A Guide on Delta-8 THC Dosage

Delta 8 THC is a rapidly evolving market within the hemp industry, with lots of D8 brands showing out of nowhere and pushing different formats of this cannabinoid to cater to curious consumers. Leafy8 has the scoop on how to best navigate these waters and find the products that best suit your needs.

After years of research, we have better understood the mechanisms of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other molecules from cannabis. Today, delta-8 THC can be found in various products, including vape cartridges, disposable vapes, gummies, tinctures, drinks, capsules, and much more.

If there’s one question that everyone dipping their toes in the water asks themselves after buying delta-8 THC, it’s “how much delta 8 THC should I take?”

Before we give you the answer to this question, know one thing — there is no such thing as the best delta 8 THC dosage for everyone.

Each person is different, and what works for you or your friend may not necessarily produce the same results for somebody else.

Today we’ve put together all useful tips for successful delta-8 THC dosage. You’ll know exactly how much Delta 8 you should take, what are the common product formats, and how to dose each type to get the best personalized results.

How potent is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-9 THC) is more potent than delta-8 and accounts for most of the THC that occurs naturally in the cannabis plant, which makes it easy to extract, explaining why it’s more commonly smoked. Delta-8-THC, however, is about half as potent as traditional THC. It’s also produced in far less quantity by the plant and thus has to be processed from a concentrate. That’s why most people consume it in edibles such as gummies or brownies, or by vaping.

Delta-8 THC is also not the same thing as CBD! CBD is non-psychoactive, and is used for different purposes. Long story short, delta 8 THC uses different targets to produce its effects than CBD, so its action on the brain is also different.

As mentioned, Delta-8 THC can get you high; it’s about half as strong as Delta-9 THC, but it can still induce that psychoactive buzz.

If you’re very reactive to the effects of THC, you may want to start with a low dose and gradually increase it to find the amount that gives you the most benefit with no side effects.

There are two key factors that affect your optimal delta 8 THC dosage: the strength of your product and your individual tolerance level.

If you want to determine the number of milligrams of active delta 8 THC in a single serving, you’ll need to divide the total amount of milligrams by the size of your product. Or if it is a vaporizer, simply start slow and gauge effects from there.

Solid products, such as gummies or edibles, contain a fixed dose of delta 8 THC per serving, so you don’t need to measure anything. You take as many pieces as you need to meet your dosage needs, and you’re good to go.

Dosing Chart (For All Users)

1st Delta-8 THC Dosage Tier (for new users / low tolerance): 5–20 mg per serving
2nd Delta-8 THC Dosage Tier (occasional users / medium tolerance): 20–50 mg per serving
3rd Delta-8 THC Dosage Tier (daily users / high tolerance): 50–150+ mg per serving

This chart refers to the delta 8 THC dosage for edibles, but you can use this information to estimate other consumption methods. Delta-8 THC is not as heavy of a hitter as Delta-9 THC, but it’s also not something to approach callously. Be careful not to take too much!

There have been many reports of people who took too much Delta-8 THC then felt anxious or lethargic, and not in full control of their cognitive abilities.

The best way to find the best delta 8 THC dosage for yourself is to pick a low dose and keep increasing it until you hit the sweet spot.

How Long Do I Need to Wait to Feel The Effects of Delta-8 THC?

The effects of Delta-8 THC usually take hold within 5–10 minutes when vaporized; 20-30 minutes with liquid shots; and 1–2 hours when you take oral preparations such as edibles or gummies.

Delta-8 THC works in a similar fashion to any other cannabinoid-based product. Again, we recommend you dose your extracts carefully, as some products like edibles or gummies may cause you to think that you should take more due to their delayed onset.

Wrapping it up, we recommend waiting around 1.5-2 hours before taking another dose of Delta-8 THC.

Consumption Methods & Other Factors To Consider

The way you consume delta-8 THC is an important driving factor because it affects the product’s bioavailability aside from onset and duration of effects.

Bioavailability refers to the leftover amount of Delta 8 THC that your body can use once the compound has been metabolized by the liver.

The reason why we need to elaborate on each product format is simple; each of these consumption methods has a different way of interacting with your body. For example, one method may need less time to absorb, whereas others may hit you with a delay.

Other factors that may play a role in the metabolism of Delta 8 THC include:

Bodyweight – larger people will need higher doses than smaller people.
Delta-8 THC Tolerance – you can build a tolerance to delta 8 THC over time, meaning you’ll need a higher dose to experience the same effects as before. Some people have a naturally higher tolerance to THC, while others are very reactive.
Expected Results – think of the purpose of taking delta 8 THC. Do you want to increase your energy levels? Jump into a euphoric mood? Or deeply relax on the sofa? Knowing your preferences helps a lot in finding the right dose.

Key Takeaways on Dosing

Although finding the right Delta-8 THC dosage can seem difficult initially, understanding how it works within your body and how different formats affect its bioavailability, duration, and intensity of effects can help you to buy the delta-8 THC products most suitable for you.

If you’re looking for the best dosage precision, gummies, and liquid shots are a good pick. On the other hand, if your goal is to feel elevated faster and with more delta 8 in your bloodstream, you may want to reconsider that choice and go for vapes. Oral products like edibles and gummies are best for people who value consistency and ease of dosing.

Feel free to use the calculations and dosage patterns that we’ve provided in this guide to help yourself find the best delta 8 THC dosage for your needs — and let us know how you like the effects of Delta 8!