What Delta 8 Product Is Right for Me?
Included in this blog:
- Intro to delta 8 THC (also referenced here as D8)
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Delta 8 products and their most common uses
- Delta 8 edible / delta 8 gummies
- D8 tinctures
- Dose for Delta 8
- Delta 8 hangovers (Hint: there really aren’t any.)
- Combining CBD with delta 8
- Determining safe delta 8 products
INTRO TO D8 THC
If you haven’t heard about Delta 8 (D8), you’ve heard of its big sibling, Delta 9 THC (D9), the main psychoactive compound found in the marijuana plant. D8 is also psychoactive, but is derived directly from CBD – which comes from the hemp plant – as an isomer. Unlike D9, not a lot of research has been done on the scientific impacts of D8, but with the sharp uptick in usage, it is on the way. Wondering what the difference between CBD and delta 8 is? Check out THIS BLOG.
So, how does D8 work? D8 acts on about half of the receptors in your endocannabinoid system (ECS). What’s that? Okay, we said we wouldn’t complicate this. Simply put, your ECS (yes, you have one) is a group of enzymes, receptors and chemicals that your body makes to balance all of its other systems like the central nervous system and the sleep cycle. It is psychotropic in nature (D8 THC gets you high if you take the right amount), but it is about one-third to half as potent as D9 THC. This makes it more suitable for new users, those who enjoy microdosing (using small amounts throughout the day) and those who layer D8 with CBD to truly receive the full “entourage effect.” You’ll understand why that’s important a bit later.
D8 is found in very small concentrations in the hemp plant so it goes through a process to obtain an amount large enough to make a product. The D8 in your product is made through isomerization where it is isolated, or pulled directly from CBD. How can you possibly make a different cannabinoid from CBD? All cannabinoids are very similar in molecular structure, so it only takes a few steps in a lab to get to D8 from CBD.
If this process seems like something pulled straight out of a Frankenstein experiment, know that the vitamins you take every day are made in a similar manner (most notably, Vitamin D). D8 is safe when made the right way. This cannabinoid, whether it is taken from a product that went through isomerization or consumed directly from the hemp flower (although there would only be trace amounts), is able to be processed and put to use by your body.
After the D8 formulation process is complete, manufacturers produce products just like they would any other cannabinoid-based product. D8 is found in edible products like gummies, tinctures and candies. D8 is also extremely popular to vape.
So, let’s dive into those D8 products! (If you want more D8 FAQs answered, check out our detailed FAQ page.)
D8 PRODUCTS
There is no one delta 8 thc product that is better than the other. What makes a D8 product good is its quality and if it works for you! Sometimes you have to try a few delivery methods (types of products) and/or brands to find your perfect match… and the right d8 dose for what you want to achieve (are you dreaming or are you going sky high?).
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D8 Gummies and Other Delta 8 Edible Products
First, understand that there is no difference between “boosted delta 8 gummies” and “high hemp delta 8 gummies”; these are strictly forms of marketing lingo. A D8 gummy or D8 edible either contains D8 or it doesn’t. And, for D8 gummies to be legal (in states where D8 is legal), they must come from the hemp plant. Now, let’s get to the fun facts so you can sift through the noise and learn if these products are right for you and your routine.
WHAT ARE D8 GUMMIES?
Something we hear all of the time, “What is d8 gummies?” D8 gummies are made in many forms with varying strengths (or milligrams) and some contain added terpenes or other minor cannabinoids. These edibles can either be sprayed or infused. We highly recommend you use an infused D8 gummy or edible. This means that during the manufacturing process, a precise amount of D8 was added to the formulation to have an even distribution throughout the batch. So, what does Delta 8 infused mean? Infusion results in each gummy having the same strength as the other in the batch (and subsequently, your jar) and within that single gummy, each bite should have the same strength as well. Spraying delta 8 is not as accurate and can result in highly variable distributions of milligrams/strength within the same batch and even on a single gummy. This method is not consistent and we argue that it isn’t safe; you won’t know what you’re taking from one edible to the next. In full transparency, Luna gummies – both D8 and CBD gummies – are infused.
