If you’ve been dabbling in hemp flowers for some time, you may have discovered the invigorating effects of D-8 and D-9 THC. Before diving in headfirst and consuming a handful of your gummies again, it’s probably a good idea to understand if Delta-8 is stronger than Delta-9 and how long these compounds hold on in your body. After all, the last thing you want is riding the THC train when you’re supposed to be focused at work or impressing your in-laws over Sunday brunch.
Let’s unpack whether D-8 is “better” or hangs around in your system longer than its relative. The answer may make you reconsider your preferences.
Does Delta-8 get you higher than Delta-9?
The choice between different Deltas boils down to the experience you seek and how much THC your ECS can take in. They both bind to CB1 receptors in your system, but D-8 does so more gently, producing a buzzy uplift without as much impairment. If you find D-9 edibles or vapes too potent or paranoia-inducing, Delta-8 goodies may be more your speed, with effects tending to be felt clear-headed. The D-8 elation allows you to go about your day without seeming obviously impaired.
On the other hand, if you have an incredible tolerance or are looking to get blitzed, D-9 is your best bet. Products with a considerable amount of Delta-9, like dabs, wax, and high-THC flower strains, summon a much more potent high. Couch lock, hunger attack, and waking up wondering what day it is are all possible conditions.
In this battle, Delta-9 dominates the recreational cannabis market because it provides a stereotypical “stoned” high that some consumers are attracted to.
So, is Delta-8 weaker than Delta-9?
Sort of.
However, their potency is a complex distinction, with many factors determining a specific experience. Both D-8 and D-9 reign supreme in some sense. These two cannabinoids may be closely related chemically, but they produce noticeably different effects, as discussed above.
Duration
Delta-8 has a slight edge for effects that add up and linger. The high from this substance typically lasts 2-6 (up to 8) hours, whereas a Delta-9 experience usually persists for around 2-4 hours. If you want to stay lifted longer, D-8 may be your best bud.
Legality
Here’s where things get tricky. In most states, D-9 THC is banned, which isn’t the case with Delta-8 (you can easily buy it in marijuana-friendly places). While D-9 is illegal under federal law, some states have legalized it, but they are few and may soon switch to prohibition.
Verdict
So, is Delta-8 better than Delta-9 for mild and legal uses? When all is said, D-9 THC is generally considered the more potent and intoxicating of the two cannabinoids. However, D-8 is rich in appealing qualities, including longer-lasting effects and more legal leniency. Ultimately, your winner would come down to what’s most important to you: an ultra-potent high, duration of effects, or legal status.
What sets the conditions for cannabinoids to stay long in your system
Whether THC stays in your system until the next test depends on several variables. Here are the most universal of those that affect duration, regardless of the D type:
- Metabolism. If your body digests all the substances received quickly, Delta-8 or Delta-9 may exit your system faster than those with slower metabolism. Contrastingly, heavier individuals may find that the cannabinoids tarry due to pent-up metabolic processes and increased fat storage.
- Body fat mass. THC is prone to accumulate in fat cells. If you have a higher percentage of body adipocytes, both cannabinoids may hold the line longer as they are slowly released from fat stores. Diet and exercise can help get Deltas out in overweight cannabis enthusiasts.
- Hydration. Abundant water drinking helps your body flush out toxins and by-products, speeding up any Delta exit from your system. Dehydration has the opposite effect, allowing the cannabinoids to sit tight longer.
- Frequency of use. Regardless of whether Delta-8 is stronger than Delta-9 or not, if you occasionally dabble in them, they will likely be cleared out of your body faster than in those who partake daily. Frequent use can lead to buildup that takes longer to eliminate.
- Potency. The higher the potency of a Delta product you consume, the longer it may remain detectable in your system. Stronger concentrates or powerhouse strains mean more significant amounts for your body to break down and remove.
While there’s no way to put an exact number of hours on how long any Delta will linger there, some activities can help encourage your body’s natural detoxifying systems and decrease the effects’ span. They are what any health-conscious fitness trainer will advise you to do.
Tips for clearing Deltas out of your system
You can’t instantly clear the D traces from your body, even if you can feel that Delta-8 is weaker than Delta-9. But if you follow these recommendations, eliminating the compounds can be slightly accelerated:
- Drink water (more than just plenty). THC is soluble in lipids and is attachable to fatty tissues in your body. Intensive hydration helps flush your system of any THC metabolites hanging around.
- Get your sweat on. Exercise is critical to speeding up clearing Deltas from your system. Any activity that makes you break a sweat will do the trick, be it running in the morning or an evening workout.
- Limit fatty foods. Bid farewell to burgers and ice cream, as such food gives Deltas more room to hide. Switch to fish, chicken, quinoa, brown rice, leafy greens, and broccoli instead.
Final comments
The battle of THC may be over, but the takeaway is not that unambiguous.
Is Delta-8 stronger than Delta-9 in the effect duration field? Yes.
Is it stronger overall? No.
While D-9 may be a more well-known compound that gives you that familiar head high, D-8 doesn’t lose ground, thanks to its longer-lasting euphoria without adverse effects.
Whatever option you prefer, the buzz will fade over time, and you’ll be back to your daily grind. But for a fleeting moment, you can shift your perspective and see the world through Delta-colored glasses.
