Can You Take Delta-8 and Delta-9 Together?

Delta-8 is a new, legal THC alternative that can be accessed in states where traditional THC is out of reach. Still, even frequent Delta-9 users are curious about the shiny new cannabinoid and it’s proposed health benefits.

Question is—Can you take Delta-8 and Delta-9 together?

The answer is yes, mixing Delta 8 and Delta 9 may provide a better experience for some THC enthusiasts. It really depends on what effects you're after. Here’s what happens when you combine the two cannabinoids:

Key Takeaways

• Delta-8 and Delta-9 have similar effects, but Delta-9’s effects are more potent.
• When combined, Delta-8 may be overshadowed by Delta-9, but there are no adverse reactions associated with taking Delta-8 and Delta-9 together.
• If you want to lessen the effects of THC, you may consider combining your regular THC dose with CBD instead.

What is Delta 8 vs Delta 9?

Delta-8 and Delta-9 are both forms of THC, but they differ in potency and effects.

Delta-9-THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, known for producing a strong high that can include euphoria, relaxation, and sometimes anxiety or paranoia.

Delta-8-THC, on the other hand, is less potent and provides a more subtle, calming high, often without the intense psychoactive effects of Delta-9.

When combining Delta-8 and Delta-9, some users report a more balanced experience. Mixing Delta-8 and Delta-9 can result in a blend of effects, where Delta-9 delivers the stronger psychoactive impact while Delta-8 enhances body relaxation and reduces anxiety.

This combination may offer a more rounded, enjoyable experience, but Delta-9's potency often dominates the effects unless much higher doses of Delta-8 are used.

Why Would You Want to Mix Delta 8 and Delta 9 Together?

Pairing different cannabinoids is nothing new, and companies have been using this method for years to fine-tune products for specific therapeutic needs.

The combined benefits of two or more specific cannabinoids can be referred to as the "ensemble effect" (often called the "entourage effect"). This synergy is believed to enhance the overall impact of cannabinoids, allowing them to work more effectively together than they would alone.

Here’s what you need to know about combining Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC:

Key Benefits of Combining Delta-8 and Delta-9:

• Pain Management
  Both Delta-8 and Delta-9 bind to CB1 receptors in the brain and central nervous system, key regions involved in pain processing.

  • Delta-9 is well known for its effectiveness in managing pain.
  • Delta-8 provides similar effects but with fewer negative side effects, such as anxiety or paranoia.
  • Combining the two may offer enhanced pain relief without the stronger psychoactive effects of Delta-9 alone, which could be beneficial for users sensitive to Delta-9's intensity.
    
    

• Reducing Negative Side Effects of Delta-9
  Many users claim that Delta-8 delivers the therapeutic benefits of Delta-9 while neutralizing some of its unwanted side effects (like anxiety and paranoia).

  • Delta-8 is often considered a “nicer” Delta-9 because it is less likely to cause such issues.
  • Combining both cannabinoids may help users achieve the benefits of Delta-9 while minimizing discomfort.
    
    

• Entourage Effect
  The idea behind the entourage effect is that cannabinoids work better together than in isolation. For instance, our Dream Tincture combines CBD and CBN to provide boosted benefits for sleep.

  • Combining Delta-8 and Delta-9 could amplify the positive effects of both compounds.
  • CBD also plays a significant role in the entourage effect by targeting different receptors (such as CB2 receptors in the immune system) to further boost anti-inflammatory responses and balance THC’s psychoactive properties.
    
    

• Body Effects
  Unlike Delta-9, Delta-8 also binds to CB2 receptors in the immune system and bodily tissues, offering additional benefits for physical relief.

  • Combining the two may lead to greater body relaxation, pain relief, and overall well-being.

Is Combining Delta-8 and Delta-9 Better Than Full-Spectrum?

While full spectrum cannabinoid formulas (which contain a wide range of cannabinoids) offer broad benefits, some experts suggest that pairing specific cannabinoids like Delta-8 and Delta-9 may be more targeted and effective for certain therapeutic needs, such as pain relief and anxiety reduction.

What are the Effects of Combining Delta 8 and Delta 9?

Delta-8 and Delta-9 are both forms of THC, but Delta-8 is known to be less potent. Both cannabinoids bind to CB1 receptors in the brain and central nervous system, which are responsible for intoxication.

However, Delta-8 also binds to CB2 receptors in the immune system, giving it a unique edge.

When combined, Delta-9's stronger effects typically overshadow Delta-8, but some users report more pronounced body effects and relief from ailments like pain due to Delta-8's interaction with CB2 receptors. The actual experience depends on factors like dosage, tolerance, and body weight.

For instance, if you take much more Delta-8-THC than Delta-9, you may experience milder effects with a heavier body sensation. Taking more Delta-9 than Delta-8 may make the effects more heady and intoxicating. 

