Does delta 8 THC get you high? Is delta 8 THC right for you? Here’s everything you need to know about experiencing a delta 8 intoxication, how to handle a potential overdose, and how long this cannabinoid will stay in your system.
Hemp is a complex plant with over 100 naturally occurring compounds known as phytocannabinoids. Recently, delta 8 THC’s impressive therapeutic benefits and mild psychotropic effects stole delta 9 THC’s spotlight.
Last Update: May 3, 2025
Article Summary
- Hemp-derived delta 8 THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid that gets the user intoxicated.
- If you consume delta 8 THC in high doses, you may experience intense effects. In sensitive individuals, high doses may lead to a non-lethal THC overdose.
- A delta 8 THC intoxication is mellow and calming. The initial effects may be energizing, but later, the compound causes a relaxed, sleepy, and enjoyable feeling.
- This cannabinoid causes a “high” because it binds to the CB1 receptors in the brain. These receptors mediate psychoactivity, sleep, and memory.
- Frequent users of this compound should expect to pop positive on a drug test.
- If you take delta 8 THC in high doses, you will experience adverse effects like anxiety, paranoia, rapid heartbeat, hallucinations, loss of consciousness, nausea and vomiting.
What is Delta 8 THC?
You know delta 9 THC as the main psychotropic compound in the hemp plant or the one that gets you intoxicated. Well, delta 8 THC is a sister cannabinoid of the traditional delta 9 THC.
The hemp plant produces trace amounts of delta 8 (less than 0.1%). To create it in higher concentrations, processors convert hemp-derived CBD into this cannabinoid. Delta 8 THC is available in various products, including d8 hemp flower, d8 gummies, and edibles.
Will Delta 8 THC Get You High?
Yes, delta 8 THC will get you high unless it’s consumed in microdoses (1 mg to 2 mg).
Delta 8 THC produces an intoxication that may feel different than delta 9 THC — the main psychotropic compound in cannabis. The most common word used to describe a delta 8 intoxication is “mellow.”
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How Does A Delta 8 High Compare to a Marijuana High?
Most users report a semi-sedative body intoxication without the heavy mental stimulation that traditional THC typically triggers. This depends on the dosage and your level of tolerance, but you’re likely to experience a clear-headed intoxication that doesn’t cause anxiousness or paranoia. In low doses, you should feel like yourself but better.
According to studies, delta 8 THC is 50 to 75 percent less potent than delta 9 THC. In some cases, delta 8 was three to 10 times less potent than its cousin delta 9 THC.
This cannabinoid is the middle ground between delta 9 THC and cannabidiol (CBD). If you don’t like how delta 9 makes you feel but benefit from its therapeutic effects, delta 8 might be the perfect replacement. If you like CBD but need something a little bit stronger, delta 8 THC is the way to go.
Delta 8 THC packs much less of a punch than delta 9 but offers similar therapeutic benefits. Enthusiasts who have tried this compound second its effectiveness for silencing anxious thoughts and ensuring restful nights.
Prolonged use of delta 9 may trigger a rollercoaster of overwhelming emotions, paranoia, or panic attacks. Although the long-term effects of delta 8 are unknown, users enjoy it because it allows them to avoid all of the jittery, anxious, ‘racy mind’ feelings produced by traditional THC.
How Intoxicated Can You Get from Delta 8 THC?
You can get really intoxicated after consuming delta 8 THC in high doses.
The intoxication with delta 8 THC will be different from an intoxication with delta 9 THC, but it can be as intense. In standard doses or ones that fit your tolerance levels, you’re likely to experience a relaxed, sleepy, enjoyable intoxication.
If consumed in extremely high doses or by people who are sensitive to THC, delta 8 can cause an intoxication that feels much stronger than delta 9 THC. This can also be true for the initial wave after consuming this compound, as its effects can often feel strong and cerebral before the mellow feeling kicks in.
New users should start with a low dose and see how their mind and body responds before taking more. After consuming this cannabinoid, it’s best to avoid driving or any other activity that could put you or someone else in danger.
Why Does Delta 8 THC Get You High?
Delta 8 THC gives you a “high” because it binds to the CB1 receptor located in the central nervous system. The CB1 receptor mediates psychoactivity, pain regulation, motor control, and memory processing.
A main part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), the CB1 receptor mediates the psychotropic effects of delta 9 THC and delta 8 THC. This receptor is one of the primary receptors (together with the CB2 receptor) of the endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system is a complex cell-signaling portal to the medical goodness of hemp’s compounds. The ECS is made out of endocannabinoids, endocannabinoid receptors, and enzymes that together balance out key processes like:
- Sleep
- Mood
- Appetite
- Memory
- Reproduction and fertility
Both delta 9 THC and delta 8 THC bind to the CB1 receptor distributed throughout the central nervous system. Unlike delta 9 THC, delta 8 THC is less potent and doesn’t produce the same mind-altering effects. The reason for that is their slightly different chemical structure that makes both molecules produce different outcomes.
