Thanks to the increasing legality of cannabis, there are various products to choose from. Delta 8 THC and CBD are two that offer several health and wellness benefits. CBD is non-euphoric, while Delta 8 produces just enough lift to have you feeling good but without any strong psychoactive and intoxicating effects. But which is right for your needs? Comparing Delta 8 vs CBD will help to determine which one is right for your needs.
As we hinted, the biggest difference between Delta 8 THC and CBD is that Delta 8 THC produces euphoric effects. CBD does not. However, the CBD vs Delta 8 battle is much more nuanced. There are also differences in their chemical composition, legality, and benefits. Understanding the differences is essential to choose one best suited to your needs. We will consider, what is Delta 8 vs CBD and explore both cannabinoids to help you make the right choice. Keep reading to see how they stack up!
What Is Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 THC (Delta 8 Tetrahydrocannabinol, Delta 8, D8 THC, or D8) is an extremely rare cannabis plant cannabinoid that provides mild euphoric effects and wellness benefits. However, its euphoric effects are much less potent than other cannabinoids like Delta 9 THC (Delta 9 Tetrahydrocannabinol, Delta 9, D9 THC, D9, or THC).
The compound is popular in the cannabis industry because it has manageable euphoric benefits without the intensity of THC. Some people say it will only produce euphoric effects in large quantities. Others say they don’t feel the effects at all. Regardless, D8 is euphoric, and it will definitely raise you up!
These effects are accentuated by how Delta 8 makes you feel. You’ll feel relaxed and at ease. It’s the perfect cannabinoid to take in the evening, as it helps wash away the day’s stress and eases you into a tranquil state of mind. Many also choose to take Delta 8 THC to deal with anxiousness, such as when they go out or need to socialize.
Delta 8 THC naturally occurs in both marijuana and hemp plants. However, it is not abundant in either type of cannabis plant. Less than 1% of a hemp plant contains Delta 8 THC. Therefore, it is commonly semi-synthetically sourced from hemp-derived CBD (Cannabidiol) via a safe and clean chemical synthesis process to generate large quantities to meet consumer demand.
Delta 8’s Effects on the Endocannabinoid System
Like all cannabinoids, Delta 8 THC produces effects when it binds with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a network of cell-signaling receptors throughout your body. These receptors help mediate several key biological processes important to your everyday health and wellness.
Due to Delta 8 THC’s chemical structure, it does not bind tightly with the CB1 receptor, which is largely linked to euphoric effects. Therefore, it is not as potent as other cannabinoids like THC. However, D8 still interacts with the CB1 and the CB2 to provide benefits like enhanced mood, reduced physical discomfort, and relaxation.
Delta 8 Legality
Hemp-derived Delta 8 THC products are federally legal as long as products that contain it do not exceed 0.3% THC. However, state laws vary. Several states have enacted bans on hemp-derived Delta 8 THC products despite the federal government’s welcoming attitude. Keep up to date on your state’s hemp and Delta 8 THC laws before you purchase any products. This will ensure that you remain on the right side of the law.
What Is CBD?
CBD is a naturally occurring hemp (Cannabis sativa) plant cannabinoid. The compound is non-euphoric and is highly sought-after by wellness enthusiasts due to its potential to aid various aspects of mental and physical health.
Hemp contains very high concentrations of CBD and very minimal concentrations of THC (0.3% or less). Levels of THC are so low in the hemp plant and hemp cannabis raw extracts that they produce next to no euphoric or psychoactive effects. Due to high consumer demand, you can find several products with hemp-derived CBD in them. They are typically consumed in oils, distillates, vapes, and raw flower.
CBD’s Effects on the Endocannabinoid System
Like other cannabinoids, CBD interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system. However, it does not bind directly to ECS receptors. Its effects are largely due to its interactions with them. This interaction is enough to produce several wellness benefits, including uplifted mood, elevated appetite, physical discomfort relief, easing of joint stiffness, and deeper sleep.
