The Best Time of Day to Take Delta 8

Timing is everything. That’s what they say about comedy but it’s true about a lot of things. If you’re new to Delta 8 THC, if you’ve never tried it, or even if you’re a seasoned vet, you might find yourself wondering when’s the perfect time to enjoy that smooth, mellow high. It’s a good question, but not one with only one answer. To figure out the right answer to this question, you must figure out exactly what’s right for you. This is going to mean a good luck at what you want from your Delta 8 and how best to go about making sure you get it. So, let’s learn a little about Delta 8, there’s no time like the present. 

What is Delta 8?

Before we tackle just what time of day is the right time for you to enjoy Delta 8, let’s quickly go over what Delta 8 is for those who are brand new to the game. You’ve probably heard of THC but if not, it’s the primary psychoactive chemical compound in marijuana. That means it’s what makes you feel high when you smoke weed or eat an edible. What you might not know about THC is it’s more technical name, Delta 9 THC. It gets this name from the placement of a double-bond on the ninth carbon atom in its carbon chain. 

Delta 8 THC is a nearly identical compound, with the only difference being that its double-bond is on the eighth carbon atom in its carbon chain. It is also psychoactive, but because it’s molecular structure is different, the high one feels is different than the high they would feel from Delta 9 THC. It is a totally subjective experience, so not everyone is going to feel the same about exactly how a Delta 8 high differs from a Delta 9 high. Generally, though, people describe a Delta 8 high as smoother, milder, and more subtle, with a clearer mental state than the high they would normally get from Delta 9 THC.

The molecular structure and the smoother high aren’t the only ways Delta 8 THC differs from Delta 9 THC. Perhaps the most important differentiation is that Delta 8 is federally legal. Typically, Delta 9 THC comes from marijuana, and both Delta 9 and marijuana are controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. While there is Delta 8 THC present in marijuana plants, the Delta 8 THC used in commercial products comes from the hemp plant. Hemp is a relative of marijuana, but it has a much lower concentration of Delta 9 THC. The 2018 Farm Bill made hemp and its byproducts legal, so long as they contain less than 0.3% of Delta 9 THC. It is important to note that Delta 8 THC can still trigger a failed drug test, so be mindful of that fact. If you’re worried about a drug test, you can get some cleansing tips here.

What Do You Want From Your Delta 8?

Being curious about when is the best time to take Delta 8 is understandable, but the better question to ask is what do you hope to get from your Delta 8 experience? There are as many reasons to use Delta 8 as there are people who use it, but there are some reasons that stand out above others. You can read about our top 8 benefits of Delta 8 here. Let’s walk through some of the best ones so you can decide if one of them is the right reason for you.

Delta 8 To Alleviate Stress

Delta 8 products can be a good way to alleviate stress or reduce anxiety. It’s true that stressful or anxiety-inducing events can’t always be seen ahead of time, but a lot of them can be. Each day comes with its own laundry list of stressful events or activities, like unfamiliar social situations, big presentations, or high-stakes scenarios. If there are stressful events in your calendar that you can see coming, then Delta 8 might be an option to help.

When To Take: About One Hour Ahead of Time

If you know you have a stressful event coming up, taking some Delta 8 about an hour in advance can help you calm your nerves. Still, if your stressful event is work-related, you may not want to go all-in and risk being unprofessional for the sake of steady nerves. This could be the perfect opportunity to try microdosing. Microdosing is a way of taking a small amount of Delta 8 to get the therapeutic benefit while avoiding the more significant mind-altering effects. You can read all about microdosing in our article here.

Delta 8 To Be More Productive

Because the high from Delta 8 leaves people with a clearer mind than Delta 9, it’s the perfect cannabinoid to start your day feeling loose and motivated. Often, people who use Delta 8 self-report that it helps them to have a clearer mind with less intrusive thoughts, as well as making them feel more relaxed and more creative.

When To Take: In The Morning

A dose of Delta 8 first thing in the morning can get your day started right so that you can squeeze the most juice out of it. A “wake and bake” is a good way to begin the day feeling relaxed, but the more subtle high of Delta 8 can also make sure your mind stays clear so that you’re ready to get things done. If you like a morning cup of coffee or tea, adding some of a Delta 8 tincture like Delta Extrax Focus can get your day off to a productive start as well as mellow any caffeine jitters. 

Delta 8 To Sleep Better

Sometimes shedding the weight of the day can be difficult, but Delta 8 can help. Not only does Delta 8 help with stress and anxiety, but the right dosage can also have sedative effects and induce drowsiness. If falling asleep is something you struggle with, Delta 8 might just be exactly what you need.

When To Take: A Few Hours Before Bedtime

While higher doses of Delta 9 THC can be stimulating, the higher the dose of Delta 8, the more soporific the effect. If you’re taking Delta 8 to help you sleep, you can take a dose about 2 to 3 hours before bedtime and if you’re still feeling restless, another half dose or dose when you want to go to bed. This should have your eyes feeling heavy and your mind ready to drift into dreamland. 

Delta 8 To Have A Good Time

Sometimes the only reason you want to take Delta 8 is to have a good time or make a good time better. That’s the perfect reason, because let’s be honest, being high is fun. It can make that sandwich taste a little better, that movie a little funnier, or that party a little merrier. If that’s the case for you, I know the perfect time to take Delta 8.

When To Take: Anytime

If you’re just looking to enjoy yourself, there is no right or wrong time to take Delta 8 (assuming there’s no operating of heavy machinery involved). A morning walk, a late afternoon lunch, an evening trip to the movie theater, or a late-night house party can all be a perfect opportunity to enhance the experience with Delta 8. There are no business hours on having a great time, so if the mood seems right then just go for it.

When To Avoid Delta 8

I know I just said anytime is the right time to enjoy Delta 8, but the truth is there are a few exceptions. Let’s look at those times when Delta 8 should be avoided:

When You’re Tired But Have Things To Do

If you’ve got things that need doing but you’re feeling tired, lazy, and unmotivated, taking Delta 8 is probably not the best idea. Because of its sedative effects, Delta 8 is unlikely to stimulate you into action. You could try a Delta 10 product instead, which does have a more stimulating high than Delta 8 and Delta 9. 

If You’re Going To Be Driving

Although Delta 8 is a more subtle high, it is still mind altering, and you should not be driving while under the influence of it. It is unsafe, not to mention illegal. If the plan is to drive in the next several hours, avoid Delta 8 and other mind-altering substances.

If You’re Using Medications

While Delta 8 is safe for healthy individuals, it could have negative interactions with certain medications, particularly for those with heart and blood pressure conditions. If you have a condition that requires prescription medication, you should consult your physician before using Delta 8 products.

Time To Try IT!

Think you know what you want from your Delta 8 experience and when will be best to enjoy it? Then now is the perfect time to order a Delta 8 product from The Green Dragon CBD. All of our products are independently tested, and you can find the Certificate of analysis (COA) easily on each product’s page. Tell us all about your favorite time to enjoy your favorite product in the comments below. If you still need a question or two answered before you pull the trigger on Delta 8, feel free to reach out to us privately through our contact link and one of our representatives will be happy to help you.