CBD VS Delta 8: The Key Difference (Which One To Choose?)
You may have heard of CBD and THC, but did you know THC comes in various forms? There are numerous hemp extracts available, including CBD and THC. Just as CBD contains sub-types such as CBG, THC contains delta 9. However, you might be wondering where delta 8 THC comes in.
Delta 8 THC is the hemp industry’s newest passion. This cannabis provides a smooth, long-lasting high that is perfect for new users and seasoned veterans alike. Moreover, delta 8 THC has a lower correlation with hallucinations, psychosis, anxiety, and other adverse effects associated with delta 9 THC — the infamous chemical that gives marijuana its signature side effects.
So, let us examine the similarities and differences between CBD and delta 8 THC and outline why you might want to give it a try.
What Is CBD?
CBD is the abbreviation of “cannabidiol,” and it is the second most prevalent cannabinoid found naturally in the cannabis or hemp plant. The THC compound is the psychoactive molecule that produces the “high” sensation, which CBD does not induce.
Nevertheless, CBD products do have an effect on the brain, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Studies indicate that it interacts with the brain’s pain receptors. Although some aspects of CBD remain unknown, researchers are learning more about it on a daily basis.
CBD tinctures are the most prevalent form of CBD use, and you can take it sublingually, which involves placing the CBD oil beneath your tongue and swallowing it. Other popular approaches include the use of topicals, which are available in the form of lotions, balms, and creams. Additionally, you can smoke or vape certain forms of CBD. However, you should only vape or smoke goods labeled explicitly for that purpose.
What Is Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 THC is one of the many cannabinoids in the hemp plant. Manufacturers extract and concentrate delta 8 since it naturally occurs in trace amounts inside the petals. As with other cannabinoids, it exerts its psychotropic effects through an interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Keeping in mind the variation in natural levels of delta 8 THC in hemp, it interacts with the neurological system similarly to delta 9 THC when concentrated.
The primary distinction between delta 8 and delta 9 THC is the chemical structure. The double bond is located on the eighth carbon atom in delta 8 THC and the ninth carbon atom in delta 9 THC. This shift alters how THC interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Therefore, these minor distinctions have a significant effect on how we respond to delta 8 THC.
What are the Effects Of CBD & Delta 8 THC?
Effects of CBD
CBD usually has a pleasant and tranquil effect on the user. You will not experience euphoria; instead, you will feel as if you have just had a strong cup of chamomile tea or stepped out of a long, warm bath.
What is remarkable about CBD is that scientists have yet to discover any significant adverse effects. After a wealth of research, this shortage of data suggests CBD may not induce unwanted side effects, but we will have to wait and see.
People use CBD to treat various conditions, and they often utilize CBD flowers to assist with the following: anxiety, depression, insomnia, and general well-being.
Effects of Delta 8
Delta 8 has a similar effect as delta 9. Customers who have puffed on a significant amount of delta 8 admit it feels more like a euphoric version of THC rather than the extremely mild warmth of CBD. In essence, delta 8 is an entirely different beast, and you should practice caution while interacting with this near relative of delta 9.
Studies have not identified significant adverse effects of delta 8 THC yet. While all products and manufacturers have the potential to induce slightly different effects, delta 8 does not yet show any significant risk or adverse effects.
The Similarities and Differences Between Delta 8 THC & CBD
Similarities
Although delta 8 THC and CBD are different compounds, they have certain shared qualities. But when CBD and Delta 8 are mixed together creates a perfect duo! To begin with, they are both produced from hemp, as they originate from the hemp plant. They also contain less than 0.3% delta 9 THC, indicating they are classified as hemp rather than marijuana. Delta 8 THC may make you high, but it produces a different kind of high than marijuana due to the compound’s molecular structure.
Both products are available in edible, vape, and tincture forms, and delta 8 THC infused hemp flower is a cross between the two. This is a CBD flower loaded with delta 8 THC distillate, allowing you to smoke delta 8 THC flowers. `What is lovely about these products is that they come in a variety of strains, and when coupled with terpenes, they provide a unique experience that varies according to the product.
Differences
There are many distinctions between delta 8 THC and CBD; however, due to the limitations of research, it is unclear how many advantages delta 8 THC has over CBD at this time. We have highlighted the following basic similarities and distinctions between delta 8 THC and CBD.
CBD
- Non-psychedelic
- Stimulates the cannabinoid receptors in your body
- Available in indica, sativa, and hybrid strains
- Does not cause a false positive on drug testing
Delta 8 THC
- Psychoactive
- Interacts with the cannabinoid receptors in your body
- Available in indica, sativa, and hybrid strains
- Can enhance appetite
- High odds of failing drug tests
Although CBD is deemed legal, it is essential to remember that the FDA does not regulate these products. So, if you are interested in trying CBD, always pick a product from a reputable business.
Delta 8 is classified as a Schedule 1 drug by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Some legal experts believe it is a nationally restricted substance, especially since many states have outlawed it.
