What is Delta-8 THC?
Delta-8 THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, known for its psychoactive properties. Unlike Delta-9 THC, it is reported to produce a less intense psychoactive experience. Delta-8 THC products are often unregulated, leading to inconsistent potency and potential contamination, which can exacerbate side effects.
Is Delta-8 Synthetic?
While Delta-8 THC occurs naturally in the cannabis plant, it exists in very small quantities. Therefore, most commercially available Delta-8 is produced through a chemical process that converts cannabidiol (CBD) extracted from hemp into Delta-8 THC. This is why the question “Is Delta-8 Synthetic?” is common. While it is not fully synthetic, it is not simply extracted from the plant like CBD.
Delta-8 Products and Their Impact on Side Effects
Delta-8 products come in various forms, each with its own onset time, duration, and potential for side effects:
• Delta-8 Flower: Smoking or vaping hemp flowers infused with Delta-8 distillate leads to rapid onset of effects but also a quicker dissipation.
• Delta-8 Edibles: Gummies, chocolates, and baked goods take 30 minutes to 2 hours to take effect. However, their longer duration increases the likelihood of next-day effects.
• Delta-8 Tinctures: Liquid extracts administered under the tongue offer a relatively fast onset compared to edibles but slower than inhalation.
• Delta-8 Vapes/Pens: Inhaling vaporized Delta-8 distillate results in rapid effects, similar to smoking, but with a shorter duration compared to edibles.
• Delta-8 Diamonds/Concentrates: Highly potent forms of Delta-8 consumed through dabbing or vaping, leading to more intense and potentially longer-lasting side effects.
• Delta-8 Drinks: Infused beverages have a slower onset, like edibles, and their effects can last longer.
The form of consumption significantly influences the intensity and duration of side effects. Edibles and concentrates may lead to prolonged next-day effects, whereas inhalation methods often result in shorter-lived effects.
What Are the Side Effects of Delta-8
Next-Day ?
While Delta-8 THC is known for producing a milder high than Delta-9 THC, it can still lead to next-day symptoms depending on dosage, metabolism, and product potency. Common next-day Delta-8 side effects include:
• Fatigue and Grogginess – Many users report feeling tired or sluggish the morning after consuming Delta-8.
• Mental Fog – Some experience difficulty focusing or a sense of “cloudy thinking.”
• Mild Headaches – Dehydration and cannabinoid effects can contribute to headaches.
• Dizziness or Lightheadedness – A lingering sensation of imbalance or dizziness.
These symptoms vary based on consumption method (edibles, vape, tincture), individual tolerance, and hydration levels.
How Long Do Delta-8 Side Effects Last?
Delta-8 side effects next day typically last from a few hours to an entire day, depending on factors such as dosage, consumption method, metabolism, and hydration.
How to Minimize Delta-8 Side Effects the Next Day
If you’re experiencing next-day Delta-8 side effects, follow these steps to recover quickly:
• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to flush cannabinoids from your system.
• Eat Nutrient-Rich Foods: A balanced meal helps restore energy and cognitive function.
• Get Fresh Air & Move: Light physical activity can reduce fatigue and brain fog.
• Lower Your Dose Next Time: Reducing Delta-8 intake can prevent severe lingering effects.
Practicing responsible use and moderation can help prevent unwanted next-day effects.
Learn How to Get Unhigh From Delta-8?
Is Delta-8 Withdrawal Possible?
While Delta-8 withdrawal symptoms are generally mild, some users experience:
• Irritability & Mood Changes
• Sleep Disruptions
• Reduced Appetite
These effects are more likely with frequent and high-dose use. If withdrawal symptoms occur, reducing consumption gradually can help.
Acute Side Effects of Delta-8 THC
Delta-8 THC, despite its reputation as a milder cannabinoid, has been associated with psychiatric and physical side effects, particularly when consumed in high doses or unregulated forms.
• Psychiatric symptoms: Psychosis (hallucinations, paranoia, delusions), mood swings, anxiety, and confusion—even in those without prior psychiatric history.
• Physical effects: Vomiting, dizziness, tremors, loss of consciousness, and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (severe nausea and vomiting).
• Intoxication risks: Unregulated Delta-8 products may contain unsafe levels of Delta-9 THC or contaminants, increasing adverse reactions.
FAQs About Delta-8 Next-Day Effects
How long do Delta-8 side effects last? Immediate effects last 4–8 hours, while lingering effects can persist up to 24 hours, especially with high doses or edibles.
Why does Delta-8 make me tired the next day? Delta-8 affects cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which can alter sleep cycles and suppress energy levels, particularly with edibles and high doses.
Does Delta-8 cause withdrawal symptoms? Yes, irritability, sleep disturbances, and reduced appetite are common withdrawal symptoms in frequent users. However, symptoms are milder than Delta-9 THC withdrawal.
Can Delta-8 cause long-term side effects? Long-term effects remain poorly studied, but case reports suggest potential neuropsychological impacts, dependence, and prolonged psychiatric symptoms.
Sources
U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). (2022). FDA warning on Delta-8 THC safety risks.
