Delta 8 THC Vs CBD

With the legalization of cannabis in many states, the acceptance and popularity of cannabis products have gained momentum over recent years. Every day a new product and its many variants are being introduced to the market. CBD and THC are well-known names for cannabis enthusiasts. And the latest cannabis extract that is being raved about is delta-8 THC for its health benefits and subtle high.[2][3]

Hearing about the goodness of this newfound gem, people wonder if Delta-8 is CBD? Well, no. Delta-8 is not another name for CBD. There is a lot of difference between the two wholesome biological marvels, the only similarity being their source of extraction – Cannabis sativa, or the industrial hemp plants. Before moving on to the details, it is important to know about the basics.

Delta-8 THC – What Is It?

Delta-8 THC - What Is It

Cannabis plants contain various types of cannabinoids that interact with the body to produce any physical or psychological effects. The abbreviation THC has always been used in the context of marijuana. It is important to know that THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is a cannabinoid found in cannabis plants that has many forms such as delta-9 THC, found abundantly in the marijuana plants, and delta-8 found in trace amounts in marijuana as well as hemp plants. 

Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol is a minor cannabinoid found in the Cannabis plants in trace amounts. As a lite version of delta-9 THC, delta-8 offers the same benefits with less potent psychoactive effects by acting on the same cannabinoid receptors of the Endocannabinoid System. Structurally, it is different from delta-9 in the positioning of the double bond, delta-9 has it on the 9th carbon and delta-8 has it on the 8th carbon chain, which makes all the difference in their psychotropic effects.[1

Delta-8 is found in very small concentrations in the dried flowers of cannabis plants, specifically, less than 1%, which makes its extraction, isolation, and purification a more strenuous process, thus adding to the cost of the product. Fortunately, it can also be derived from abundantly available CBD and delta-9 THC in a laboratory through a process called isomerization. 

What Is CBD?

The Ideal Dosage

CBD or cannabidiol is a sought-after cannabinoid found in the aerial parts, stems, leaves, and flowers, of the Cannabis sativa plants which have a plethora of benefits to offer. It is not known to have any psychoactive effects which means it won’t make you high. And unlike delta-8, it is found in high concentrations in the cannabis sativa plant. 

What’s The Difference Between THC and CBD?

Difference Between THC and CBD

The major difference between the delta-8 THC and CBD is that CBD has no psychotropic effects whatsoever. CBD being a non-psychoactive compound makes an ideal choice for those who are looking for imbibing the beneficial properties of cannabis and no buzz. Whereas, delta-8 THC offers a mild high along with the desirable effects of the delta-9 THC, making it an ideal choice for those who want to experience the ‘high’ without the obnoxious side effects of the delta-9 THC. Moreover, delta-8 exhibits properties that can be utilized recreationally and therapeutically, while CBD has more therapeutic effects. Delta-8 is extracted mainly from the flowers of the cannabis plants (both cannabis sativa & cannabis indica), while CBD can be isolated from the leaves, stems, and flowers of the cannabis sativa plant.

Can CBD and THC Be Used Together?

Can CBD and THC Be Used Together

The benefits of CBD and THC together can create the desired effects one might be looking for. While CBD works to supplement overall healthier living, Delta-8 THC offers a toned-down high. Those who have used it admit that the two cannabinoids complement each other very well.

Is Delta-8 THC Safe? 

Is Delta-8 THC Safe

Delta-8 is a relatively newfound chemical compound that is still under scrutiny for exploration of its possible effects within the body. However, it may react with some prescription medications to alter their effects. Therefore, before using the delta-8 products it is advised to consult with a doctor in case you are on any prescription medications. 

Note: Delta-8 products are not suitable for pregnant and lactating women, people with disorders of blood pressure, heart, or eyes.

The Legality of Delta-8 Products

When it comes to determining the legal status of delta-8 products, the situation is a bit hazy. There are no clear regulations that differentiate between cannabinoid extracts. There are only some states in the United States that have legalized the recreational and/or medicinal use of cannabis, and for others, delta-8 THC is subject to marijuana laws. 

However, since the passing of the Farm Bill 2018, any product that is derived from hemp plants and contains less than 0.3% THC (delta-9 THC) is considered legal by federal laws. Which should make hemp-derived delta-8 legal, right? Well, at this moment there is no clear picture of this. The laws around cannabis products vary from one state to another, and sometimes within different municipal legislations as well. Delta-8 would be considered legal in states that have legalized the sale of marijuana. However, some states, namely Alaska, Delaware, Arizona, Idaho, Iowa, Arkansas, Kentucky, Colorado, Rhodesia Island, Mississippi, New York, Montana, Utah, and Vermont, have recently halted the sale of delta-8 containing products. It is always best to check with your local legislative body to confirm the legal status of delta-8 within your region. 