Is It Safe to Combine Delta-8 and Delta-9?

There are no known contraindications between D8 and D9, so the risks are generally the same as when taking either cannabinoid alone. The risks of THC include:

• increased heart rate
• coordination problems
• dry mouth and increased thirst
• red, dry eyes
• slower reaction times
• memory loss
• anxiety

One thing to consider is the risk associated with an increased dosage. If you usually take 10 mg of Delta-9 and decide to also add 10 mg of Delta-8, the effects may be stronger than what you usually experience.

For some people, taking too much THC can result in side effects like temporary anxiety and paranoia.

Things to Consider Before Mixing Delta-8 and Delta-9

When combining Delta-8 and Delta-9 together, there are a few factors to keep in mind to ensure the best experience:

• Consumption Method:
  How you take cannabinoids affects how quickly you feel their effects and how long they last. Inhalation (vaping or smoking) produces faster results, but the effects fade more quickly. Edibles, on the other hand, take longer to kick in but offer a longer-lasting impact, sometimes up to 12 hours.

• Dosage Amount:
  Delta-9 is more potent than Delta-8, so your dosage matters. Taking too much of either can lead to overwhelming effects, especially when you mix them. Start low and slow, as both cannabinoids can stay in your system for a while due to THC’s long half-life.

• Metabolism:
  Everyone’s metabolism is different, affecting how quickly Delta-8 or Delta-9 is processed. Delta-8 tends to break down faster than Delta-9, but edibles take longer to metabolize than inhaled products.

• Tolerance:
  If you have a low tolerance to THC, mixing Delta-8 and 9 could intensify the effects. Beginners should start with small doses to avoid strong reactions, while experienced users may require higher doses for the same impact.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can optimize the effects of taking Delta-8 and Delta-9 together for pain relief, relaxation, or other therapeutic benefits.

Also Consider Combining Delta-9 with CBD

If you're considering combining Delta-8 with Delta-9 because you seek a milder psychoactive experience, you may want to consider adding a CBD dose to your next THC dose instead.

One study titled “Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects” suggests that many other cannabinoids and terpenes, especially CBD, are able to moderate THC's effects. In particular, CBD may reduce THC's psychoactivity while still providing its own layer of therapeutic relief.

Delta-8-THC is Great On Its Own

Delta-8 is sometimes described as a middle point between Delta-9 and CBD. The description isn't entirely accurate, but it makes the point that Delta-8 is milder than Delta-9.

The effects of Delta-8 are usually described as "mellow" and "relaxing," and the cannabinoid is thought to be way less likely to cause many of the side effects associated with THC, like anxiety. That means that Delta-8 may provide the smooth lift you desire all on it’s own, with no need to combine it with Delta-9.

To find safe, legal Delta-8-THC that you can order online, we recommend checking out our Elev8 Collection. You’ll find a selection of vapes, flower, tinctures, and edibles that are 100% Farm Bill compliant, potent, and pure.

Delta-8 and Delta-9 Together FAQ

Does Delta-9 get you higher than Delta-8?

Yes, Delta-9-THC is generally considered to produce a more intense high compared to Delta-8-THC. Delta-9-THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis and tends to have stronger effects on mood, perception, and cognition.

What not to mix with Delta-9?

When using Delta-9-THC, it's advisable to avoid mixing it with other depressants like alcohol or benzodiazepines, as this can intensify drowsiness and impair motor skills. Additionally, combining Delta-9 with stimulants can lead to unpredictable effects and increased anxiety.

Do Delta-8 and Delta-9 have cross tolerance?

Yes, Delta-8-THC and Delta-9-THC can exhibit cross-tolerance. This means that regular use of one can affect how you respond to the other, potentially diminishing the effects of Delta-9 if you frequently use Delta-8, and vice versa.

What should you not mix with Delta-8?

Avoid mixing Delta-8-THC with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants, as this can amplify sedation and impair cognitive function. It’s also wise to avoid combining Delta-8 with other cannabinoids or substances without understanding their potential interactions.

What happens if you take Delta-8 and Delta-9?

Taking Delta-8 and Delta-9-THC together may result in a combined effect, where the effects of both cannabinoids are experienced simultaneously. This can alter the overall psychoactive experience and might lead to heightened euphoria or increased side effects, depending on individual tolerance and dosage.

Can you smoke Delta-8 and Delta-9 at the same time?

Yes, you can smoke Delta-8 and Delta-9-THC at the same time, but it's important to proceed with caution. Combining these cannabinoids can amplify the effects of both, leading to a more intense high that might be overwhelming for some users. Always start with a lower dose and monitor how you feel.

Resources

1. "Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects"  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165946/