The differences between CBD and Delta-8 you need to know if you are a cannabis enthusiast

Posted on By samanvya

CBD and delta-9 THC have received the greatest attention from weed users and researchers around the world, but one of the hottest topics in cannabis nowadays is actually delta-8 THC. Its popularity skyrocketed and will likely stay like this until scientists find another cannabinoid to deliver its benefits. Until then, let’s see what’s the hype around CBD and delta-8 THC and how they differ. 

Hemp has a higher concentration of CBD, while cannabis has a higher concentration of THC. The cannabis plant produces about 300 non-cannabinoid chemicals and between 80 and 100 cannabinoids, whereas “hemp” is used for cannabis plants that contain up to 0.3% THC by dry weight. Hemp only produces small amounts of delta-8 and requires other processes, like CBD isomerization or conversion from other compounds like CBD, to generate this cannabinoid. These are professional techniques – CBD is catalyzed with an acid, and it’s neutralized, purified and tested for purity. Professional chemists take precautionary measures and treat the plants with care to ensure you have a healthy, safe and pleasant experience when you consume delta-8.

Now that you’ve had your share of spoilers on how CBD and delta-8 work and how they’re procured, you should keep reading to understand their benefits and find out what cannabis researchers want you to know about these two cannabinoids.

What is Delta-8?        

Delta-8 is an analog of delta-8 THC and is known as a “cannabis light”, “diet weed” or “weed’s little brother”. This renown results from its less potent cognitive effects. Extractors use a multi-step process to make delta-8 THC, isolating the compound from the raw hemp material. Cannabis plants don’t synthesize this cannabinoid because there are small amounts of it in hemp. Therefore, manufacturers use a natural catalytic reaction to extract large quantities of delta-8 THC from the cannabis plant.

This cannabinoid binds to cannabinoid receptors in a similar way delta-9 THC does, but not to that great extent. Even though delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC have very similar molecular structures, there’s a slight difference in their atomic bonds’ arrangement, and it’s the difference that makes delta-8 THC less potent than its bigger brother.

You can get high from this cannabinoid, but you will have a more clear-headed, smoother and less anxious experience than when you consume delta-9. The feelings of mild relaxation, euphoria and potential pain relief are what people who don’t want to experience a pronounced “high” seek and find in delta-8.

What do researchers say about Delta-8?

Research and studies show that delta-8 THC has the propensity to attach to CB1 receptors throughout your body, like the ones in your brain and nervous system, and become an efficient painkiller. It almost has no binding affinity to your CB2 receptors, like delta-9 THC does, exponentially decreasing the risk for abuse.

A study on delta-8 THC between the three cannabinoids shows that these products may provide much of the therapeutic and experimental benefits of delta-9 THC with lesser adverse and lower risks. Those participants consumed edibles like brownies and gummies, vaped hash, dabs, wax and oil, and tinctures. Among the results were:

  • 71% of participants experienced a great deal of relaxation 
  • 74% of them didn’t feel anxious
  • 55% of them felt less pain 
  • 68% of them became euphoric. 

Cannabis researchers agree that you need to eat the proper quantity and take at least a couple of meals with delta-8 a day. An adequate dosage of it will help you control your aches and pain by relaxing and minimizing nerve malfunction and muscle spasms in your body. If you stress a lot, have body pain, struggle with sleep or anxiety or have other health conditions, you could find Delta-8 THC products in your local stores or online and try them. Don’t stress over potential risks because delta-8 is deemed harmless and lacks any effect on your immune system. You won’t have a dry mouth, bloodshot eyes or get food cravings like you’d have consuming delta-9 THC because delta-8 only has up to 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol to be federally legal.

What is CBD?

CBD is a chemical extracted from the buds and flowers of the cannabis Sativa plant and can’t legally have more than 0.3% THC. It is generally seen as a safe drug when consumed orally or used topically and can come in a wide range of products, like skincare ones, gummies, essential oils, vapes and beverages. It is reportedly used by many people worldwide for various ailments, including sleep, pain relief and general wellness. This cannabinoid also helps many people suffering from dystonia, anxiety, Parkinson, Crohn and many other conditions.

Even if it comes from the same plant as delta 8 vs delta 9 high does, the effects and produced feelings delivered differ. CBD is less potent than delta-8 THC and binds to your CB1 receptors in a non-psychoactive way. It doesn’t leave you with a strong “high” feeling, it calms your muscles and helps you unveil. It can possibly counteract the euphoric effects of delta-8 THC, so you should know how and when to use each.

To put it simply, delta-8 is better for moderate anxiety, whereas CBD is more efficient for mild anxiety symptoms.

What do researchers say about CBD?

Researchers found that a CBD-rich treatment can benefit anxiety, depression and pain symptoms and improve the overall well-being of participants with mild symptoms of illnesses.

CBD oil is thought to slow the transmission of information to your brain, modify calcium levels in your brain cells and reduce inflammation, thus helping you prevent seizures. Among other aspects CBD oil can improve are cancer and PTSD side effects. 

Some science-backed facts about CBD’s oil use are the following:

  • It can calm and help you with anxiety.
  • It may reduce PTSD symptoms.
  • It may alleviate ALS symptoms.
  • It may inhibit arthritis symptoms.
  • It could potentially help you sleep.

Conclusion

Even if CBD and delta-8 THC come from the same plant, they have different effects on your brain and body. Delta-8 produces a cognitive change, contrary to the body-focused effects of CBD.

Both can help regulate your emotions and enhance your mood, considering you know what to expect from each one when you consume them.