If you’re like most people, you’ve only recently discovered there are two kinds of THC.

To recap, there’s the common form — delta 9 THC — which is associated with the characteristic high induced by marijuana. 

Then there’s delta 8 THC — which is slightly different in the way it feels. 

In this article, we will focus on delta 8 THC and what delta 8 high feels like and explore how it feels at different doses and how it compares to the traditional delta 9 THC. We’ll also consider many personal factors, such as body fat levels and general health, that can influence your experience.

What Does Delta 8 THC Feel Like?

Most people by now are familiar with the way THC feels. 

Marijuana changes the way we perceive time, imagery, and sound. It somehow makes music, art, and video games much more enjoyable. 

These are all universal effects felt with both forms of THC. 

So what effects are different with delta 8 THC? 

Most people who use delta 8 describe it as a smoother, more clear-headed, and less overwhelming version of standard THC. 

It has much more of a body load — which means the effects are felt more strongly within the body, rather than just on the brain. Some individuals use cannabis products like delta 8 for pain relief, though it’s not formally approved for that.

Summary: What Does Delta 8 THC Feel Like? 

1. Pleasant
2. Sociable
3. Altered perception of time, sights, sounds, & memory
4. Relaxed
5. Tired (high doses).
6. Munchies

These effects can last up to eight hours, depending on many personal factors such as dose, tolerance, and whether you’ve used other cannabinoids.

The Effects of Delta 8 THC By Dose

As you might have expected, the more delta 8 THC you take, the stronger it feels. The associated cognitive effects produced by this compound will change depending on the dosage used. 

Low-Dose Delta 8 THC — Energizing

(5 – 20 mg)

Low doses of delta 8 THC feel slightly stimulating to the central nervous system — but not in the same way as something like coffee or green tea. It feels as though you have more mental endurance. These effects unlock mental and physical energy you probably had already but weren’t able to tap into.

Delta 8 THC is often used in low doses while studying, working, or performing tasks you might call boring. It helps induce a flow state where deep creative work thrives. 

Be careful, though, because if you take too much, the effects start to become too relaxing, which can make it even harder to focus or stay on task. Start with the lowest dose (5 mg) and increase the dose each day until you find what works for you.

Moderate-Dose Delta 8 THC — Pleasant Vibe

(20 – 50 mg)

This is the most common range for people using delta 8 THC for anything other than improving focus, energy, and concentration. 

Moderate doses of delta 8 THC feel more like the conventional high from marijuana — but with an added layer of smoothness and clear-headedness. 

At this dose, users report delta 8 may induce positive feelings, spark bouts of creativity, and promote more frequent eureka moments. Sometimes this dosage creates what some call a “warm blanket” sensation. Signals around the body are dulled and blood vessels in the surface layers of the skin dilate — creating a feeling not dissimilar from having a warm blanket wrapped around your body. 

Of course, this is a bit of an exaggeration, but it does have a nice relaxing effect on the body. 

You’ll also notice some perceptual changes. You become more receptive to sounds and colors, you can hear more intimacy and detail in the music you’re listening to, and you may notice things in your environment you normally wouldn’t think twice about. 

This is one of the most enjoyable parts of using delta 8 THC. Its ability to bring us into the present moment and notice things we otherwise are too preoccupied to think about. 

This dose, as well as the high dose of delta 8, also has an effect on satiety. You’ll most likely feel hungry as this cannabinoid has a strong association with “the munchies.” 

A moderate dose is fairly wide-ranging. Everybody is different, so it’s important to play around with the dose a little bit at the beginning until you find what works best for you. 

High-Dose Delta 8 THC — Relaxing

(Over 50 mg)

We don’t recommend you take more than 50 or 60 mg unless you’re very familiar with the effects of this cannabinoid and have used it several times at lower doses. 

Anything over 50 mg for most people is going to be almost psychedelic in its effects. It won’t make you hallucinate, but it can cause some dramatic perceptual changes. You may find yourself extra giggly and find humor in otherwise ordinary items or concepts. 

It’s also common for people to experience an altered perception of time — usually involving what feels like time is moving more slowly — but sometimes the opposite.

At this dose, delta 8 can make users feel quite tired as well — whether this is a good or bad quality comes down to your motivation for using it. Some people like high doses because it provides a pleasant perceptual effect for an hour or so before bed. 

What Does It Feel Like To Take Too Much Delta 8 THC?

If you take too much delta 8 THC, the positive effects noted above may intensify and could become more negative than positive. 

For example, delta 8 THC is a reliable relaxant. People who want this effect usually take higher doses. 

However, if you’re using Delta 8 THC to help you study or focus on something, these sedative effects become an unwanted side-effect. 

The most common side-effect of delta 8 is sedation and lethargy. In very high doses, it’s common for people to fall asleep after using it. Even in those who don’t fall asleep, it can make lying down on a comfortable couch or bed very cozy, making it hard to motivate yourself to do anything else. 

