Delta-8 vs CBD: How do they differ?

An industry that has blown up over the years, and a practice that is becoming more common today is the cannabis market. But for those of you doing research, first timers, or enthusiasts its easy to get overwhelmed with information and terminology. I mean you have delta 8, delta 9, THC, CBD, cannabis, and marijuana, to name a few but are these all the same? What are the differences? What about legality?

In this article we’re going to fix that. No, this won’t be a 4000-word book going over the history of marijuana and all of the variants. But we will set some things straight, and by the end of this post you’ll have a clear understanding of probably one of the biggest misconceptions in the industry, delta 8 vs CBD. So, what’s the difference? Let’s jump right in.

THC and Delta 8

Before we get into what delta 8 is, we must first set the record straight. Whether its delta 8, delta 9, delta 10, or even some CBD oils, they will all have trace amounts THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) within the product. THC is the chemical that provides the “high” you experience from ingesting these products extracted from the cannabis plant. What makes them different is the potency of the THC within the product.

What is delta 8 THC?

If all of these products are extracted from the cannabis plant and have THC, does that mean they are all the same? Well, no. This is where things can get confusing. When you’re at a smoke shop or talking to your friends about what delta 8 THC, it’s simply the chemical compound extracted from the cannabis plant with a little help from laboratories, let me explain.

Delta 8 THC does not naturally exist in the cannabis plant, and there is only a very small trace amount that is not enough to produce products from. So, manufacturers have created a process known as isolation, where delta 8 THC is made using delta 9 THC with a much lower potency. Since delta 8 falls under the 0.3% THC amount it is not considered illegal at the federal like delta 9 THC is.

This does not mean it’s legal everywhere, however. If you are thinking of purchasing delta 8 products, always check your local city, county, and state laws and ordinances. For example, in Florida delta 8 products are legal to buy, sell, possess, and consume. In fact, if you’re located in Bradenton, FL check out our shop for a huge selection of delta 8 products like carts, edibles, and more!

What makes CBD different?

CBD (cannabidiol) is also found in the cannabis plant but there is a major difference. Generally, CBD does not contain THC – the chemical that creates the psychoactive effects found in delta 8 and delta 9 THC. While delta 8 THC has been marketed as being a great alternative to delta 9 THC, you will find most delta 8 products are carts, or edibles. CBD on the other hand took a slightly difference approach.

Since most CBD products do not contain THC and can be extracted from both the cannabis and hemp plant, you can find it in a variety in products. Heading to your local convenient store you’ll see products like CBD oils, creams, gels, and even treats for your pet. Why? Well similar to Delta 8 THC, CBD is used by many to assist with the management of medical conditions like mental health, anxiety, depression, high blood pressure and chronic aches and pain.

Another common question when researching CBD, will it get you high? Short answer, no. Since most CBD products do not contain THC, CBD will not get you high. When looking at CBD products always look for 3rd party lab tested certificates, and what type of CBD is being used.

Going into a little more detail, they’re 3 types of CBD: Full-spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate.

• Full-Spectrum: This CBD type contains all of the compounds and chemicals found in the cannabis plant, which includes THC. However, the trace amount is normally under the 0.3% THC threshold, which is not enough to feel the psychoactive effects. But will still show up in a drug test.
• Broad-Spectrum: This is the most common type of CBD and will also contain other cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, like cannabichromene (CBC), and cannabinol. While broad-spectrum isn’t supposed to have THC, some manufacturers may still have very small trace amounts.
• Isolate: This is 99% pure CBD. No other chemicals or compounds are found in this type of CBD. Great for those who want to use CBD and not worry about ingesting THC.

So delta -8 THC vs CBD?

Now that you know what delta 8 THC and CBD are, let’s make a quick comparison between the two.

Psychoactive properties

• Most CBD products will not get you “high” as they do not contain enough, or any THC. Great for those who do not want to get high, while still taking advantage of the positive effects.
• Delta 8 THC does have trace amounts of psychoactive chemicals and you will feel a small high when ingesting these products.

Delta 8 and CBD uses

• CBD is infused with many products like oils, creams, and gels to assist with medical issues like chronic pain, arthritis, mental health, and much more without getting into delta 8 or delta 9 THC.
• Delta 8 THC is also used to manage the issues mentioned above but with the added psychoactive effect. In addition to assistance with the issue some delta 8 THC enthusiasts enjoy the feeling of getting high and is great legal alternative to delta 9 THC.

Lastly dosages!

Everyone’s tolerant is different when taking both CBD and delta 8 THC. Even if you can feel like “I can take it” we highly recommend against that, especially if you have never taken something like this before. This is a great community that encourages starting small to find what is right for you. We also do not recommend combining any products together, and always follow the directions and serving sizes on any delta 8 THC or CBD product you purchase.

Final thoughts on CBD vs Delta 8 THC

We’ve made it to the end of the article! Time to wrap everything up. So what have we learned today? THC is the chemical that is a directly correlated to the psychoactive effects with being “high”. Delta 8 THC, Delta 9 THC, and even Delta 10 THC, are all cannabinoids extracted from the cannabis plant with different levels of THC associated to them. CBD is also a cannabinoid that can also be extracted from the cannabis or hemp plant with extremely little to no THC.

That’s it, thanks for coming to my TED talk! But honestly, I hope the information you learned here today will better educate you when making a decision on whether choosing delta 8 THC or CBD is right for you!