Does Delta 8 Get You High?

Delta 8 is certainly the popular “new” cannabinoid on the block.  In recent years, it has taken the hemp market by storm.  Some love this milder form of THC, while others in non-recreational cannabis states consider it to be a convenient, legal option.  Popularity aside, there is one essential question that consistently gets brought up: does delta 8 actually get you high?  Read on to learn what you can expect after consuming delta 8, and how it stacks up in comparison to THC.

What is delta 8?

Delta 8 is a naturally occurring cannabinoid, and a form of THC.  When people talk about THC, they are actually referring to delta 9 THC.  The difference between delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC all comes down to chemistry.  Both cannabinoids contain a chain of carbon atoms.  Delta 8 has a double bond on the eighth carbon atom in its chain, while delta 9’s double bond lies on, you guessed it, the ninth carbon atom in its chain.  

Though delta 8 is naturally occurring, it’s only present in trace amounts which would make it difficult to produce on a large scale.  Through a process called isomerization, chemists are able to convert more abundant cannabinoids, like CBD for example, into delta 8.  

If they use cannabinoids derived from hemp instead of cannabis, that makes the delta 8 produced legal on a federal scale thanks to the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill.  This bill legalized hemp on a federal level for use in goods like clothing, rope, and food.  Interestingly enough, this legislation unintentionally legalized hemp-derived cannabinoids in the process.  Legally, hemp is defined as cannabis containing .3% or less delta 9 THC.

Individual states have since passed legislation that either bans or regulates delta 8.  The laws are changing constantly, so definitely stay up to date with what’s going on in your state.  Check out this guide for an overview of legality by state (current as of August 2023).

Does delta 8 get you high?

Delta 8 does get you high!  Due to its chemical structure, however, it binds to the CB1 receptors with less affinity than delta 9 does.  A cannabinoid’s interaction with our CB1 receptors determines the high we experience.  (Interested in learning more about d8 and the endocannabinoid system?  Check this out).  So, though delta 8 does get you high, it is still only about half as potent as delta 9.  While reduced potency sounds like it could be a bummer, it’s actually a selling point for this winning cannabinoid.  

Characteristics of a delta 8 high

Now that we’ve established that delta 8 does indeed get you high, what does the high feel like, exactly?  Well, 71% of participants in this 521 person delta 8 use survey reported high levels of relaxation.  68% described feelings of euphoria.  You may be thinking that this sounds pretty much the same as regular weed.  The benefit of less potency, however, can be seen in the following responses: 74% of participants denied experiencing any anxiety, and 83% declared that they did not experience paranoia.  Due to the less intense high, there is less potential for those negative, anxious emotions that can often accompany a delta 9 high.

A more gentle high may be exactly what’s called for in today’s society of ever increasing demands.  With delta 8, users can maintain their focus without succumbing to the overwhelming experience of traditional THC.  Less potency means less burnout and fatigue when the high wears off.  For anyone looking to stay lifted without the paranoia or anxiety, delta 8 is the ideal cannabinoid.  All the benefits of delta 9, without the unnecessary intensity.

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Here at DVNT, we have plenty of options for you to experience that blissful delta 8 high for yourself.  Our gummies are a winning blend of delta 8 and THCP.  Fly sky high with 100 mg of cannabinoids per gummy.  Prerolls more your speed?  We’ve got you covered with pineapple and peach varieties, and they even contain a sprinkle of CBG to make your experience even better.  Hanging with a crowd?  Look no further than our blunts, available in indica, sativa, and hybrid varieties.

Shop with confidence as our products are crafted from organic ingredients and lab tested.  We’ve even earned a 98% customer service rating to back up our credentials.