How long does it take to feel delta-8 edibles? Are they truly that different from classic THC edibles?
Delta-8 is quickly becoming a hot commodity. With its rise to prominence comes a wide variety of ways to use and enjoy it. One of the most popular methods of delta-8 use is the ever-popular edible. Edibles are food items infused with active ingredients like cannabinoids. They can have delta-9 THC, delta-8 THC, or even non-psychoactive compounds like CBD as their focus.
The option to take these cannabinoids through food stems from multiple places. Some people simply can’t smoke. Others may not be well suited to handle the taste of cannabis. No matter the reason, edibles open the option to experience cannabis to those who would otherwise go without it.
However, with the decision to go with edibles, some questions may arise. How long does it take to feel delta-8 edibles compared to the classics? How is the high different — how is it similar? Let’s take a deep dive into delta-8 edibles to find out more.
Comparing Delta-8 THC Edibles & Classic THC Edibles
The experience with edible forms of delta-8 THC is comparable to other methods of use, namely smoking, but does come with a handful of distinct differences. Some of these come down to how strong the impact is, and some come down to how fast they act. Again, many factors go into this, but we want to touch on the most important.
How are Delta-8 Edibles Similar?
When it comes to delta-8, there are certain things you can expect regardless of how you use it. Much like delta-9, delta-8 THC is psychoactive. Essentially, it’s more than capable of providing its users with a solid and lasting high.
The molecular structure of delta-8 and delta-9 THC is so similar that it’s almost impossible to distinguish unless you know what you’re looking for. Both impact the brain region; THC forms are psychoactive and felt in the body and head. Some cause a mental high that impacts the ability to focus and gives an intense brain fog. Other concentrates on body reactions and make you feel sluggish.
Either way, edibles offer the same impactful experience as other forms of use. If tasting tinctures or inhaling smoke is unpleasant to you, edibles are a reliable alternative. However, while similar, the experiences between smoking and edibles aren’t precisely the same. There are enough differences between delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC that it can even be an option for those who don’t react the best with delta-9.
What Makes Delta-8 Edibles Different?
However, the difference between delta-8 and delta-9 is the type of high you get. Delta-9 THC quickly sets in and reaches a peak without much delay. Delta-8 tends to be much more gradual and easy to deal with for newcomers. If you’re wondering how long it’ll take to feel delta-8 edibles, what you start to feel won’t be the peak result.
Delta-8 has a creeping effect when it sets in and isn’t noticeable immediately. That lets new users ease into the high. Delta-8 also lacks some more damaging stereotypes than its more well-known cousin. This is a polar opposite when compared to delta-9. The effects of traditional marijuana are sudden, powerful, and sometimes overwhelming.
Delta-9 is also considerably more potent itself per dose. By most scales, delta-9 is considered twice as strong overall. This leads to most of the adverse side effects of marijuana, such as paranoid delusions and impaired motor skills.
Delta-8 is also more widely available legally. This is because it is derived from hemp instead of marijuana. In addition, the 2018 Farm Bill made hemp a legal crop, meaning sourcing delta-8 is legal across most of the US.
How Long Does it Take to Feel Delta-8 Edibles?
Delta-8 does not impact you near as fast as delta-9. However, how you ingest delta-8 THC can also affect the time it takes. How long it’ll take to feel delta-8 edibles can depend mainly on the type of edible.
So for those wanting to keep track of the timetable for different methods, let’s look at some of the most common ones. We’ll also see how they stack up against delta-9.
Gummies
Gummies are a top-rated THC product due to their easy dosage management and taste. Both delta-8 and delta-9 THC have gummy products in various flavors and potency.
Gummies also do an excellent job of masking the natural flavor of THC since it tends to be unpleasant on its own.
As with most edible THC products, gummies take time to kick in. Most people enjoying a delta-8 gummy will feel the effects in about 30 minutes. For others, the results may take 2-4 hours before settling into the user.
The slow time allows a much smoother transition into the high and helps prevent unpleasant side effects.
This is a decent place to start if you are new to delta-8 since the impact is gradual and enjoyable.
Other Edibles
Edibles such as THC brownies have been a popular method of consumption for quite a while. This method, much like gummies, helps hide the flavor of delta-8. A wide variety of edibles are also available to suit people of all sorts.
Some may prefer baked goods such as cookies or brownies, others like candy such as lollipops. Softgel capsules also fit within the edible category and provide a tasteless experience for those just seeking the benefits of delta-8 without any additional bells and whistles.
The amount of time that edibles kick in can vary a bit based on the strength of the dose and how much you use. But the average time before a user can feel the effects is roughly 30 minutes and 2 hours. This puts it on par with other forms such as smoking flower and the earlier end of gummies.
Flower
The most traditional experience when it comes to THC is with flower. Much like delta-9, delta-8 can be smoked by grinding up hemp bud. However, this is a faster-acting method compared to the gummies listed above.
With traditional marijuana, the effects of smoking flower are felt almost instantaneously. The rush is sudden and overpowering. Usually, the onset for someone new is almost too much with modern strains since the THC concentration is considerably higher today.
Delta-8 hemp is not near as fast to act in general but can be felt within 30 minutes of smoking. For some people, a more prolonged onset may take up to around 2 hours but still can be faster than some other forms.
While not the fastest method available, it still provides a relatively quick experience lasting up to 5 hours after smoking. For people who already smoke, it should be familiar enough not to cause an issue.
Vape Cartridges
Vape cartridges are relatively new to the THC game, with concentrated oils and juices only having been widespread for a few years. But the ability to concentrate delta-8 THC down to a vapable liquid has opened up a new option for those seeking that calming delta-8 high.
