Delta 8 Products: How Do They Make You High? 

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Delta-8 is an isomer of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychotropic cannabinoid in marijuana. The term ‘isomer’ refers to two or more compounds that share a similar molecular formula but different structural formulae.  

Like other tetrahydrocannabinol isomers, such as delta-9 THC and delta-10 THC, delta-8 THC comes in numerous product formulations. Common ones include inhalables, edibles, topicals, and oral tinctures. A simple online search of the best THC retailers near you will turn up several e-commerce websites where you can buy purple punch THC-o disposable. Your choice of the best delta-8 products will largely depend on your desired effects.  
 
 

Another exciting fact about delta-8 THC is that the compound provides therapeutic and recreational benefits.  
 
 

But for aspiring cannabis users, one of the frequently asked questions is, ‘how does the plant make you high?’ Since delta-8 is inherently psychotropic, you may also find yourself wondering about the compound’s intoxicating abilities. 
 
 

 Well, you’re in luck. This article explores everything there is to know about delta-8, with a particular focus on the substance’s psychotropic nature. 

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How Do Delta-8 Products Make You High? 

As we’ve already pointed out, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive chemical in marijuana. THC’s psychotropic properties apply to all the compound’s isomers, including delta-8.  
 
 

But just how do delta-8 products get you high?  

To understand the psychoactive abilities of THC isomers, it would be best to begin by familiarizing yourself with the endocannabinoid system (ECS).  
 
 

The endocannabinoid system is a complex network of receptors (called endocannabinoid receptors) and neurotransmitters (called endocannabinoids) that play several crucial roles in the body. This system is probably most noted for maintaining endocrine balance. It’s also involved in pain signaling, food and drug metabolism, circadian rhythms regulation, and other functions.  

Delta-8, like other cannabinoids, interact with the body via the endocannabinoid system. As with its other co-isomers – delta-9 and delta-10 – delta-8 THC exerts its effects by binding to endocannabinoid receptors closer to the brain and central nervous system (CNS). These receptors are known as CB1 receptors.  
 
 

The fact that CB1 receptors are located nearer to your brain, and CNS explains why any compound that significantly impacts these receptors may cause direct mind-altering effects. 

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How Powerful Are The Mind-altering Effects Of Delta-8 Products? 

The psychedelic effects of delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol are midway between delta-9 and delta-10. Delta-8 THC produces results stronger than delta-10 but milder than delta-9. Most users report sleepiness, dizziness, and a bit of munchies. 

Now, it’s worth noting that all THC isomers undergo the same metabolic processes when consumed or exposed to heat. However, delta-8 delivers milder effects than delta-9 because the isomer has a lower affinity for endocannabinoid receptors.  

When you consume a product containing both delta-9 and delta-8 THC, delta-9 will get absorbed into the body faster due to its high affinity for binding to endocannabinoid receptors. The fact that delta-8 has a slower bioavailability (absorption rate) also means the isomer is generally less potent.  

But the most important thing to note here is that delta-8 high depends on several factors, including; 

Age and Body Mass 

Younger cannabis users will undoubtedly experience a more potent delta-8 high than older users.  

That’s because children have a larger surface area to volume ratio. Therefore, it takes a considerably shorter duration for delta-8 to travel from a child’s delivery site to their bloodstream.  

This principle also applies to people with smaller body mass. 

Metabolic Rate 

Higher metabolism generally translates to a faster absorption rate. That explains why drugs typically take effect sooner for people with a higher metabolism.  

Therefore, you’ll naturally experience more substantial delta-8 effects if your metabolic rate is relatively high.  

The good news is that there are several ways to ramp up your metabolism as a way of optimizing delta-8 effects.  

For instance, you might consider consuming delta-8 products on an empty stomach. Alternatively, you could consume these products alongside metabolism-aiding foods like coffee, tea, smoothies, and fruit juice. 

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Potency 

The potency (also known as strength or concentration) of delta-8 and other cannabinoids is measured in milligrams.  

Common sense dictates that products formulated with higher concentrations of delta-8 will deliver a more powerful high than those lower in the compound. 

Dosage 

The terms “dosage” and “potency” are often confused with each other. While potency denotes the strength or concentration of delta-8 in a product, dosage refers to the total amount per serving.  

Let’s assume that one gummy contains 2 mg of delta-8. The 2 mg denotes potency. But when it comes to dosage, an individual may consume 5 gummies or 10 gummies per serving. That works out as 10 mg or 20 mg of delta-8 per serving, respectively.  

As you might expect, a higher delta-8 dosage translates to a more potent high. 

Consumption Method 

Delta-8 products come in different formulations. Common ones include oral tinctures, encapsulated products, delta-8 edibles, cosmetics, inhalable products, and smokable cannabis flowers.  

These delivery methods differ fundamentally regarding the onset and extent of effects.  

For instance, inhalable delta-8 products, smokable cannabis flowers, and delta-8 tinctures deliver more powerful effects than other delivery methods. However, those effects generally wear out in a few hours.  

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Wrap Up 

Delta-8 produces a milder high than delta-9. The compound also boasts numerous health benefits.  

But to make the most of delta-8, remember to take it slow. Overdosing on this compound may produce several adverse effects.