Posted on December 6, 2022 by Munchies

As Delta 8 THC gains popularity across states, more seasoned cannabis users might be curious about its effects, especially after years of using Delta 9 THC. A common issue for regular users is developing a tolerance, meaning they need to consume more THC to achieve the same high.

In this case, adding Delta 8 THC into your routine might be a game changer. While it’s milder than Delta 9 THC, some users have found that using Delta 8 THC can help reset their Delta 9 THC tolerance. This is because Delta 8 THC has slightly different reactions within the body, offering a different kind of high that could prevent the buildup of tolerance to Delta 9 THC.

Since Delta 8 THC is widely available in forms like edibles and tinctures, it can provide a smoother, less intense way to reduce your Delta 9 THC tolerance without feeling the effects too strongly. So, if you’re looking to manage your tolerance, incorporating Delta 8 THC might just help you keep things balanced. Let’s dive deeper into the idea of tolerance breaks and how Delta 8 THC fits into the equation.

Key Takeaways

  • Potential Cross-Tolerance – Delta 8 and Delta 9 interact with the same CB1 receptors, meaning regular use of either may affect tolerance to both.
  • Milder Effects – Delta 8 is less potent than Delta 9, but users report that switching to Delta 8 can help manage tolerance build-up to Delta 9.
  • Tolerance Break Strategy: Some users switch between Delta 8 and Delta 9 to balance tolerance, giving their CB1 receptors time to reset.
  • Switching Cannabinoids – Using Delta 8 during a Delta 9 tolerance break can help reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms while still delivering a milder high.
  • More Research Needed – Though anecdotal reports suggest Delta 8 impacts Delta 9 tolerance, scientific studies on this subject are still limited.

Delta 8 THC or Delta 9 THC: Which is Stronger?

Delta 9 THC is more potent because it binds more tightly to CB1 receptors, making it the primary compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. On the other hand, Delta 8 THC interacts with both CB1 and CB2 receptors but is about 50% less potent than Delta 9 THC. So, while it can provide a high, it’s milder and may require higher doses or specific methods, like edibles, to achieve effects similar to Delta 9 THC.

Delta 8 THC, a natural cannabinoid found in hemp, is an isomer of Delta 9 THC. This means they share a similar structure with a slight difference in the carbon chain. While this might seem minor, it impacts how each molecule interacts with our endocannabinoid system, particularly with the CB1 receptors.

Can You Mix Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC?

Absolutely! Many users mix Delta 8 and Delta 9, particularly to manage tolerance. Delta 9 primarily binds to CB1 receptors, whereas Delta 8 affects both CB1 and CB2 receptors, providing a different, albeit milder, experience. Anecdotal evidence suggests that switching between these two cannabinoids can help users avoid building a high tolerance to Delta 9 without having to reduce their intake significantly. By alternating between the two, some users report maintaining their high or resetting their tolerance with fewer drastic changes. However, these results are largely based on personal experiences rather than solid scientific data.

Do Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC Have Cross-Tolerance?

Giving a straightforward answer is tricky, as research on the cross-tolerance between Delta 8 and Delta 9 is limited. Both cannabinoids interact primarily with CB1 receptors, which suggests they may lead to some level of cross-tolerance. However, Delta 8 also affects CB2 receptors, giving it a slightly different effect, even though it’s milder than Delta 9. Some users say switching between the two can create a longer-lasting high and potentially help balance tolerance.

Does Delta 8 THC Affect Delta 9 THC Tolerance?

Yes, in general. Delta 8 interacts more mildly with CB1 receptors than Delta 9, which might allow your body to experience euphoric effects while your CB1 receptors recover. Some users opt to switch to Delta 8 during tolerance breaks, which helps them maintain some cannabis-related effects without overwhelming the system like Delta 9 can.

Can I Smoke Delta 8 THC on a Tolerance Break?

Switching from Delta 9 to Delta 8 might sound like a step down in terms of potency, but it’s a strategy some users use to reset their tolerance. By switching to Delta 8, you might be able to stretch your break without completely giving up cannabinoids, allowing your CB1 receptors to regenerate more effectively. Recreational users seeking a more intense high may find this approach helpful to make their next Delta 9 session feel stronger. However, if you want a full reset, taking a break from all psychoactive cannabinoids is the best way to lower your tolerance.

For those focusing on wellness, CBD products might be a solid alternative during a break, allowing you to keep some of the beneficial effects without increasing your tolerance to THC.

How to Reset Your THC Tolerance

If you feel like your usual bud isn’t hitting quite like it used to, you should reset your tolerance. You can do this by switching cannabinoids, trying a different delivery method, or simply dialing down the dosage.

Switch Your Cannabinoids 

An easy way to trick your system during a tolerance break is to swap out Delta 9 THC with something milder like Delta 8 THC. While Delta 8 THC gives you a more subtle high, it tends to stick around longer, making it perfect for switching things up. 

If you’re taking a full-on break, CBD or other non-psychoactive cannabinoids can still keep your system engaged while giving you the reset you need. 

Change Your Delivery Method 

Sometimes, all you need is a fresh approach. If you’re used to smoking, try switching to edibles or tinctures for a stronger, more sustained high. Edibles take longer to kick in, but the effects last longer and hit differently, giving your system a much-needed reboot.

Microdosing As An Alternative

If giving up THC altogether feels like a challenge, microdosing might be the perfect solution. This method is great for newbies but can also be a game-changer for seasoned users. Users can manage their intake by cutting gummies or measuring very small doses of tinctures, which help their system gradually reset.

Microdosing can also work with non-psychoactive cannabinoids like CBD or CBN, helping balance your receptors without overstimulation from THC. Opting for full-spectrum formulas with trace amounts of psychoactive cannabinoids can make your tolerance break smoother and more manageable.

Final Thoughts

In summary, while Delta 8 and Delta 9 share similarities, their effects on tolerance can differ. Delta 8’s milder interaction with the endocannabinoid system makes it an appealing option for those looking to manage or reset their Delta 9 tolerance. 

By alternating between the two cannabinoids or switching to Delta 8 during tolerance breaks, you may maintain a balanced cannabis experience without overloading your system. Ultimately, everyone’s tolerance is unique, so experimenting with different strategies can help you find the best approach to manage or reduce your THC tolerance.

(Disclaimer reminder: This article is not medical advice. It is based on anecdotal user experience alone. If you are thinking about incorporating cannabis (Delta-8 THC, Delta-9 THC, CBD, etc) into your medicinal routine, please consult a healthcare professional. Do not stop taking any prescribed medications without first consulting your doctor.)

Disclaimer: This article reflects the laws of the United States at the time it was written. Because cannabis laws in the United States are subject to change at any time, please make sure that you are always staying up to date on your federal, state, and local county’s cannabis laws. Additionally, we are NOT encouraging anyone to break the law––we are simply showing people ways to legally and discreetly bring their cannabis products along with them on their travels so that they may have access to those products when they reach their intended destination.

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