How To Effectively Dose Popular Delta-8 THC Products

Thankfully, there’s a safer and legal way to enjoy a THC high, called Delta-8 THC. Delta-8 THC is an increasingly popular strain of the hemp plant that contains less than 0.3% THC but still delivers that euphoric high you crave. Delta-8 THC is legal in nearly all states and is available in tinctures, edibles, oils, waxes, and more. But if taking too much Delta-9 THC can result in a traumatic experience, how much of Delta-8 THC is safe to consume? Let’s take a closer look at what Delta-8 THC is, how it affects the user, and in what quantities it should be consumed.

Delta-8 THC vs. CBD

The hemp plant has many uses, most infamously marijuana (Delta-9 THC). But it is also used for the production of Delta-8 THC and CBD. CBD has been the safer option for years, as the broad spectrum option contains no THC and full spectrum CBD contains less than 0.3%. However, neither CBD option allows the user to get high. CBD doses vary greatly by the user, requiring a good bit of trial and error before discovering which products and CBD strengths to use, with some reporting no change in symptoms at all. Delta-8 THC was created to bridge the gap between CBD and Delta-9 THC, a lite version of marijuana if you will. Delta-8 THC offers a more controlled high, in that your mind is totally clear-headed and focused throughout the entire high.

How Do I Figure Out The Correct Dosage of Delta-8 THC?

Since Delta-8 THC offers a controlled high, it is very easy to assume that you can consume as much as you want without feeling overwhelmed or anxious. Others believe that you are able to take the same amounts of Delta-8 THC that you would consume if you were taking CBD products. However, you are strongly urged to start off slow with any new product, especially one that is known to affect your ECS. Since Delta-8 THC does contain psychoactive elements, you should begin with small amounts and gradually increase your dosage to the desired level.

What Happens If I Consume Too Much Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 THC produces a high that is about 50-70% less powerful than the high that traditional marijuana brings. Since Delta-8 THC has a relaxing element to it, taking too much will most likely cause you to feel extremely tired. Grogginess and lethargy are also appropriate reactions to taking too much Delta-8 in one sitting. If you have never tried Delta-8 THC before, you may experience a sense of unease and disorientation since your body is unaccustomed to how this cannabinoid works. You shouldn’t experience the dreaded anxiety or paranoia that presents with too much Delta-9 THC. With a normal dose, you should feel a relaxing body high that uplifts your spirits and improves your mood.

How Is Delta-8 THC Measured?

Delta-8 THC products are measured in milligrams. The same goes for CBD products, Delta-9 products, and even e-liquid products! The more milligrams a product has, the stronger the dose will be. With Delta-8 THC milligrams, it depends on the company you choose and what product you are consuming. Tinctures especially are diluted, meaning that the carrier oil dilutes the potency of the tincture. The diluted amount will be specified on the milligram amount displayed on the actual bottle.

Factors To Consider When Dosing

Think of Delta-8 THC effects as the same effects that are present with alcohol: bodyweight, tolerance, and expectations. The heavier you are, the higher the dose that is needed. The more tolerant you are of Delta-9 THC, the more tolerant you’ll be of Delta-8 THC. And lastly, you should know what you’re looking to treat when consuming Delta-8 THC. If you’re looking for relaxation, a lower dosage will be fine. For strong lethargy and heavy body highs, a heavier dosage is recommended

Dosage Options for Different Products

Cartridges & Bottled eLiquids

There are three options when it comes to Delta-8 products: cartridges, bottled e-liquids, and disposable vape pens. All these products have the same dosage rules, making it easy to figure out a single dose. Typically, 1-3 puffs are considered a single dose. As a new user, one puff is generally all that is needed. However, puffs can vary greatly depending on how deeply of an inhale you take, as well as how much vapor will fill your mouth. For those of you that love exact science, 1-5 milligrams counts as a single dose, while one milliliter equals 100 puffs. Simply divide the amount of milligrams in the Delta-8 product you’re using by the amount of milliliters in that product, and then divide that number by 100. The resulting number equates the number of vapes you should take to reach your preferred amount. Vaping Delta-8 THC is the quickest way for your body to absorb the chemical, meaning you’ll feel the results almost instantly and experience a heady high that can last anywhere from 2-3 hours.

Delta-8 THC Hemp Flower

Hemp flowers are a bit difficult to gauge how much is in a single dosage, since the flowers are infused with a delta-8 extract. With flowers, you’ll have to measure out 1.5 milligrams and start off with 1-3 puffs. Since the hemp flowers are infused with delta-8 extract, the flowers will not contain the same amount of extract throughout the flower. It’s best to start out with one puff, wait 20-40 minutes, and then take your next hit.

Delta-8 THC Gummies

Gummies and other edibles usually have a specific number of milligrams per piece. If you’re new to Delta-8 THC, start out with one piece to see how you feel. After 20-40 minutes, you can decide if you need a second piece to reach your desired dosage. The standard dose for gummies is 10-40 milligrams, 10 mg being a good starting point for first-time users. Once you divide the amount of milligrams in the product by the amount of pieces in the container, you’ll know how many milligrams are in each piece. Gummies take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to kick in, and the results can last up to 4 hours or more.

Delta-8 THC Capsules

Capsules are probably the easiest to dose, since the amount of milligrams in each piece has been carefully measured. The bottle will display the amount of milligrams in the entire package, which you can divide by the number of capsules in the container. Most manufacturers will recommend one capsule as a single dose, with each capsule containing around 25mg each.

Delta-8 THC Tinctures

We mentioned earlier how tinctures are diluted with a carrier oil. Since tinctures are absorbed sublingually (underneath the tongue and swallowed), you’ll need about 33 milligrams for a standard dose. Simply divide the amount of milligrams that the bottle comes with by the amount of millimeters. Most droppers are gradually marked, with a full dropper equalling a full milliliter, so you’ll know exactly how much is in your dropper before you take it. You should hold the tincture under your tongue for 30-60 seconds before swallowing. Once swallowed, it should take about 2 hours for the Delta-8 THC to kick in, and the resulting high can last up to 8 hours.

Conclusion

Delta-8 THC can be a powerful way to relieve pain, soothe those suffering from PTSD, anxiety, and depression, and offer a safe and legal way to enjoy a heady high. You should always consume Delta-8 THC if it’s safe to do so (no operating machinery or in the workplace) and from verified sources. Delta-8 THC, like CBD, is easily produced but should be verified by third-party independent lab testing and review sites. If you’re considering taking Delta-8 THC for the first time, always start slow and remember you can increase your dosage gradually. Taking too much Delta-8 THC can result in grogginess, lethargy, and in some cases, paranoia. You should consume Delta-8 THC in the quiet of your own home or with people you trust. Enjoying a heady high is no longer taboo or illegal, but rather a real and legal possibility with Delta-8 THC. If you have preferred Delta-8 THC products that you’ve tried and loved, let us know in the comments below! Share your experiences so that others can make informed decisions on which products and dosages are right for them! As always, you can reach out to us with any questions or concerns you may have about Delta-8 THC. We look forward to hearing from you soon, whether it be by phone, email, or social media!