Delta 8, a legal form of CBD that contains THC and gives you a buzz, is sweeping across the nation.
Finally, something good that happened during 2020.
How can you get your hands onto this cannabinoid? We’ve put together this guide to walk you through a few different methods of getting your daily dose of Delta 8.
But before we show you some of the best ways to take it, let’s start with the fundamentals.
CBD vs Delta 8 vs THC: Are They the Same Things?
Not quite.
The cannabis plant produces over 100 types of cannabinoids, which include CBD, Delta 8, and THC. However, though they all come from the same plant, they have different active components, meaning they interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system in unique ways.
So what does that mean?
Instead of bogging down your brain with a complicated, scientific explanation, here are the basics.
CBD doesn’t contain any THC (the thing responsible for the psychoactive effects, or stereotypical high). If you take a dose of CBD, you’ll get all the benefits that come with it, such as pain relief, focus, calming properties, etc., but that’s all. You won’t experience any altered state of mind.
THC, on the other hand, gives you a strong high. While people who use THC are able to relieve things like pain, anxiety, and depression, they may also deal with more side effects when the dose wears off later.
Delta 8 is somewhere in between these two cannabinoids. Unlike CBD, Delta 8 does contain a small amount of THC, meaning it will give you a slight high when you take it. That said, Delta 8 is much less potent than traditional THC, so you get all the benefits while dodging the nasty side effects. In most cases, the Delta 8 “high” will simply help clear your mind without giving you any other psychoactive symptoms.
If you’re looking for something a little stronger than CBD but don’t want to go through the typical high of THC, you should give Delta 8 a try.
How to Find the Proper Delta 8 Dosage
Talking about Delta 8 dose sizes can be a little tricky. There is no set amount that works for everyone. You simply have to start small and work your way up until you find the dosage that meets your needs.
However, there are a few things you should keep in mind as you go through this process.
Don’t Stick With Your Normal CBD Dosage
Remember, Delta 8 is stronger than CBD. If you take the same amount of Delta 8 that you usually take with CBD, you might end up getting a lot more than you expected. Any potential side effects may also be worse than normal.
Go back to the beginning.
Start with a small size and work your way up if you need. The amount of Delta 8 you end up taking may be much smaller than what you’re used to with CBD.
Double Check the Potency
All Delta 8 products contain a different amount of the cannabinoid. If you buy two tinctures from separate stores, one might be much stronger than the other.
Make sure you read everything on the bottle/packaging before you try anything. This will ensure you take the right amount every time so you don’t go over or under the proper dose.
Keep an Eye on the Side Effects
You shouldn’t experience a lot of side effects after taking Delta 8, and any you do have should be minor. If you develop any serious side effects from Delta 8, you’re probably taking too much. Try lowering your dose if you notice any of the following:
- Dry mouth and eyes
- Grogginess
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
When you start taking less Delta 8, these unfavorable conditions should go away.
Don’t Take More Delta 8 Too Soon
After you take your first dose of Delta 8, be patient. You might not feel anything at first, but don’t keep taking more Delta 8. It might take some time for the Delta 8 to absorb into your bloodstream, especially if you eat an edible. In this case, you should wait at least an hour and a half before upping your dose.
If you still don’t feel the effects, you can slowly take more over the next few days or weak. It might take some time to find the proper dosage, but rushing it will only make it harder to pinpoint the proper amount.
You Might Need to Take a Break
If you take Delta 8 as part of your daily routine, your body will get used to it over time. This means you’ll have to keep increasing your dose to feel the same effects, which isn’t always a good idea.
Instead, you might want to take a few weeks off (if you can).
Taking a break will give your body a chance to readjust, so when you take your next dose of Delta 8, it will feel more powerful again. However, there is a right and a wrong way to take a break, so make sure you find more information before you start.
Can You Take CBD Products and Delta 8 at the Same Time?
In most cases, yes. You should be able to take CBD and Delta 8 at the same time without experiencing any negative side effects.
Keep in mind, though, the research about how Delta 8 interacts with the body is still in the early stages. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before introducing Delta 8 into your daily routine, especially if you’re already taking CBD products.
Are you on other types of medication as well?
Proceed with caution. While Delta 8 shouldn’t give you any trouble, you should never try it without getting your doctor’s approval first. Some medications might not mix well with the cannabinoid, and it’s not worth the risk.