Delta 8 THC is a double bond analogue of delta 9 THC. This means that delta 8 THC has a similar chemical structure to delta 9, with a minor difference. The difference between the two is in the placement of the double bond (hence the term delta in their name).
The double bond is located on the eighth carbon atom in delta 8 and on the ninth in delta 9, leading to completely different psychotropic and therapeutic effects.
Does Delta 8 Show Up on a Drug Test?
Yes, delta 8 THC shows up on a drug test.
Namely, delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC are very similar chemically, so they produce the same THC metabolites. A standard urine test detects these metabolites because they are not designed to differentiate between them.
Click here for more on delta 8 THC and drug testing.
What’s The Half-Life of Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8’s half-life varies depending on the individual.
A half-life of a substance is the time it takes for the body to eliminate half the concentration of the substance.
According to studies, the half-life of delta 8 in infrequent users is 1.3 days, while it takes 5-13 days for frequent users to eliminate half its concentration.
The frequency of use drastically affects the half-life of this cannabinoid because delta 8 is stored in fat cells and can take a long time to break down. So, the more you use delta 8, the longer it takes for the body to eliminate it fully.
How Long Does Delta 8 Take to Work?
Depending on the method of consumption, you should start feeling the compound kick in within 15 to 30 minutes. Here’s what to expect from each consumption method.
Smoking and Vaping
When consumed through inhalation (smoking or vaping), this cannabinoid usually starts working within the first 15 minutes.
Smoking and vaping have the quickest onset of effects because the cannabinoid is absorbed through the lungs in the bloodstream. But, the body also metabolizes pre-rolls and vapes more quickly than edibles, so the effects may last up to five hours. With edibles, the effects can last up to 10 hours.
The first wave of effects is very potent, and can make some people anxious. To avoid any side effects with this cannabinoid, start with the lowest dose possible.
Edibles (Gummies)
Unlike smoking, edibles take longer to work. The onset time of delta 8 gummies varies from person to person but typically ranges from 30 minutes to two hours after ingestion. The key is to avoid rushing in and taking more gummies if you don’t feel immediate effects.
Once it kicks in, the duration of its effects of edibles can last up to 10 hours. This depends on the dosage consumed, your metabolism, and tolerance levels.
Oils And Tinctures
Tinctures are applied sublingually and are absorbed by the mucous membrane of the mouth. Therefore, they also have a quick onset and kick in within 30 minutes. The effects of a delta 8 tincture can last up to five hours.
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Can I Overdose on Delta 8?
Yes, if you take too much delta 8, you can overdose.
An overdose can also happen if you’re sensitive to THC and it’s more likely to happen with THC edibles.
The reason for this is that people don’t wait long enough to feel the effects of the edible before taking more. Edibles can sometimes take up to 2 hours to kick in, so users often get impatient and take another gummy or brownie.
Some of the most common symptoms of a THC overdose include:
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Rapid heartbeat
- Paranoia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
A delta 8 THC overdose is very unlikely to be fatal on its own. But, because the user will be in distress, they may experience heart complications, especially if combined with other substances.
What Should I Do If I’ve Taken Too Much Delta 8?
If you took too much delta 8, don’t panic.
The best thing to do is wait it out because the side effects typically clear on their own within a few hours. While you can take CBD to potentially counter the intensity of adverse effects, you don’t need other medication to handle this situation.
Simply, go to a quiet, safe space and relax for a few hours until the effects wear off. It’s important not to panic because, although it may feel like it, you’re not going to stop breathing.
If the symptoms of an overdose don’t go away after a few hours, they intensify, or you have trouble breathing, seek medical help. In some cases, the user may experience a psychotic episode, which also requires medical care.
Building Tolerance to Delta 8 THC
When you use delta 8 regularly, you will develop tolerance to this substance over time.
Regular consumption of this cannabinoid causes the endocannabinoid system to adjust to the consistent influx of cannabinoids. As the body gets used to it, it takes a higher dose to achieve the desired effects. This means it’s building tolerance.
To avoid an excessive tolerance buildup and high delta 8 consumption, take breaks and gradually increase the dosage.
First, start with the lowest dose possible (2.5 mg or 5 mg), and when you notice your tolerance levels are up, take a T-break or tolerance break. Taking a 24-hour break per week will reset your endocannabinoid receptors and the body’s sensitivity will return close to baseline. Some people may need longer tolerance breaks, so you need to test this concept and see how it works for you.
Is Delta 8 THC Right For You?
The only way to know if delta 8 THC is right for you is to try it. The best way to find out what effects a cannabinoid will have on your body is to give it a go. If this cannabinoid is right for you, we guarantee you it’ll be the highlight of your long day or a stressful week.
Delta 8 THC is the perfect replacement for delta 9 THC. Consider delta 8 if delta 9 provides relief but makes you anxious or exacerbates your sleeplessness or depression.
