You’ve probably already heard about hemp and CBD, but have you heard about Delta 8? Delta 8 THC is one of the newest cannabinoids on the block and is largely hailed for its relaxing yet uplifting effects. But you may be wondering before you might have some concerns related to its safety. Mainly, what are the Delta 8 side effects?
Fortunately, D8 is tolerated well by most individuals and usually only causes mild side effects, if any at all. As one of the leading D8 brands on the market, we’re here to help give you a breakdown of D8 and its benefits, as well as its potential side effects and how to care for them so that you can have the best first try possible. Ready to lay back and chill out? Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What Is Delta 8?
Delta 8 THC is a euphoric cannabinoid similar to Delta 9 THC. Even though it also comes from the cannabis plant, it has a slightly different chemical structure differentiating it from D9. This difference in structure makes it not as potent when consumed in comparison to D9 cannabis products.
Although D8 is naturally found in cannabis, it is found in very small quantities — we’re talking 1% or less of the total cannabinoid content hemp plants — so it can be difficult to harvest. Because of this, most companies have adopted special conversion processes to create hemp-derived D8 products. Hollyweed uses a process called isomerization, which turns CBD isolate into Delta 8 THC.
Since all of our Delta 8 THC products are hemp-derived and contain 0.3% or less Delta 9 THC, they’re all federally legal under the guidelines of the 2018 Farm Bill. That being said, not all D8 products are created equal — because D8 is still so new to the cannabis market, it’s still largely unregulated on the market. To learn more about how to find high-quality Delta 8 products, check out this handy guide we wrote for you.
What Are Delta 8 Effects?
Delta 8 THC is known for providing consumers with a blissful, invigorating experience. But did you know that many people consume Delta 8 because of how great its effects are too? Delta 8 can be beneficial due to its potential benefits:
- Help soothe an upset stomach
- Provide a boost in appetite
- Alleviate aches, soreness, and general physical discomfort
- Stimulate proper digestion
- Boost and uplift your mood
- Support calmness and overall wellbeing
- Assist in improving quality of sleep
Delta 8 Side Effects
Though they don’t always occur, Delta 8 side effects are usually minor and short-lived for most individuals that experience them. Generally, there are no serious health risks or adverse effects for anyone consuming Delta 8 products. For some individuals (particularly those who are new to consuming hemp products), side effects are more likely to occur if dosage recommendations are exceeded.
Here are some of the most common side effects that you may experience after Delta 8 consumption and how to remedy them from the comfort of your own home:
Red Eyes
Red or dry eyes are one of the most common side effects of consuming THC products. You can help manage this side effect by using eye drops. It’s also important to note that if you prefer to smoke Delta 8 products and have sensitive eyes, it may be a good idea for you to smoke D8 products in a well-ventilated area so that exhaled smoke will have a lesser chance of irritating your eyes.
Dry Mouth
During and after consuming D8 products, you may begin to notice that your mouth feels dry or that you feel extra thirsty. This side effect comes from a reaction between Delta 8 and the enzymes in your salivary glands and can be helped by drinking water. Be mindful of overdrinking, though, because even though you may feel extra thirsty or dehydrated, it’s mostly a feeling and will pass in time.
Increased Appetite
While some people consume D8 because it helps their appetite increase, others may not be as pleased with this side effect. Our favorite way to deal with increased appetite is by prepping our favorite comfort snacks or meal ahead of time. That way, if our appetite does increase, we’ll have a healthy and tasty solution already ready to go.
Drowsiness
Delta 8 may sometimes lead to drowsiness. We find the best way to manage this side effect is by ensuring we’re both fed and hydrated before consuming — if we still feel drowsy after checking these boxes, then it’s a good sign it may be time to grab a blanket and to get cozy. We know we deserve a good nap now and then, and we think that you do too!
Slowed Reaction Times
D8 does have a slight euphoric experience, so you might find yourself a bit drowsy or sleepy after consumption. In some cases, you might be slightly slower than usual due to the relaxing, soothing sensations. We don’t recommend you take D8 if you need to drive or operate heavy machinery. The best way to figure out your tolerance levels is to try a little bit at first and then gradually increase your dosage.
Don’t D8 and Drive
Please note that you should never drive or operate machinery after consuming any D8 products. Like alcohol and Delta 9 THC, D8 can cause side effects that may temporarily impact your motor functions (as indicated above), making it risky to operate cars or similar equipment.
