How to Choose Between Delta 8 THC and CBD

CBD Oil in Baltimore, MD – Delta-8 in Baltimore MD

Cannabis contains a wide variety of chemical compounds known as cannabinoids, and each can affect you in different ways. When most people think of cannabinoids, they most likely think of CBD or the psychoactive Delta-9 THC. However, as time goes on, the cannabis community is becoming more interested in many different compounds, including Delta-8 THC.

Delta-8 THC is one of the most popular cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, but it’s not to be confused with the closely related Delta-9 THC cannabinoid. Despite sharing many qualities, Delta-8 THC is drastically different. Much like CBD, it can be used without overwhelming psychoactive effects or many unwanted side effects, making it a very interesting product in the cannabis industry. So how is Delta-8 THC different from CBD, and which famous cannabinoid should you choose? Here’s what you need to know about these two types of cannabis-derived products and their benefits. 

What Is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 THC is one of the many chemical compounds, or cannabinoids, found in cannabis plants. Although it isn’t quite as well known as its close relatives CBD or Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 THC is one of the four most common cannabinoids.

It’s important to note that when the term “THC” is widely used, it’s usually to refer to the main psychoactive cannabis compound, Delta-9 THC. Much like Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 THC binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body- receptors that can impact your endocannabinoid system in various ways. However, despite being closely related, Delta-8 THC produces drastically different effects than Delta-9 THC.

Many users report that, unlike with THC, they can use Delta-8 THC without experiencing the intense psychoactive effects of Delta-9 THC, including the side effects as anxiety and paranoia. A study also found that Delta-8 THC could be used safely and effectively with no serious side effects. As such, many people are beginning to try Delta-8 THC out as an alternative to traditional THC and CBD products.

Although a lot of state laws across the country legalize marijuana, it still remains illegal in many states, and, as such, many consumers can’t legally access THC or marijuana products in general. However, Delta-8 THC products offer an exciting alternative as many are legal on a federal level.

The 2018 Farm Bill made it legal to purchase, sell, and use hemp products across the country, provided that they only contain trace amounts of Delta-9 THC (no more than 0.3%). This led to the widespread popularity of hemp plants and hemp-based CBD products since they contain high levels of cannabidiol with only small concentrations of THC.

Much like CBD, Delta-8 THC can be extracted from the hemp plant. However, these particular cannabis products need to contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. As such, you can find reputable brands selling USDA Organic Delta-8 THC products without much trouble. They are safe and legal to use and are often chosen as an alternative to CBD, if not in conjunction with them.

How Is It Different from CBD?

CBD and Delta-8 THC have a lot in common. Both can be extracted from hemp (and other cannabis plants) and are legally available across the country. However, while both are good alternatives to traditional THC products, they differ significantly from one another in a few ways.

While Delta-8 works by binding to CB1 and CB2 receptors, CBD interacts with cannabinoid receptors without binding to them. As such, Delta-8 THC can produce mild psychotropic effects, whereas CBD is completely non-psychoactive.

Since it is chemically similar to Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 THC can also make you fail a drug test. Drug tests check for THC metabolites in the body, meaning that they can detect Delta-8 THC as well as Delta-9 THC. In contrast, drug tests don’t check for CBD, and you can use pure, broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum CBD without much worrying about failing a drug test.

CBD and Delta-8 THC are both said to provide many of the same health benefits associated with the cannabis plant, and, as such, people often use them for similar reasons. However, while CBD is primarily used as a supplement for overall wellness, some users also use D8 THC recreationally.

Delta-8 THC vs. CBD: Which Should You Choose?

Since they have many similarities, consumers might wonder whether they should use Delta-8 THC or CBD. Both can be used safely and legally, but which one you should choose largely depends on your personal preferences and what you’re using it for.

Although Delta-8 THC isn’t the same as Delta-9 THC, it can produce mild psychotropic effects and, as such, cannabis consumers looking for an alternative that’s closer to regular THC products should choose Delta-8 THC. CBD is non-psychoactive and makes for a better choice for those who want to avoid psychotropic effects altogether.

It’s also a better idea to choose CBD over Delta-8 THC if you’re worried about failing a drug test. Although D8 THC isn’t the same as Delta-9 THC, it still is more likely to be detected by various drug tests than CBD. As long as you use quality CBD with less than 0.3% THC, you shouldn’t worry too much about failing a drug test.

Both of these cannabinoid products can be used as regular daily supplements, and neither will produce harmful side effects. As such, if you’re having a problem choosing between one or the other, you might want to incorporate both into your daily routine and see which one works for you best – or maybe it’s the combination that does wonders for you.

Where to Buy

If you want to use Delta-8 THC, it’s best to purchase federally legal, USDA products made from organic hemp and sold by a reputable source. You can find safe and legal Delta-8 THC products online at Charm City Hemp, and multiple choices are available.

Delta-8 THC Oil is a good choice for those who want a quick and simple way to get a dose. You can apply the oil under your tongue for quick absorption or add it to foods or drinks for a more enjoyable method of consumption.

Cartridges are another great option. These can be attached to a Vape Battery to produce smooth, flavorful, infused vapor. They’re also available in multiple flavors, so there’s a suitable option for every user.

Conclusion

Delta-8 THC and CBD are both cannabinoids used to make cannabis-based products, but they may affect you in slightly different ways. As a result, you may choose one over the other depending on your needs and preferences.

Delta-8 THC is an interesting cannabinoid that offers a great alternative to traditional THC products. In addition to helping with pain and inflammation, it can be used as a sleep aid or recreationally, similar to CBD.

Hemp-derived CBD can provide you with all the main benefits of cannabis without any intoxicating effects. Delta-8 THC cannabinoid, on the other hand, produces milder effects than Delta-9 THC, but it can still make you fail a drug test. However, due to the presence of THC, it might create the so-called entourage effect, where the two compounds boost each other’s benefits. This is the main difference that usually influences the final choice of cannabis consumers.

With that said, both can be used safely and legally, and you might even want to use both in conjunction. You can find these products online at Charmcityhemp.com, and we are here to provide any information you might need to make an informed decision.

Sources:

  1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7776837/
  2. https://www.brookings.edu/blog/fixgov/2018/12/14/the-farm-bill-hemp-and-cbd-explainer/
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1572574/
  4. https://cfah.org/delta-8-thc-benefits/
  5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10490883/
  6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7324885/