If you are looking for a natural solution to pain, anxiety, or nausea, you should try delta 8 THC. Here are some of this cannabinoid’s potential benefits:
- Antiemetic – studies show that delta 8 THC prevents nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy. For many, it’s a phenomenal antiemetic to fight a hangover or to prevent motion sickness.
- Powerful Appetite Stimulant – tetrahydrocannabinols (predominantly delta 9 THC) are powerful appetite stimulants. Delta 8 THC is the perfect appetite stimulant replacement for delta 9 THC, providing the same therapeutic effect without the anxiety-ridden high.
- Anxiolytic (Anti-anxiety) Properties – delta 8 THC helps with anxiety and serves as an excellent replacement for delta 9 as a natural anti-anxiety agent.
- Neuroprotective (Memory-boosting) effects – delta 8 THC boosts your brain’s neurotransmitter that enhances learning, memory, attention, motivation, and sleep.
- Analgesic (pain-relieving) properties – by directly binding to the CB1 receptor, delta 8 THC also exhibits potent pain-relieving effects.
Click here for an in-depth explanation of delta 8 THC’s therapeutic benefits.
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Delta 8 Side Effects
We need more studies looking at the side effects of delta 8 THC. That said, consult a medical professional before taking any cannabinoid, including delta 8 THC.
A 1995 study published in Life Sciences found that delta 8 THC’s ability to prevent and reduce nausea in children comes with minimal side effects, even if administered in higher doses.
A 2018 systematic review published in Pharmaceuticals found that delta 8 THC slowed heart rate in animals but increased heart rate in humans.
Some of the most common adverse effects of this cannabinoid include:
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
High doses tend to cause more severe side effects. Therefore, make sure you adjust the dosage to tolerance levels before consumption. If you’re a beginner, start with the minimal recommended dose of 5 mg to protect yourself from adverse effects.
Have You Tried Our Premium Delta 8 Yet?
Delta 8 THC is a fairly new cannabinoid product and you might come across vendors that want to cash in on low-quality products. That’s why you need to seek a reliable brand that offers premium delta 8 flower, gummies, and other products.
Some indicators to help you recognize top-shelf delta 8 THC oil include:
Flavor and Aroma
Some delta 8 THC products display a weird terpene taste and, reportedly, if used regularly, give the user a headache. This could be because the delta 8 oil is low-quality or the terpenes are fake and thrown together to mimic the taste of cannabis.
Mr. Hemp Flower uses strain-specific terpenes in each product, which means the terpenes are derived from a particular hemp strain.
Smell
Delta 8 THC distillate is a clear substance with no smell. The smell comes from the terps added to the cart, so again, make sure the company you are buying from uses natural terpenes.
Our Delta 8 pre-rolls come with added strain-specific terpenes naturally derived from organically cultivated hemp flower. A third-party lab tests each batch of hemp flower and provides a Certificate of Analysis that shows the exact levels of cannabinoids and terpenes.
Extraction process
Make sure the vendor is using natural extraction processes and that the oil is free from synthetic cannabinoids and other impurities.
At Mr. Hemp Flower, we work with a top-tier extractor using an ethanol (food-grade) extraction process to extract the delta 8 molecules from full-spectrum cannabis oil. We use organically grown hemp from licensed U.S. farmers and provide lab results for each of our products.
Our products have a great ratio combo of CBD flower and delta 8 distillate. We’ve found that Wedding Cake Pre Rolls and Goliath Hemp Flower go particularly well with Delta 8 THC oil. Not only do they smoke nice and have a smooth taste, but they take away your anxiety and pain.
Final Thoughts
Hemp-derived delta 8 THC will get you high if consumed in high doses.
You can expect a mellow, relaxing experience if you hit a sweet spot regarding dosage. To avoid negative effects from this compound, start with the lowest dose possible and increase as your tolerance levels build up.
Delta 8 THC is chemically very similar to delta 9 THC, so it’ll likely show up on a drug test. Taking this compound in high doses can lead to likely non-lethal overdose. Therefore, it’s important to adjust the amount you take to your tolerance levels, especially as a beginner.
FAQ
How long does Delta 8 stay in your system?
From a few days to a few months, depending on how much you use, your metabolism, genetics, etc.
What is a delta 8 cartridge?
A delta 8 cartridge is a small attachment pre-filled with delta-8 oil that you can attach to a vape pen.
What is the difference between delta 8 and delta 9?
Delta 8 thc produces a more mellow, clear-headed high without the anxiety and couch-ridden feeling provided by delta-9 THC.
What are the benefits of Delta 8?
Delta 8 stimulates appetite, helps with sleep and anxiety, relieves pain and inflammation, and may improve memory.
Is delta 8 legal?
Hemp-derived delta 8 is legal on a federal level. State wide, it’s legal in states where hemp tetrahydrocannabinols (aside from delta-9 THC) are legal.
Is Delta 8 a CBD?
No. Delta-8 THC and CBD are different phytocannabinoids naturally occurring in the hemp plant.