Delta 8 THC is an area that is rapidly growing in the hemp market. There are many D8 brands popping up out of nowhere.
Our understanding of the workings of cannabinoids has improved over years of research. D8 THC is now available in many products, such as tinctures, capsules, concentrates, vape carts, gummies, etc.
Because it is a form of THC and a relatively new cannabinoid, dosing is the biggest concern for new users.
The truth is, that cannabis affects everyone differently based on a number of different factors. So, there is no umbrella dose that works for everyone. Everybody’s body is different, thus everyone will have a different experience when it comes to different cannabinoidsÂ
What works for your friend may not work for you and vice versa.Â
In this article, you will find an all-around guide for dosing and delta-8. Continue reading to learn how to find the best dosage based on your own needs.
Delta 8 THC and Dosage – Is It The Same as CBD?
The simple answer is no.Â
Furthermore, as we mentioned briefly above, cannabinoids affect us all differently depending on our metabolism, genetic makeup, and a number of other factors.Â
CBD and D8 THC are very different cannabinoids.Â
For starters, D8 is psychoactive. CBD is not considered psychoactive and is used more medicinally. Delta 8 is used more recreationally but can also be used medicinally.
In addition, delta 8 THC, is an isomer of delta-9 THC and binds to the CB1 receptor in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system is responsible for multiple different bodily functions and regulates vital parts of the human body. We won’t get too into this here, but what is most important to note is that the CB1 receptor is responsible for psychoactive effects, while the CB2 receptor does not produce psychoactive effects.
D8 THC binds to the CB1 receptor and CBD binds to the CB2 receptor. This means that they produce different effects in the body.
For a full breakdown of CBD dosage guidelines, check out this article: CBD Dosage Guidelines
Because CBD is not psychoactive and delta 8 is, the dosing guidelines do not translate and are not transferable.
D8 is an active compound that alters our sensory perception while CBD does not do this at all. In other words, delta 8 uses a different mechanism of action than CBD.Â
Thus, its effects on the brain and body are different.Â
If you have tried delta-9 THC and know you are sensitive to its effects, you may want to start low and go slow when it comes to delta-8. Although D8 is milder than delta-9 THC, it is still psychoactive and should be taken with caution.Â
What If I Take Too Much?
You may be wondering, how much should I take? What happens if I take too much?
It is a similar feeling to taking too much delta-9 THC. While paranoia and anxiety are less common side effects with D8 than with delta-9, when you take too much it is possible to experience these adverse effects. However, even high doses of D8 usually don’t lead to anxiety and paranoia, but it can still happen. Remember, everybody’s body is different.Â
Delta 8 THC may affect you differently from one day to the next depending on a variety of factors relating to your physiological makeup.
Feeling dizzy and confused is also common, as well as deep relaxation and sedation.Â
According to various studies, the high from delta-8 is supposed to be 50% as potent as a high from delta-9 THC. Delta 8 is not supposed to produce side effects of anxiety and paranoia or racing heart (but sometimes it does.)
Many people describe feeling a body high that makes them feel elevated. The effects of D8 are dose-dependent.Â
For example, lower doses can have a stimulating effect while higher doses are thought to cause mild sedation. This is also true for CBD, except CBD is not really sedating in large doses but more relaxing.
Delta 8 THC and Dosage – Understanding Potencies
Although there are many factors that contribute to how you should dose yourself, there are two main factors to keep in mind.
When it comes to dosage and potencies, it is important to keep in mind the strength of your product (total milligrams) and the strength of D8 THC per mg.Â
Companies use different strengths and volumes for their products. Some sell delta-8 tinctures in 30 mL bottles while others may use 60 mL bottles. The same goes for gummies, vapes, and other forms of D8 THC.
What is important to decipher is the number of milligrams of D8 in a single serving. A manufacturer that sells delta 8 usually provides serving recommendations on the label to help new users estimate how much D8 THC they need to take to feel results.
When it comes to liquid products like tinctures, the strength is measured by milligrams per milliliter.Â
For example one of our delta-8 tinctures is 2,500mg in a 30mL bottle. So, a 1mL serving of this tincture is 83 mg.Â
This is more than enough to provide cognitive effects even in the most seasoned cannabis users with high tolerances.Â
We suggest you start low and go slow, do not take the whole amount your first time taking it, instead, slowly work your way up.
Gummies come with a pre-measured dose per gummy so there is no measuring involved. Unless you want to eat half of the gummy instead of the whole thing for milder effects.Â
Delta 8 THC and Dosages
Low tolerance – 1st D8 THC Dosage Tier: 5-10mg per serving
Medium tolerance- 2nd Delta 8 THC Dosage Tier: 15-45mg per serving
High tolerance – 3rd D8 THC Dosage Tier: 45-150mg + per serving
The aforementioned chart applies to tinctures and other forms of administration. As we mentioned earlier, D8 is about half as potent as delta-9 THC.Â
That being said, it is not something to be taken lightly. D8 THC is a potent psychoactive cannabinoid.
There have been a few cases where people underestimate the potency of D8 and take too much, leading to paranoia, increased heart rate, lethargy, sedation, and losing control of their cognitive function.Â
Thus, the best way to find your sweet spot with delta 8 is to start low and go slow.
How Long Does It Take To Kick In?
How long delta-8 THC takes to kick in largely has to do with the delivery method. If you smoke it, it can be felt almost immediately or in 10-15 minutes. If you take an edible or a capsule it can take 2+ hours to be felt.Â
If you take it as a sublingual tincture, and let it sit under your tongue for 90 minutes, you can feel the effects anywhere between 15 minutes to 30 minutes.Â
There are also other factors that contribute to how fast your body processes D8. Among these are metabolism, body mass, tolerance, genetics, how much you ate that day, and more.Â
While there are many factors that contribute to delta-8 and how fast it affects you, it is important to remember everyone’s body is different.Â
The most important thing to keep in mind is to take it slow, and slowly work up to a place that sits right with you.Â
Final Thoughts
Although it may seem difficult to find the right dosage of D8 THC, knowing how the different administration methods work in your body will allow you to choose the best format and calculate the dose that suits your needs.
At Chronic Guru, we offer many different delta 8 products at different dosages and potencies.Â
To have a pleasurable and therapeutic experience with delta 8, follow the above guidelines for best results. D8 is a great cannabinoid for recreational or medicinal use, however, everything is best in moderation.Â
Thank you for reading this article on delta 8 and dosages. Have you tried delta 8?Â
What dosage works best for you?
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