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Does Delta 8 Get You High?
10.18.2021 | Reading Time:Written by: Loren Baker
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Delta-8 THC is one of the newest cannabinoids on the scene. It’s exploded into popularity even faster than CBD has!
And that means prospective D-8 users have questions. One of the biggest questions? Whether or not the compound will get them high.
- How delta-8 THC works
- Does delta-8 get you high?
- How long does delta-8 last?
- Delta-8: fuel for the entourage effect?
How delta-8 THC works
As far as cannabinoids go, delta-8 THC basically presents the best of both worlds.
It merges the uplifting qualities of THC with the restorative properties of THC. The end result? Gentle, high-vibed, measured upliftment. Research shows that delta-8 THC may bind to a variety of receptor systems within your body: [1]
- The endocannabinoid system’s CB2 receptors (the same ones CBD binds to)
- The endocannabinoid system’s CB1 receptors (the same ones THC binds to)
- Adenosine A2A receptors (these receptors oversee muscle function)
- TRPV1 receptors (these receptors sense heat and pain)
Delta-8’s action is holistic enough that it avoids many of the downfalls of ‘regular’ THC. It doesn’t seem to cause forgetfulness — it may actually improve your memory! [2] Other studies affirm that delta-8 may “[increase] food consumption and [improve] cognitive function” without causing side effects. [3]
Delta-8 THC may also be associated with:
- A more stable appetite
- Improved sleep and relaxation
- More creative, dynamic thinking
All in all, delta-8 THC offers an experience that’s both powerful and refined. You can take D-8 and blissfully go on about the rest of your day!
Where does D-8 come from?
Our delta-8 THC comes from the hemp plant, just like CBD does — though there are some differences between the two cannabinoids in terms of how they’re produced.
The major difference? Delta-8 is what’s considered a trace cannabinoid; most hemp plants contain 10-20% CBD and less than 1% delta-8 THC. This makes producing large amounts of D-8 a little tricky.
What typically happens is that hemp is extracted with the intent of capturing all its cannabinoids, CBD and D-8 included. This resinous product is then pulled apart through processes like fractional distillation, resulting in a D-8-heavy extract. Delta-8 extract can then be further purified or winterized. Last but not least, it’s added to products. [4]
Does delta-8 get you high?
Onto the main topic of this article: does delta-8 THC actually get you high?
It sure does! Small doses of D-8 are uplifting, while large doses of the cannabinoid are euphoric. Delta-8 THC is psychotropic regardless of dosing.
You can enjoy delta-8’s buzz and still stay functional — enjoying work, nature, and socialization as they happen. (Please note that driving under the influence of delta-8 THC is not recommended.)
How long does delta-8 last?
Delta-8 is absorbed and metabolized in a two-part process.
First, some portion of your D-8 intake goes straight into the bloodstream, usually through tiny blood vessels in the mouth or lungs. Most of the D-8, however, goes to your liver, which processes it into more usable forms then releases it out to the bloodstream. This entire process takes 10-30 minutes. 60 minutes post-ingestion, delta-8 levels have peaked within your system.
But delta-8’s half-life also depends on other factors. The more of it you take, the longer it’ll stay in circulation. Taking D-8 alongside a fatty meal may also prolong its activity. That’s because delta-8 THC is fat-soluble (so are all other natural cannabinoids). [6]
Speaking of fat, those who take delta-8 THC frequently may have the compound build up in their fat stores. This isn’t a bad thing unless you’re about to be drug tested.
Delta-8: fuel for the entourage effect?
What’s the entourage effect? To put it super simply, it’s the way that all of hemp’s ingredients work together to become greater than the sum of their parts. When it comes to the entourage effect, 1 + 1 doesn’t equal 2. It probably equals 8!
Why do we say that? Because leading research from Israel shows that full spectrum CBD is up to four times stronger than an equivalent amount of isolate. [7] And delta-8 THC may take this compound + compound synergy even further. If you haven’t already tried delta-8, it could be a great addition to your daily CBD routine.
Summing things up
Delta-8 THC does indeed get you high — but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Delta-8’s upliftment comes without many of the side effects that’ve made ‘regular’ THC so infamous. You can enjoy delta-8 without fear of anxiousness, paranoia, couch-lock, or the munchies.
Just be sure to select a premium D-8 product and start slow as you learn how the cannabinoid affects you! At five ™ CBD+ THC we do our best to provide these types of products to our customers.
Citations
- An efficient new cannabinoid antiemetic in pediatric oncology. (1995). Drug Library. Retrieved September 4, 2021, from http://www.druglibrary.net/olsen/HEMP/IHA/iha02210.html
- Tripathi, H. L. (1987a). Effects of cannabinoids on levels of acetylcholine and choline and on turnover rate of acetylcholine in various regions of the mouse brain. PubMed. Retrieved October 13, 2021, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3620017/
- Avraham, Y. (2004). Very low doses of delta 8-THC increase food consumption and alter neurotransmitter levels following weight loss. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15099912/
- B. (2021a, April 25). THC isomers and reaction products - CBN, Delta 8–10, HHC. B/R Instrument Blog. https://brinstrument.com/blog/cannabis-distillation/thc-isomers-and-reaction-products/#:%7E:text=THC%20Delta%209%20Isomerization%20to%20Delta%208%20and,to%20its%20conjugation%20with%20the%20bottom%20aromatic%20ring.
- How Some THC Is Legal — For Now. (2020). Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2021, from https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/delta-8-thc-legal-weed-explained-1113859/
- Perucca, E. (2016). Critical Aspects Affecting Cannabidiol Oral Bioavailability and Metabolic Elimination, and Related Clinical Implications. PubMed.