How many delta 8 gummies should you take? How many draws of a delta-8 vape? Here’s a complete overview of delta-8 THC servings to get you started and set you up for a good experience.
Delta-8 THC is one of the most talked-about and widely-used compounds in the hemp industry these days. What’s exciting is how many people try delta-8 for the first time every day.
One of the first questions those new to delta-8 THC ask is, how much delta 8 should I take? If you’re new to delta-8 THC, it’s not at all uncommon to be unsure where to start.
No one delta 8 serving amount works for everyone. But once you understand delta-8 THC potency and have an idea of where to begin, you’ll be able to dial in on the right delta 8 serving for you.
In this guide, we cover delta 8 potency, offer suggestions on how much delta 8 to start with, and provide tips on determining the perfect delta 8 serving that fits your needs.
Understanding Delta 8 THC Potency
Before diving into delta 8 servings, let’s review a quick summary of what delta-8 is. Delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid found in hemp. It’s also an analog of conventional THC, also known as delta-9 THC. The two cannabinoids have slight differences in the position of their double-bonded carbons, and as a result, delta-8 is considered roughly half as potent as delta-9.
This is why you wouldn’t approach delta-8 servings the same way as well-known cannabinoids like delta-9 THC or CBD. Each cannabinoid’s molecular structure is unique, which means it interacts with receptors in different ways and elicits different effects.
For one, delta-8 THC has euphoric effects, whereas CBD does not. For most people, taking delta-8 produces noticeably uplifting and mood-boosting effects. But in most cases, these effects are not as powerful as when taking conventional THC.
Further reading: Learn more about the differences between delta-8 and CBD, and the differences between delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, and delta-10 THC.
Factors Impacting the Right Delta 8 Serving
Several factors can influence how dramatically delta-8 affects you and how much delta 8 you should take. These factors include:
- The concentration of your chosen delta-8 product
- Whether there are other cannabinoids or terpenes in the product
- Your body makeup and genetic predisposition
- Your tolerance
Concentration
The delta-8 products on the market can vary significantly in their strength. As you find the right amount of delta-8, always consider the concentration of a product’s serving. These will be measured in milligrams (mg) and should be visible on the packaging.
For example, one type of delta 8 gummies may provide 25 mg of delta-8 THC per gummy, while another may provide 50 mg per gummy.
Additional cannabinoids or terpenes
Some delta-8 products contain a blend of cannabinoids, which can influence how the product impacts you and makes you feel. Sometimes products mix delta 8, delta 9, and delta 10. And sometimes other cannabinoids can enter the blend. For example, Koi Delta 8 THC + THC-O + THC-P Disposable Vapes combine delta-8 THC with THC-O and THC-P for unique effects compared to using delta-8 alone.
The presence of terpenes, which are the aromatic compounds found in hemp, can also have direct physiological effects such as calming relief or mood elevation. Products like Delta 8 THC Vape Cartridges from Koi, which blend delta-8 THC with terpenes, can hit you differently.
Body Make-up and Genetics
Some people have a higher sensitivity to the effects of cannabinoids than others. One of the biggest factors influencing how you handle delta-8 is genetics. Everyone has a unique genetic makeup, which affects how cannabinoids like delta-8 work in the body.
Your body size and fat percentage also play a direct role in the amount you’ll need to take to achieve your desired effects. Generally, the larger you are, the more delta-8 you’ll need to take.
Tolerance
First-time users of delta-8 will have a different experience with a serving of delta-8 than regular users. Over time you could develop a tolerance to delta-8 THC, and you may find the need to increase your intake to experience the same level of effects. Regular cannabinoid users tend to use higher concentrations of delta-8 THC because of this reason.
Taking Delta 8 For The First Time
As you start your journey with delta 8, follow the “start low and go slow” motto. Begin with a smaller serving and gradually work your way up as needed over time. This approach will set you up for a successful first experience.
A good delta-8 serving to start with on your first time is 10-15 mg.
For most delta-8 gummies, this is roughly half a gummy. Cut a gummy in half, and then wait at least 30 minutes to see how you feel before taking any more.
If you’re using a delta-8 tincture, this is roughly half a dropper full, or 0.5 mL. Hold your serving under the tongue for 60 seconds before swallowing. Then wait 10 minutes or so to see how you feel.
If you’re vaping with a delta-8 disposable vape or a delta-8 vape cartridge, take a single draw or more and wait a few minutes for effects to kick in.