WHAT ARE SOME USES OF D8 GUMMIES?
Much like other forms of supplementation, D8 gummies and D8 edibles have differing purposes, or ways you can use them. Most commonly, brands will have an offering of different strengths for relaxation (lower doses) and all the way up, up, up (higher dose d8) with the intent of just being high (which is never Luna’s purpose – we want you to achieve something!). Gummy and edible offerings may also contain other minor cannabinoids (CBN, CBG, etc.) to aid in certain uses, like sleep or clarity. There are also terpene infused delta 8 varieties.
Let’s look at the strength of delta 8 gummies:
The lowest strength of D8 gummies and edibles starts around 10mg, like our Good Vibes gummies. These are great for newbies and those who may not be new to THC, but want more mental relaxation rather than a high.
From there, you will find the most popular strength: 25mg Delta 8 THC gummies and edibles. Try our Hello Mellow gummies. If you are new to THC, we recommend cutting this strength of an edible in half, or fourths at first to find your right dose. If you are someone familiar with THC and want a small buzz, also try cutting a 25mg D8 gummy in half to see if that particular brand/product has the desired effect. Remember, it is important to find a product that is infused to accurately determine your dosing and desired effect at the correlated dosage. From there, always wait 45 minutes to 1 hour to see if the edible has kicked in.
Are you looking for something stronger? Maybe you have a high tolerance or have traditionally used Delta 9 THC and need more than the “average” person consuming Delta 8. That’s where delta 8 40mg gummies and higher come into play. We’ve created Sky High gummies at this strength to help you reach your highest desires. If you are new to any form of THC, we do not recommend starting at this dose. Some brands have even higher strengths than this. We believe that sometimes less is more, but if you want more, just take more of a quality product from a trustworthy brand.
Now let’s dive into a couple of examples of specific-use delta 8 THC edibles:
As we mentioned, companies will often add other cannabinoids, terpenes or even other supplements (like vitamins or adaptogens) to their D8 gummies and edibles. These types of products can be helpful in potentially achieving a specific function versus taking a gummy that just has D8 in it. We like to make it simple; we’ve named our D8 gummies in our Weekend line by their intended use!
Are you wondering if delta 8 make you sleepy? It could. But if you look for a product with added ingredients specific to sleep, you’re more likely to receive the intended potential benefit. For example, CBN – a minor cannabinoid – has been studied for its possible benefits for restful sleep. Our Lights Out gummies are perfect for beginners and pros to aid their bodies in falling and staying asleep. Lights Out gummies have 20mg D8 and 10mg CBN per gummy. We’ll get into our recommended delta 8 dose for sleep in a bit.
On the other hand, Delta 8 could also help you stay mentally sharp when combined with a minor cannabinoid, CBG. Our Creativity Boost gummies are formulated in a 1:1 ratio to aid your body with just the right amount of spark you may need. These edibles contain 15mg D8 and 15mg CBG. Like all of our gummies, they are made with organic ingredients, vegan and gluten-free!
There are many uses for D8 gummies. Ultimately, it is your decision on what you want to take the gummy for!
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D8 THC Tinctures
WHAT ARE D8 TINCTURES?
D8 THC tinctures are a liquid form of delta 8 mixed with a carrier oil that is most often MCT oil.
Like gummies, there are many strengths and uses for Delta 8 THC tinctures. But there are a couple of differences that make them a better choice for certain people or for select purposes. Plus, they can be fun: add them to your favorite drinks and foods for entertaining guests or just for yourself!
WHY USE A D8 TINCTURE?
First, Delta 8 tinctures are the most accurate way to dose, making them ideal for those who want to find their dose and those who microdose. For people who are new to THC or those who want to microdose throughout the day, it is best to find a graduated tincture. Our droppers are graduated meaning you can see and measure the exact amount of D8 THC oil you are taking at a time. You can titrate up or down as needed. If you are just starting out, we recommend starting low, waiting about 45 minutes and then assessing how you feel. If you’re too high, take CBD and use less D8 oil next time. If you’re not as elevated as you’d like, take just a bit more and repeat the process if needed.
