When smoked, delta-8 THC enters the bloodstream almost immediately, producing psychoactive effects in minutes. Edibles take much longer because the THC has to go through your digestive system first.
Intensity
When Delta 8 is consumed orally, it takes a little longer to kick in than when inhaled. The THC must pass through the digestive system and be partially metabolized before reaching the brain. As a result, edibles typically take 30-45 minutes to begin to have an effect. This is why eating the whole edible is important to experience the effects promptly. It can also take a while for the effects of Delta 8 to dissipate, meaning you should not drive or operate machinery after consuming an edible. It is possible to ingest too much Delta 8 THC and become highly intoxicated. To avoid this, it’s recommended to use gummies that contain low THC potency and high CBD. In addition, it’s always a good idea to consume food or drink water when taking any Delta-8 product. It is also important to remember that Delta-8 is not regulated, so it may be mixed with other unregulated chemicals that can cause harm. This is why purchasing reputable edible products from a licensed producer is crucial. It is also important to only make homemade edibles if you know the person who made them and can trust them to be honest about their ingredients. Also, if you are concerned about drug screening, be sure that you only use edibles that clearly state the terpene concentration and THC potency.
Duration
Talking about edibles vs smoking, when Delta 8 THC is inhaled through smoking or vaping, it reaches the brain quickly and takes effect within minutes. It peaks in about 20 to 30 minutes, and the psychoactive effects usually taper off within 2 to 3 hours. When an edible is consumed, it moves through the digestive tract, which the liver absorbs and metabolizes. The liver converts THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, which is more potent and longer-lasting than delta-9-THC. It can take up to two hours before an individual feels the effects of Delta 8 THC edibles, and the onset and duration of the high is affected by various factors, including weight, metabolism, and eating habits. Delta-8-THC products are sold in gas stations and corner stores and are widely available online.
Dosage
Many factors play into the equation for finding your ideal Delta 8 dosage. These include your overall intention with the product, general tolerance level, and body mass. A smaller dose will be appropriate if you use Delta 8 to encourage relaxation or pain relief. In contrast, a higher dosage may be needed to experience a more euphoric or heady sensation. Another factor to consider is how regularly you use Delta 8 products. Frequent users often develop a high tolerance level for hemp products and must consume a larger serving size to feel the effects. It is also important to remember that you will feel a different effect when consuming an edible than smoking Delta 8 cannabis. When consuming an edible, the Delta 8 is released into your bloodstream more slowly due to digestion. This can lead to a more gradual buildup of the effects and take longer for you to feel the effects than when smoking. Solid products such as gummies and capsules also contain premeasured doses of Delta 8 THC, making measuring the correct dosage much easier. This allows you to try a few different sizes and find the perfect amount without worrying about overdoing it.
Entourage Effect
When you vape or smoke Delta 8 hemp, the THC goes straight to your brain, bypassing your stomach and liver. This can make the effects feel stronger and faster. However, the results won’t last as long as eating or drinking it. The edible can take up to 2 hours to kick in and even longer for the effects to wear off. Because the delta-8 market is unregulated, it’s easy for shoddy chemistry to produce products with unsafe levels of this compound. This has increased reports of accidental poisonings to the CDC and the nation’s poison control centers. Many of these reported cases involved young children, a group that is more likely to misunderstand label information about delta-8 THC than adults. This may be because these children were exposed to low-quality edibles or inhalable delta-8 products. To avoid these problems, only high-quality delta eight edibles made from organic, non-GMO ingredients and grown in a controlled environment are important. Look for third-party lab results and GMP (good manufacturing practice) certifications from your provider. Moreover, choose edibles with coconut or MCT oil as ingredients, which help the body absorb the cannabinoids and terpenes more easily. This can create the Entourage Effect when different compounds work together for a more therapeutic experience.
Side Effects
If you consume Delta 8 THC edibles, it may take 30-90 minutes to feel the effects, lasting up to 4-6 hours. However, respecting the lag time and not overdoing it is important, as this can lead to unwanted side effects. Vaporizing delivers Delta-8 THC directly to the bloodstream without going through digestion. This is a good choice if you want to experience the effects quickly or are in an environment where smoking isn’t allowed. When vaping, it’s easy to control your dosage. If you feel the effects, you can inhale a premeasured precise amount or inhale more. The more you inhale, the faster the results will kick in and wear off.