Written for Mary Jane’s Bakery Co. — with real science, not guesses

Most people come to THC for balance — sometimes to relax a long day, sometimes for sleep, sometimes just for a calmer mind. But even the mildest forms of THC can bring side effects if the dose hits too fast or your body is not ready yet. At Mary Jane’s Bakery Co., we hear people ask the same questions every night at the shop, especially first-timers who just want something gentle.

And honestly… a lot of this comes from real people just talking about what they felt.

Everyone Reacts Differently to THC

Two people can take the same gummy and have totally different nights. That is normal.

Your body reacts to THC differently depending on:

• how much sleep you’ve had

• whether you ate

• your weight

• your metabolism

• your stress level

• vape vs gummy vs flower

• your past tolerance

Scientific research from the National Institutes of Health explains that cannabis interacts with your endocannabinoid system in a very personal way. It is not a one-size-fits-all thing. Some people feel calm and quiet. Some feel floaty. Some get anxious. Some feel nothing at all.

So if something feels “too strong,” it does not mean anything is wrong. It just means the dose and your body weren’t in sync.

1. Side Effects of Delta-8 THC (The Smooth One)

Delta-8 is usually the gentlest. People often describe it as a “soft blanket” type of feeling. But it still works on the same receptors as Delta-9, just lighter.

Common Delta-8 Side Effects

Dry mouth / dry eyes

This happens because cannabinoids reduce saliva and tear production. This is backed by NIH cannabinoid research. (Source: NIH / NCBI)

Sleepiness or warm heaviness

A lot of people use Delta-8 at night for this exact reason.
A user-experience survey published in the Journal of Cannabis Research reported this as the #1 effect.
Source:Journal of Cannabis Research (Delta-8 effects)

Late confusion from edibles

Delta-8 edibles still convert into 11-Hydroxy-THC, which feels stronger and lasts longer.
This is explained in a pharmacology study on THC metabolism.
Source: THC pharmacokinetics study (NIH)

Mild anxiety

Yes, even Delta-8 can do this if you take more than you meant to.
The CDC notes this is dose-related with all THC types.
Source:CDC – Cannabis & Anxiety

Slow reaction time

Documented across multiple cannabis studies — it is normal.

Delta-8 is great for people who want something gentle, but it is still THC. The “light” label does not mean “side-effect free.”
Source: NCBI

2. Side Effects of Delta-9 THC (The Strong, Classic One)

Delta-9 is the normal THC most people already know. It hits faster, hits deeper, and hits harder. Some people love this. Some prefer something smoother.

Most Common Delta-9 Side Effects

Fast onset anxiety or “thinking too much”

This is the most famous side effect.
Research from NIH shows it is usually caused by high doses or by a fast-hitting vape.
Source: NIH – Adverse Effects of Cannabis

Short-term memory lapses

Not dangerous — just annoying.
A well-known Nature study explains how Delta-9 affects memory processing.
Source: Nature – Memory Disruption

Heart feels fast for a few minutes

The American Heart Association notes this is a standard cardiovascular response.

Source: American Heart Association

Red eyes

From blood vessel dilation. Happens to almost everyone.

Source: NIH

Nausea at high doses

Funny enough, low THC helps nausea, but high doses can trigger it.

Source: Journal of Clinical Pharmacology

Sensory overload

Lights feel bright. Sounds feel sharp. Time feels weird.
A psychological study by NIH explains why THC intensifies sensory processing.

Source: NIH – Psychological Effects

Delta-9 is amazing when the dose is right… overwhelming when it is not. That is why we hand new customers low-dose edibles first.

3. Side Effects of THCA (The “Stronger Than It Looks” One)

A lot of people think THCA is mild because raw THCA is non-psychoactive. But once heated, THCA turns into Delta-9 — often stronger than normal THC flower because THCA percentages are very high.

Common THCA Side Effects

Heavy relaxation or full-body calm

High-purity THCA creates very strong Delta-9 after heating.
This is proven through decarboxylation research published in pharmacology journals.

