How Long Until Delta 8 Gummies Kick In?

Delta 8 THC is a synthetic cannabinoid that can produce effects like delta 9 THC. In states where cannabis remains illegal or restricted for medical patients, users are turning to alternatives to help them deal with a myriad of different health issues. Some of them are so severe that they are willing to risk their long-term health just to seek immediate relief. In this article, we will take a closer look at delta 8 THC and how long it would take for it to produce effects in your body through an edible.

by: Anthony E. | 01/29/22 2:30PM

 

What is Delta 8 THC?

Delta 8 is a synthetic cannabinoid that is made by converting delta 9 THC or CBD to a synthetic compound. This is then sprayed directly onto weak forms of cannabis flower and marketed as delta 8. Some delta 8 is mixed with oil and edibles to produce a product that users can ingest, similar to a typical edible with delta 9 THC or CBD.

Not much is known about the long-term effects of delta 8, and because it is unregulated, it is in a high-risk category to be contaminated or even altered to contain harmful by-products and other unknown compounds. This poses a safety risk that falls upon those who choose to use delta 8. The truth is that delta 8 may be considered safe for those who use it medically, as the benefits might outweigh the risk, though this remains to be seen.

The legal loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill allows for THC alternatives such as delta 8 to be contained in certain products, albeit illegal to produce, which is then marketed as a legal THC alternative. Small amounts of delta 8 can be naturally found within the cannabis plant, though not in sufficient quantities.

 

What Are the Benefits of Delta 8?

Like delta 9 THC, delta 8 produces a milder effect than delta 9 and provides users with the same type of relief they would get from ingesting delta 9 THC. This would include appetite stimulation, pain relief, relaxation, and other therapeutic effects. It should be noted that negative side effects can occur from products that contain other harmful compounds that are a result of the manufacturing process.

Delta 8 gives you a high that is noticeably milder but still capable of addressing specific ailments. In states that restrict THC products for medical patients, users turn to alternatives such as delta 8 to find their relief. This may or may not be the best choice, but it is a viable option for those looking for something that is at least derived from cannabis itself.

The benefits of delta 8 can outweigh the risks if the ailments being treated put the user at risk, in which delta 8 can be considered a life-saving alternative. Conversely, users often report no additional side effects from delta 8 than they would experience from conventional THC. However, some users have ended up in the hospital due to inferior or contaminated delta 8 products.

How Long Does It Take Delta 8 to Produce Effects?

Like delta 9 THC, users can ingest delta 8 gummies and wait up to 2 hours to experience any effects. This depends heavily on the amount taken, how often is taken, the quality of the product, and your individual metabolism. Once delta * has been ingested, it travels along the same pathways and receptors within our endocannabinoid system.

Because edibles take a very long time to metabolize, delta 8 gummies will likely not produce any effects until sometime after ingestion. The truth is that delta 8 is structurally different and may or may not interact with our systems the same way. It may in fact affect us much sooner, being as how it is a synthetic product that can absorb quicker in the body.

As a synthetic chemical, our bodies may assimilate delta 8 much quicker and produce the desired effects despite traveling along the gastrointestinal tract. This is all mere speculation, however, and delta 8 may react differently within each person’s body depending on the dose. In any case, treat delta 8 the same way you would delta 9 and start out slow until you reach a point of satisfaction.

 

Side Effects of Delta 8

Since delta 8 is so like delta 9, they share many of the same side effects that may include dry mouth, red eyes, dizziness, hunger, anxiety, paranoia, and other unwanted experiences. Keep in mind that this is a synthetic chemical that may also contain other by-products and contaminants, making the list of side effects much longer and more pronounced.

To avoid any side effects from delta 8, you will want to treat it the same way you would with delta 9 and start out slow. Go at the lowest possible dose, wait a couple of hours, and then work your way up if need be. You will often find delta 8 in certain dispensaries and head shops that cater to the smoke and vape community.

Gummies that contain delta 8 will affect the user much more mildly, depending on the dose. Some users report feeling no difference between delta 8 and delta 9, while others have ended up in hospitals after ingesting products containing delta 8. This is likely due to inferior products that may have contained contaminants.

Final Thoughts

Delta 8 is the new kid on the block, though it is now gaining much popularity in states where legal cannabis is available. There really is no point in ingesting a synthetic chemical that can potentially hurt you when you can get the real thing with no chance of ending up hurt from it. Adulterated forms of delta 8 have already flooded the market.

You should take every precaution and do your research before deciding to buy delta 8, especially if you live in a state that has THC restrictions in place. If you do choose to take delta 8, you do so at your own risk. Natural cannabis products are the way to go. The long-term effects of delta 8 remain to be seen.

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