Trying Delta-8: The Range of Products Available 

There are so many products to choose from depending on what type of consumption method works best for you. 

  1. Delta-8 Gummies: These products are ideal for consumption when you are looking for a slow-release of THC. The gummies are available in a variety of flavors and strengths and are quite handy for use. For instance, you can choose from over 20 flavors and around 6 strength options for our fast-selling Delta-8 Gummies Jar, and feel its effects within 1-2 hours of consumption. 
  2. Delta-8 Tinctures & Oils: The Tinctures and Oils are a very effective means of consuming delta-8, as they get absorbed into the bloodstream quickly through the sublingual capillaries and veins. Our delta-8 5000 mg tincture is a high-strength formula that provides a calm & soothing high, loaded with numerous health benefits. 
  3. Delta-8 Vape Juice: Delta-8 infused vape juice provides the most bio-efficient method to consume delta-8. When the vapors of the delta-8 are inhaled, the effects can be felt within 30 minutes. 
  4. Delta-8 Topicals: Topical application products that are infused with delta-8 are useful in case you want to target a localized region for some relief. There are a variety of topical products available ranging from creams, ointments, to lotions. 
  5. Delta-8 CBD products: Some products combine the effects of both delta-8 & CBD to offer the favorable effects of both valuable compounds. Delta-8 CBD combination is available in the form of delectable gummies, topical application products, vape oils or juices, oils, tinctures, sprays, and so on. 

Cannabis experts advise beginners to start with a simple product of lower strength to get accustomed to the effects of Delta-8, and then slowly upgrade the strength. Our trial pack Delta-8 Gummies Pouch is ideal for this, as it contains flavored gummies that come in two strengths of 250 mg and 500 mg. Gummies make the best options for those who are just starting on the cannabis journey as they come in different potency levels, and offer a slow release of the active ingredient. 

The Ideal Dosage

The Ideal Dosage

There isn’t a standard dose when it comes to delta-8. This is because the reason for use, i.e., what outcome one wants to achieve, varies among the users. However, you need to be careful when selecting a delta-8 product, especially if you are a first-time cannabis user, as it is slightly psychoactive unlike the other famous cannabinoid nowadays – CBD.

  • For beginners, a dose of 5 mg to 15 mg per use is considered safe.

Where Is Delta-8 Available?

Where Is Delta-8 Available

You can purchase delta-8 products, in states that have legalized it, from the medical dispensaries selling marijuana, vape stores, and even in some pharmacies. There are plenty of reputable online stores selling delta-8 products as well. Moreover, when you directly buy from the company the prices get pocket friendlier as the middleman is taken out of the equation. However, keep the following pointers in mind:

  • Source of extraction – Only Delta-8 THC that is extracted from the hemp plants, and contains less than 0.3% delta-9 THC is legal. As delta-8 THC can be extracted from both hemp plants and marijuana plants, it is crucial to check for the source before buying.
  • Look for third-party laboratory tests for purity, potency, and contaminants, which are usually available on the company’s webpage. 
  • Always check the online reviews on third-party websites. Reputable companies tend to have a lot of positive feedback.

To Conclude 

By now you know the answer to the most asked question – Is CBD the same as THC? Even though CBD and Delta-8 THC are different from each other, they have a lot to offer. There is still a lot of scope for more intensive research to fully understand the therapeutic and salubrious aspects of these compounds. Even with the limited research, the positive outcomes convince you to give cannabis products a shot. 

 

FAQ’s (Frequent Asked Question)

 

Q1. How much THC is in delta-8 THC?

Depending on the extraction process, the final delta-8 THC product derived from the hemp plant should have less than 0.3% delta-9 THC. 

Q2. Can delta-8 show up on a drug test?

The drug tests do not specifically look for delta-8 or delta-9 THC but their metabolic residues in the body, which are the same for both. (Suggested Further Reading – Does Delta-8 Show Up On A Drug Test?)

 

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References 

  1. http://www.druglibrary.net/olsen/HEMP/IHA/iha02210.html
  2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15099912/
  3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14675158/
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Author

Charlie Thompson

Charlie Thompson is an expert cannabis botanist and a plantsman who believes that our lives revolve around plants and that a person can create the healthiest version of himself by exploring the power of plants. Charlie, who's the Chief Editor at Divine Hemps suggests that choosing the right CBD product is as crucial as getting the right form of treatment for your ailment. He closely works with the team of Divine Hemps and helps them create unique formulations of CBD that are tailored to customer's needs and are safe, pure, and lab-tested.

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