Source: NIH – Decarboxylation Study

Slower reaction time

Same as strong Delta-9 flower.

Source: NCBI – Motor performance studies

Intense appetite (“munchies”)

A Nature Neuroscience paper explains why THC activates hunger pathways.

Source: Nature Neuroscience

Strain-dependent anxiety

This depends on terpenes like limonene, pinene, or terpinolene.
Neuroscience research shows terpenes influence mental tone.

Source: Frontiers in Neuroscience

Dry mouth / dry eyes

Same THC-related reason as before.

Source: NIH

People often think THCA will be soft. But when we talk to customers at Mary Jane’s, the common line is:
“I didn’t expect it to hit THAT strong.”

Shared Side Effects Across Delta-8, Delta-9 & THCA

Even though they feel different, the big side effects overlap:

• dry mouth

• slower reactions  (source: CDC – Cannabis & Driving)

• fatigue or “crash” after

• time distortion

• red eyes

• faster heart rate

• mild fogginess

If THC Feels Too Strong: What Actually Helps

Most people experience at least one moment where something feels “too much.”
There are simple things that help the body settle — all backed by science and real customer stories.

1. Hydrate Slowly

Not gulping — just slow sips.

Dry mouth makes the whole experience feel harsher. Hydration stabilizes blood pressure and helps calm the “rush.” Public-health guidelines often mention that hydration reduces the intensity of cannabis side effects.

People tell us things like:

• “After drinking some water, I felt normal again.”

• “It calmed the chest pressure.”

2. Smell Black Pepper

You do NOT eat it. You do not snort it.
Just crack a peppercorn and smell it lightly.

Black pepper contains beta-caryophyllene, which interacts with cannabinoid receptors in a grounding way. Pharmacology research explains this connection clearly.

Most people feel the “mental intensity” drop pretty quickly.

3. Slow Breathing (4-7-8 Method)

This helps more than people expect.

Breathing in for 4 seconds, holding for 7, and exhaling for 8 signals the body to exit the “panic” mode. Doctors use this method for anxiety episodes because it activates the relaxation system.

Even two or three rounds change the whole mood.
source:- Harvard Health (4-7-8 breathing)

4. Change Your Setting

Bright rooms, loud noise, or too much activity make THC feel stronger.
Going somewhere quiet, dim, or cooler helps your mind reset.

People often say:

• “I went to the bedroom and the whole vibe changed.”

• “Fresh air worked instantly.”

Your environment matters more than most realize.

 source: Recommended in CDC harm-reduction guidelines.

5. Eat Something Light

A small snack — crackers, fruit, toast, a tiny granola bar — is enough.

It slows how fast THC keeps entering your bloodstream. A well-known clinical pharmacology study explains that food slows cannabinoid absorption.

People usually feel more grounded within minutes.

Avoid heavy meals though — that can make the body feel sluggish.

Which THC Type Has the “Worst” Side Effects?

• Delta-9 → strongest mental intensity

• THCA flower → can be even stronger once heated

• Delta-8 → best for beginners, softest overall

This matches what customers tell us daily and what research supports.

Practical Tips to Avoid Side Effects Next Time

• start smaller than you think you need

• avoid mixing THC types on the same night

• eat something first

• hydrate

• pay attention to terpene profiles

• use vapes slowly

• respect your tolerance

• do not redose too quickly

THC is not dangerous, but it is powerful when the dose is too much. A little awareness makes the whole experience smoother.

🛒 Where To Buy Delta-8, Delta-9 & THCA in Miami

If you want clean, tested THC products that match the experience you’re looking for, you can visit:

Mary Jane’s Bakery Co — 24-Hour CBD & THC Smoke Shop
175 NW 14th St, Miami, FL 33136
(Miami’s most trusted late-night shop for real THC products.)

Our team helps match people with the right product so they avoid the exact side effects you read about above.

Also, if you want to learn how these cannabinoids compare, here’s a helpful read on our site:
Delta-8 vs Delta-9 vs CBD – What’s Different and Why It Matters?