What is the Difference in CBD and Delta 8

Delta 8 THC products are growing rapidly in popularity. But what is Delta 8, and how is it different from CBD? Read on to learn more.

Delta 8 (Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol) is one of the newest trends in the hemp industry and is being sold everywhere from high-end dispensaries to convenience stores. However, many people still don’t know exactly what Delta 8 is.

Delta 8 is one of hundreds of different cannabinoids that are found in the hemp and marijuana plant. The term cannabinoid is defined as “any of various naturally-occurring, biologically active, chemical constituents of hemp or cannabis.” Cannabinoids do not have to come from within us to affect our endocannabinoid system.

Because their molecular makeup is similar to that of endocannabinoids, cannabinoids originating outside our bodies can interact with our endocannabinoid systems, altering activity and delivering therapeutic benefits.

So, why is Delta 8 becoming so popular? It’s simple. The chemical structure of Delta 8 is very similar Delta 9 (Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol) which is the main psychoactive compound found in marijuana that produces the “high”. Delta 8 can produce as high as well but is generally less than the high experienced by Delta 9 users. In fact, it has been referred to as “diet weed” or “cannabis light” because of the lessened cognitive effects.

The most abundant compound in hemp plants found in the flower and leaves is Cannabidiol, or CBD. CBD is one of more than 100 different cannabinoids that can be extracted from the hemp plant. CBD is a cannabinoid, meaning it acts on the endocannabinoid system of the body.

CBD is more specifically referred to as a phytocannabinoid, meaning that it is a cannabinoid originating from a plant. Cannabinoids do not have to come from within us to affect our endocannabinoid system, which is why CBD is able to impact us. Because their molecular makeup is similar to that of endocannabinoids, cannabinoids originating outside our bodies can interact with our endocannabinoid systems, altering activity and delivering therapeutic benefits.

Although both CBD and Delta 8 are cannabinoids, there are several differences between the two.

Both impact the brain in different manners. As stated above, Delta 8 will produce a “high” similar to that of Delta 9. CBD, on the other hand, does not produce the feeling of being high and does not alter cognition or perception.

While full spectrum CBD contains trace amounts of Delta 8, unless consumed in large quantities, people who use CBD will not fail a drug test. Alternately, because drug tests aren’t designed to distinguish delta 8 from delta 9, people who use Delta 8 can fail a drug test.

There are also differences when it comes to appetite stimulation. Delta 9 is known to stimulate people’s appetites, and now it is being seen that Delta 8 does possibly even more so than Delta 9. CBD does not act as an appetite stimulant, but generally has the opposite effect, causing a reduction in appetite.

Despite their differences, CBD and Delta 8 also have some similarities. They are both used for many of the same ailments such as pain, inflammation and anxiety. In addition, they are both legal in most states as long as they are derived from the hemp plant.