TL;DR: Delta 8 vs. Delta 9 Tolerance
Delta 8 and Delta 9 are cannabinoids with similar effects, but Delta 9 is more potent. Both can lead to tolerance, requiring higher doses over time. Tolerance breaks, or cycling between Delta 8 and Delta 9, can help reset sensitivity. Experiment to find what works best for your needs.
Delta 8 and Delta 9 are two popular cannabinoids offering similar but distinct experiences. Delta 9 is known for its strong psychoactive effects, while Delta 8 provides a smoother, milder high. Both, however, can lead to tolerance — when your body needs more of a substance to feel the same effects.
In this blog, we’ll break down Delta 8 tolerance and answer key questions: Can you build a tolerance to Delta 8? Does Delta 8 increase tolerance for Delta 9? How can you manage tolerance effectively?
By the end, you’ll know much more about optimizing your Delta 8 and Delta 9 usage for the best results. Let’s dive in!
Understanding Delta 8 and Delta 9: Basic Background
Delta 8 and Delta 9 are both cannabinoids — chemicals primarily found in cannabis and hemp plants. They have similar effects, with many users commonly reporting feelings like an elevated mood and relaxation. The major difference between the two in terms of effects is that Delta 8 is thought to be less potent than Delta 9.
For some users, that means Delta 8 is preferable because it isn’t as intense. It may be less likely to cause unwanted side effects that occur at higher doses, like anxiety or forgetfulness.
For other users, Delta 9 is preferred because of its increased potency. Delta 8 still works just fine for these users, but they need to consume more of it to get the desired effects.
Legality of Delta 8 and Delta 9
In terms of legality, the source of these cannabinoids determines everything that follows. Delta 9 is the most abundant form of THC found in cannabis plants, as Healthline explains. Delta 9 from cannabis is illegal on the federal level, but legal on a state-by-state basis in slightly more than half of the country.
The term “cannabis plant” is more of a legal distinction than a biological one. As part of the 2018 Farm Bill, the federal government legalized the production and sale of hemp plants — plants containing no more than 0.3% Delta 9 by dry weight.
Plants over that threshold are classified separately as cannabis plants and remain illegal on the federal level. That’s true even though cannabis and hemp plants are very similar biologically.
Delta 8 is a minor cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp plants. When sourced from hemp, it’s legal on the federal level and in most states. Delta 9 can be sourced from hemp as well, and this form of Delta 9 is also legal federally.
So, it’s often easy for users to have access to both Delta 8 and Delta 9, whether they live in a state where cannabis is legal or not. That means plenty of users have the opportunity to use both cannabinoids, and many of those people have questions about Delta 8 and Delta 9 tolerance.
Understanding Delta 9 and Delta 8 Tolerance
Cannabinoid tolerance is similar to the tolerance experienced with many other substances. The simple explanation is that our bodies become used to a variety of substances and their effects with continued use. Over time, that means more of the substance is needed to feel the same effects — in short, users develop a high tolerance through continued use.
The peer-reviewed scientific journal Biochemical Pharmacology offers an in-depth review of cannabinoid tolerance. The most important finding from a practical view is that cannabinoid tolerance, including Delta 9 and Delta 8 tolerance, is real. It’s caused by a variety of biological processes and adaptations within the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).
Tolerance can be a double-edged sword. For some users, a moderate level of tolerance makes it possible to enjoy high doses and products with high levels of psychoactive cannabinoids. For other users, a high tolerance level leaves them having to spend more and more money for the same experience, or even a more mild one.
For that reason, many users take tolerance breaks, or T breaks, where they stop using cannabinoids and let their ECS naturally reset. The end result is getting rid of or at least heavily reducing existing tolerance levels.
Users can take T breaks by refraining from use once or twice a week, or by stopping use of a specific cannabinoid for a week or more.
So, does Delta 8 affect Delta 9 tolerance? Do Delta 8 and Delta 9 have cross-tolerance? Let’s take a closer look.
Delta 9 and Delta 8 Tolerance Breaks
Using Delta 8 during a Delta 9 tolerance break, and even using small doses of Delta 9 during a Delta 8 tolerance break, may help users continue to enjoy the effects of cannabinoids even as they reduce their tolerance.
CBD manufacturer and wholesale distributor CBD Worldwide explains that Delta 8 can be consumed by at least some users during a Delta 9 tolerance break without losing the intended effects of that pause. Because these cannabinoids interact with our ECS in different ways, the tolerance break can continue as intended.
It may also be possible to use Delta 9 during a Delta 8 tolerance break without interfering with that process. However, it’s important to keep the stronger effects of Delta 9 in mind. If you’re used to Delta 8, remember that Delta 9 is significantly stronger. A careful approach to dosing is especially important in these situations.
The results will be different for everyone, but if you want to take a T break without avoiding cannabinoids completely, this kind of cycling can help. It may not work for every single user—in some cases, a full Delta 9 or Delta 8 tolerance break is needed. But with next to no downsides and the potential for positive results, it’s certainly worth a shot.
The Very Best Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids
No matter whether you’re a fan of Delta 8, Delta 9, both, or any other cannabinoids, you can count on Delta 8 Resellers. We partner with the industry’s best brands to bring you consistently high-quality cannabinoids in all forms. And, we always share the results of third-party lab testing for our inventory whenever available — visit our individual product pages to learn more.
