Just How High Will You Fly On Delta-8? — Everything You Need To Know About Delta-8 THC’s “High”

If you start scouring through hemp forums, you’ll notice a wide range of opinions on delta-8 THC. Some users claim delta-8 is the most relaxing cannabinoid on earth. On the opposite extreme, critics claim delta-8 THC caused an intense bout of paranoia. 

The “truth” about delta-8’s effects seems to lie in between these responses. Even though delta-8 shows potential for stress relief, it’s not as tame as non-psychoactive cannabinoids. People who aren’t prepared for a psychoactive experience can have adverse reactions to delta-8 products. 

New customers need to know the whole story behind the delta-8 “high” before using it. The more you know before drawing a delta-8 vape, the better your chances of having a satisfying first experience. 

In General, What Does Delta-8 THC Feel Like? 

There’s no simple way to describe the effects of a delta-8 THC high. As you’ve probably heard multiple times, everyone reacts to cannabinoids differently. Your genes, metabolism, and weight will impact how a product like delta-8 hits your system. Also, the amount of delta-8 THC you take could affect its impact. 

All that being said, most university-backed surveys that examine delta-8 suggest this cannabinoid produces a body-heavy “high” sensation. Anyone familiar with indica strains like Bubba Kush and Northern Lights will know what we mean by these terms. Most adults who try delta-8 claim they feel sensations like muscle relaxation, tingles, and sleepiness after using this cannabinoid. 

Just keep in mind that delta-8 THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid. Although delta-8 has a reputation for being relaxing, it will land on the brain’s CB1 receptors and cause slightly altered perception. You may notice the sensation of time and space aren’t as well-defined as before using delta-8. There’s also a risk that people who struggle with paranoia will experience a panic attack.

Is Delta-8 As Intense As Other THC Cannabinoids? 

Again, we can only judge delta-8’s effects based on anecdotal testimonies. There aren’t scientific reports that show delta-8 is less intense versus delta-9 THC. However, most people who’ve taken delta-8 and delta-9 claim the latter is stronger than the former. Most users also claim that alternative THC cannabinoids like THC-O and HHC are more psychoactive than delta-8 THC. 

However, delta-10 THC appears to have a similar potency level to delta-8 THC. The significant distinction between these two cannabinoids is that delta-10 seems to induce a sativa-like “head buzz” high that’s better suited during the daytime. 

Is The Delta-8 “High” Similar To CBD’s Effects? 

Even though delta-8 and CBD are in the hemp plant, they offer users profoundly different effects. Delta-8 is a high-inducing psychoactive cannabinoid; CBD has zero psychoactive potential. 

Sure, CBD can make you feel stress relief, but it won’t alter your perception of reality as intensely as delta-8. Indeed, many people use CBD oil during the day to enhance focus and productivity. There’s also minimal risk CBD will provoke a panic attack. 

Can Delta-8 THC Give Me Paranoia?

Even delta-8 supporters can’t deny this cannabinoid can trigger paranoia. Whether the risk of a panic attack is greater with delta-8 vs. delta-9 is up for debate, but there’s no question delta-8 could make users feel paranoid.

Is it likely delta-8 will provoke a panic attack? Well, that’s difficult to say. As we’ve already mentioned, everyone reacts to delta-8 differently, so you may have a genetic predisposition to THC panic disorder. Unfortunately, you wouldn’t know that unless you’ve already tried a THC strain. 

If you already struggle with extreme anxiety and paranoia, chances are delta-8 will have an adverse effect. Also, please remember that the more delta-8 you take, the greater chance you will experience undesirable side effects. 

Since delta-8 has the potential to produce paranoia, please always take care when scheduling your first session. You should also read our guide to dosing delta-8 THC to decrease the odds of a scary first experience. 

Will Delta-8 THC Increase My Heart Rate?

There aren’t many tests examining delta-8’s impact on cardiovascular health, but it’s well known that delta-9 THC will initially increase a person’s heart rate. Harvard also reports that marijuana has a negative impact on heart attack survivors.

If you don’t have a pre-existing heart condition, it doesn’t appear that a low dose of delta-8 will severely impact cardiovascular health. However, consumers should be aware that delta-8 will probably increase their heart rate after they take it. 

New users need to understand that this symptom is a standard reaction to THC and typically resolves after a few minutes. Often, people mistake this symptom as a sign of a heart attack, which can trigger excessive panic and lead to paranoia. 

Does Delta-8 Make People Feel Sleepy?

Many customers use delta-8 THC for sleep-related conditions like insomnia. It’s impossible to guarantee delta-8 will make you feel sleepy, but most customers strongly recommend using it before bedtime. 

According to available anecdotal data, there’s a greater chance delta-8 will trigger a “couchlock” high rather than a “wake & bake” sensation. New users should expect delta-8 to lean on the indica side and schedule their sessions accordingly.  

What Are Typical Side Effects From Delta-8 THC?   

Aside from paranoia, delta-8 can trigger many other side effects that are similar to legal recreational cannabis. For instance, many people who take delta-8 THC report an intense “cottonmouth” sensation. You may feel numbness in your mouth and a dry throat shortly after using this cannabinoid. 

Studies have shown THC directly impacts our salivary glands, so it doesn’t matter if you’re smoking delta-8 flowers or eating a delta-8 gummy. The only way to minimize the risk of “dry mouth” is to stay well-hydrated and have extra water nearby to compensate for the lack of saliva.

It’s also possible that delta-8 THC could trigger a case of the “munchies.” Indeed, a few preliminary trials have examined the potential benefit of using delta-8 for nausea. You may want to keep your favorite snacks nearby just in case delta-8 gets your tummy rumbling. 

Some people also report getting the “marijuana shakes” after taking delta-8. For those who aren’t aware, the “shakes” refers to involuntary muscle contractions after using THC. While this symptom may feel scary, please know that it’s a common reaction to THC and tends to go away on its own. 

Some researchers speculate that THC alters body temperature, which may explain why people feel shivers after using a product like delta-8. It’s also more common for people to experience delta-8 THC if they’re in a cold room, took too much delta-8, or have pre-existing anxiety conditions. 

The best method to overcome “THC shakes” is to practice deep breathing and bundle up with a warm blanket. Also, please remember that the shakes should resolve after a short time. Excessive worry may intensify these shivers, so it’s best if new delta-8 users have trusted friends nearby to help them remain calm. 

So, Is The Delta-8 High Right For You?

Some people have a phenomenal response to delta-8, but others find that non-psychoactive cannabinoids work better for them. Please seriously consider why you’re taking hemp before deciding whether delta-8 fits your wellness goals. Also, remember to take it slow if you’re new to THC cannabinoids. Delta-8 may not be the most intense compound on earth, but it can be startling for people who are only used to CBD.

Also, don’t forget that the delta-8 THC market is unregulated. Therefore, you need to work with a company that takes care to lab-verify their products have zero contaminants, heavy metals, and mold. Organic CBD Nugs always ships our delta-8 vapes, flowers, and gummies to third-party labs to ensure our customers have a pure hemp extract. You can find out more about our quality lab screenings on this page.