Delta-8 THC Dosage Guide: How to Determine Your Optimal Dosage
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If you don’t have experience with hemp, it can feel like walking in uncharted territory.
But lucky for you, all enthusiasts have been beginners at one point in their life.
While most connoisseurs will agree that it’s natural to experience some errors during this period, our tips will help prevent the common mistakes that novice enthusiasts tend to make.
Follow along as we discuss the different consumption methods of Delta-8 and our tips on creating the ideal experience.
How Much Delta 8 Should I Take?
The million-dollar question—how much Delta-8 should I take?
In a perfect world, every person would need the same amount of Delta-8, except hemp-derived THC is not one size fits all.
If you have a friend who has a ton of experience with cannabis but another that has little to none, both individuals will likely have a difference in the amount of Delta-8 needed.
Besides experience, other factors are at play, such as delivery methods.
Connoisseurs will agree that each method has its advantages, and the route to choose will be based on lifestyle, convenience, and experience.
Typically, novice enthusiasts lean towards tinctures or edibles because they're easy to use and need no additional tools.
Plus, these products are easier to measure.
Still, the amount needed will shift with each product.
With the reasons above, one can agree that there is no simple way of giving someone the “perfect” amount without trying it for themselves.
Below, we’ll discuss our tips on finding your “sweet spot” with each method.
Start Slow: How Many MG Should I Take?
What's the best tip for using Delta 8?
Start slow.
This especially applies to your first time.
Your Delta 8 journey is not a race. It's a marathon. Start off with the lowest possible amount for your preferred method of consumption, and then build from there.
Take it slow and take it in increments. What matters the most is your comfort.
The last thing you want to do is to take the maximum amount you can.
So how do you determine the right increments for stepping into Delta 8?
It all goes back to your method of consumption.
Why Methods of Consuming Delta 8 Matter
How one consumes Delta 8 determines how the body reacts to it or if it even does react to it.
The three main categories for how one takes Delta 8 THC are:
- Inhalation
- Oral
- Topical
The main factor that affects the timeframe and intensity between these categories is how Delta 8 enters the bloodstream.
Inhalation
The two main inhalation methods for Delta 8 are smoking and vaping. Inhalation creates the path of least resistance for Delta 8 molecules to the bloodstream.
When inhaling smoke or vapor, gaseous molecules travel to the user's lungs, through the cell walls, and directly into the blood. Feeling the effects may be a quick experience.
Oral
Oral consumption can range from using a tincture or consuming edibles. Tinctures are cannabinoids that have been mixed with a carrier oil (sometimes known as a base or vegetable oil). The tincture gets placed underneath the tongue for sublingual absorption.
Much like your lungs, the tissue underneath the tongue is also a direct gateway to the bloodstream. This can produce a more instant sensation.
Edibles, on the other hand, take longer to reach your bloodstream. They have to go through the digestive process. You may not feel the effects of Delta 8 THC for several hours but, the effects can seem to last longer.
Topical
Topical application refers to when Delta 8 is applied to a particular place on the body. Most often, it's the surface of the skin. There are items such as lip balms that contain cannabinoids, but they offer no euphoric effects.
Choosing The Delta 8 THC Method and Dosage for You
It might take a few tries to find the method and dosage of Delta 8 THC that is right for you. Don't expect to get it right on the first try.
For a good frame of reference, keep in mind that Delta 8 THC is a middle ground cannabinoid. It's more intense than CBD, but not as intense as Delta 9 THC. You don't want to use the same dosage across the board.
Here are some ways that you might find a dosage that's right for you:
Smoking or Vaping
Begin with small one puff. Give it a few minutes. Not quite what you were expecting? Try another small puff and then work from there.
The effects of smoking or vaping are almost instantaneous.
Oral
If you're beginning on a tincture, think of a drop as the "base unit." If you are sensitive to cannabinoids, you may want to consider going lower than that. However, the main idea is that you want to start out small, see what you are comfortable with, and then proceed from there if you wish.
For edibles, it's a good idea to start with a small, measurable portion (perhaps 1/8 or 1/4 of a gummy). This way, you're not starting out too strong, but you do have a reference for the specific amount and how it affects you.
The key gauging Delta 8 edibles is that you want to wait a few hours before making a judgement to consume more.
Topical
Topicals get absorbed through the skin, meaning they will work with the endocannabinoid system of the human body. There will be no euphoric effects, but there may be a soothing sensation where it gets applied.
Simply rub the topical on the desired area and take note of how you feel after a short time.
Keeping Your Options Open
You may or may not be able to instantly determine if Delta 8 is right for you. That's okay. The key is to keep your options open, take it in small steps, and try different methods of consumption to make a well-informed decision.
Delta-8 Flower
Delta-8 flower is made with CBD flower with Delta 8 THC added.
Compared to other hemp flower, Delta-8 flower is praised for offering a more acute experience with more noticeable effects.
Many hemp lovers have found themselves smoking with Delta-8 flower at some point, and do we blame them? This method is effective with a quicker onset of effects.
Delta-8 flower can come in various strains with varying cannabinoid and terpene content.
With each strain being different from the next, trial and error help connoisseurs find their favorite.
