Welcome to the start of finding your proper dosing needs. To begin let us explore a few fundamental aspects of Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (D8 THC). It is a psychoactive compound found naturally in cannabis hemp. The molecule D8 THC is responsible for the “high” people experience when using cannabis hemp products that do not have enough delta 9 to activate receptors.
There are many different ways to consume THC, and each person’s body reacts differently to it. Some people use a low dose and others use a high dose. However, there is no definitive answer as to how much Delta 8 THC should be taken to achieve the desired effect.
In this blog article, we will take a closer look at the different delivery methods to consume THC and how much of it one should take for each method’s dosage requirements. This guide assumes that you have little to no prior knowledge with dosing experience and are seeking potency suggestions for a starting delta 8 dosage.
Delta-8 THC Dosage: How Much Delta 8 Should I Take for a Starting Dose?
There is no definitive answer to how much Delta 8 THC dosage is needed for a starting dosage. Some people may need more, some less for a starting point. It is important to start small and gradually increase the dosage until you find what works best for you. Remember that everyone is different and what works for one person may not work for another.
After discussing with several new users, research suggests that about half to one gummy (~5-10mg) of Delta 8 is sufficient for most people to feel anything. This has been found to be the average starting delta 8 dosage by most users, but some have reported needing more. If you have had experience with a good starting dosage, please share with us in the comments below what that dosage was and how it turned out for you.
Is Delta 8 THC Dosage the Same as CBD Dosage?
Delta 8 THC dosage is not the same as CBD dosage. Delta 8 THC is an intoxicating cannabinoid while CBD is not. This means that they interact with the brain in different ways and produce different effects.
If you are sensitive to the effects of delta 9 THC, you may want to start slow and gradually work your way up to the sweet spot. When dosing CBD it is not as important to be concerned with consuming too much as it does not have intoxicating effects, however, it can be relaxing to the point of being unsafe to operate machinery.
How Many Milligrams of Delta-8 Should You Take?
There are plenty of factors in play for finding your perfect delta 8 serving size, including weight, metabolism, and tolerance levels (also known as the previous usage history). The amount of Delta-8-THC you should take today depends primarily on your previous use of delta cannabinoids.
A quick recommendation would be, if you haven’t used them before, to start with a 5-10 mg dose. This would be if your goal is to experience the effects of the cannabinoid mildly. If you have used them before, start with a 25 mg dose. It is always easier to take more later than to take too much at the beginning.
If you are looking for a more detailed chart based on the product type being used please reference (figure 2.1 to figure 2.3) below.
How Much Delta 8 Edible Gummies Should I Take?
When Delta-8 THC is ingested, the effects last for a longer period of time. This duration of the experience can be positive or negative depending on the person. For those seeking a more medical application, it can help to remain symptom-free anywhere. The dosage should be limited to avoid overdosing on this cannabinoid.
As with anything delicious, eating too much can result in a number of stomach issues which is never a fun feeling. Most foods can be infused with a delta 8 dosage, as the hemp markets mature more variety is part of the expansion. When THC travels through the digestive tract, its molecule shifts and can vastly change the experience for some people.
What Are Other Ways You Can Take Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 THC can be smoked, vaped, dabbed, and eaten. The method of ingestion greatly affects the amount of Delta-8 THC that will be absorbed. It’s important to note that when Delta 8 is taken orally and has to digest and process through the liver, it takes longer to feel the effects.
Inhaling the substance is the quickest way to feel its effects. So, if you are impatient, try taking a puff rather than eating an edible. Recently, dabbing concentrates has become a more popular method due to its ability to dose quickly and effectively.
Tinctures are oils that are applied under the tongue with a spray bottle or dropper. The delta 8 dosage is typically taken by placing the spray or dropper under your tongue and holding it there for about 90 seconds. Each amount of THC in a tincture is usually measured in milligrams (mg). This is a great method for new users due to its easy accurate dosing directly through the bloodstream.
Regardless of your preferred consumption method, in the next sections, we’ll share a few tips on delta 8 dosing depending on the product type.
Delta 8 THC Dosage Chart Example with Serving Size Breakdown
Delta 8 THC is around half as potent as delta 9 THC. The best way to find the right delta 8 dosage is to try a little, then keep increasing until you feel satisfied with the effects. Serving size has a whole host of factors but a few of the most important to keep in mind are your goals for the dosing experience, the weight, and tolerance levels.
Delta 8 Dosing Examples:
We decided to break each method into its own dosing chart to illustrate how different product styles create different experiences. If you are just beginning and are new to the hemp community then it is even more important to understand the comparison changes rapidly with how it is inhaled or ingested. This information can be used as a basic guide to delta 8 dosage practices in support of creating an understanding of your preferences.
Delta 8 Smoking/Vaping Dosing Chart:
Delta 8 Sublingual Tincture Dosing Chart:
Delta 8 Edibles and Gummies Dosing Chart:
What Happens If I Take Too Much Delta 8 THC? What Are the Side Effects?
