Why “THC Light” is Perfect for All Day Use
People ask us constantly: when do you take delta-8? Is it better to use at night or during the day? Can you use delta 8 THC in the morning?
Honestly, and this is great news, you can use delta 8 anytime during the day for great relief. Of course, there are a few caveats here and there for getting the very best from delta-8 products. How do you time your delta-8 use to get the optimal experience?
In this post we’ll tell you how, including what delta-8 THC is, how to make THC light part of your daily routine, the benefits of Diet Smoke at different times of day, and when to use delta-8 during the day for maximum impact.
Quick Intro: What is Delta-8 THC?
Structurally, delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is very similar to standard psychoactive THC you have likely encountered before in Cannabis sativa. This compound is an isomer of delta-9 THC, the principal compound in the cannabis plant. This means its atomic arrangement is slightly different from delta-9’s structure, which produces a “high” and causes euphoria, symptom relief, and happiness.
Hemp-derived delta-8 and delta-9 THC cannabis products are similar, but the analogues have a slightly different chemical structure, and people are generally talking about delta-9 THC when they mention cannabis. Most strains of cannabis classified as marijuana contain higher levels of THC, although in delta-8 form, THC is less potent.
This is why so many people think about delta-8 as THC light, or diet weed. It’s got many of the same effects, but delivers a sort of lighter, more mellow result.
Is Delta-8 Legal?
Delta-8 exists in a sort of legal loophole created by the 2018 farm bill. With the farm bill, Congress legalized hemp in the United States. This is why you saw an explosion of products with cannabidiol or CBD soon after it was passed.
The farm bill defines hemp plants based on their concentration of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. Hemp products are derived from hemp plants, but those are just cannabis plants with delta-9 THC concentrations of 0.3 percent or less.
Technically this makes any amount of delta-8 THC extracts legal, because they have no delta-9 THC in them and they are hemp-derived. Of course, this is only true where state laws mirror the farm bill’s language and do not address delta 8 specifically.
Today, most state laws don’t address delta-8 THC specifically, and instead deal with cannabis, marijuana, CBD and CBD products, and just THC or delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol.
However, the law in multiple states now does restrict or ban delta-8 THC: Delaware, Arizona, Kentucky, Alaska, Rhode Island, Colorado, Arkansas, Connecticut, Utah, Idaho, Michigan, Iowa, Montana, Texas, Mississippi, New York, Vermont, North Dakota, Nevada, and Washington. Alabama, Illinois, and Oklahoma also have laws under consideration.
Why THC Light Should Be Part of Your Daily Routine
There is a very limited number of studies on delta 8 THC at this point. However, based on what we do know so far, this cannabinoid can offer some useful benefits.
The endocannabinoid system or ECS plays a critical role in promoting homeostasis, and all cannabinoids–including Delta-8 THC–interact with the ECS.
For now, research is extremely limited, and as always, it is important to talk to your doctor before starting any new treatments for any medical advice.
Benefits of Delta-8 or THC Light
Delta-8 THC produces a number of effects that users report enjoying:
- Clear-headed high
- Feelings of comfort, relaxation, and calm
- Enhanced appetite
Most users describe the delta 8 effect as a very uplifting, smooth, pleasant experience. It offers feelings of peace and relief to users. Some users feel slightly as if they are floating or weightless, earning the ‘THC light’ nickname even more.
Effects are not always immediate, and they vary from person to person. The method of consumption determines how long the effects take to hit you. For example, it might take between 60 to 90 minutes for a delta 8 edible such as a gummy to be processed and absorbed by the body. Effects should peak after that, and last for 3 to 8 hours.
Product quality is just as critical. For better effects, it is important to get high-quality products. Poorly made Delta 8 products often produce fewer of the effects you want or less intense results.
This is why it is more than worthwhile to go with trusted, reliable brands that frequently test their products, like we do at Diet Smoke; it’s a matter of safety and comfort. Great brands put serious effort into sourcing higher quality ingredients and testing their products for maximum potency and purity.
Best Times for Delta-8
Really, anytime is the right time, depending on you and your needs! Like the decaf of cannabis, THC light is really perfect whenever you want it. But here is what works for us and our customers.
Mornings Are Productive with Delta-8 THC Light
If you’re wondering about waking and baking with delta-8, the answer is yes, definitely! But it’s an even better wake and bake option than regular cannabis use because lower amounts of delta-8 in the morning offer you that calm demeanor and clear head you need to face whatever is coming from school or work.
