Can delta-8 make you high?

While delta-8 continues to grow in popularity, there are still some individuals who are confused about the effects of delta-8, and many are asking, “can delta-8 make you high?”

Delta-8 does in fact create a euphoric high, although it’s notably more mellow than the delta-9 you might know from cannabis. And when it comes to the way in which delta-8 and delta-9 make you high, the metabolic processes are virtually identical, with one exception: delta-8 has a lower affinity for binding with receptors in the brain, making it less psychoactive compared to delta-9. In fact, many users have reported feelings of relaxation and sleepiness, combined with a mild body high.

With the initial effects, some users recount the first wave of euphoria to feel more intense than marijuana, but it eventually dissolves into a state of mellow euphoria.

On the flip side, some users even report that delta-8 leaves them feeling more energized, especially those with experience enjoying cannabis and THC products.

How Delta-8 is Made

While delta-8 is found naturally-occurring in cannabis, its concentrations in hemp are naturally quite low.

But as you’ve probably heard, delta-8 is legal because it’s a product of hemp, which is federally legal.

What does this mean then?

Simply put, delta-8 comes from hemp through a process known as conversion, in which a cannabinoid is converted into another, under the guidance of a trained specialist in a lab setting.

This process is possible because all cannabinoids start out as the same compound, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). Often referred to as “the mother cannabinoid,” CBGA in hemp will start to evolve as the plant matures, resulting in a wide variety of different cannabinoids–over 100, in fact.

And while these changes occur naturally in response to factors such as the environment, stress, etc., it’s possible to control this conversion in a lab setting.

The conversion process for converting CBD to delta-8, specifically known as isomerization, begins with dissolving CBD into a nonpolar organic solvent before incorporating an acid. Mixtures can be made with different combinations of solvents and acids, and each one will yield different results.

The mixture is then stirred and maintained at 100 degrees Celsius for around eight hours, before the solution is separated, washed and neutralized.

Finally, the product batch undergoes critical testing, typically through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Will Delta-8 Help Me Sleep?

After considering some of the benefits one might enjoy with delta-8, you might be wondering if delta-8 can help you get a good night’s sleep.

And in this guide, we wanted to discuss this question in depth.

Currently, the research on delta-8 and its benefits for sleep is quite limited, but there’s nothing ruling it out, either.

On top of that, cannabis is a plant that humans have been using for thousands of years in folk medicine, often indicated for pain, inflammation, and even nausea.

Can delta 8 help with sleep? We don’t have a ton of research on the topic, but what we do know might point to yes. Delta 8 THC could very well help with sleep.

Cannabis was introduced to the West in the mid-19th century, having made a significant name for itself, shaping a culture for decades onward.

However, cannabis isn’t our focus–rather, one of its 100+ cannabinoids, delta-8 THC.

When examining the research surrounding many of the cannabinoids found in cannabis, there’s some data suggesting benefits for better sleep. For instance, CBD has shown evidence of boosting sleep quality by easing the mind and body. Meanwhile, studies such as this one have shown that cannabigerol (CBG) can help with sleep, as well.

And like these cannabinoids, delta-8 THC interacts with the body through the endocannabinoid system, so it’s possible that it, too, can help ease the body into a state of rest.

Still, it’s important to remember that more research is needed before any claims can be made about delta-8 for sleep; and like every cannabinoid, delta-8 works differently for everyone.

Will Delta-8 Make Me Fail a Drug Test?

If you plan on taking any kind of delta-8 product, it’s important to understand that it can, in fact, make users fail a drug test.

While delta-8 is less potent than delta-9, the two cannabinoids are nonetheless very similar: both create an intoxicating effect, and traces can show on a drug test kit.

What’s more, most drug tests check for THC, and not any of its analogs. This is because both delta-8 and delta-9 are processed by the body into the same metabolite, THC-COOH. The top limit in blood for THC-COOH is 50 ng/ml, but the cut-off mark for delta-8 and its metabolites is much lower, at 30 ng/ml.