Graduated tinctures are also perfect for those microdosing an exact amount. No matter if you need ¼ dropper of an energy-assisting tincture every few hours or maybe just a drop or two from a high-strength tincture three times a day, find a tincture that allows you to measure precisely what you need!
ARE TINCTURES BETTER FOR FEELING DELTA 8 FASTER?
Many folks who want the most elevated experience prefer using tinctures; they want to achieve elevation quickly and for a longer time. So, the question to ask here is if taking a tincture has a faster onset time (how fast you start to feel the effects) than eating an edible. There really isn’t a straightforward answer to this because everyone’s ECS and metabolism are different.
However, one of the two most popular ways to take a D8 tincture has been shown to have a faster onset time. This method is known as sublingual absorption, which utilizes your sublingual glands. Here, the D8 is able to bypass the need to go through your digestive system and should enter your bloodstream more rapidly than other methods. You can use this method by placing your desired dose under your tongue for 60-90 seconds before swallowing. Most people report feeling effects in 15-30 minutes.
Another popular way to use a tincture is the direct method. This is simply dropping your intended dose of D8 THC tincture oil into your mouth and swallowing. Much like ingesting an edible, this method traditionally takes 45 minutes for delta 8 to kick in.
WHAT IS THE DURATION OF THE EFFECTS OF D8 THC?
So, what if you want to feel elevated for the longest amount of time possible? As with the answer about onset time, the length of your high will depend on your body. Typically, the cannabinoid lasts for about 4 to 6 hours. Those who use the sublingual method often report that the high lasts a little longer than the direct method.
BUY D8 TINCTURES ONLINE
Looking for D8 THC tinctures online? Look no further! We have 3 high-potency tinctures for specific purposes that our dreamers use to achieve their goals.
D8 tincture for sleep aid: Try our Lights Out Tincture. It contains a 2:1 ratio of Delta 8 to pure CBN, which is being studied for its potential effects on promoting healthy and restful sleep. Each 1ml dropper has roughly 17mg D8 and 8mg of CBN. Take it about 45 minutes before bed.
D8 tincture for ultimate elevation: Our Sky High tincture will take you there. As one of the highest, purest concentrations of Delta 8 THC oil on the market, if you want exhilarating elevation or have a high tolerance, this is the tincture for you.
D8 tincture for mental support: Creativity Boost is one of the most unique tinctures we’ve developed. Equal parts Delta 8 and CBG, use this tincture when you need help to push past brain fog, jump-start your creativity or get laser-focused. Check out our recommended D8 THC dosing below.
DELTA 8 DOSAGE
Start slow and low! Finding the correct dosage has to do with many factors and in most cases, more is not better. Be patient as you work to find the dosage that works best for you.
Some factors that influence dosage:
- Your endocannabinoid system and individual sensitivity to cannabis.
- Your body chemistry.
- Other pharmaceutical use, or medicines and/or supplements you are taking.
- Any medical condition you may have and the intensity of that condition.
Start with understanding the concentration of the product you are using by reading the entire bottle to determine how many milligrams are in each serving (pill, dropper, inhale, gummy, etc.). We recommend that you use a product that gives you the option to start with only a few milligrams, like a gummy you can cut or a tincture from which you can use a few drops.
TINCTURE:
Start with 5-7mg. Here’s how:-
1/2 dropper full of the Luna Creativity Boost tincture (500mgD8 | 500mg CBG) is about 7mg of D8 and 7mg of CBG (dropper full is 15mg Delta 8 and 15mg CBD).
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Put under the tongue, count to 60 and swallow.
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Wait 20-30 minutes. If you feel high, that's your dose. If not, take 1 drop (about 0.5mg), and wait 15-30 minutes.
EDIBLE:
Start with 2.5-5 mg, then wait 60 minutes. Examples:
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Luna Hello Mellow Gummy is 25 mg, so take 1/4 to 1/8.
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If you feel nothing, take another 1/8 and eat. Wait 60 minutes.
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If you still feel nothing, take another ¼. Wait 60 minutes.