How Long Can Side Effects Last?
Any potential side effects may last for different amounts of time depending on how you consume your Delta 8 or which products you consume. If you do happen to feel side effects, here’s a list of onset and duration times for different kinds of D8 products:
Inhalation (Smoking)
You can inhale D8 vape products (like carts and disposable pens) and flower.
- Onset: Immediately, to within 30-90 seconds of inhalation
- Duration of effects: 3-4 hours total.
Sublingual Application (Underneath the Tongue)
Delta 8 oil tinctures can be consumed sublingually by applying your preferred dose underneath your tongue using the dropper tool that comes in every bottle.
- Onset: 15-30 minutes after applying under the tongue
- Duration of effects: 4-6 hours total.
Oral Ingestion (Eating or Drinking)
You can ingest D8 soft gels, capsules, gummies, and any food or drinks to which you may add D8 tincture oil.
- Onset: 45 minutes to an hour
- Duration of effects: 6-8 hours total.
Generally speaking, the products that have faster onset times also may have side effects that are more short-lived. For example, if you smoke D8 and experience side effects, they’ll likely disappear faster than if you had a D8 gummy.
How To Avoid Any Potential Delta 8 Side Effects
One of the best ways to avoid any potential Delta 8 side effects is by consuming an appropriate dose for your body size. Since there are no official dosing guidelines for D8 products, we recommend you read the packaging of your D8 products for more specific recommendations or simply do a bit of experimenting for yourself.
By consuming smaller doses initially, you’ll be able to get a better feel for D8’s potency and how it affects your body. Once you’re comfortable enough with how D8 feels, you can increase your dosage to a regular dose.
It’s also worth noting that you can build your tolerance to hemp products over time! The best rule of thumb is to listen to your body and do what feels best for you.
Good Delta 8 Products To Start With
As we mentioned previously, we recommend that beginners try out lower-dose Delta 8 products before trying any higher concentrations. Bear in mind that if a product you want to try isn’t carried in smaller concentrates, you can always purchase a higher concentrate product and consume it in small amounts (this is also called microdosing) to avoid experiencing any side effects.
While other brands may try to mislead consumers or try selling unapproved products, Hollyweed is focused on being fully transparent with our customers! We proudly carry all kinds of D8 products that are great for D8 starters and veterans alike! Here are a few of our favorite starter products:
Easy-to-Consume Soft Gels
Lowest Dose: 300mg soft gels; 30ct container = 10mg per soft gel
Why They’re Preferable:
D8 soft gels are great for starters because you won’t have to worry about figuring out the correct dose — each soft gel is premeasured, so you’ll consume the exact amount every time. They’re also very easy to swallow and easy to bring on the go in your purse or backpack.
Flavorful Fruit Gummies & Gummy Cubes
Lowest Dose: 750mg; 30ct resealable bag = 25mg per gummy
Why They’re Preferable:
These gummies are reminiscent of gummy vitamins from our childhood and pack a natural, flavorful, fruity punch. They’re also vegan and organic because you deserve to feel good and treat yourself!
Delta 8 Oil Tincture
Lowest Dose: 300mg; 1 drop is about 2mg D8
Why It’s Preferable:
Delta 8 oil tincture is one of the most versatile D8 products you can get. Because it absorbs into your bloodstream so quickly, you’ll be able to quickly determine how many drops you need to feel D8’s effects. Not only that, but you can also add it to food and drinks once you’ve got your dose figured out!
Pre-Rolled Cigarettes
Lowest Dose: 80mg per cigarette
Why They’re Preferable:
While these are the highest dose amount on our list (for a single serving, that is), we wanted to include these for people who prefer to smoke. Because D8 cigarettes are pre-rolled and pre-dosed, you’ll save time and can get straight to lighting up. Not only that, but they come in a sleek and pretty carrying case, so if you don’t want to finish an entire cigarette, you can always save the rest for later.
Final Thoughts – Delta 8 Side Effects
If you want to sit back, unwind, and feel uplifted onto cloud-9, then Delta 8 THC may be right for you! Though side effects can occur after consumption, more often than not, they’re easy to avoid with proper dosing and care.
Want to learn more before you decide? Hollyweed can help! Head to our Blog to learn more about D8 or our Shop section if you’re ready to try Delta 8 for yourself.