This has also been proven to be one of the fastest ways to experience your delta-8 high. With the high concentration levels and quick delivery through the lungs, you can share the start of a delta-8 high within the first 5-8 minutes of use. Of course, this doesn’t mean everyone will, especially those new to delta-8. On average, though, this still provides one of the absolute fastest results available on the market.
Even though the first sensations may become available within the 10-minute mark, there is still a ramp-up before you can feel the full effects. However, with a quicker onset, you should experience some of the more relaxing aspects of delta-8. The notable effects can include an uplifted mood, a sense of tranquility, and mild euphoria.
These will increase throughout the ramp-up as the rest of the high settles in over the next half hour. Feelings include heightened body awareness, tranquility, relaxation, and dreamy introspection. So all around, a pretty pleasant time.
Tincture/Delta-8 THC Oil
Even though the term tincture may sound like a medieval medicine wielded by a plague mask-toting traveling doctors, the term is very much still in use. A tincture is an herbal extract that suspends biomatter in a solution to draw out its beneficial compounds.
So a delta-8 tincture is made by soaking hemp flower in a solvent. You end up with a concentrated delta-8 solution that you can take orally. This method involves placing a few drops directly below the tongue and mixing a few drops into a drink.
Mixing a tincture into a drink or other liquid helps cover up the natural flavor of the hemp extract, which isn’t the best on its own.
Using a tincture introduces delta-8 into the blood quickly. By dropping a little delta-8 concentrate under the tongue, the body can quickly absorb the compound and get it to the brain quickly.
The average time for a delta-8 tincture to start taking effect is 10 minutes. The sheer speed lands it on the upper end of quick experiences alongside vaping. The ramp-up from the initial onset is roughly an hour, with a steady climb up to full effect.
Tinctures are an excellent way to take delta-8 for those who don’t mind the taste. Those already familiar with THC products may find this option appealing. The quick onset and (relatively) quick ramp-up are faster than other methods.
Can You Take Too Much Delta-8?
It’s a valid question. Technically, you can’t take “too much” delta-8 THC.
However, you can feel some adverse side effects that may make you think things are worse than they are. Of course, none of these effects are dangerous, but it is good to know what to expect if you end up on the wrong side of a trip.
Likewise, it’s good to understand what symptoms to pay attention to as you navigate how long it’ll take to feel delta-8 edibles.
Negative experiences of note include:
Dry eyes
This one is predominant in marijuana, so it should be no surprise. Regular use of delta-9 THC has permanently been shadowed by the trope of bloodshot and reddened eyes. This holds for delta-8.
When excessive delta-8 THC has been used, you can expect dry and sometimes sore eyes. However, there is nothing to worry about as the effects only last as long as the high does.
Dry Mouth
This is another one that may sound familiar. But unfortunately, for as long as marijuana has been used, dry mouth has been a running side effect that people have to contend with.
While it is a regular occurrence with delta-9, delta-8 holds the potential to cause the same effect when used in large quantities. However, this should not raise concern as the symptom is temporary. A drink can usually rectify the issue and only lasts as long as the high does.
Grogginess
This one may catch a new user off guard. If a hefty dose of delta-8 is imbibed, the user can feel overly sleepy and fog-brained. While this may be something a marijuana user is seeking, that doesn’t hold for someone trying to stay clear-headed with delta-8 THC.
The feeling might be overbearing, but that doesn’t make it dangerous. The head fog, loss of focus, and sleepy feeling will lighten with the end of the high.
Too Much of a Body High
Delta-8 is often taken to experience a body high. But it’s under the correct dosage, so it doesn’t become overpowering.
The signs of an over-intense body high can be labeled as “couch-lock.” This involves numbness, hot or cold sensations, or even twitching.
Too Much of a Mind High
Delta-8 THC is a psychoactive compound. Its effects on the mind are similar to what delta-9 THC offers but on a toned downscale. Even though the mind high itself may be why someone uses THC, there is an amount considered “Too High” for some. This can manifest as extreme brain fog, paranoia, getting “To inside your head,” and the inability to think well. The induced paranoia can cause unnecessary anxiety and make you feel like time is being altered or your health is at risk. However, that is just the anxiety associated with the extreme mind high. The feeling will subside as the high wears off.
Even though it may feel extreme, there have been no recorded cases of overdosing associated with delta-8, and the amount you would need to achieve an overdose is astronomically high.
A handful of other minor symptoms may occur, but these are more centered around intoxicated, such as being unable to drive or failing a drug test. But these have less to do with taking too much and more with accepting that a mind-altering substance will affect your ability to do specific tasks.
How to Avoid These Side Effects
While there is minimal risk associated with trying out Delta-8 THC, some people may still want to avoid having a rougher experience, especially if it’s a first-time use. To that end, starting with a low introductory dose is always best. Then, you can judge how you will react to delta-8 and determine if the feelings are enjoyable.
Low doses that are easily measured, such as edibles or capsules, are an excellent way to ensure you only use an introductory amount of delta-8. This also allows your to reliably up your dosage in increments to find where you are most comfortable.
The different amounts of time necessary to feel the effects can also play a role since some may decide to use more before the initial dose has time to kick in fully. If you are worried about feeling a little overwhelmed, let the total time for a dose run its course before upping your amount.
Wrapping Up: How Long Does it Take to Feel Delta-8 Edibles?
So, how long does it take to feel delta-8 edibles? In general, delta-8 can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours to kick in. The time it takes to kick in is based on several factors. How you choose to use it, a person’s metabolism, and even their tolerance levels can play a role.
With so many available options focusing on precise measurements, it has become increasingly easy for someone to make sure they are entirely controlling their dosage and experience.
As always, it’s good practice to check with your general practitioner beforehand to make sure delta-8 is a good option for you. Then, you can rest easier knowing there is no interaction between any medication you are on and delta-8 THC.