It’s a bad idea to take very high doses of delta 8 THC if you have many things to do or work on. Stick to the lower doses (less than 20 mg) for these activities. 

Some other side effects can arise from delta 8 if you’ve taken too much that doesn’t have anything to do with its normal effect profiles as well. 

Side-effects of delta 8 may include: 

• Headaches
• Dizziness (caused by low blood pressure)
• Heart palpitations
• Anxiousness (uncommon, but possible)
• Difficulty concentrating
• Low libido

Can I Have A “Bad Trip” With Delta 8 THC? 

First of all, what is a bad trip, exactly? 

A bad trip refers to an unpleasant experience induced by a psychoactive compound. It’s more commonly associated with the use of psychedelics but can happen with marijuana or other psychoactive substances as well. 

While it’s possible to have a bad trip with delta 8, it’s very unlikely. 

If you have a bad trip, the best thing you can do is to stop and breathe. The anxiousness brought on during a bad trip only becomes worse the more you try to escape it. Find a comfortable place to lie down, close your eyes, and breathe. 

It helps a lot to put on some nice relaxing music or a television show you’re familiar with (nothing with negative vibes, of course). 

Final Thoughts: What Does Delta 8 THC Feel Like? 

There are two forms of THC — delta 8 and delta 9 THC. 

Delta 9 THC is considered the primary psychoactive compound in hemp and cannabis plants, while delta 8 THC is an isomer of delta 9 THC. Because hemp plants are federally legal under the Agriculture Improvement Act (and broader federal law), delta 8 THC derived from hemp has fewer safety concerns in terms of legality. However, there’s still the possibility of a drug test detecting THC if your body is still processing these compounds at the time of testing.

Compared to delta 9 THC, delta 8 THC offers a smoother experience for many users. What delta 8 high feels like typically involves relaxation, a subtle shift in perception, and moderate euphoria. Most of these effects last for up to eight hours, depending on personal factors like body fat percentage and tolerance.

Similar to delta 9 THC though, delta 8 also increases drug abuse or substance abuse risks. If you’re dealing with such issues, consult a professional before using delta 8 products.

Do you agree or disagree with our depiction of how delta 8 THC feels? How did it feel for you?

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does delta-8 make you sleepy or energetic?

Delta-8 typically leans toward relaxation, similar to indica strains. It usually gives you more of a chilled-out body high, making it perfect for unwinding, easing stress, or even helping you drift off to sleep. It’s not usually a go-to if you’re looking for an energetic buzz.

2. Is delta-8 safe for beginners?

Yes, delta-8 can be beginner-friendly, but start slow and pick a comfortable place and time, like maybe on a day off. Whether it’s flowers, carts, or edibles, pay attention to how you feel. Writing down notes about your experience can help you figure out what dosage works best for you.

3. Does delta-8 make you feel weird the next day?

Usually, delta-8 doesn’t leave you feeling too foggy or weird the next morning, at least not compared to regular THC. Side effects like anxiety or paranoia tend to be less intense or rare. Most people feel relatively normal, even after a decent dose.

4. What is a delta-8 high like?

Delta-8 feels a bit like regular THC—just gentler. You might feel pleasantly buzzed, relaxed, and a bit euphoric, but less overwhelmed or anxious. It’s like marijuana-lite: mellow, comfortable, and easier to handle, especially if you’re new.

5. Does Delta 8 lose potency over time?

Yes. Over time, delta-8 products can lose some potency, especially if they’re exposed to heat, light, or air. They won’t necessarily go bad or become harmful, but they probably won’t be as effective or strong as fresh products. Keep them stored properly, and you’ll get the most out of them.

6. Does delta 8 cause arousal?

Some people definitely notice increased arousal after using delta-8, probably because it heightens sensations and makes you feel relaxed. But there isn’t much formal research backing this, and honestly, everyone’s different. Dosage, setting, and your personal chemistry all matter here.

7. How long does delta-8 stay in your system?

Generally, delta-8 stays detectable for about a week if you only use it occasionally. Regular users could test positive up to a month later, especially with urine tests. Blood tests pick it up for just a couple days, while saliva usually clears up in about 24 hours or so.

8. What happens when you sleep high?

When you’re high, THC helps slow your mind down, which can make falling asleep easier, especially if you’re anxious or restless. Short-term use might improve sleep quality, but relying on it consistently can affect memory or cognitive function down the line—something to keep in mind.

9. What does delta-8 feel like first time?

The first delta-8 experience tends to feel pretty relaxed and mild—not as overwhelming as regular THC. You’ll probably notice gentle euphoria, relaxation, and clear-headedness. Most newcomers find it approachable, calm, and pretty enjoyable.

10. Is delta-8 high more like Indica or Sativa?

Delta-8 effects lean more toward an indica high rather than a saiva high. This usually gives you a mellow, relaxed feeling without locking you to the couch.