Delta-8 is the cannabinoid of record-breaking popularity that has amassed such a faithful following for a reason. It is easy to produce, sold over the counter, and affordable. It doesn’t take more to become a top self-medication and relaxation pick, especially where weed or Delta-9 products remain prohibited.
D-8 is a nearly identical chemical analog of D-9 with legal hemp-derivative status, making it a neat workaround for overly restrictive locations in the US. It’s a buzzword in the hemp industry, but the buzz is getting questioned lately.
Is Delta-8 stronger than weed, or does it elicit mild euphoria?
Is it a feel-good option, a more tolerable alternative to pharmaceutical drugs, or a gateway to a balanced high?
Is it stored in your system longer than D-9?
It depends on who you ask and where you purchase your D-8 goodies. Let’s look into what makes Delta-8 consumption a comfortable scenario and a risky experience.
How is Delta-8 different than weed?
Despite the numerous initiatives to outlaw Delta-8 on a state level, it still doesn’t come with as many restrictions as weed. Being federally permitted and more accessible is the underlying distinction between the two.
Touted as a less psychoactive isomer of Delta-9, D-8 is no stranger to a potent experience – similar to that of regular weed but in the legal guise. The two compounds are structurally akin, and their effects on the body may vary only slightly. So, reckless consumption is never a great idea, no matter what cannabinoid you have in your goodies.
When it comes to adverse effects, the risks are considerably higher with unregulated and untested cannabis alternatives. Their effects are less consistent and predictable than those of D-8 and D-9 products distributed by licensed providers and dispensaries.
Does Delta-8 get you higher than weed?
No, but there are no two identical endocannabinoid systems. That is why you may get an equally buzzy experience with Delta-8 buds or vapes – as if you’re consuming weed. Or you may need a higher dose of D-8 to match that D-9 elation if your ECS is resistant to the cannabinoid.
For the same reason, it might take more or less time for psychoactive effects to kick in. Time and dosage are primary individual factors here. The wrong practice is when some users who are wondering, “Why does Delta-8 get me higher than weed?” get impatient and consume more while waiting for the onset of the high. This can lead to more fuzzy-headed experiences and reaching a state you aren’t ready for.
Here’s when Delta-8 is stronger than weed:
- Generally, the D-8 isomer is deemed less potent than its weed counterpart. However, with Delta-8 products, there’s always the possibility that other cannabinoids may alter or amplify your experience. Do your homework to discover the whole list of ingredients in what you’re shopping for.
- Mislabeling is another reason Delta-8 does get you higher than weed. What’s inside the package may vary widely from what’s on the label in terms of the actual concentrations of D-8 and the presence of other cannabinoids. Thus, lower-quality products often make you ingest more THC than you’re comfortable with, which results in feeling “too high.”
Does Delta-8 stay in your system longer than weed?
Even though D-8 bears the name of “minor cannabinoid” and “diet weed,” consuming it can have far-reaching consequences due to those unforgiving company rules and zero-tolerance policies. Both natural and synthetic cannabinoids will undermine your chances of passing drug tests. They may do so differently because the detection windows vary depending on the amounts consumed and your habits.
If you’ve been told to prepare for drug screening, here’s what you must remember. D-8 and D-9 are flushed out of the body within 3 to 72 hours post-consumption. However, their metabolites may linger for several weeks or even over a month. Passing the test may be an ordeal if you have recently had some herbal goodness.
Doing your research on the type of screenings may help. Bookmark this if you’re bracing for the test:
- Saliva and hair THC screenings have brief detection windows. They are best for THC enthusiasts because they maximize your chances of achieving a negative result. The bad news is that they are less likely to be used for routine drug testing procedures.
- Urine sample testing, on the other hand, doesn’t target THC levels or intoxication evaluation. Instead, it hones in on the most common product of THC metabolization, THC-COOH. This compound is lipophilic, which is why it stays in your system longer, regardless of what kind of THC product or form you consume.
So, does Delta-8 stay in the system longer than weed or go away faster? This is only up to your metabolism. It’s a wide range since the efficiency and rate of THC-COOH being broken down depend on a plethora of factors. There’s no exact timeframe for you to test clean since your last use. And there’s no recommendation to switch to Delta-8 from D-9 if a screening is on the horizon.
Again, time and dosage are the crucial factors that may work in your favor or otherwise. The testing type can also make a big difference, as THC-COOH is fat-soluble and may be red-flagged in your fat cells.
Drawing the curtain
D-8 products are here to stay. They are legal and admired for their effects on treating health conditions and achieving recreational bliss. What’s more, they do not usually linger in your system longer than weed.
But Delta-8 may have more risks if low-quality buds or edibles are involved. Any unregulated alternatives are likely to contain more THC than they claim or boost the effects with synthetic ingredients. This may be detrimental to your well-being and get you in a fix if you are concerned about drug testing.
Remember, THC metabolites are detectable in urine for about 2 weeks for those having D-8 within reasonable limits and double that time for long-term heavy users. You may want to postpone some of your sessions if a drug screening is on the radar.