Thanks to its well-rounded wellness potential, CBD has become a daily staple for many health-conscious consumers. As a result, it is more popular than ever, with various products available for consumers to enjoy.
CBD Legality
CBD is legal by federal law and legal in most states because it is hemp-derived and does not produce euphoric effects. For THC to be legal, it must satisfy the parameters of the federal Farm Bill. Passed in 2018, this piece of bi-partisan legislation legalized hemp plants and hemp-derived products as long as they do not exceed 0.3% THC content. This landmark law opened the doors for health and wellness enthusiasts who have been promoting the benefits of CBD for decades.
However, some states have differing hemp laws restricting or banning certain CBD products. Like with Delta 8 products, it’s important to familiarize yourself with your state’s hemp and CBD laws to determine their legality.
Delta 8 THC vs CDB: Chemical Composition
The effects of cannabinoids on the body are directly related to their chemical composition. To better understand the composition of Delta 8 THC and THC, let’s compare them to Delta 9 THC. CBD and Delta 9 THC have almost identical chemical structures. They have 30 hydrogen atoms, 21 carbon atoms, and two oxygen atoms in their chemical formula. The main difference is that THC contains a cyclic ring, and CBD contains a hydroxyl group in an open cyclic ring.
The difference means CBD interacts with your ECS receptors and produces non-euphoric effects, while THC binds to your ECS receptors and produces stimulating euphoria. Delta 9 also has a structure similar to that of Delta 8. The main difference between the two is in their double bonds. Delta 8 has a double bond on its eighth carbon atom, while Delta 9 has a double bond on its ninth. The different positions affect how strongly the cannabinoid interacts with your body’s ECS receptors. As a result, Delta 9 has potent euphoric effects, while Delta 8 THC has milder effects, and CBD has no euphoric effects.
Potential Benefits of Delta 8 THC and CBD
While CBD and Delta 8 share many of the same benefits, each cannabinoid offers a few unique advantages. Here’s a breakdown of the key benefits of both.
Delta 8 THC Benefits
- Physical Discomfort Relief. Delta 8 THC interacts with the CB2 ECS receptors in your peripheral nervous system (PNS) to help reduce symptoms of soreness and physical discomfort. It also interacts with the CB1 receptors in the central nervous system (CNS) to increase serotonin and dopamine production, which may calm discomfort signals throughout the body.
- Relaxation. Delta 8 THC produces mild euphoria that provides just enough lift without getting you lost in the clouds. It will help soothe a racing mind and relax your muscles, delivering powerful mind-body tranquility that eventually lulls you into a restful sleep.
- Appetite Stimulation. Like other THC analogs, Delta 8 THC can help to enhance the senses, making food taste and smell better and elevate appetite.
- Anti-Anxiousness Effects. Delta 8 THC’s ability to raise serotonin and dopamine makes it an effective support for stress and anxiousness relief.
- Sleep Support. The compound can promote relaxation, making it ideal for sleep support. Studies have shown it to be effective in relieving certain sleep disorder symptoms.
CBD Benefits
- Anxiousness Reduction. Cannabis research reveals that CBD interacts with the 5-HTIA serotonin receptor to reduce anxiety. It may also change the shape of GABA receptors to produce a calming effect.
- Helps the Body Respond to Environmental Stressors. The compound may inhibit adenosine uptake to produce anti-inflammatory effects throughout the body. It also binds with TRPV1 receptors to reduce the body’s response to environmental stress.
- Physical Discomfort Relief. CBD can help to lower soreness and physical discomfort. The cannabinoid’s ability to increase serotonin levels also reduces discomfort signals that travel throughout the body.
- Epilepsy and Seizure Control Use in Prescription Medications. CBD has neuroprotective effects that reduce seizures in rare forms of epilepsy. It’s the active ingredient in Epidiolex, the only FDA-approved CBD medication for seizure prevention. In this case, CBD can help reduce serious health risks. However, non-FDA-approved CBD products are not a substitute for Epidiolex. If you’re using Epidiolex, continue following your prescription and consult your doctor before exploring other therapies.
