How much Delta-8 is equal to Delta-9?

How Much Delta-8 is Equal to Delta-9?

How much Delta-8 (Δ8-THC) is equal to Delta-9 (Δ9-THC)? The reality is that both of these substances are very similar to one another. But a lot of people describe Delta-9 (Δ9-THC) as being much stronger. And thus, many people decide that they want to take smaller dosages of the Delta-9 (Δ9-THC) compound. For example, 10-80mg of Delta-8 (Δ8-THC) is roughly equal to 5-20mg of Delta-9 (Δ9-THC).

Both Δ8-THC and Δ9-THC compounds are known to cause an interruption in the brain's CB1/CB2 receptors. This is within the brain's endocannabinoid system (or ECS). The impact on the brains neuron and immune cells produce an "inhibited" feeling or a "relaxed" state for the central nervous system (CNS).

Key takeaways

  • Most people take about ⅓ of the milligram size of Delta-9 (Δ9-THC) compared to Delta-8 (Δ8-THC).
  • It’s important to compare the same type of consumption method when considering the milligram amount. You don’t want to compare milligrams of a distillate (or vape) and an edible. These do not have the same bioavailability percentages to them. And thus, don’t have the equal weight of effects.
  • Both Delta-9 (Δ9-THC) and Delta-8 (Δ8-THC) are known to cause the CB1/CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system in our brain to be temporarily interrupted. Causing an impact to our central nervous system and making us feel “relaxed.”

How much Delta-8 is equal to Delta-9?

The reality is that both compounds only contain 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol in them. And both compounds are very similar to one another.

Your consumption method

Your chosen consumption method is very important when comparing milligrams. It’s important to note what a product's “bioavailability” is when consumed. For example, if consumed through vaping or dabbing, your body can use about 30-40% of what you took in milligrams. With oils or tinctures, it's around 20-30%, and with edibles, it's about 10-20%. This process is called your “bioavailability.”

Delta-8 and Delta-9 milligram comparisons

Both Delta-9 (Δ9-THC) and Delta-8 (Δ8-THC) have roughly similar dosage guidelines based on your body weight. To determine the appropriate dosage amount based on your body weight and based on average dosage amount, here is what to follow:

  • Low-Strength Dosage: Multiply your body weight in pounds by 0.05 to find your dosage in milligrams. If comparing Delta-8 (Δ8-THC) to Delta-9 (Δ9-THC)—take roughly ⅓ of your calculated total.
  • Medium-Strength Dosage: Multiply your body weight in pounds by 0.1 to find your dosage in milligrams. If comparing Delta-8 (Δ8-THC) to Delta-9 (Δ9-THC)—take roughly ⅓ of your calculated total.
  • High-Strength Dosage: Multiply your body weight in pounds by 0.2 to find your dosage in milligrams. If comparing Delta-8 (Δ8-THC) to Delta-9 (Δ9-THC)—take roughly ⅓ of your calculated total.

To calculate your body weight and milligram of consumption, refer to this chart below:

Body Weight

Low Strength

Medium Strength

Strong Strength

100lbs

4mg

8mg

16mg

120lbs

5mg

10mg

20mg

140lbs

6mg

12mg

24mg

160lbs

7mg

14mg

28mg

180lbs

8mg

16mg

32mg

200lbs

10mg

20mg

40mg

220lbs

11mg

22mg

44mg

240lbs

12mg

24mg

48mg

Common questions

Questions about Delta-9 (Δ9-THC) and Delta-8 (Δ8-THC):

Why is one product stronger than the other?

Delta-8 (Δ8-THC) only feels less potent than Delta-9 (Δ9-THC) based on anecdotal accounts. There really isn’t any clear reason “why” one product is stronger than the other. But the explanation can probably come from our understanding of the CB1/CB2 receptors in the brain and how the endocannabinoid system impacts our central nervous system.

According to Peter Grinspoon, MD, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in our brain is relatively undiscovered. We have a scientifically “good” understanding of why prohibitors in the CB1/CB2 range impact our neuron and immune cells. Although, it’s unclear as to how the effects are fully produced and what type of benefits someone could have from it (for example, limiting PTSD).

How much Delta-8  (Δ8-THC) is equal to Delta-9 (Δ9-THC)?

In short, you'll need to calculate your body weight and milligram dosage suggestions based on our chart above. In general, take roughly a third of what you would normally take of Delta-9 (Δ9-THC) when compared to Delta-8 (Δ8-THC). And increase your dosage from there.

If you start to feel any of the negative side effects (like vomiting or dry mouth), stop ingesting any more of the compound or product.

What is the best way to make sure I don’t take “too much” Delta-9?

If you’re concerned about the potency of Delta-9 (Δ9-THC), the best thing you can do is to start with a smaller size dosage. Based on the product that you consumed (unless it's edible), you should be able to start feeling the effects within 10-minutes to 30-minutes on average.

Edible products can have a longer onset, reaching up to 90-minutes to fully take effect depending on your metabolic rate and your body weight. Pending the type of product you’re consuming, calculate the “onset” time and consider smaller dosages before you proceed further.

Sources

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