Key Takeaways
- Delta-8 is milder than delta-9 THC.
- Delta-8 products are unregulated, meaning dosing and concentrations may not be consistent.
- Beginners should start with between 2.5mg and 5mg of delta-8 or about 1 puff from a vape.
It’s legal for adults to purchase in many states. If seeing this product on your local shelves piqued your interest, you might wonder, “How much delta-8 should I take?”
Finding the right dose can be tricky for new users due to individual differences in tolerance and sensitivity. Our delta-8 dosage chart simplifies this process with guidelines for a safe and enjoyable experience.
What is Delta-8?
Delta-8 THC (Δ-8 THC), an isomer of delta-9 THC (Δ-9 THC), exists naturally in the cannabis plant as a degradation byproduct of delta-9 THC, but only in small amounts. Given this scarcity in its natural form, the delta-8 THC available in the market generally comes from the chemical conversion of CBD.1
While delta-9 THC is renowned for its strong intoxicating effects, delta-8 offers a milder experience. Users credit delta-8 THC with many of the experiential benefits of delta-9 THC, such as pain relief, relaxation, and euphoria, but with fewer adverse effects.
Despite the increased availability of delta-8 for purchase, concerns surround the purity of delta-8 products. Due to varying processing standards, some delta-8 products can contain a mix of by-products and other unwanted compounds.2
Several states are now reconsidering the distribution of delta-8 THC, with some banning its sale pending more comprehensive research as with all cannabinoids, especially those produced by unregulated vendors, caution is the best way forward.
What are the Cannabinoid Concentrations in Delta-8 Products?
Delta-8 products come with a wide range of cannabinoid concentrations, from 10mg to 500mg per serving. When compared to delta-9 THC, the single-serving dose of delta-8 products may be slightly higher due to its lower potency.
Product lines include edibles, tinctures, and vapes, similar to those available for delta-9. Delta-8 flower is a misleading term. There is no delta-8 flower; instead, it is hemp or other material sprayed with distillate and should be avoided.
Delta-8 is an unregulated market without required lab testing or labeling. Production of delta-8 THC requires extraction methods that may use dangerous solvents. Some tested products contain significant amounts of delta-9 THC. Without product testing and transparency, users can easily overuse delta-8, leading to unexpected highs or side effects.3
Typically, delta-8 takes about 30 minutes to two hours to take effect when ingested, and the buzz can last for several hours, similar to delta-9 THC. Given the potential for variance in product concentration, users should start with a low dose and gradually increase it to avoid overuse.
What's the Best Place to Start With Delta-8?
Is delta-8 legal in your state? Regulations vary, and it's important to comply with local laws.
When choosing to try delta-8, consider its potential effects and your personal tolerance levels. If you currently use products with delta-9 THC, you’re likely to have a higher tolerance. Consider a tolerance break before trying delta-8 if you want a clear baseline. Like delta-9 THC, begin with a minimal dose of delta-8 and increase gradually. Start with a low dose and increase gradually.
The effects of delta-8 THC were first studied in humans in 1942 by Adams, who administered increasing oral doses to 77 voluntary subjects from a prison population. The reported effects of delta 8-THC were similar to those of delta 9-THC, including anxiety, euphoria, increased talkativeness, lowered inhibitions, hunger, a sensation of being “high,” uncontrollable laughter, and pleasant fatigue.1
Comparative studies indicate that delta-9 THC is generally more potent than delta-8 THC. A 10mg dose of delta-9 THC produces stronger effects than an equivalent dose of delta-8 THC, suggesting delta-9 THC is about twice as powerful. However, some studies report that delta-9 THC might be up to 3.75 times more potent than delta-8 THC, highlighting a need for further research to resolve these inconsistencies.1
How Much Delta-8 Should I Take?
| Experience Level | Starting Dose (Edibles) | Starting Dose (Inhalation) | Starting Dose (Tincture) |
| Beginner | 2.5 mg - 5 mg | 1 puff` | 2.5 mg - 5 mg |
| Intermediate | 5 mg - 10 mg | 2-3 puffs | 5 mg - 10 mg |
| Advanced | 10 mg - 20 mg | 3-4 puffs | 10 mg - 20 mg |
Getting the desired dose of delta-8 THC depends on you. Consider your tolerance level and past experiences with other THC products. Individual factors such as body weight, metabolism, and cannabinoid sensitivity will influence your ideal dose. Starting low and increasing gradually helps you find the perfect balance for your needs.