Legal Considerations
The Farm Bill of 2018 legalized hemp-derived cannabis products under federal law, providing they have a THC level of .03% or less on a dry weight basis. However, state laws vary. Many states align with the Farm Bill. Some states allow cannabis regardless of the origin and THC level. In other states, cannabis products are considered potentially harmful substances and are completely illegal.
Products like CBD, which are derived from the hemp cannabis plants, are federally legal and legal in most states, provided they follow the stipulations in the Farm Bill. Delta 8 THC, on the other hand, falls into a gray area.
Delta 8 products on the market are typically hemp-derived. However, some states, such as Iowa, outlaw the cannabinoid under the erroneous assumption that it is synthetic. Although semi-synthetic means are used to generate ample quantities of the cannabinoid, Delta 8 THC in and of itself is a naturally occurring and extremely rare cannabis plant cannabinoid. Moreover, many states don’t specifically regulate Delta 8 THC in their legislation.
Regardless of whether you decide to go with CBD or Delta 8, the laws may change at any moment. Always check local laws before purchasing either product to avoid getting in trouble.
How to Choose Between Delta 8 THC and CBD
Delta 8 THC and CBD are both beneficial compounds. You must consider several factors to determine which is right for you. Here are some key factors to consider when deciding between the two.
- Desired Effects. Delta 8 THC and CBD produce similar wellness effects. They can both help reduce physical discomfort and soreness, relieve anxiousness, and promote relaxation. However, individuals may have advanced health risks that make one more suitable than the other. Carefully experiment with both to determine which is best suited to your needs.
- Legality. It’s wise to choose a product that’s legal in your area. Legal products are more accessible and less likely to get you in trouble. CBD is more widely accepted on a legal basis. However, laws can change at any time.
- Personal Tolerance. People who consume the cannabis plant often will begin to build a tolerance against certain cannabinoids. Tolerance impacts how the product affects you on a mental and physical level. It may dull euphoric effects and wellness benefits. Consider how your tolerance impacts your experience to find the right product for you.
- Situations. Consider the situation when you are consuming any cannabis product. If you plan to take CBD or Delta 8 at work, you may choose CBD, which does not produce euphoric effects. If you are hanging out with friends, Delta 8 THC may be a better choice as it provides mild euphoria and allows you to ease social jitters.
CBD vs Delta 8 THC- Which Should You Choose?
There is no clear-cut answer, as it depends on you and your needs. You must consider the differences between CBD and Delta 8 THC to decide which is right for you. Regardless of your choice, it is smart to source your cannabis plant from a reputable brand such as Exhale Wellness.
Ensure your CBD and Delta 8 products are backed by third-party lab testing to ensure they do not contain potentially unsafe household chemicals and other potentially harmful substances. If you feel you may have consumed a product with potentially harmful chemicals, contact national poison control centers in your area immediately.
Never buy cannabis products from convenience stores as they may contain potentially harmful by-products. There have been significant public health concerns regarding purchasing cannabis from shady sources that do not put the customer first.
Thankfully, reputable brands like Exhale Wellness always put the customer first and ensure premium quality and safety with every product. Shop our line of hemp-derived Delta 8 products for a euphoric lift and relaxation. Our CBD products are just what you need to optimize your mind-body well-being for everyday wellness.
Final Thoughts – Delta 8 vs CBD [Benefits, Legality & Chemistry Explored]
CBD and Delta 8 THC are hemp-derived cannabinoids that consumers take for various health and wellness benefits. These emerging cannabis-derived products are beneficial to the health and wellness space and increase well-being without a loss of control. They are useful in various situations. Delta 8 THC produces mild euphoria that’s more manageable than Delta 9 THC. The effects are more relaxing, making D8 ideal for evening or nighttime use.
On the other hand, CBD is non-euphoric. You can take it any time of day as it works with your ECS to help optimize several mental and physical processes important to everyday health. When deciding between the two, consider factors like legality, effects, and why you are taking the product. Weigh the pros and cons to determine the best option for your wellness needs.
