Cannabis has been around for at least 2,500 years. Today, marijuana can be used to treat various ailments, ranging from pain and anxiety to erectile dysfunction, sleeplessness, etc. The plant was also an essential raw material in the textile industry. The words “cannabis” and “canvas” are etymologically related. That relationship speaks volumes about marijuana’s role in the ancient textile industries.  

But while cannabis has been around from time immemorial, research into the plant’s therapeutic claims began around the mid-19th century. Not only have these studies uncovered even more pharmacological applications of marijuana. They’ve also established numerous plant compounds that account for their medicinal and psychoactive properties. One such compound is delta-8.  

Below is a definitive guide into delta-8, with a particular focus on whether this compound can get you high or not. 

What Is Delta-8? 

Delta-8 is an isomer of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychedelic chemical in marijuana. Isomers are compounds with the same molecular formulae but different structural appearances.  

Delta-8 is often discussed in contrast with its fellow isomers – delta-9 THC and delta-10 THC.  

They come from one parent cannabinoid – tetrahydrocannabinol – delta-8, delta-9, and delta-10 share similar therapeutic properties. But as you shall find, these compounds differ considerably in their overall effects.  

What Products Does Delta-8 Come In? 

Delta-8 THC comes in numerous product formulations, depending on how you intend to consume it. The compound is readily available in fresh cannabis buds or flowers. This formulation is suitable for marijuana smokers.  

If intending to consume delta-8 by smoking raw cannabis extracts, it’s best to determine the right plants to go for. Remember, cannabis is a plant genus that produces several species. The various cannabis species may differ fundamentally in terms of their cannabinoid profile. Unlike other THC isomers more abundant in Cannabis sativa species, delta-8 mainly comes from Indica cultivars, such as hemp. The isomer is also reasonably high in hybrid strains.  

In addition to smokable products, you can also find delta-8 in inhalable tetrahydrocannabinol products. Examples include THC-based e-juices and wax concentrate.  

Other standard delta-8 formulations include: 

• THC oral tinctures. 
• THC oils. 
• THC-enriched cosmetic products like creams. 

• THC-infused edible products.  

Edibles currently rank among the most popular ways to consume delta-8 and other cannabis compounds. That’s due to their relatively long-lasting benefits. The effects of delta 8 edibles depend on several factors, such as your body chemistry and dosages consumed. But all other aspects held constant, delta-8 THC can last up to 72 hours in your bloodstream.  

Will Delta-8 Get You High? 

We’ve already pointed out that delta-8 is an isomer of tetrahydrocannabinol, and THC is psychoactive. Therefore, it goes that delta-8 THC can get you high.  

How Does Delta-8 Get You High? 

Delta-8 interacts with the body similarly to other THC isomers by boosting your endocannabinoid system (ECS). The endocannabinoid system is a network of cell-signaling receptors and neurotransmitters that help in regulating various processes throughout the body.  

The receptors in the endocannabinoid system (commonly known as endocannabinoid receptors) fall into two broad categories. They include CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are widespread in brain cells and throughout the central nervous system, whereas CB2 receptors are generally found in the body's extremities and immune system.  

All cannabinoids exert their influence in the body by binding to endocannabinoid receptors. However, delta-8 and other psychoactive compounds typically bind to CB1 receptors while their non-psychoactive counterparts interact with CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are widespread closer to the brain explains why delta-8 induces mind-altering effects. 

What Does It Feel Like To Be High On Delta-8? 

Marijuana ‘high’ presents different symptoms, depending on your body chemistry and consumption. However, most users high on delta-8 will almost always report euphoria. Euphoria is characterized by feelings of ecstasy and pleasure, which usually manifest as unexplained amusement and uncontrollable giggling.  

Delta-8 high may also present as intense relaxation or heightened mental stimulation. Again, this depends on the doses consumed. Smaller delta-8 dosages trigger mental stimulation, whereas larger doses are associated with sedation.  

Creativity and food cravings are other significant signs of delta-8 high. Numerous anecdotal reports suggest that marijuana may get your creative juices flowing. Extracts from the plant, particularly THC isomers like delta-8, may also increase the signaling of ghrelin, a hormone known to trigger hunger.  

Other symptoms of delta-8 high are primarily negative. They include hallucinations, increased sensitivity to light and color, bloodshot eyes, reduced motor skills, and reduced response time.  

Most importantly, it’s worth noting that a ‘high’ isn’t the only experience you’ll get from using delta-8. The compound also boasts numerous healing properties. Some of the conditions you can treat using delta-8 THC include chronic pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea, post-traumatic stress disorder, and sleep disorders. 

How Do The Effects Of Delta-8 Compare to Those Of Other THC Isomers? 

Although delta-8 will make you high, the feelings are less intense than those of delta-9.  

Delta-8 effects have been described as more mellow and mildly buzzing. Most users recover from delta-8 intoxication sooner than they would for delta-9.  

Another thing worth noting is that delta-8’s effects sit midway between delta-9 and delta-10. Simply put, delta-8 is less powerful than delta-9 but more potent than delta-10. 

Summary 

Delta-8 will surely get you high. However, the compound is less potent than delta-9.  

What’s more, delta-8 THC enjoys a higher legal approval than delta-9.