC, it can still cause redness in the eyes and over-stimulation if too much is taken at once. As research is still in its preliminary stages, not much is known about the long-term safety of Delta 8 use. Some experts believe that it could potentially help with certain medical conditions, but more research needs to be done in order to confirm this. Always consult with a doctor before trying any new form of medication, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions.