If you are a cannabis enthusiast, you may have googled “Delta-8 THC” several times in the past few months. Although relatively new, this compound is a highly discussed topic among cannabis enthusiasts, therapists, and even scientists.
To give a brief introduction, Delta-8 THC is a chemical analog of Delta-9 THC. The chemical compounds are nearly the same, with minor variances. Yet, the effect they have on users varies like chalk and cheese.
How can that be possible, you may ask? Well, even minor variances on the microscopic level can get quite significant when the chemicals work inside a body.
While Delta-9 THC is responsible for making you feel nervous and jittery, Delta-8 THC does not have any such unwanted side effects. And yet, it manages to give you a high.
It’s worth mentioning here that Delta-8 THC gives a milder high compared to Delta-9 THC. However, since it does not cause any short-term side effects, it is a better choice for cannabis lovers.
So, by now, you must have guessed how Delta-8 THC can be useful for both recreational and therapeutic uses.
But, how much of it should you take?
And, how much Delta-8 is safe for human consumption?
Before we answer all that, you need to know that there are numerous ways of consuming this cannabinoid. Vapes, raw herbs, soft gel capsules, gummy bears, tinctures, and oils are some of the most prevalent methods of consuming Delta-8.
Depending on these methods of intake, the dosage differs too. At least, the methods of measuring them are varied.
The other factors affecting the dosage are your tolerance level to the compound, body proportion, age, gender, previous exposure to Delta-9 THC, etc. We shall study them in detail in this article.
How To Measure D-8 THC Dosage?
Before we answer that question, you must know certain things. Cannabidiol (CBD) and Delta-8 THC are two of the commonly sold cannabinoids in the market. Some products even contain 50-50 blends of both, adding to the confusion overdosage.
Besides, different people have different ways of reacting to chemicals such as CBD and D-8. The Delta-8 THC chemical can highly alter your mood and affect some people differently than others.
Delta-8 THC gives you a buzz, whereas CBD helps you relax. These effects, therefore, have opposite effects on the mind and, therefore, require varying levels of dosage.
It is also important to note that Delta-8 is a lesser version of Delta-9 THC; they have nearly the same good effects on the mind but at different levels.
However, as with any other cannabinoid, we strongly advise you to start with small amounts and gradually increase them as you build a tolerance to it.
Milligram Strength & Dosage: What’s The Difference?
When a doctor prescribes a medication, he/she often mentions a particular milligram of the drug, right? That determines the strength of the drug you will take. Going over the prescribed mark can cause unwanted side effects and complications. Going below that, on the other hand, will affect the drug’s efficacy.
Likewise, when you consume Delta-8 THC or any other cannabinoid, you gauge your dose by the milligram.
Different companies offer different strengths in the same amounts of a product. Some brands offer different strengths in different products.
The milligram dosage, however, varies significantly between the methods of intake.
A range of factors affects the milligram strengths of the different methods of intake. The D-8 tinctures, for example, have only a fraction of the compound and are loaded with carrier oils and other bases. However, the soft gel capsules have higher concentrations. Naturally, the dosage will vary in milligram on these methods of intake.
How Long Does Delta-8 THC Take To Exhibit Its Effects?
Depending on the method of consumption, the effects of Delta-8 THC may set in either early or late. Typically, through vaping and smoking, the compound takes effect within 10 to 20 minutes. However, if you take it orally, Delta-8 may take an hour or two for it to display its full effect.
Due to its delayed effects, the oral consumption method may lead to confusion. Thinking that it did not work, you may tend to overdose.
When you take a capsule or an edible, we strongly advise that you wait for at least two hours before going for another dose.
Delta-8 THC Dosing Guide: User Experience
Even though the compound affects everyone differently, there is a fixed range of dosage that you cannot go lower or higher than. It is as follows.
For first-time users: 5mg to 15mg per instance
This is the starting point for anyone new to the world of Delta-8 THC. Stick to this dose to make sure that you get into the habit of using Delta-8 and not overdose yourself.
For regular users: 15mg to 45mg per instance
With regular consumption, the tolerance level increases. You will have to start taking a higher dosage now for D-8 to work. It may not surprise you to know that you would need to increase your dose within two to three weeks of your first use to maintain the same efficacy.
For advanced users: 45mg to 150mg and more per instance
For those who have been consuming Delta-8 THC for a while, the tolerance level will increase greatly. They will eventually need 45mg or even a higher dose of Delta 8 THC every time.
Basic Understanding
In general, it is recommended that you start with the lowest dose, i.e. 5mg to 15mg, and gradually increase it by 5mg per week.
In the initial phase of consumption, you may have to increase the dosage just to find the right one for you. However, once you find your dosage, you may have to get along with the resistance your body builds up to the compound.
Besides, the reason for consuming Delta-8 also matters a lot. For instance, countering pain in a specific region of the body requires a lower dosage than when you use it for recreational purposes. Also, for pain relief and other topical use, applying D-8 THC may not have good results at all.
Another point worth noting is whether you take Delta-8 in the morning or evening. The dosage will vary along with the overall constituents of the product’s content. So, if you are planning to take it in the morning, the required dose may be higher than the one you take in the evening.
Also, keep in mind that Delta-8 THC makes you feel invigorated while CBD helps you calm down. If you are using a product that combines the two, you have to choose the right blend wisely, as different manufacturers offer them in different proportions.
Dosing Instructions From The Brands
As we discussed earlier, the dosage will vary according to the intake method.
Delta-8 THC products will have the “mg mark” per unit or per 5ml or per 10ml bottle.
Refer to the dosage chart on the bottle or the company’s website for reliable information.
Delta-8 THC Dosing Guide: Intake Method
As mentioned above, the intake method affects the way our body processes any substance. This also affects the time it takes to show results. And it also gives varying results in terms of the effects.
Popping in a gummy bear loaded with Delta-8 THC may not be as effective as vaping or smoking an e-liquid of the same amount.
Delta-8 THC vape e-liquid juices
Vaping is regarded as the most potent of all Delta-8 THC intake methods. Hence, it is also the most preferred one. Regardless of the type of vape product—i.e. e-liquid juice, vape cartridge, or disposable pen—the intake strength remains the same.
For beginners, one puff is a single dose. For intermediates, two puffs make one dose. Likewise, for advanced users, three puffs amount to a single dose. Here, it is important to note that factors such as how deep the drag is and how long you hold in the vapor would impact the effects.
Generally, e-liquid juice bottles contain 1.5 mg of the compound when vaped. In each ml of Delta-8 THC e-liquid juice, there are nearly 100 puffs. The amount you have in your vape should be divided by the mg of the compound. Then, divide it by 100. That’s the dose you get per puff.
Delta-8 THC herb dosage
Smoking Delta-8 THC has been largely replaced by vaping. However, a large number of people still resort to smoking up, as this method helps them enjoy the natural flavors of the cannabinoid.
Even in the herb form, the rule of 1 to 3 puffs applies. It is difficult to measure the exact mg/ml amount of Delta-8 THC in the herb form of hemp.
Delta-8 THC capsules dosage
Measuring the dosage in a Delta-8 THC capsule is not so difficult. You can find the total dosage amount on the bottle. Alternatively, some companies give you the “dosage per capsule” information. You can easily measure the dose before consuming it.
Tinctures or Oils
Tinctures and oils are highly preferred due to the speed and discreetness of these methods. They are administered sublingually—i.e. you have to take the measured drops under your tongue. Theoretically, Delta-8 gets absorbed into the bloodstream through the salivary glands.
The tincture and oil bottles come with a dropper that you can use to deliver Delta-8. The dropper has a measure of 1ml. You have to divide the Delta-8 THC content displayed on the bottle by the ml. That’s your dose.
Gummies & Other Edible Products
Edibles in the forms of Delta-8 gummies or other sweets have clear markings of the Delta-8 THC content per piece. Finding out the right dosage for this method of consumption is not at all difficult.
Some companies may have higher-than-normal dosages per unit. You may even have to consume half a gummy at a time.
Parting Thoughts
Delta-8 THC is a highly potent chemical substance found in the hemp plant. Apart from everything you have learned from this guide, you should also know that some factors, such as a person’s weight, height, or tolerance level, may also affect the dosage. Consider these factors before you decide on an appropriate dose for yourself.
Ask yourself, “What am I looking to achieve by consuming Delta-8 THC? What are my goals? Am I taking it for recreation or medicinal purposes?” Answer the questions honestly and decide on the appropriate dose.
If you are taking it for medical purposes, it’s best to consult a medical practitioner. He/She can look at your medical history and guide you toward making the right decision.
After all, the correct dosage is the key to experiencing the most potent effects of the compound.
