Have you been wondering about the difference between Delta 8 and CBD? Delta 8 is growing in popularity and as it does many are looking to understand the difference between CBD and Delta 8. This blog will compare the difference between Delta 8 and CBD to help you understand what might be the best option for you.

What is Delta 8?

According to The National Cancer Institute, Delta 8 THC is defined as “an analogue of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with antiemetic, anxiolytic, appetite-stimulating, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties.” They also stated that “this agent exhibits a lower psychotropic potency than Delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta 9 THC), the primary form of THC found in cannabis.”

In layman’s terms Delta 8 is a form of THC. THC is the substance commonly associated with marijuana that gives you the euphoric sensation. However, when you normally think about the euphoric sensation from marijuana people are typically thinking about Delta 9 THC. While Delta 8 is a form of THC it is slightly different than Delta 9. Many people will describe it as a more clear-headed experience than Delta 9. It has also been reported to not have some of the side effects that many associate with Delta 9 THC like paranoia or anxiety.

What Is Delta 8 Helpful With?

Delta-8-THC has many potential therapeutic benefits. Like other cannabinoids the research is just really beginning on how it may help with various conditions and ailments. But here’s a list of some of the ailments that Delta-8-THC may help:

Anxiety
Depression
Glaucoma
Inflammation
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Insomnia
Irritable bowel syndrome
Migraines
Multiple sclerosis
Muscle spasticity
Nausea
Pain
Poor appetite
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Reducing opioid use
Seizures
Symptoms associated with HIV/AIDS

What Is CBD?

CBD or cannabidiol as it is technically known is another cannabinoid found in the hemp plant. Like Delta 8, CBD is one of over 100 cannabinoids found inside the plant. CBD has several properties including its ability to help with pain, inflammation, and anxiety. The main difference between CBD and Delta 8 is that it doesn’t have the ability to give you a euphoric or high sensation. Whether it is Delta 8 or CBD both of these cannabinoids interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system.

Endocannabinoid System

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is a naturally occurring network of receptors spread throughout the entire human body. It wasn’t until in the 1990s that researchers first discovered endocannabinoids, which are the natural cannabis-like molecules produced by the human body. Scientists began to realize that cannabinoids from plants like hemp had an effect on the human body by mimicking our own naturally occurring endocannabinoids.

The ECS has receptors located all throughout the body including the brain, central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system (digestive tract, immune system, reproductive system, skin cells, heart, and more). The endocannabinoids work by binding to their corresponding receptors, giving our cells specific directions. Certain cannabinoids like CBD increase the amount of endocannabinoids present in the body.

Different Spectrums of CBD

When you are shopping for a CBD product you will notice that it contains one of the following: full spectrum hemp extract, broad spectrum hemp extract or CBD isolate. The following are brief descriptions of the different types of CBD products you may find at your local CBD store.

Full Spectrum: A complete array of compounds that naturally occur in hemp, which includes CBD and other cannabinoids. Plus a trace amount of Delta 9 THC, terpenes, flavonoids, and nutrients.
Broad Spectrum: A Delta 9 THC-free version of full spectrum, in which the Delta 9 THC has been removed from the concentrate.
CBD Isolate: This type features nothing but CBD. It has had all of the other cannabinoids, terpenes, and other parts of the hemp plant removed.

No one of these extracts is objectively better for you or more effective than the other two. It’s about your personal preference, and your experience.

Legality of CBD And Delta 8

CBD and Delta 8 THC were made legal by H.R. 2: The Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, commonly referred to as the 2018 Farm Bill. They were specifically made legal in the bill where it states that hemp and all derivatives, isomers, and cannabinoids of hemp plant except Delta 9 THC are legal.

Up until to that point, CBD and Delta 8 had been illegal and were specifically named in the Controlled Substances Act. However, in addition to making all hemp cannabinoids, isomers, and derivatives legal, H.R. 2 specifically includes text to remove all confusion between laws by amending the Controlled Substances Act to exclude CBD and Delta 8 THC from hemp.

CBD and Delta 8 THC are federally legal and legal in Maryland. There are however some states that specifically exclude Delta 8 or have laws that do not specifically make all cannabinoids, isomers, and derivatives of hemp legal, creating a grey area for that particular compound.

Different Types of CBD And Delta 8

CBD and Delta 8 are both available in a variety of formats, which we discuss in-depth below:

Tinctures

CBD and Delta 8 tinctures exist in an oil-based form and are designed to be administered sublingually (under the tongue). Keep in mind that it is crucial to allow adequate time for the compound to absorb into the body before swallowing. CBD or Delta 8 tinctures can also mix into your favorite food or be blended into your favorite drink. However, this affects the route of administration and can reduce the absorption rate of the products.

Vapes

CBD or Delta 8 vapes, or e-juice, are heated with the use of a handheld vaporizer. The compound is converted into a pleasantly flavored vapor, which is inhaled and absorbed quickly via the respiratory system.

Flower

Hemp is a cannabis plant, this means the flowers of the hemp plant can be smoked for its therapeutic content. CBD or Delta 8 flower allows for a more traditional smoking experience, which may be too harsh for some consumers. A bowl, pipe, or other smoking apparatus is required to consume CBD or Delta 8 flowers properly via this method.

Edibles

CBD or Delta 8 is often infused into a wide variety of food-based products. CBD or Delta 8 gummies and edibles are the most delicious way to dose. While edibles take far longer to take effect, they are longer lasting compared to other consumption methods.

CBD And Delta 8 Takeaways

As you can see Delta 8 and CBD have many beneficial properties. While they are similar in many ways there are some key differences. The primary difference is the high sensation you get from the cannabinoids. While CBD is completely non-intoxicating, Delta 8 does have the potential to give you a euphoric feeling.

Delta 8 and CBD can both be beneficial depending upon the conditions you are dealing with. The best way to figure out what may be best for you is to speak with a specialist at a local CBD store like CBD Supply Maryland. An expert should be able to guide you through the differences of these products and make recommendations for what may be the best for you.

No matter which cannabinoid you are looking for, it is always important to remember to purchase your products from a reliable source. The company should have labs for the product and you should check the overall reputation of the business first before purchasing to help ensure that you are actually getting what you paid for.