Being new to flower, you may not know where to start.
For one, you’re going to need some accessories.
You can either grab papers and attempt to learn to roll your own joints, or you can buy a glass pipe, water pipe, or (if you’re desperate) even an apple.
Once you have a lighter and an instrument, pack your pipe (about 25%) lightly. Then light it, inhale a puff or two, and wait for the effects to begin.
With smoking, effects can appear sooner rather than later. So, wait an appropriate amount of time and adjust as needed.
Delta-8 Edibles
Delta-8 edibles can come in candies, foods, drinks…basically, anything you eat or drink can be infused with Delta-8 THC.
Depending on the brand and type of edibles, you may experience little to no pungent earthy taste, while others are promoted to feature the taste of hemp in a more pleasant way.
Nevertheless, if you don’t enjoy the taste of hemp, many products are available that taste sweet and fruity.
For example, our Blueberry Delta-8 Gummies are filled with a vibrant blueberry taste, without any noticeable flavor of hemp.
Whatever taste you prefer, it’s important to note that the body processes edibles much differently than smoking.
When Delta-8 is consumed, it’s broken down and converted into 11-Hydroxy-Delta-8-THC.
Not only is this compound more acute than Delta-8, but it also takes longer to process, which causes the delay of effects.
A tale that we often hear is an impatient novice enthusiast that reaches for more, before waiting the correct amount of time. Then, they realize they took too much and enter an experience that was not originally planned.
How can you prevent this mistake?
Start small and stay patient.
Delta-8 Tinctures
Delta-8 tinctures are by far the most versatile hemp product available. Easy to use, measurable, and discreet, this is everything you could ever want.
Tinctures feature Delta-8 in a carrier oil that is placed in a small glass bottle with a dropper cap for easy application and precise measurement.
They can be used sublingually or added to a drink or recipe.
If the oil is taken sublingually, effects can appear sooner than used in foods or drinks.
When using tinctures, it’s best to start with a drop or two (not the whole dropper) and then wait.
Delta-8 Concentrate
Delta-8 concentrates are usually favored by seasoned enthusiasts looking for an extra boost.
These concentrates are made with a high concentration of Delta-8 THC and minor cannabinoids, with the option to choose between a variety of textures and consistencies.
This product can be used on top of flower, in a rig, or lightly sprinkled in a joint. Either way, the amount used is extremely small, as many have found a little truly does go a long way.
Is Delta-8 Safe?
Before we head into our tips, let’s discuss the safety of this cannabinoid.
With hemp products, there is very little threat of physical danger. After consuming too much, there is a possibility to experience the feeling of being “overwhelmed.” If this situation arises, remember these effects are temporary and will go away over time.
Lastly, if you consume Delta-8 THC or any other form of THC, you cannot drive a vehicle or operate heavy machinery.
Our Tips on Encouraging the Ideal Experience
After finding your consumption method of choice, you might be tempted to jump right in. Instead, follow our tips on creating the ideal experience for you or another novice enthusiast ready to give Delta-8 a try.
Eat Before and Stay Hydrated
Consuming Delta-8 on an empty stomach has the ability to alter the effects.
Based on feedback from others, we have found that eating before your session can help curb the “munchies” that can easily have us eating far more than expected.
Also, have water close by before, during, and after your time with hemp. Drinking water will help with “dry mouth,” which some have after consuming Delta-8, but not all.
Keep in mind that effects may vary with any cannabinoid, as we all experience them in our own way.
Plan It Out
For our natural-born planners, planning is something that makes life seem easier. However, if planning feels like a chore, you may feel tempted to skip this step.
No judgment here, but we highly recommend planning your sessions out.
That way, all of your errands and tasks can be completed, and when it is time to relax—you can.
In addition to this, you want to plan out activities just in case the experience doesn’t go as planned.
Try having T.V. shows ready to binge, a fridge full of your favorite snacks, a charged headset, or any other hobby you enjoy.
Familiar Setting
One of the worst things to do for beginners is taking Delta-8 with a large group of people in an uncontrollable environment.
For some, they do just fine with loud music and chaos, but many would find that being in the comfort of your home is the best place.
Being able to control your environment with the right tunes, shows, and familiarity will help set the right vibes.
A Small Group of Friends
Hanging out with friends is fun, but when Delta-8 is involved? Well, that’s a whole other level of excitement.
Seriously, trying Delta-8 with a small group is great for setting a good time and having the support you need.
With uncontrollable laughs and going down the rabbit hole of theories and cannabis-inspired insights, this will be a night to remember.
Final Thoughts
It would be easy if there were a graph for the perfect amount of hemp to take for each person but there isn’t. With everyone being so different physiologically, it’s impossible to determine the right portion. Yet, by starting small and slow, you will find the optimal amount for you.
Where to Purchase Delta 8
Delta 8 can likely be found at your favorite retail establishment that offers hemp-based products. You can also purchase Delta 8 online. No matter where you purchase Delta 8 products, only buy from reputable retailers. Make sure that the product's purity has been verified from a third-party laboratory.
Like any hemp-derived product, please use them responsibly and discuss them with your medical professional before use.
