If you’re looking for a Delta 8 dosage calculator or some tips on how much Delta 8 THC you should take, you’ve come to the right place!
We understand that most new users have no idea where to start. The goal of this article is to explain the basics of Delta 8 THC dosage in terms that are easy to understand for beginners. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to more confidently make the usage decisions that are right for you.
Additionally, our dosage calculator can help you translate your desired serving size into milliliters (or drops) of tincture or fraction of a gummy. We’ll also offer some dosage tips if vaping or capsules are your delivery method of choice.
The Basics of Delta 8 THC Dosage
Rule #1: The most important thing to know is this: START LOW
It’s generally recommended to start with between 5-10 milligrams of Delta 8 THC. This typically means just a few drops of tincture, a quarter of a gummy, one capsule or a single 3-second pull from a vape device.
It’s important to start low because Delta 8 products have effects that you will likely feel. These effects can include a body high that many users describe as a “milder, less intense version of regular Delta 9 THC.” Each person’s tolerance is different. But by most estimates, Delta 8 is about 50% as potent as Delta 9.
By starting with a small amount, you will reduce the risk of overdoing it right out of the gates. Based on reports from users in our Facebook groups, taking too much Delta 8 can cause unwanted effects such as heightened anxiety, nausea or an intense high.
Rule #2: The effects and optimal amount of Delta 8 THC to take are highly individualized
There aren’t any established dosage amounts or serving sizes that are “right” or “best” for each person. This is because cannabis products interact with everyone’s body differently. The amount that is right for you depends on a variety of factors including weight, body chemistry and your body’s tolerance for THC.
The effects of Delta 8 can also differ depending on the product you use, how you take it, and how much you take. Some Delta 8 products include other cannabinoids and terpenes that can have more relaxing or energizing effects. You will also notice different effects from oral methods (such as gummies or capsules) than more direct methods such as tinctures or vaping. Lastly, it’s also likely that you’ll get a different effect from taking less than from taking more.
The key is to be aware of these factors that can cause different effects so that you can find which combination best suits your needs.
Rule #3: The best way to determine your personal optimal dose is to start low and increase slow
The lack of clear guidelines on how much to take is very frustrating for many users. Finding your optimal Delta 8 dosage will take some patience and experimentation on your part to find the dosage the amount that is best for you.
Based on feedback from users, the best approach is to start low (5-10 milligrams) and increase slowly over time. Pay attention to the effects that different amounts have on you and make adjustments as needed. You may find it useful to keep a dosing log to track how much you are taking and what effects that you feel.
Delta 8 Tincture Dosage Guide
Tinctures are liquid drops that contain Delta 8 THC and a carrier oil (typically MCT coconut oil). The carrier oil helps with absorption and dilutes the cannabinoids to make it easier to consume.
Each bottle comes with a dropper to dispense the drops. Most users place the drops under your tongue and hold them there for at least 45-60 seconds. This direct method allows the liquid to absorb sublingually into your bloodstream through the mucous membranes in your mouth.
Swallowing the drops or putting them in a beverage are also viable options. Just be aware that the effects of these oral methods may be different than taking the drops sublingually. This is because of the way that THC is metabolized through the digestive system.
To dose properly with tinctures, it’s important to understand the potency of the specific product that you have. The potency will typically be listed on the label and is expressed in terms of milligrams per milliliter.
For example, the Delta 8 tincture shown above has a potency of 15 milligrams per milliliter. One milliliter typically equates to one dropperful. So a full dropperful of this specific tincture would contain approximately 15 milligrams of Delta 8.
It’s generally recommended that you start with 5-10 milligrams of Delta 8 THC. After you’ve taken your first dose, wait at least an hour to feel the effects before taking more.
Delta 8 Dosage Calculator for Drops
Our interactive Delta 8 dosage calculator for tinctures converts your desired dose in milligrams to milliliters or drops of Delta 8 THC tincture.
Delta 8 Gummies Dosage Tips
Gummies and other edibles are a very popular way to take Delta 8. For the best results, place the gummy into your mouth and let it start to dissolve under your tongue for 45-60 seconds. You can then chew and swallow the remainder of it.
An advantage of gummies is that it’s easier to know how much Delta 8 THC you are taking. The amount of Delta 8 in milligrams per gummy will usually be listed on the packaging. For example, the 3Chi gummies shown above have 25 milligrams of Delta 8 per gummy.
Most of the Delta 8 gummies currently on the market have between 20-25 milligrams of Delta 8 per gummy. The gummies can be easily cut into pieces. It’s highly recommended that you not start out by taking a whole gummy.
When first starting, take a quarter (1/4) of a 20 or 25 milligram gummy. The effects of gummies take longer to feel because of the pass through the digestive system. So wait at least 2 hours before taking more.
Delta 8 Gummies Dosage Calculator
Our Delta 8 THC calculator for gummies converts your desired dose in milligrams to the number of gummies or fractions of a gummy.
Looking for Recommended Brands?
Best Delta 9 Brands (ships to all 50 states)
We also recommend that you check out our Delta 8 Beginner’s Guide. The beginner’s guide provides answers to frequently asked questions and has a list of recommended brands.
Lastly, our Delta 8 Price Tracker can help you get the lowest prices on D8 gummies, tinctures and vape cartridges. It compares the current prices for all major brands on a “price per milligram” basis so you can do accurate comparison shopping.
Get the Delta 8 Beginner's Guide and Coupons Sent to Your Inbox
Delta 8 Capsules Dosage Tips
Delta 8 capsules are taken orally by swallowing them just as you would an aspirin. If you’re going to start taking Delta 8 with capsules, it’s recommended that you purchase a product that has no more than 10 milligrams of Delta 8 per capsule.
Start with one capsule and then wait at least 2 hours before considering if you should take more.
Delta 8 Vape Dosing Tips
Vaping is a popular way of taking Delta 8 because of its fast onset of effects. The effects of vaping Delta 8 can typically be felt within just a few minutes.
It’s recommended that you start with just one 3-second pull from your vape device. Then wait for 15-20 minutes to feel the full effects before taking another puff if needed.
What Can You Do If You Take Too Much?
It should be clear to you by now that Delta 8 dosing is an inexact science. It’s not uncommon for users to take too much Delta 8 and begin to feel unwanted effects such as anxiety or paranoia.
If this happens to you, taking a CBD product may help. Research has shown that CBD can counteract the effects of THC and restore balance.
Join the Delta 8 Users Group on Facebook
This new Facebook group is dedicated to education about Delta 8 THC products and the sharing of experiences among users. Please join us in the group if you’d like to ask questions and interact with others that are interested in or using these products.