The Best Way to Get Your Dose of Delta 8
Again, there is no right or wrong way to take Delta 8. While there are several different methods to choose from, the best choice for you comes down to how fast you want to see the effects, how long you want them to last, what type of effects you want, and your personal preference.
For example, smoking isn’t for everyone. Although this might be a fast way to get results, you shouldn’t force yourself to keep vaping if you aren’t comfortable with it.
Find something you enjoy that fits your needs. If you aren’t sure where to start, you can test these different options until you find your favorite.
Edibles
Edibles are pieces of food, usually gummies, infused with Delta 8. They’re quick and easy to take, and even if a whole gummy is too strong for your tastes, you can cut them into smaller pieces with a knife.
One of the biggest benefits of edibles is flavor.
Straight Delta 8 tends to have a bitter taste. However, mixing it with gummies, gum, or other options masks the flavor. This means you can get your Delta 8 dose fast and without having to worry about an unpleasant experience.
You’ll have to wait at least an hour for the benefits to take effect, though.
After eating an edible, your liver breaks it down and spreads the Delta 8 through your bloodstream, which takes longer than other methods. However, once the Delta 8 starts working, it will last much longer than other options.
Recipes
If you enjoy cooking, you can mix Delta 8 oil into your favorite foods. This gives you a fun and creative way to get your dose, and you can keep trying new recipes if you don’t like one.
This also gives you a good way to share your Delta 8 with friends or family members if they also want to try it. You can make a large batch of cookies and all get a fair share.
Like edibles, it will also take some time to notice the effects if you cook your Delta 8 into recipes. The benefits will be long-lasting, though, so a Delta 8-infused meal can give you pain relief for the whole night.
Vaping
When you vape Delta 8, the benefits take effect almost right away. If you’re working on a project and want a clear mind a strong focus, vaping might be the best option for you.
However, the effects won’t last nearly as long as edibles. It’s better to try vaping if you want to reduce anxiety or improve your concentration. If you looking for pain relief, another one of the options on this list may give you better results.
Delta 8 Flower
Delta 8 flowers are flowers of the cannabis plant infused with the Delta 8 cannabinoid. You can use this flower in a variety of ways, including smoking, vaping, and cooking. The benefits will have a similar speed to that of vaping or adding it to recipes, depending on how you use it.
This type of flower tends to be more potent than other Delta 8 products, so make sure you adjust your dose accordingly.
Dabbing
Dabbing Delta 8 lets you feel the effects quickly, and you can get a much higher concentration of it at one time. But it might not be a good idea if you haven’t done it before. This method can feel award or uncomfortable to beginners, so you may want to try a different option first.
If you do want to learn how to dab, take it slow. It’s not hard, and once you get used to it, you’ll be able to get your Delta 8 dose without any problems.
Oral Tinctures
This is one of the most popular ways to take Delta 8. Simply take some Delta 8 infused oil, pour a few drops underneath your tongue, and let it absorb through your sublingual cells.
Tinctures spread through your body at a fast speed, much like vaping, but they benefit your body similarly to edibles. Because of this, the effects will last longer than smoking, which gives you the best of both worlds.
The problem with tinctures is the taste.
If you aren’t a fan of the bitter flavor, you might not enjoy this method. Washing out your mouth with water when you’re done or eating one of your favorite foods might help. You can also find flavored oil, which can make the process more bearable, but you may want to stick with a different option.
Topicals
Are you experiencing pain in a single joint? Do you want it to go away but don’t want to experience a high, even a small one?
Buy a Delta 8 topical.
You can rub this product directly on your skin or problem area, and the pain relief will start to kick in after a few minutes. You can find topicals in the form of creams, lotions, salves, and even lip balms.
The effects of this type of Delta 8 product won’t impact your entire body, though. While you’ll get pain relief in the necessary area, it won’t do much for the clarity of your mind or anxiety. Because of this, topicals aren’t the right choice for everyone.
Taking Your First Dose of Delta 8 Today
Finding the best way to take Delta 8 (and the proper dose size) can take some time. It’s a good idea to experiment with the amount and the method until you find something that works for your needs. And don’t forget to talk to your doctor before you buy anything to ensure it is the right choice for your health.
Want to learn more about the benefits of Delta 8 or other natural pain relief products?
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