What You Need to Know About Eating Delta 8 THC in 2024

Delta 8 THC has been on the hemp marketplace for several years now, and many enthusiasts out there have been able to explore and fully enjoy its unique effects. In fact, delta 8 was the first psychoactive cannabinoid to enter the legal hemp market, proving to be quite revolutionary. Now, delta 8, like cannabidiol (CBD), comes in all kinds of different delivery methods, including vapes, tinctures, flower, and more. But, a growing number of hemp enthusiasts are choosing to explore delta 8 in an edible form. Delta 8 edibles offer a unique type of experience due to the nature of this delivery method, and many find the experience to be overall favorable.

So, if you’re new to the world of delta 8 edibles, allow us to clear up everything you could possibly want to know about this type of product and what it’s capable of. This way, you will know whether or not this is the right choice of delivery method for your routine.

What are Delta 8 Edibles?

For anyone familiar with CBD edibles, delta 8 edibles are quite similar, with only one major difference: rather than the active ingredient being cannabidiol, it’s delta 8 THC, which is present in the form of an extract produced by isolating this cannabinoid and concentrating it so we can feel its effects more potently. Many of you already know that delta 8 is a psychoactive compound, which produces a milder high than delta 9 THC. Beyond that, delta 8 binds to CB1 receptors in the nervous system to offer balancing effects through the function of the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).

Basically, delta 8 edibles are food products infused with delta 8 extract, which are consumed to absorb into the body through the digestive process. Eating an edible means that it can take up to a couple of hours to really feel the full strength of the compound’s effects, and this is because the compound must travel through the digestive system and get released into the bloodstream through the liver.

What are the Different Kinds of Delta 8 Edibles?

Delta 8 edibles come in different variations, and knowing what they are will ensure you end up with a product most likely to meet your needs and preferences. Below are the types we carry here at The Calm Leaf:

• Gummies: Of all of the different kinds of delta 8 edibles on the market, gummies reign supreme. They taste delicious, come in various enticing flavor options, and act as an easy way to portion out each serving.
• Candies: These are pretty much similar to gummies, only the textures are different, and they come in more options in terms of flavors, such as Chocolate Bars and Caramels.
• Dry Fruits: Refers to a type of dried fruit that has been infused with this cannabinoid. The process of infusing dried fruit with D8 usually involves spraying or coating the fruit with a delta 8 THC distillate. This allows consumers to ingest the compound in a more discreet and convenient way. The types of fruit used can vary, with popular options including mangoes, apricots, apples, and berries.
• Mints: Delta 8 mints offer a quick and easy way to take a daily serving of delta 8 THC and freshen your breath at the same time. They’re also a uniquely discreet option for delta 8 fans. Delta 8 mints are made with clean and natural ingredients, and they contain an evenly portioned amount of lab-tested delta 8 THC distillate to offer a mild psychoactive buzz with each serving. Effects can last for several hours, while the taste is as refreshing as it gets.
• Tablets: Similar to mints in terms of ingredients and such, the only real difference is that, even though they can be eaten or swallowed, for the best results and faster sublingual onset time, it is best to store the tab in cheek after a light meal.
• Baked Goods: Delta 8 baked goods refer to edible products that are baked in the oven, such as cookies, brownies, cereal bars, or other bakery items, that’re infused with this cannabinoid. These edibles goods are usually proportioned (either pre-made or made by the individual baking them). Dosing with them is a bit different than with gummies, candies, mints, and tablets, because of how potent baked goods can be.
• Cooking Oils: Delta 8 cooking oils are a type of infused cooking oil that contains Delta-8-THC. This type of oil can be used in a variety of cooking applications, similar to how you would use other infused oils. For examples, it can replace regular oil in recipes like brownies, cookies, or other baked goods. it can also be used in savory dishes, but it's important to note that high temperatures can degrade THC, potentially reducing its effectiveness. Plus, you can even use cooking oil as a dressing or finishing oil. Drizzle it over salads, pasta, or pizza after cooking to maintain the integrity of the THC. Keep in mind though, the oil might have a distinct flavor due to the delta 8 infusion, so consider how this will pair with the other flavors in your dish.

