When it comes to Delta 8, patience might be a virtue, but it’s also a puzzle. Some feel it within minutes, while others are left, well, waiting for eternity. So what gives? Our blog will dive into a variety of factors that contribute to how long does it take Delta 8 to kick in. From all you science-behind-the-wait curious to those needing tips and tricks to hurry it along, we’ve got it covered!
What’s the Deal With Delta 8 Onset Time?
But first, let’s clarify what we mean by the term “onset time” before progressing with anything else. It’s just the time taken to feel some kind of effect after ingestion of Delta 8.
Some people become a little bit buzzed with the first few minutes of puffing from their Delta 8 vape. Others take gummies and just want to know, “How long does Delta 8 take to kick in?” Well, spoiler alert: not always that fast, and it depends on many things.
1. Method of Consumption: The Fast and the Flavorful
But if you ask yourself, “How long does Delta 8 take to kick in?” well, that depends first on how you will take it in. You see, the different ways of consumption deliver the Delta 8 into your body at different times. Let’s break that down now.
Vaping and Smoking: Speed Demons of the Delta 8 World
If you’re chasing a fast-acting relief or a quick buzz, vaping/smoking, Delta 8 is the way to go. If inhaled, the substance goes directly through the lungs into the bloodstream. That’s what it really means when one says one can feel the inhaled Delta 8 effects in as little as 10-15 minutes and sometimes even sooner!
However, there’s a trade-off. While the onset is faster when vaping or smoking, it may not necessarily stay in effect as long, especially when compared with other methods like edibles.
Edibles and Gummies: The Slow but Steady Champs
Well, Delta 8 gummy snacking lovers, prepare for a bit of a wait. You may wonder, “How long do Delta 8 gummies take to kick in?” The answer: anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Yes, that is quite a long time, but we will get to why in a second.
Gummies and all other edibles need to be digested and processed through your liver before the Delta 8 enters your bloodstream. This makes them slower to kick in but usually has the effect of lasting longer, often more potent. While the waiting game can get rather frustrating, it pays off in the long run. Tinctures: Somewhere in Between
Tinctures—Delta 8 oil drops taken under the tongue fall somewhere in between the onset spectrum, where you can expect to start feeling it anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes. The tincture will absorb into your bloodstream through the tissues under your tongue, bypassing digestion and therefore delivering a quicker onset than edibles but not quite as fast as vaping.
2. Your Metabolism: The Speed of Your Internal Engine
Now, things become more personal. No two people have the same metabolism rate, which makes a significant difference in how long Delta 8 takes to kick in. In comparison to those with slower metabolic rates, those with faster metabolisms typically absorb Delta 8 more quickly, which could cause them to experience its effects sooner.
The Role of Body Fat
Did you know that Delta 8 is fat-soluble? That means it’s sitting among your fat cells before getting absorbed into your bloodstream. If you have a greater body fat percentage, then it’s going to take you more time to feel the effects because Delta 8 has to work its way through more fat cells.
Age and Metabolism: Time Waits for No One
Another factor that can play into the length of time that it will take for Delta 8 to kick in is age. Generally, the younger the person is, the quicker their metabolism, so they would feel the effects sooner than older adults, who might feel them coming up a bit more slowly.
So, if you find yourself waiting longer for the buzz to start hitting while your friends are apparently all there already, it might just be that your body processes the cannabinoid a little differently.
3. Dosage: Bigger Isn’t Always Faster
It might also be tempting to think that the more Delta 8 ingested, the quicker it will hit. That is not always the case. The amount of Delta 8 ingested does not always equate to how fast one will feel the effects. Sometimes, too much intake backfires and makes one feel overwhelmed once it finally does kick in.
Low vs. High Dosage
A low dose takes longer to kick in because less of the compound will circulate through your system. Higher doses can result in quicker onset but may result in stronger effects than one is prepared for. Finding your “sweet spot” is key to enjoying Delta 8 without any surprises.
Tolerance Levels Matter
If you are an advanced user of Delta 8, your tolerance level may also affect the onset time. It follows that the higher your tolerance level is, the larger the dose you might need to experience the same effect compared to a beginner. Even for larger doses, however, onset times may still fluctuate based on how well your body can break down the compound.
4. Full vs. Empty Stomach: What’s in Your Belly?
This one is pretty obvious but often forgotten. If you take Delta 8 edibles or gummies on an empty stomach, the effects will be felt sooner because it digests quite fast since there isn’t any food in the stomach to delay the process.
Delta 8 taken on a full stomach, particularly after a heavy meal, can delay the onset. Your body will begin breaking down edibles after whatever food is digested in your stomach. Therefore, you might want to rethink that large dinner in advance if you are eager to experience the effects.
5. Product Quality: What You’re Taking Matters
Not all Delta 8 products are made equal, and extreme differences in quality could be found among the different products. Those low-quality Delta 8 products can contain fillers or less of the compound, and in that case, you will find yourself waiting for a very long period before anything happens.
Third-Party Testing for the Win
It is always recommended to prefer third-party-tested Delta 8 products. These would ensure tests that the product contains only what is on the label and that there will be no dangerous additives present in it. High-quality Delta 8 products will go a long way in improving the consistency and predictability of your onset time experience.
Concentration Counts
The concentration of Delta 8 in the product might also have much to say about how fast the onset will be. Generally, the onset will be fast for a product with a higher concentration of Delta 8 since more of the compound will enter your bloodstream.
The Bottom Line: Timing Is Everything
So, how long does Delta 8 take to kick in? It depends on the intake method and your metabolism, dose, and whether you have eaten. Vaping/smoking usually gives fast-acting results within minutes, and ingesting edibles like gummies may take up to two hours. Different biologist mean it will vary from one person to another, depending on the product quality.
If you are feeling impatient, remember that good things come to those who wait. And with Delta 8, the wait is often well worth it.
