Delta 8 Capsules vs. Delta 8 Vapes
There are quite a few different kinds of delta 8 products to choose from, so it’s important to know the benefits and detractors of each option before you make a purchase. Whether you’ve vaped other substances before or not, vaping delta 8 is a unique experience, and the effects of taking delta 8 capsules might surprise newbies just as easily.
In this guide, learn exactly what delta 8 capsules and vapes are, and find out how these two popular categories of delta 8 vape products compare. Then, discover answers to commonly asked related questions that might help you narrow down your options even further.
What is delta 8?
First, what even is delta 8? Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol is a naturally occuring cannabinoid found in hemp and cannabis. Usually only present in very small concentrations in cannabis flower, most delta 8 is instead converted from CBD using a simple and natural enzymatic process.
The effects of delta 8 are very similar to the intoxication provided by delta 9 THC, but they aren’t quite as strong, and delta 8 appears to have a preferable side effect profile. Since its chemical structure is different enough from the structure of conventional THC, delta 8 is usually considered to be a hemp cannabinoid and is widely sold online.
What are delta 8 capsules?
Delta 8 capsules are orally ingested gelatin or gelatin-equivalent capsules that contain delta 8-rich hemp flower extract. The type of extract and the dose of delta 8 these capsules can contain varies depending on the product, but delta 8 capsules are all alike in that they provide a convenient and flavor-free way to use D8.
What do delta 8 capsules do?
After you swallow them, delta 8 capsules gradually break apart in your stomach, releasing D8 throughout your digestive tract. First filtered by the liver, the D8 in your capsules then makes its way to your central nervous system via your bloodstream.
The entire process takes around 30 minutes to begin and lasts for around 2-3 hours. Residual effects may be felt for an additional few hours as delta 8 makes its way through your digestive tract.
What are delta 8 vapes?
Delta 8 vapes are disposable vape cartridges or pens containing highly purified delta 8 extract that’s designed for vaporization. These vape cartridges usually contain around 1 gram of delta 8-rich cannabis extract, and most of them are compatible with standard 510-threaded batteries. It’s also possible (but not necessarily recommended) to hit a delta 8 vape cartridge without a battery.
What do delta 8 vapes do?
Delta 8 vapes instantly and potently provide this cannabinoid’s intoxicating effects. Within seconds of inhalation, delta 8 molecules pass through the alveoli in your lungs with practically zero filtration and enter the dense capillary network surrounding your lung tissue.
From there, it usually takes less than 30 seconds for a full flow of delta 8 to reach your brain. The primary effects of vaping delta 8 persist for around 45-60 minutes, and you might feel lightly stoned for a few more hours after that.
Delta 8 capsules and vapes compared
How do delta 8 capsules and vapes hold up when compared side-by-side? Find out which product type comes out on top in terms of ingestion method, potency, effects, uses, user experience, and pricing:
Ingestion method
This category is all about preference. Some users will enjoy the feeling of a cloud of high-quality delta 8 vapor entering their lungs, but others might detest the sensation. In the same way, some of us hate taking pills while others wouldn’t view swallowing a delta 8 capsule here or there as much of an inconvenience. Simply figuring out which product type you like can be more important than considering any other factor.
Potency
Between delta 8 capsules and vapes, there’s certainly a winner when it comes to potency. Taking cannabinoids orally offers far less bioavailability than inhaling them. As the measurement of how much of a substance your body can use before it is excreted, bioavailability makes a huge difference in the experienced potency of a cannabinoid product. If you want the most potent experience possible, choose vapes over capsules.
Effects
Beyond mere potency discrepancies, the effects of delta 8 capsules and vapes are simply different. Capsules will hit you slower but offer effects that last much longer, but the effects of delta 8 vapes are considerably stronger even if they don’t last as long. Depending on what you’re trying to get out of your delta 8 experience, either product type might be ideal.
Uses
If you’re using delta 8 for a particular condition or purpose, you’ll need to choose your product type wisely. People who use delta 8 for anxiety attacks, for instance, appreciate the fast-acting potency of delta 8 vapes. If you’re using delta 8 for daily chronic pain, however, capsules could be the more appropriate choice.
User experience
There’s something to be said purely for the enjoyment of using delta 8 vapes. There are so many strains to choose from, and each one offers unique effects. Plus, puffing on a delta 8 vape simply makes you feel cool and offers the instant reward of a potent high. Capsules are somewhat boring in comparison.
Pricing
Vaping is usually one of the most economical ways to use any cannabinoid, but it isn’t always. Delta 8 capsules are also often on the inexpensive side, but they can cost more per dose of D8. Check the pricing of individual delta 8 capsule and vape products to determine if you’re getting a good deal.
The bottom line: What is the best form of delta 8?
Between vapes and capsules, most users would consider delta 8 vapes to be the best form of this cannabinoid, but opinions vary considerably. Taking delta 8 in capsule form might not get you as high as vaping this cannabinoid, but for many D8 users, intoxication isn’t a primary motivation.
Capsules certainly have their place as convenient, hassle-free products you can use to take high doses of delta 8. If you’re a frequent cannabis user who is used to smoking or vaping delta 9 THC, though, you’ll probably be disappointed by the effects of capsules.
Remember that individual products can make all the difference. Just because one delta 8 capsule didn’t work doesn’t necessarily mean that a different capsule made by another brand also won’t, and the same goes for D8 vapes. Research specific products to find the best delta 8 capsules and vapes you can buy online.
Delta 8 capsules vs. vapes FAQ
1. What is the strongest way to consume delta 8?
Vaping is probably the strongest way to consume delta 8. Disposable vape cartridges pack a significant punch, but they’re nothing compared to the king of vaping methods — dabbing. A single dab can contain hundreds of milligrams of cannabinoids, so make sure to bring a healthy appetite for D8 if you choose to consume the cannabinoid using this ultra high-potency method.
2. Do delta 8 capsules get you high?
Yes, delta 8 capsules will cause intoxication in most users as long as you take a dose larger than 5mg. Even users with significant tolerances can usually get high from around 10mg of orally ingested THC, and using delta 8 sometimes appears to bypass delta 9 THC tolerance. If you don’t want to get high, try CBD capsules instead.
3. Is vaping delta 8 better?
Vaping delta 8 is generally considered to be one of the best available methods for using this THC alternative. Depending on the type of delta 8 flower you smoke, however, smoking this cannabinoid might not pose any additional dangers. People have smoked cannabis for thousands of years, and delta 8 flower doesn’t contain nicotine or any of the additives put into tobacco.
4. Is 25mg of delta 8 a lot?
Yes, 25mg can be considered a “medium” dose of delta 8 with 10mg being “small” and 50mg being “large.” Even experienced users don’t usually exceed doses of 50mg delta 8 at a time, and you’re certainly in for an interesting experience if you take 100mg of this cannabinoid or more.
5. Can you OD on delta 8?
There doesn’t appear to be any potential to overdose or “OD” on delta 8 or any other natural cannabinoid. You can experience adverse effects if you consume an enormous amount of delta 8 or any other form of THC, but your body generally processes cannabinoids quickly and without any lasting damage. That’s no reason to purposefully use an amount of delta 8 that’s too large, though.
6. Does delta 8 work for stoners?
People who have habitually used THC for years — AKA “stoners” — generally indicate that delta 8 scratches the itch left behind by THC’s conventional delta 9 form. Does delta 8 get stoners high in exactly the same way as delta 9? No, but the experience is close enough to feel like the “real thing” while conveniently lacking some of the attributes of delta 9 that can be the most maddening. Delta 8 is definitely worth a try even if you’re experienced with cannabis.
