Delta 8 is likely the most well-known cannabinoid derived from hemp. It’s taken the market by storm since the 2018 Farm Bill made hemp-based cannabinoids legal.
Ever considered how the size of the dose of Delta 8 that you take can affect you? Plenty of people are careful not to take too much Delta 8 at once. But what about intentionally taking small doses and microdoses?
Keep reading to learn more about Delta 8 in general. Then, we’ll focus on moderate doses and microdoses of this popular cannabinoid and their potential benefits.
What is Delta 8?
Delta 8 is a chemical found in hemp and cannabis plants. More specifically, Delta 8 is a cannabinoid. That means it interacts with the human body’s endocannabinoid system. Just like every other cannabinoid, Delta 8 has specific effects.
A study of Delta 8 users, published in the Journal of Cannabis Research, found the most commonly reported effects of this cannabinoid were:
- Relaxation (reported by 71% of users)
- Euphoria (68%)
- Pain relief (55%)
Common side effects reported by users include difficulty concentrating, difficulty remembering things in the short term, and changed perception of time.
Two side effects often associated with cannabis use (i.e. cannabis-derived Delta 9 THC) are anxiety and paranoia. The majority of Delta 8 users surveyed in this study did not report these side effects. In all, 74% reported not experiencing anxiety and 83% reported not experiencing paranoia.
Legality of Delta 8
When you buy Delta 8, you’re almost always purchasing Delta 8 derived from hemp. That’s because Delta 8 is legal on the federal level, although it is restricted in some states and municipalities.
This legal status makes it easy to manufacture, distribute, and purchase hemp-based Delta 8. However, we always recommend checking into state and local laws that apply to you before purchasing or using Delta 8.
Using Delta 8: Delta 8 Dosage and Products
Delta 8 products come in many forms, including vapes, flower, and edibles.
Vapes and flower have fast-acting effects, kicking in relatively quickly but also lasting for less time than edibles. That happens because Delta 8, along with other cannabinoids, absorbs into the bloodstream through the lungs.
With edibles, eating them means they’re processed in your digestive tract before they start affecting you. That leads to a longer onset (often 30-90 minutes) and longer-lasting effects.
Dosing Delta 8 depends on the type of Delta 8 product you use. With flower and vapes, it’s difficult to precisely calibrate a dose. However, many users find that it’s easy to adjust the number of draws or puffs they take and to draw in more deeply or shallowly.
It can take a little while to find the right Delta 8 dose for you with flower and vapes. However, starting slow and paying attention to how you feel after a few puffs is an easy path to finding the right dose.
Delta 8 edible dosing is more precise. Manufacturers list the Delta 8 gummies dosage or Delta 8 edible dosage per piece on the packaging. If an edible seems too strong, you can always cut it in half. If it’s too weak, you can try moving up to 1.5 or 2 times the dose.
Let’s take a closer look at Delta 8 doses — specifically, smaller doses of this cannabinoid.
Smaller Delta 8 Doses: What You Need to Know
Taking small doses of Delta 8 can accomplish a few related but distinct goals. The major reasons why users choose small doses are:
- Moderation. A smaller dose can help some users get the positive and intended effects of Delta 8 without experiencing unwanted side effects or reducing the potency of those side effects.
- Microdosing. Microdosing involves taking a very small dose of a substance, often 1/5 to 1/20 of the normal or recommended dose. The goal is to achieve very subtle effects, like boosting creativity or energy levels, as opposed to more intense relaxation or euphoria.
Moderation in Delta 8 Dosages
Taking moderate doses of Delta 8 is based on a pretty simple concept: You want to feel the common and intended effects of Delta 8 without going overboard or getting too strong of a high.
A lighter buzz might be perfect for chores around the house and other activities that still require a little concentration, for example. Or, you might know the side effects of Delta 8 feel too strong with a large dose, so you want to make things more enjoyable by managing your intake.
Our best advice for moderating your Delta 8 dose is to take it low and slow. With vapes and flower, start with a few light puffs. Wait about 10-20 minutes for the effects to kick in. You can always take another puff or two if the buzz isn’t strong enough at that point.
For gummies, try half of the recommended dose as a starting point. Wait about 90 minutes for the effects to kick in. You can always adjust your dose upward or downward if it feels too weak or too strong, respectively.
Delta 8 Microdosing
Microdosing means taking even smaller amounts of Delta 8 than you would with a moderate dose, as described above. The goal is to achieve subtle effects that are somewhat different from those of a standard or moderate Delta 8 dose. These can include an increased energy level or enhanced creativity.
Our guide to Delta 8 microdosing goes in-depth on this topic. Here are the key points to keep in mind:
- Microdoses are very small, somewhere between 1/5 and 1/20 of a regular dose.
- Many microdosers take these very small doses throughout the day to maintain the desired effects.
- It’s important to track or log the effects of a microdose as you start the process, so you can find one that’s not too potent or too weak.
- Gummies and other edibles are easily divisible into consistent and small doses, so they’re a popular choice for microdosing. However, you can also take a very brief and light draw from a vape.
- Delta 8 tinctures and oils let you measure out precise doses with the included dropper.
The Best Delta 8 Products
Delta 8 Resellers delivers high-quality Delta 8 products from leading industry brands. We work with the best manufacturers to give you exceptional Delta 8 experiences.
Don’t just take our word for it, either. Check out the independent lab testing results, shared whenever they’re available, to see for yourself.