The most noticeable difference between the two compounds is the “high” that delta 8 THC can induce. This is a significant factor in determining why one would pick one over the other. Despite its numerous benefits, CBD will not get you high, but delta 8 THC will. Many individuals want and appreciate the euphoric sensation associated with being high or experiencing a head shift.
Which Cannabinoid (CBD) Is Most Appropriate for You?
Depending on your preferences, you may or may not like the effects of specific cannabinoids. Each one may be different depending on what you are searching for in the product you are consuming. The following are characteristics the majority of CBD and THC customers look for in their products:
- CBD: If you are looking for non-psychoactive goods that have the added advantage of assisting with appetite, hunger, and so on, CBD may be the way to go. CBD is non-psychoactive and available in a variety of strains. You can use CBD products in many forms, including tinctures, edibles, and vapes, and its advantages may be beneficial to individuals suffering from anxiety, depression, and insomnia. In addition, some companies promote CBD for sleep and appetite stimulant.
- Delta 8 THC: In contrast to CBD, delta 8 THC is for people who expect a high; however, delta 8 THC is perceived to have a milder psychoactive impact than its delta 9 counterparts. This may appeal to those who like the high but are not looking for an “out-of-body” experience. Additionally, like CBD, delta 8 offers several potential benefits if that is what you are looking for. It is well-known for promoting calmness, clarity of thought, and, of course, appetite. Research has proved delta 8 THC may assist in stress reduction, help you sleep, and alleviate nausea.
FAQs About CBD & Delta 8 THC
Q. Is Delta 8 THC and CBD Legal in the United States?
Delta-8 THC’s destiny has taken on a whole new dimension due to the 2018 Farm Bill. The bill legalized all hemp-derived products, isomers, and cannabinoids that contain less than 0.3% delta 9 THC. Delta 8 THC conforms to this standard and is legal in the majority of states. However, several states in the U.S. have yet to legalize it, so make sure to check with your state laws.
Q. What Happens When You Combine CBD and Delta 8 THC?
Combining CBD and delta 8 will have the same effect as combining CBD and delta 9. These cannabinoids are quite similar, and CBD and THC share an intriguing dynamic independent of the THC variation.
Essentially, CBD will not make you high, whereas delta 8 will enhance the pleasure associated with THC. Customers have reported that combining CBD with delta 8 is a captivating experience, and they also make no mention of any severe adverse effects.
Q. Can I Infuse CBD with Delta 8 THC?
To summarize, there is no such thing as a delta 8 THC and CBD. Delta 8 and CBD are both cannabinoids, and each has distinct characteristics. Overall, their compositions are widely different.
The concept of combining delta 8 THC and CBD is impractical due to the significant variations between the two cannabinoids; however, ingesting the two simultaneously has the potential for several benefits as well as disadvantages. For example, CBD has the potential to mitigate the psychoactive effects of THC.
Q. Is There a Delta 8 THC Flower?
Another significant distinction between CBD and delta 8 THC is that raw delta 8 THC is not available in flower form. CBD flowers or hemp flowers, on the other hand, are currently sold online. Delta 8 THC is present in trace amounts inside the hemp plant, seldom exceeding 1%. To get a legal but significant amount of cannabinoids, manufacturers must subject the plant to a specific procedure, including extraction, isolation, conversion, and refining. This is why delta 8 THC can be expensive due to its scarcity, advantages, and one-of-a-kind effects.
Delta 8 THC is most often used in the form of tinctures, cartridges, and delta 8 gummies, and the pace at which your body begins to feel ahead shift is determined by the technique you use. Vaping and smoking have a higher absorption rate than edibles. While the topical application may have regional advantages, it does not produce a high. Fast absorption rates are one of the reasons people have smoked cannabis and hemp throughout history.
Q. What Do We Know About Delta 8 THC Tolerance?
Naturally, we are aware that delta 8 THC is one of the few cannabinoids that provide a legal high produced from hemp. This cannabinoid has fundamentally altered the game, enabling individuals to buy a product for recreational purposes without fear.
With all of the enthusiasm, though, we may sometimes overdo it. As we always advise, CBD and delta 8 THC should be used sparingly. However, we recognize that some individuals like to utilize more than others, raising the issue of tolerance.
If you are a beginner, you should not increase your dose by more than 5mg. Similarly, if you have some experience and have built a tolerance, you can increase your dose to 15mg+.
The Bottom Line: Is Delta-8 THC the Same As CBD?
There is no correct or wrong decision when it comes to determining which cannabinoid is best for you, and various circumstances may necessitate the use of different products. For example, specific individuals may prefer the moderate impact of CBD over the “high” produced by THC. In contrast, others may prefer the particular experience of regular cannabis or its milder relative, delta 8.
Scientists have not yet discovered all of delta 8 THC’s characteristics. However, the conversion of CBD to delta 8 seems to have resolved the issue of its low natural occurrence. This has resulted in the development of many brands selling delta 8 THC on the market. Among the many methods for administering delta 8 THC into the body, vape cartridges are the most popular. Whichever option you select, we recommend buying from a reputable source. It is critical to buy your goods from a business that grows organic hemp and processes it safely — especially regarding delta 8 and CBD, which are typically less regulated than authorized cannabis.