For more intense effects, take the other half of the gummy, a bit more tincture, or another draw until you find your sweet spot with delta-8 servings.
Delta 8 Serving Guide
Keep in mind the below suggestions are meant only as a guide. There is no perfect delta-8 dosage, so go into this delta-8 dosage guide cautiously. The goal is to provide you with insight as you get started with delta-8 servings.
Delta 8 Gummies Dosages
Our Koi Delta 8 THC Gummies contain a precise 25 mg of delta-8 THC per gummy, so you can increase or decrease your intake by cutting gummies in half or taking more at a time.
- Starting serving: ½ gummy = 12.5 mg delta-8 THC
- Regular serving: 1 gummy = 25 mg delta-8 THC
- Experienced serving: 2 gummies = 50 mg delta-8 THC
For more experienced users with a higher delta-8 tolerance, our potent High Hopes Delta 8 THC Gummies have 50 mg of delta-8 per gummy.
- Starting serving: ½ gummy = 25 mg delta-8 THC
- Regular serving: 1 gummy = 50 mg delta-8 THC
- Experienced serving: 2 gummies = 100 mg delta-8 THC
Delta 8 Vapes & Delta 8 Flower Dosages
Individual dosing with delta-8 vapes and smoking delta-8 flower varies, depending on how much you pull into your lungs with each draw. The best approach is to start with a couple of puffs and then take 1-2 more if desired after assessing the effects.
- Starting serving: 2-3 draws
- Regular serving: 4-5 draws
- Experienced serving: 8-10 draws
Delta 8 Tinctures Dosages
Koi Delta 8 THC Tinctures come in a 30 mL bottle with 1,000 mg of delta-8 THC, delivering 16.7 mg of delta-8 THC per 0.5 mL serving.
- Starting serving: 0.25 mL = 8.35 mg delta-8 THC
- Regular serving: 0.5 mL = 16.7 mg delta-8 THC
- Experienced serving: 1 mL = 32.4 mg delta-8 THC
How Long Does it Take Delta 8 Effects to Kick In?
The time it takes for delta-8 effects to kick in varies depending on the type of delta-8 product.
Effects from vaping delta-8 or smoking delta-8 flower will kick in nearly immediately. The compound quickly absorbs through the lungs and reaches your bloodstream, so you can expect to feel its effects within 5 to 10 minutes.
Tinctures, absorbed sublingually under the tongue, can deliver delta-8 to your bloodstream within minutes. The compound absorbs through your mouth’s mucous membranes and bypasses the digestive system, producing effects within 10 to 20 minutes.
Effects from edible products like gummies take longer because the compounds have to make their way through the digestive system. You may feel a slight sensation after 15 minutes, but generally, it can take up to an hour before full effects kick in.
Once delta-8's elevating benefits do take effect, they can last a few hours. However, delta 8 stays in your body's system for longer.
Can You Take Too Much Delta 8?
While there’s no evidence that it’s possible to overdose on delta-8 THC, you can go overboard and have an uncomfortable experience.
Overindulging in delta-8 isn’t fun, but it’s not as severe of an experience as taking too much conventional THC. Because delta-8 has a lower overall potency, its undesirable side effects are not as intense. Using too much delta-8 can lead to temporary drowsiness, reduced concentration, anxiety, dry mouth and eyes, and paranoia.
Taking too much delta-8 is entirely more common with edible delta-8 products. Because delta-8 edibles can take more than an hour to take full effect, a common mistake is to get impatient and take more.
This also highlights the importance of only buying delta-8 products from a trustworthy source. Brands that use accredited, third-party testing ensure that their products reliably contain the amount of delta-8 THC listed on the label. It’s one of the many things to look for when buying delta-8 online.
So what should you do if you take too much? Drink water and divert your attention from your uncomfortable feelings by focusing on something you like. Usually, the side effects of taking too much delta-8 THC dissipate within a few hours.
Discover More About Delta-8 THC
To recap: Everyone is different, which is why there is no established delta-8 serving that’s perfect for everybody.
To find your optimal delta 8 serving, start small and work your way up slowly. As you increase your intake, go up 5 to 10 mg at a time and pay close attention to how you feel.
Do you have more questions about using delta-8? Visit the Koi blog for more information on delta-8, or reach out to the Koi customer service team and we’ll be happy to assist you!