What Goes into Choose a Delta 8 Edible?

Now that you know the different types of delta 8 goods, going about choosing a delta 8 edible involves several considerations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Before we dive into these though, just keep in mind that how delta 8 THC affects one person, may not be the same for another person.

Consideration #1: Quality and Source of Delta-8 THC

You want to look for products made from high-quality hemp and ensure that it’s extracted safely and effectively. This is why those third-party lab reports are so crucial. They verify that the product has been tested by an independent lab. Check for a Certificate of Analysis (COA) to ensure purity and the absence of harmful substances like heavy metals or pesticides.

Consideration #2: Dosage and Potency

Like CBD edibles, delta 8 edibles come in a wide range of milligram strengths, with the milligram number indicating the number of milligrams of pure delta 8 in the product. Therefore, you must carefully choose your strength based on how potent you’d like these effects to be. Because delta 8 is psychoactive, paying attention to potency is especially important. If you're new to delta 8 THC, start with a lower dose and gradually increase as needed.

Consideration #3: Flavor

Since delta 8 comes in many forms, choose a type that appeals to you, especially the actual flavor is imperative. This is especially the case if you have specific preferences or dietary restrictions.

Consideration #4: Formula

The edible formula can contain any number of ingredients besides delta 8 THC, including the specific type of flavoring ingredients and sweetener. It’s always important to look through the ingredients list to make sure that each ingredient agrees with your body.

Consideration #5: Ingredients and Allergens

Check for any additional ingredients that might be of concern, such as allergens or additives. Prefer products with natural, organic ingredients.

What are the Advantages of Choosing Delta 8 Edibles?

So, why have edibles become such a popular choice among the various types of products that provide the body with delta 8 THC? Let’s go over the specific advantages of choosing edibles over other delivery methods.

Advantage #1: Delta 8 Edibles Provide Long-Lasting Effects

Edibles are known for providing the longest-lasting effects of any delivery method. Roughly, edibles offer effects for between 8 and 10 hours, compared to vaping products which can last for an hour or two at the most. Therefore, if you’re looking for a delta 8 experience that lasts throughout the day, edibles are a great option.

Advantage #2: Delta 8 Edibles May Offer More Body Relaxation

Because edibles are processed through the body’s digestive system, the effects tend to be felt in a more widespread way throughout the body. Notably, a lot of fans of edibles say that they feel the effects in both the body and the mind in equal amounts, helping them relax.

Advantage #3: Delta 8 Edibles are Easy to Dose

Edibles are easy to dose, because each piece contains the same amount of delta-8 THC. Therefore, you don’t need to measure out each amount, or count the number of puffs you’re taking.

Advantage #4: Delta 8 Edibles Can Be Consumed Anywhere

Edibles can be taken anywhere at any time, in a way that’s discreet and portable, as we touched upon earlier. Those who vape or smoke their delta 8 know that there are many places in which they can’t enjoy their hobby, such as indoor public spaces and certain public outdoor spaces where vaping and smoking are banned.

Advantage #5: Delta 8 Edibles Simply Taste Great

Of course, delta 8 edibles offer the advantage of flavor. They come in the forms of tasty food items that are a pleasure to consume.

How to Make Delta 8 Edibles Part of Your Routine

Now that you know how edibles are unique from other delivery methods, let’s talk about incorporating these products into your daily routine. The first thing that you’ll need to do is select the best product for your preferences. Be mindful of the milligram strength, formula and quality, by choosing from a brand with a good reputation.

If you’re a beginner, it’s good to start with a lower milligram strength and take no more than the recommended dose, or even half. Delta 8 THC is intoxicating, and you may want to go slow in the beginning to get used to its effects in a gentle manner. You can take edibles daily if you wish.

Make sure that you don’t drive after consuming delta 8 edibles, because their intoxicating effects can impair your ability to operate a vehicle. Again, for newbies, it’s best to first experiment with edibles in the evening when there are no big responsibilities for the remainder of the day.