Delta-8 Guide: How Long Does the High Last?

With changing attitudes and the passing of the landmark 2018 Farm Bill, we’ve seen a renaissance in the hemp and cannabis world. More and more people are discovering the therapeutic benefits of CBD. Additionally, less common hemp compounds have been hitting the shelves. Lately, delta-8 has become the superstar cannabinoid on the hemp scene. Beginners and seasoned herb lovers alike want to know more about this milder form of THC.

One of the most frequent questions we receive about the compound is, “How long does the delta-8 high last?” The short answer is, “It depends.” We’ll give you the complete rundown on the duration of delta-8’s effects, but first, let’s cover some background information on the compound.

What Is Delta-8?

Delta-8 is a natural compound found in legal hemp plants. These compounds, called cannabinoids, interact with our body’s endocannabinoid system, a mechanism that helps us maintain internal balance. Delta-8 has an almost identical chemical structure as the delta-9 form of THC present in traditional cannabis plants. 

The only difference on the molecular level is the placement of one double-bond between carbon atoms. Traditional THC has the double bond in the ninth position, and delta-8 features a double-bond on the eighth carbon in the chain.

While it may seem minuscule, this modified position changes the structure of the delta-8 molecule so that it cannot bond as strongly with brain receptors as regular THC. This weaker bonding ability means that delta-8 imparts slightly different and more manageable sensations.

What Kinds of Effects Should I Expect from Delta-8?

Due to its modified structure, delta-8 produces a gentler high and is less likely to provoke side effects like nervousness, paranoia, or couch-lock. Instead, you can expect a clear-headed sense of well-being, enhanced creativity, deep relaxation, and heightened mental focus.

In its definition of the compound, the National Cancer Institute acknowledges that delta-8 has “antiemetic, anxiolytic, appetite-stimulating, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties.” In other words, delta-8 may help reduce nausea and vomiting, relieve stress, stimulate appetite, alleviate pain, and protect brain cells.

How Long Do the Effects of Delta-8 Last?

Several factors affect the onset, intensity, and duration of delta-8’s effects, including:

  • Metabolism
  • Bodyweight
  • Tolerance to THC products
  • Food in the digestive system

The amount you consume will also alter your delta-8 experience. A light dosage will give most people a mellow sense of calm and enhanced mental focus. Moderate doses bring out more euphoric and creative feelings. 

Unless you already have a high tolerance for cannabis, we don’t suggest that you consume larger amounts of delta-8 in one sitting. When you take delta-8 and delta-10 products in excess, you risk experiencing some of the uncomfortable effects associated with regular marijuana, such as dry eyes, fatigue, dizziness, or anxiety.

Delta-8’s onset and duration will also vary depending upon your method of ingestion. Let’s take a look at the effects of inhaled delta-8 versus edibles like delta-8 gummies.

How Long Does the Delta-8 High Last When Vaped or Smoked?

You’ll begin to feel the effects of smoked or vaped delta-8 in about the same amount of time you would for CBD or traditional cannabis products. Most people start to feel the onset of inhaled delta-8 in around 5-10 minutes. The euphoria from inhaled delta-8 usually peaks in approximately 30-40 minutes. After that delta-8’s effects will gradually diminish and be mostly gone in around two hours.

How Much Delta-8 Should I Inhale?

The ideal amount of delta-8 to inhale depends upon your tolerance to THC products and your desired effects. We recommend that novices begin with one small puff from a delta-8 vape cartridge or hemp pre-roll. You’ll be able to judge the results after about 10-15 minutes. Remember: You can always take more delta-8 if you find the initial effects too weak.

Why Vape or Smoke Delta-8?

Smoking delta-8 hemp flower or vaping delta-8 offers a faster onset of relaxing effects. Inhaling delta-8 also requires a shorter time commitment, so you can enjoy the mellow high for a few hours and go on with your daily activities.

How Long Does it Take Delta 8 Vape to Kick in?

Generally, it can take between 5 to 15 minutes to feel the effects when using a Delta 8 vape. However, the specific timeframe for Delta 8 to kick in depends on various factors, such as your tolerance level, age, weight, metabolism, and the intensity of the effect you are seeking. The dosage level will also determine the speed. It’s best to wait at least 10 minutes between vape puffs to see how intense the effects are. In contrast, Delta 8 edibles will take longer to kick in and could be between 2 or 3 hours.

How Long Will I Feel the Effects of Delta-8 Edibles?

Delta-8 tinctures and edibles will take longer to kick in. Most people begin to feel the initial effects in around 30-90 minutes. If you use sublingual tinctures, the effects may kick in slightly faster as the capillaries under the tongue absorb the delta-8 directly, bypassing the digestive tract. Delta-8’s relaxing euphoria can last up to 6 hours or more when ingested. 

As with inhaled delta-8, there is no one-size-fits-all recommended dosage for edibles. Edibles take longer to kick in because the delta-8 must be processed by the digestive system before it enters the bloodstream. 

We suggest that beginners start with 10-15 milligrams of edible delta-8, which is about half of a typical gummy. After waiting at least 90 minutes, you can take the other half if you would like stronger effects.

If, on the other hand, you feel uncomfortable after consuming delta-8 edibles, please keep in mind that no one has ever overdosed as a result of consuming cannabinoids. Cannabis compounds don’t interact with the parts of the brain related to opioid overdoses. 

But while you won’t risk dying from an overdose, you may feel unwanted sensations if you consume higher dosages. In this case, the best course of action would be to eat and drink something and distract yourself with relaxing music or a funny movie.

Why Choose Delta-8 Edibles?

Delta-8 edibles are ideal for people with respiratory issues who don’t want to smoke or vape anything. Many people also prefer edibles because they’re discreet, convenient, and provide long-lasting relaxation. Additionally, delta-8 edibles like our natural fruit-flavored blueberry, apple, and watermelon gummies taste delicious, making them ideal for people who don’t like the herbal taste of hemp flowers or terpene-based vapes.