Methods of Taking Hemp

The first step to making an informed decision with Delta-8 comes with understanding how different modes of ingestion can affect user experience. Both methods of use come with their own distinct differences in effects and longevity that should be taken into consideration based on your needs.

Inhalables

Inhalables come in many forms, including smoke-free options. Disposables, cartridges, and dabs are concentrates that produce vapor rather than smoke. However, as the name implies, these options contain concentrated amounts of D-8 cannabinoids and terpenes, making each puff stronger than a hit of flower. Vapor produces a smoother and less abrasive throat hit than smoking flower, as well as a lesser aroma after a smoke session, making it perfect for those partaking indoors.

Flower can also be vaporized but is more commonly used to roll joints, blunts, or packed into bowls before combustion. Flower use is recommended for those newer to Delta-8. With a lower concentration of potency, users can effectively find their proffered dose by taking an inhale from a joint or glass piece and waiting about 10-15 minutes before re-dosing as needed.?

Edibles

Edibles produce a completely different high than other methods of consumption due to how the body processes cannabinoids. Before psycho-active cannabinoids like D-8 pass into the blood-brain barrier, the body breaks them down into metabolites. The metabolized version of D-8 is a molecule known as 11-OH-THC. When you eat an edible, digestion gives the body more time to process Delta-8 into 11-OH-THC during its journey through the liver and, later, to the body’s cannabinoid receptors. When smoking, Delta-8 is taken into your bloodstream through the lungs and almost immediately delivered to endocannabinoid receptors. When compared to smoking, digestion allows for a larger percentage of D-8 to be processed into 11-OH-THC, making for a more potent and longer-lasting high.

How edibles are made

Edibles are made using cannabis flower that has been decarboxylated. Decarboxylation refers to the process of heat-induced molecular change, and without it, cannabis is non-psychoactive. This is why you can’t eat a nug of flower and experience the effects a well-made edible will produce. To decarb cannabis, flower is heated at approximately 230-250°F for about 25 to 30 minutes. After decarbing, terpenes and cannabinoids like D8 are extracted and infused into a fat-soluble substance such as oil. Cannabis varieties differ in their respective levels of THC and cannabinoids, so it is important to know the exact percentage of THC content in the flower being used, in order to produce an edible with the same effect in every batch. Proper lab results for edibles will ensure consistency in different batches even when different varieties of flowers are used for the finished product.