DELTA 8 AND HANGOVERS
We receive a lot of questions like, “But what about a delta 8 gummies hangover?” Folks want to try D8 for the first time, or maybe increase their dosage and are concerned about feeling bad when the experience is over. It is extremely rare that individuals who consume D8 have any residual effects after the psychoactive properties/effects subside. Remember, Delta 8 is a cannabinoid and is put to use by our bodies through our ECS. This is why we have our Wind Down, No Hangover experience! We created this … so you can finally let go of that every-night-glass-of-wine and welcome a more natural way to unwind at night.
If you want to have a bit more fun without a hangover from d8, check out our Sky High tincture – dose as low or as high as you want and don’t worry about a hangover.
COMBINING CBD WITH DELTA 8
There are many reasons to enjoy both CBD and Delta 8 together. However, we’re going to discuss what we believe to be the top two justifications.
ENTOURAGE EFFECT
Because of the research done on CBD, we know the importance of the “entourage effect,” which is when all (or most) cannabinoids and terpenes work in unison to achieve maximum potential benefits. Remember, your ECS is made up of countless endocannabinoids (neurotransmitters that say hello and bind to receptors in your nervous system). Accordingly, you must feed these endocannabinoids with several types of cannabinoids to truly have a well-rounded supplement routine. Each cannabinoid and terpene found in the plant and oil offer different uses. For that reason, we believe full spectrum products and layering are the way to go.
LAYERING
Let’s talk layering. Say you have stress, you need everyday management tools and an occasional boost to cope and achieve dreams. So, you take CBD tinctures (this one is great) or gummies (try these) every day and maybe sink into a warm bath soak (relax here) with CBD and other awesome stress-relieving ingredients like lavender and dead sea salt a few times a week. Then, when you really want to mellow out (say hello to mellow with these gummies), you take a little D8 to find your zen and focus only on the here and now, peacefully. And there you have it; you’ve used a full range of cannabinoids in an easy routine and didn’t even have to think twice about it!
TOO HIGH? USE CBD.
CBD can be used to reduce the psychoactive effect / bring down your high from Delta 8 THC if you get higher than you originally intended. We recommend taking 1 full dropper of our full-spectrum, 100% certified organic CBD tincture, Relief++ from our Everyday line! This will supply you with 50mg of CBD-rich oil to balance your ECS and help bring you down.
DETERMINING SAFE DELTA 8 PRODUCTS
There are a lot of Delta 8 products on the market. You can find them everywhere from gas stations to health food stores. But not all Delta 8 products are created equally – and not all are safe, either. Don’t set out solely focusing on price like searching for cheap D8 tinctures. Quality is most important and a quality D8 tincture doesn’t always have to be expensive. Let’s look at how to determine if the product you want to purchase is trustworthy.
First and foremost, make sure the brand has a certificate of analysis (COA) for each product it offers, especially D8 COAs. The most common COAs demonstrate the total cannabinoid content so you can verify that what is claimed on the label is what is in the bottle. Secondly, steer away from any products making claims on the label. No CBD or D8 brand can legally make health claims like, “will improve your sleep” or similar. It is likely that if the brand isn’t following regulations, it might be cutting corners. Also check for batch numbers on the product so that if a product is recalled, you will know how to proceed. Typically, this means you can return the product for a new batch, and receive a refund or both depending on the company. If there aren’t any batch numbers, you won’t be able to verify if the brand has a recall and the brand won’t be able to track where those particular products were sold, either!
If you’re shopping in-store, ask questions about the brand and the product you are interested in. Check the product label for the brand’s website, address and a QR code to view the product’s COA as well as the ingredients used in the product. If you’re shopping for D8 tinctures online or any other D8 products online, make sure the company has their COAs available to you, background on the company, ingredients of the product shown (preferably the entire label) and contact information listed on their website. So, all-in-all, do your research before buying and consuming any Delta 8 product!
We want to help you find the best Delta 8 THC product for you. If you’re still wondering what d8 product is best for your routine or desire, contact us!
Like any supplement, please consult your healthcare professional before starting CBD and/or D8. If you are pregnant or nursing, please do not use these supplements.
