Most cannabinoids have different effects, and not all are psychoactive. When it comes to the THC family, each compound, although sharing the last name, has different effects when consumed. In this article, we answer a question that new consumers mostly ask, what does delta-8-THC feel like?
For almost a century, cannabis has been illegal in most countries despite calls for legalization and scientific proof of the plant’s benefits, some of which provide solutions to chronic health conditions.
However, for the last few years, the legalization efforts have begun bearing fruits. And although marijuana is still illegal federally, hemp – a variety of the cannabis plant with less than 0.3% delta-9-THC was legalized in the 2018 Farm Bill.
The legalization of hemp opened up a previously under-tapped pool of knowledge about the plant’s compounds and their benefits. Further boosted by the preference for naturally sourced ingredients, hemp extracts became a hit, with CBD popping up at every corner.
A study by Gallup estimated that 14% of Americans use CBD products. Seeing that it was getting well accepted, researchers and hemp processors continued studying other cannabinoids and terpenes and how to extract them.
Fast forward to 2021, the health and wellness industry has a new buzzword – delta-8-THC, but how does D8 feel like?
What Does Delta-8-THC Feel Like?
When most people mention THC, they are usually referring to delta-9-THC, the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in the marijuana plant. It’s the cannabinoid associated with the “high” caused by consuming cannabis.
However, delta-9-THC is not the only THC in the cannabis and hemp plant.
The World Health Organization’s expert committee on drug dependence identifies six isomers of THC, all with different molecular structures. As a result, they differ in their effects on the human system.
Delta-8-THC is one of the isomers of delta-9-THC. It is also psychoactive but is only about half as potent as the popular delta-9. But how does it feel to consume delta-8-THC? Is there any difference between the two?
To better understand how delta-8-THC high feels like, we first have to know what it is exactly.
What Is Delta-8-THC
Delta-8-THC is one of the minor cannabinoids that occur naturally in the cannabis and hemp plants. As it is a minor cannabinoid, it occurs in very small amounts such that it cannot be directly extracted from the plant.
Delta-8-THC is formed in the plant naturally when delta-9-THC breaks down. When the marijuana plant is stored for extended periods, THCA, the THC precursor, is converted into delta-9-THC through a process known as decarboxylation.
If the delta-9-THC sits for some time, it slowly degrades into delta-8-THC. This may explain why the compound only exists in such minuscule amounts. However, that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have its benefits.
According to the National Cancer Institute, delta-8-THC is an analogue of THC with appetite-stimulating, anxiolytic, antiemetic, neuroprotective, and analgesic properties. The NCI also states in their definition that d8 exhibits a lower “psychotropic potency” than delta-9.
Based on anecdotal reports, delta-8 is quickly gaining popularity as people look for natural-based solutions without major side or long term effects. Since it’s less psychoactive than its precursor, delta-8 is now seen as an alternative to delta-9-THC in health and wellness uses.
The Delta-8-THC Feeling
Wondering how you will feel when you consume delta-8-THC? As we have already established, delta-8 is psychoactive, meaning that it will get you high when you take it. However, this is not your usual “high” feeling.
The delta-8 high that most people experience is more mellow, unlike marijuana, which tends to hit users the wrong way, especially when taken in excess.
Users describe the delta-8-THC feeling as a clear-headed, smooth, calm, and more composed high without the anxiety, confusion, and paranoia associated with marijuana.
Most people report that consuming delta-8 relaxes their whole body, getting rid of any tension they may be experiencing. It also lifts their moods, making them laugh a little more than usual, and just like in marijuana, they also experience an increase in appetite.
Consumers also report that d8 doesn’t affect their focus, and they can carry on with their tasks with minimal distractions. It’s, however, advisable that you don’t drive or operate heavy machinery under the influence.
Some users also report that d8 improves their creativity and the feeling of wellbeing throughout the body. However, these experiences vary depending on the user’s tolerance, experience with d8, among other factors.
How Delta-8-THC High May Differ Among Individuals
Hemp-derived cannabinoids affect individuals differently due to the various factors involved. As such, you shouldn’t expect to feel precisely like someone else. However, there are some similarities.
First time users – referring to those who have never gotten high, may have a challenge predicting the results as they have nothing to compare d8 to. If you are new to delta-8, you should try to start low and take it slow.
This means that you take a smaller dose and give your system time to adjust, as you assess how different amounts affect you. Taking too much may induce effects similar to THC.
Since delta-8 is less potent than delta-9, it may not hit you as hard if you have built a tolerance to cannabis. However, its high is not foggy, and you will not feel as high as you would – which may be what you are looking for.
All in all, there are many things to factor in if you are to accurately predict how delta-8 will affect you, although anecdotal reports indicate that it will likely be a more pleasant experience than delta-9.