If you are seeking a safe and enjoyable experience with cannabis, one of the most important things to consider is your THC tolerance–or in other words, the limit of THC you can consume without experiencing unwanted side effects. Various factors influence your tolerance, from your individual traits to the type of cannabis you consume and how you consume it.
Determining your own tolerance is crucial. Your delta-8 or 9 and HHC tolerance won’t be the same as someone else’s. Cannabis novices—and even veterans trying out new products—should start with low doses and work their way up to the ideal dose for their preferred experience. Safety should always be your top priority.
Whether you’re looking to buy THC gummies online or CBD products, Papas Cloud offers high-quality, all-natural vegan gummies that are perfect alternatives for those trying to avoid smoking or vaping cannabis. Enjoy the benefits of plant-based relief with our delta-8 and delta-9 gummies that taste great–with the added bonus of no artificial ingredients. Keep reading to learn how to determine your delta-9 and delta-8 tolerance for the best experience possible.
Comparison of D8, D9, & HHC
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in cannabis and hemp plants. The cannabinoids delta-8, delta-9, and HHC are some of the different forms of THC: the chemical known to give users a “high.” On a molecular level, these three compounds are very similar and contain the same elements. However, they’re arranged together differently, giving them their unique properties.
Cannabinoids interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). ECS is responsible for maintaining homeostasis within the human body and regulating pain, inflammation, mood, and energy levels. To accurately determine your HHC, delta-8, or delta-9 tolerance, we need to take a closer look at what makes them different–starting with their chemical structures, potencies, and effects.
Chemical Compositions
All cannabinoids consist of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen. The chemical composition of delta-8 and delta-9 is the same with a formula of C21H30O2. The most significant difference between the three cannabinoids is the double bond placement within their chemical structures. Delta-8 has its double bond at the eighth carbon in the carbon chain, while delta-9 has its bond at the ninth carbon. Hence the names delta-8 and delta-9.
HHC, on the other hand, has a chemical formula of C21H32O2 and no double bond on any carbon. You’ll notice the formula is different, with 32 hydrogens instead of 30. The hydrogens are added to the THC molecule by hydrogenating delta-9 THC. These two additional hydrogen atoms make HHC distinct in its chemical composition and the effects it creates.
Potency
One of the most significant distinctions between these three compounds when determining your THC tolerance is their potencies. Ranked from the least to most potent, it goes delta-8, HHC, and delta-9. delta-8 is about half as strong as delta-9, while HHC is slightly more powerful than delta-8 and somewhat less than delta-9.
So, why does this matter to you? Many people with a low delta-9 tolerance—or other bad experiences with delta-9—may find their delta-8 tolerance offers a less intense and more enjoyable experience. When comparing HHC vs. delta-8, users who feel delta-8 is not effective, but also feel that delta-9 is too much, might find that HHC is a happy medium to experiment with.
Effects
Due to their variations in chemical composition and potency, the effects of these cannabinoids are similar, but they differ in intensity. The main characteristic of these compounds is that they all produce intoxicating or psychoactive effects. Users may experience any of the following:
- Feelings of euphoria and happiness
- Increase in body temperature
- Altered perceptions
- Elevated heart rates
- Changes in energy levels
- Relaxation and sleepiness
- Increased focus
In addition to these positive effects, some users experience unwanted side effects. Unwanted effects are commonly caused by taking a higher dosage than you should. Although, depending on dosage and potency, these side effects are usually mild and last for short periods. Potential adverse side effects include:
- Dry mouth
- Dry, red eyes
- Drowsiness
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Paranoia
- Confusion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Changes in heart rate
- Changes in blood pressure
Factors Influencing THC Tolerance
Determining your THC tolerance can be tricky, especially if you are a first-time user or have limited experience with it. Various factors influence your tolerance, from genetics to frequency of use, dosage (THC content), consumption methods, and strain.
- Genetics: Your body weight, age, and body chemistry (such as variations in the ECS receptors and other genetic mutations) affect your tolerance.
- Frequency of Use: No matter what your cannabinoid of preference is, your body will develop a tolerance to it over time with frequent use–for better or worse. Many users remedy this by taking a break once they feel their tolerance is too high.
- Dosage: The amount of cannabis you consume is the most apparent variable regarding tolerance. Always start low and work your way up to higher doses. Taking too much may cause unwanted effects, while too little may produce no effects.
- Consumption Method: There are various ways to consume cannabis,. The different methods have different effects, from the feelings you experience to how long it takes to feel the effects and how long they last.
- Strain: Cannabis falls into two strains or types: Indica and Sativa. Indica strains are known for their relaxing properties while Sativa is considered more stimulating.
Catering to Your Tolerance
Whether you’re new to cannabis or a seasoned veteran trying a new strain, you should always start with a low dose and gradually increase it if needed. Your health is important. To determine and cater to your THC or HHC tolerance, pay attention to your physical and mental reactions, keeping track of your responses and usage.
Cannabis is renowned for affecting users differently in many ways. One person’s reaction to a specific strain may be entirely different from the reaction of a friend who consumes the same strain. Getting to know your body by experimenting with Indicas, Sativas, and different consumption methods helps you find the perfect concoction for your safe and enjoyable experience using cannabis.
Duration of the Effects of Different Cannabinoids
In addition to the influence of type, dose, and consumption methods, different cannabinoids vary in how long it takes for a user to feel any effects and how long those effects last. The delivery method dramatically impacts these times.
With multiple ways available, it’s essential to know their differences when considering your tolerance. For example, the answer to ‘How long do delta-8 gummies take to kick in?’ will differ from the time for delta-9 gummies. Typically, the times for the different consumption methods are as follows, but dosage and type may cause them to vary:
- Edibles: May take an hour or two to take effect, with a duration of 8-10 hours
- Inhalables: May kick in after a few minutes, with a duration of 1-2 hours
- Tinctures: May take up to an hour to feel the effects, with a duration of up to 6 hours
Find Your Vibe at PapasCloud
Determining your HHC and THC tolerance is paramount for the safe and enjoyable use of these products. Whether you’re new to the cannabis scene or an OG user, anytime you experiment with new cannabis products, the best rule of thumb is to start with a low dose and move up from there if needed.
Everyone’s reaction to cannabis is different, so finding your ideal dose may take trial and error. Remember that the type, strain, potency, and delivery method will impact your effects, including how long you feel them and how intense they are.
Finding your vibe at Papa’s Cloud is easy with our high-quality CBD and THC gummies. Lab testing ensures their purity and potency making it easy to control your dosage as each of our products offers a consistent and accurate dose with each serving. Order now to taste the difference and enjoy the benefits of cannabis products, from relaxing after a long day of work and improving sleep to boosting your appetite and more!