General guidelines for dosing include:
- Start with a low dose. You can always use more, but you may have to ride out an unpleasant experience if you ingest too much. One puff of a vape or 2.5 mg-5 mg of an edible is a good place to begin.
- Increase gradually. Titrating or slowing adding to your dose in small increments (2.5 mg or another puff) allows you to gauge the effects. You’re unlikely to feel overserved if you wait 15-30 minutes before another puff or an hour or two between edibles.4
- Monitor your effects. Pay attention to how your body reacts. Each person is different, and adjusting the dosage according to your tolerance and needs is essential. While delta-8 is reportedly less potent, it can still produce significant effects at higher doses.
- Always read the label for serving size. Products vary widely in potency. Adjust the dosage chart based on the stated amount of delta-8 THC in your product.
How to Get the Right Delta-8 Dose
Accurate dosing is crucial for a safe and enjoyable delta-8 experience. Familiarize yourself with packaging information, including the total amount of delta-8 THC and serving size dosage.
Delta-8 products are available in multiple forms, each with specific dosing recommendations. From chocolates to baked goods, gummies to hard candy, edibles are convenient and often taste great. Here are some tips to help you choose the correct dose.
Package labels list the dosage of delta-8 THC per container and serving. Be aware that many delta-8 THC edibles come in a higher single dose than delta-9 THC products. Where a single delta-9 THC gummy available at a regulated adult-use dispensary is usually 5mg or 10mg of THC, standard doses of delta-8 THC gummies are often 25mg or more.
Scored lines indicate dosage separation for many edible products, but this isn’t always the case. A 25mg gummy halved or quartered into 12.5 or 6mg segments may be an appropriate starting dose for a beginner.
Edibles can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to reach full effect. To avoid getting too high, allow ample time for the edible to work before taking an additional dose. The duration can last three to six hours.4
Delta-8 THC in tincture form may offer more precise dosing measurements. A standard dropper is 1 ml, with lower graduation marks for smaller units. Unlike edibles, tinctures provide more rapid results. They are absorbed into the bloodstream through the membranes in the gums and cheeks, avoiding the delay of stomach digestion.
Packaging will indicate the mg/mL dosage, with one dropper equal to 1 mL. A 30 mL bottle with 300mg of delta-8 THC will provide a 10mg/mL dose. Tinctures held under the tongue for about 30 seconds may take effect in 15-30 minutes. Effects typically last three to five hours.4
Although vape cartridges of delta-8 THC are widely available, most health professionals do not recommend them based on concerns about processing practices.2
Because of the concentrated form of delta-8 THC in a vape cart, the recommended starting dose is one puff. Allow at least 10-15 minutes before taking an additional dose. Vaped delta-8 THC has a rapid onset of five to ten minutes. Those with a lower tolerance may feel effects for up to three hours.4
As previously stated, delta-8 THC does not exist in significant amounts within the plant. Flower sold as delta-8 is, at best, CBD-dominant hemp flower sprayed with delta-8 THC distillate. In general, this consumption method should be avoided.
A significant concern with delta-8 THC is the lack of regulation, leading to uncertainties about its safety, purity, and potency. The chemical process used to produce delta-8 can leave behind potentially harmful residues. Moreover, its over-the-counter availability raises the risk of minors obtaining it.
An updated version of the 2018 Farm Bill, which allowed the production of delta-8 THC under a loophole, is under evaluation in Congress.
Until more comprehensive research and stricter regulations are established, it is advisable to use regulated cannabis products rather than over-the-counter delta-8 products for greater safety.
References
- Tagen M, Klumpers LE. Review of delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8 -THC): Comparative pharmacology with Δ9 -THC [published correction appears in Br J Pharmacol. 2023 Jan;180(1):130]. Br J Pharmacol. 2022;179(15):3915-3933. doi:10.1111/bph.15865 ↩︎
- Geci M, Scialdone M, Tishler J. The Dark Side of Cannabidiol: The Unanticipated Social and Clinical Implications of Synthetic Δ8-THC. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. 2022;8(2). doi:https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2022.0126 ↩︎
- Kaczor EE, Greene K, Babu KM, Berthold EC, Sharma A, Carreiro SP. Commercial Delta-8 THC Products: an Analysis of Content and Labeling. Journal of medical toxicology. 2023;20(1):31-38. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s13181-023-00974-y ↩︎
- MacCallum CA, Russo EB. Practical considerations in medical cannabis administration and dosing. European Journal of Internal Medicine. 2018;49(49):12-19. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejim.2018.01.004 ↩︎
The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