If the milligram strength exceeds a comfortable maximum then you may experience some negative side effects. These side effects include disorientation and confusion. In addition to these effects, you may also experience some more serious side effects such as vomiting or a loss of consciousness in extremely rare situations. The most extreme side effect is typically dehydration and can be solved by drinking water and trying to calm down.
It is important that you do not exceed the maximum delta 8 dosage of 300 milligrams. If you do, then these negative side effects will become much more likely and may even occur on a regular basis. For heavy users, some may have a tolerance that allows for higher dropper measures leading to altered bioavailability due to the endocannabinoid systems process. For new users, this may result in an overdose experience or consuming more than is comfortable.
Can You Overdose on Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 THC is a cannabinoid that can be overused to create an uncomfortable feeling however, it is almost impossible to take a dose high enough to die from. We recommend not trying to be the first. It has both psychoactive and therapeutic properties and when the psychoactive experience takes total control it usually will cause paranoia, especially among new users. This is typically the worst issue and may help by making sure to stay hydrated.
Also, when resuming use after taking a tolerance break, it is important the concentration is similar to a beginner dose to check your dosing factors have not changed before getting back to an ideal dose.
What To Use for Quick Remedy Results When Overdosed on Delta 8?
When intake strength of potency levels are too high, our recommendations include drinking some water with lemon, taking a bath or shower carefully, and also taking some CBD products. A dry mouth and dry eyes are typical symptoms that can be treated by staying hydrated. When a delta 8 dosage is too uncomfortable, taking a few deep breathes to relax can be a great relief.
In reality, it may take some time to return to baseline and you should continue to drink water until that happens and you are feeling content. The precise time may be between 8-24 hours although in certain extreme situations we have heard of a groggy phase lasting up to three days. If the problem persists or a pattern of unhealthy sessions arises often then you should immediately stop use and consult a medical professional regarding a heavy delta 8 dosage.
How Long Does Delta 8 THC Take to Start Working?
Delta 8 THC starts working when you puff it at a standard dose through the lungs almost immediately. The average onset time for smoking, vaping, or dabbing is 5-15 minutes. Smoking, vaping, and dabbing deliver a larger dose for the first hour than eating or drinking. When it is eaten it can take 30-120 minutes to metabolize and produce a noticeable effect.
When consumed through the stomach and processed ultimately in the liver the effects of Delta 8 THC are not immediate, rather you should start to feel them within an hour or two of taking it. Typically, it will peak with the optimal effect between 2-3 hours as shown below (figure 2.3).
Delta 8 THC starts working when your potency delivered has built up past the existing tolerance. If you have been taking Delta 8 THC for a while and have built up a high tolerance to it, you may need to take more than one standard dose to feel its effects.
Delta 8 Titration Onset Charts:
In our onset chart examples below, we assume an average body weight, tolerance, and other factors as other people’s endocannabinoid systems. This is meant to be an example and may not provide an accurate depiction of what you may experience. The trajectory should be similar in the onset climb, climax, and come-down timing. Each person should experiment with the quantity during the course of several days to find their optimal results.
Delta 8 Hemp Flower and Vape Cartridge Onset Chart:
Delta 8 Hemp Sublingual Oils Onset Chart:
Delta 8 Hemp Edibles Onset Chart:
Which Type of Delta 8 Hemp Products Is Right For You?
When it comes to delta 8 products, there are many different brands, product types, and strength variations. It can be a little overwhelming, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the overall purpose.
Some people prefer tinctures and sublingual oils because they show their effects sooner than gummies, and other edibles. When using sublingual tinctures, you should place the contents of the dropper under your tongue and hold it there for at least 90 seconds. This allows the liquid to enter your bloodstream directly and then the remaining contents can be swallowed and metabolized by the liver for full effect.
Others find that the slow release of gummy edibles or delta 8 gummies is more comfortable and the duration lasts longer for the total experience time. It is more difficult to control the exact level of dose due to the delayed reaction time with edibles.
If you are looking to be more in control of the experience, vaping is a great solution to take a puff and chill until feeling the onset within several minutes. With a vaporizer dose, it is the easiest to taste in small amounts. If you are interested in trying delta 8 vape devices, we recommend starting with a delta 8 disposable vape pen that has a rechargeable battery so as to not waste any at the bottom when the battery runs out. This is a common issue in disposable vapes that results in clogging and overall messy situations.
Final Thoughts – Delta 8 Dosage Review
In conclusion, delta 8 is a powerful cannabinoid that should be taken in low doses (5-10mg) to avoid any adverse effects. If you are an experienced cannabinoid user with a goal of maximizing your effects then we recommend using the heavy dosage and experimenting with your personal dosage requirements. We have found that to work best in our delta 8 dosage experiences.
With our dosage chart, you will get started on the path to getting relief fast. By following the guidelines outlined in these visual graphics, you’ll find your sweet spot and start enjoying symptom-free sleep without any side effects. If you are looking for a way to ease your symptoms while increasing your chances of success, our delta 8 dosage chart is perfect for you! Remember to always consult with a physician before taking any new medication or supplement, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.