When it comes to getting high off of marijuana, most people know that THC is the primary psychoactive ingredient. However, what you might not know is that there are several forms of THC, each with its own methods of affecting the brain. The most common option is Delta 9 THC, but Delta 8 is currently making the rounds, thanks to its legal murkiness. But can Delta 8 THC get you high like Delta 9? How long does a Delta 8 high last? More importantly, would you want to? Let’s break down how this version of THC works and whether it’s worth the price. 

What is Delta 8 THC?

For us to understand the origins of Delta 8 THC, we must first understand the difference between hemp and cannabis, as well as the difference between THC and CBD (cannabidiol). 

First off, hemp has been legal in the United States since 2018, thanks to the passage of the Farm Bill. The bill stated that for cannabis to be classified as hemp, it must contain no more than 0.3 percent THC. 

Second, hemp typically has a higher concentration of CBD, which is the second-most common cannabinoid contained within the hemp plant. Since CBD doesn’t have psychoactive effects, it was also legalized, which is why you see so many CBD-infused products being hyped lately. 

So, where does Delta 8 come in? This form of THC is one of over 100 cannabinoids within the cannabis Sativa plant, but it only exists in trace amounts. Since plants with less than 0.3 percent THC are legal, many manufacturers are taking advantage of the ruling and choosing to extract and synthesize Delta 8 THC since it falls below that threshold. 

Also, thanks to some relatively simple science, manufacturers can extract Delta 8 THC from pure CBD. So, since there’s so much CBD just lying around, it makes sense for growers and cultivators to make as much use of it as possible. 

How Does Delta 8 Work?

As with all cannabinoids, the secret to their effect on the body lies in your endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system uses binders and receptors to regulate a whole host of bodily functions, including sleep, anxiety, and depression. While your body produces cannabinoids naturally to bind to these receptors, you can also “hack” the system by introducing cannabinoids from an alternative source, such as – you guessed it – the cannabis plant. 

But how does Delta 8 THC interact with your ECS? As with Delta 9 THC, this cannabinoid binds with a type 1 (CB1) receptor, making you feel better and less stressed. 

Crucially, though, Delta 8 THC doesn’t create as strong of a bond as Delta 9, which is partially why it’s easier to synthesize. Also, according to most anecdotal evidence, Delta 8 doesn’t affect the body or mind as much as regular THC, leading to a smoother, less intense experience. 

Will Delta 8 Get You High?

The short answer is yes, just like most cannabis products, Delta 8 THC will get you high. The longer answer, though, gets a bit more complicated. 

If you were to look at both Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC strains under a microscope, you’d notice that they almost look identical. However, there is one crucial difference between the two – Delta 8’s binders don’t bond with the body’s receptors as tightly or as significantly as those contained within Delta 9 THC. 

So, the results are less pronounced, leading to a milder high. That said, some people have reported getting just as high with Delta 8 as they do with Delta 9, so keep in mind that the results can vary greatly from one person to the next. 

Some of the biological reasons for the difference in how Delta 8 gets you high include: 

• Tolerance Level – If you ingest or smoke a lot of Delta 9 THC, you may notice a substantial difference when switching to Delta 8. 
• Body Chemistry – If your ECS is running smoothly and perfectly, no amount of THC will get you super high. Instead, you might feel a slight buzz. 
• Manufacturer – Because Delta 8 THC is not regulated by the government, anyone can make bold claims about the compound and how well it works. So, one label may claim high concentrations of terpenes and other cannabinoids, even though there aren’t as many available. In a worst-case scenario, a manufacturer might add harsh chemicals and secondary ingredients that could actively hurt your body. 

Overall, if you’ve never taken cannabis or even hemp products before, we strongly recommend starting off slow and seeing how a tiny dose feels. If you like the sensation, you can take a little more. However, make sure to pay attention to the potency of each dose. While it’s extremely hard to overdose on natural psychoactives like Delta 8 THC, too much can make you sick. 

How Long Does a Delta 8 High Last?

Without concrete evidence and research, it’s impossible to say definitively how long the Delta 8 high lasts. Also, depending on the dosage, you may feel euphoric for several hours or more than a day. On average, though, Delta 8 can make you feel “high” for about three to eight hours total per day. 

Will Delta 8 THC Show Up on a Drug Test?

Because drug tests are designed to spot THC, Delta 8 will show up, just like Delta 9. According to most experts, Delta 8 THC can stay in your system for up to 30 days, although whether it’s detectable for that entire time is up for debate. 

Again, there are many variables that dictate how much Delta 8 will affect your body and how long it stays in your system. Potentially harmful chemicals get flushed through your body’s natural processes and metabolism. Those variables can also make Delta 8 stay in your system for a month, or it could flush it out after a couple of days. 

Delta 8 vs. Delta 9 High

As we mentioned, the binders on Delta 8 THC are not as strong as those on Delta 9. Also, because Delta 8 is often mostly synthesized, it might not bind correctly at all. 

Overall, most users report a relatively mild yet noticeable high feeling from both cannabinoids. That said, Delta 8 is generally more dangerous because it’s harder to produce, and some low-quality manufacturers use sketchy production methods to make more of it. So, you might get high at first but then feel sick afterward. 

Common side effects of both types of THC include red eyes, dry mouth, and a rapid heart rate. However, Delta 8 THC might also give you a lot of secondary issues, including diarrhea, vomiting, and more. So, it’s imperative that you find a high-quality manufacturer that guarantees the best potency possible. 

Enjoy a Premium High With TIMBR Delta 8 Hemp Smokes

While some states are cracking down on Delta 8 THC, we’re embracing this legal technicality to enjoy how the cannabinoid makes us feel. Although Delta 8 will never compare to standard Delta 9 THC, these smokes from TIMBR help get the job done at an affordable price.