Many of us wake up already worried about the day to come. A small serving of THC light can really help many users get over that hurdle and get to work with confidence.
Many users take a smaller amount of around 10 mg of delta 8 first thing. Delta-8 tinctures or low-serving gummies are a great option for this. Or, if your nerves are really jangling, you might enjoy the faster absorption of THC from from a delta-8 vape pen.
THC Light Days Are More Fun—And Focused
If you’re like so many on our team and delta 8 THC—or really any THC product—is your jam, anytime is the best time. You already probably have all-day use pretty much dialed down for your delta-9 THC, and now you have lighter options!
Remember: like other kinds of THC, delta 8 THC is psychoactive, so if you’re going to be driving at any point, time things right. Do not drive under the influence of delta-8 THC or ANY psychoactive cannabis products.
Get Ready for Bed
There’s no one best time to use delta 8 THC! But a lot of our customers do love it at night. And we get it—many people report feeling a nice sense of calm and peace when taking delta-8 gummies.
If you’ve ever had a bad time unable to sleep due to the racing thoughts an intense sativa might promote, you know that it’s not always wise to take marijuana extracts late at night. Sometimes they help you relax, and sometimes they jolt you up in ways you didn’t expect.
In general, users report they don’t feel this intense burst of racing thoughts when taking Delta-8 products.
The perfect evening sesh with delta 8 generally starts around 2 or 3 hours before you plan to go to bed.
When to Avoid Delta-8
Really, you can use Delta 8 any time during the day—for the most part. However, as with anything, there are times when you may want to avoid using delta 8 THC altogether:
If a Drug Test is Imminent, No THC is Light Enough
Will you test positive for THC? Maybe! It’s possible that you will test positive for THC if you use delta-8, because remember: delta-8 is a type of THC. How often, how long, and how much you use, when you stop, and how your body reacts generally all affect the test results, too.
Right now, most commercially-used urine tests that test for THC don’t differentiate between cannabinoids—including delta-8 THC, CBD, and the rest of the cannabinoids. If you have a drug test coming up that will look for cannabis, it’s best to avoid delta-8 THC because any THC–including delta-8–could test positive on a drug test.
If You May Need to Drive in 3 Hours or Less
Just like light beer, THC light is a no-go for driving. Don’t drive under the influence of delta 8 THC—or any THC. It’s not safe, and it is illegal. Give yourself a three-hour window, or longer if you need it. Some users anecdotally report that the effects of delta 8 THC last longer for them, so err on the side of caution and don’t take Delta 8 if you think you’ll need to drive at all.
If You Take Medications
Just like other forms of THC, delta 8 THC is well tolerated. But like anything else that has its own inherent medicinal qualities, it can cause negative interactions with some medications.
Some examples of medications that have been reported to interact with THC include:
- Blood thinners and blood pressure medications [THC can affect circulation]
- Anti-anxiety medications and prescription painkillers [THC can potentially be sedating and some of these medications can as well]
- Heart medications
- Anti-epileptic medications
- Diuretics [THC can also be dehydrating]
Many medications could potentially interact with delta 8 THC. Always talk to your doctor before trying it if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking any medications so you can accurately assess your risk.
Final Thoughts: Why Delta-8 THC Light is Perfect for All Day Use
Any time can be the right time to use Delta-8, and effectively. Just remember to plan ahead, start low and go slow, and carefully pay attention to how it affects you.
Written by Diet Smoke Staff Writers
The staff writers for Diet Smoke have been researching and writing about premium hemp-derived THC and CBD products for more than 3 years. The team has a keen understanding of the topic, remain current on all FDA and industry news, and use their expertise to generate engaging and informative content to help educate consumers on Diet Smoke’s products. Each article is fact-checked and includes sources to scientific data to ensure readers receive the most up-to-date and accurate information possible.
Reviewed By Colby Wohlleb
Colby Wohlleb, editor of Diet Smoke, reviews and approves all content before releasing it for posting on the Diet Smoke website. As a tireless advocate for the benefits of premium hemp-derived THC and CBD products, Colby ensures that all content is accurate, engaging, and informative. He also works directly with a trusted source to ensure the purity of the products we sell and performs rigorous lab testing to ensure that Diet Smoke’s products are of the highest quality and safety standards.