As a result, it’s quite easy to fail an IA drug test on delta-8.Luckily, though, you can speak to your employer about repeating the test with the gas chromatography method, which only detects delta-9 THC.

Delta-8 Products for Sale

Curious to try delta-8? Here are some of the most popular products right now.

Delta-8 Gummies

CBD gummies continue to reign as some of the most popular products on the market; it’s no surprise, then, that we’re seeing the same sort of popularity with delta-8 gummies.

Delta-8 gummies offer a lot of appeal–for starters, they create a pleasant, mellow body high that’s not too different from delta-9, albeit on a more less potent scale.

But more specifically, delta-8 gummies offer a tasty little treat that’s easy to carry around, and even easier to enjoy. At JustDelta, we have delta-8 gummies that are tasty, straightforward and fuss-free. Check out our out-of-this-world flavors like Watermelon Supernova, Exotic Peach, and Sour Bursts.

With that being said, make sure not to take too many, even if it might be tempting!

Delta-8 Vapes

If you want your delta-8 to kick in ASAP, without sacrificing discretion and privacy, vaping makes an especially attractive choice.

While vapes might seem a bit intimidating at first, they’re actually quite straightforward, even for new users! Really, the biggest challenge is finding the right vape for your needs and preference.

Selecting your vape can be quite overwhelming, especially with all of the modded options, and while more advanced users might be interested in seeking out the best rig or battery, this guide is for people who want their delta-8 vapes plain and simple.

Our delta-8 vapes are available in two classic styles: cartridges, which attach to any standard 510 thread battery, and disposables, which are perfect for those who want to try delta-8 vapes without the commitment. Whichever you choose, keep an eye out for our potent, delicious profiles: Strawberry Cough, Zkittlez, Pineapple Express, Solar Flare Lemonade, Space Walker, and Bubble Gum Galaxy.

Delta-8 Shots

Delta-8 shots take all of the benefits of a potent delta 8 product with a tasty treat. They’re not just fruity and refreshing, they’re also fast acting, and offer discretion. Shake well and enjoy it as a quick sip, or add it to your favorite sparkly water or soda to make a delta 8 mocktail. No matter how you indulge in it, you can expect the high to hit you quickly, but gently. Perfect for winding down in the evening, or for enjoying a sunday afternoon activity.

Delta 8 shots can create the rush of euphoria and sense of intoxication known as a “high.” And while its relative, delta 9 THC, has a reputation for creating that spacey, drowsy, groggy high that leaves you sinking into the sofa, delta 8 is significantly more mild in its effects.

With delta 8 shots, most consumers recount feeling a sense of tranquility and relaxation, but still have a sense of clarity and focus.

When shopping for delta 8 shots (or really any delta 8 products), it’s important to, above all, check the company’s reputation. This can be done with a simple search online: of course, it’s helpful to check the store’s own reviews, but also be sure to browse reviews on the brand from external sites, like Reddit, Yelp, and cannabis forums.

It’s also encouraged that you check the ingredients in a delta 8 shot–of course, this is crucial if you have any kind of dietary restrictions or allergies, but it’s also recommended to check for any other terpenes and cannabinoids that might be in the shots.

As a cannabinoid that’s found naturally occurring in cannabis plants, delta 8 shots are safe to consume when used responsibly. On top of that, delta 8 shots are only about 70% as potent as delta 9 THC, making it a great alternative for those who seek a relaxed kind of body high.

All things considered, it’s worth noting that dosage plays a huge role in your delta 8’s safety, so make sure that you’re dosing responsibly–in the case of delta 8 shots, we recommend 25mg every 8 hours.

At JustDelta, you can find delta-8 shots in the flavor Fruit Punch Space Waves.

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Kristina Shafarenko

Health and Wellness and Relationships Psychologist, Freelance writer at 32ndstreetvapors.com

BSc Psychology, The University of Manchester

Kristina Shafarenko is a relationship and health and wellness psychologist and a part-time freelance lifestyle writer covering health and fitness, sex, sexual wellness, and relationships. When she’s not writing, you can find her planning her next getaway, taste-testing every coffee spot in sight, and lounging at home with her cat, Buddy.

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