Though the hemp industry has known about Delta 8 for a couple of years now, most people still don’t know much about it. Due to its fast-rising popularity, there are a lot of misconceptions surrounding what it is and how it’s made. Is Delta 8 CBD? How is Delta 8 THC any different from Delta 9 THC? Where can Delta 8 products be found?
Hint: Delta 8 THC is completely different from CBD! But there may be more similarities than you think. Lucky for you, we have a lot of answers you might be looking for, and we’re ready to help! We’re here to help you break down the differences between these cannabinoids so that you can distinguish CBD and Delta 8 THC products with confidence and ease.
Like CBD and Delta 9 THC, Delta 8 THC (also called D8 or D8 THC) is a natural cannabinoid in the hemp plant, which is part of the cannabis plant family. You might already be familiar with D9 THC — the cannabinoid that people consume from marijuana products — but Delta 8 is a completely different compound. D8 makes up less than 1% of each hemp plant and provides slightly different effects than D9. Because it’s found in such small quantities, it’s much more difficult to obtain than CBD or D9.
When we consume Delta 8, it binds to our body’s cannabinoid receptors, which produces a mildly euphoric sensation. This interaction supports our endocannabinoid system (or ECS), which is responsible for maintaining many of our body’s main functions — like sleep, mood regulation, appetite and digestion, immune system capability, and more. Our ECS helps us maintain homeostasis (stable wellness levels) by regulating processes like these.
Delta 8’s benefits seriously outweigh the potential side effects that come along with consumption:
Delta 8 is generally well-tolerated by most, and any potential side effects are usually temporary and mild. These effects can include nervousness, sleepy or dizzy feelings, dry eyes and mouth, poor focus, and mild diarrhea or upset stomach.
Delta 8 is a lot more similar to Delta 9 THC in chemical structure than it is to CBD. They are isomers of each other, and both cannabinoids have a double bond. While D8 carries its double bond on its 8th carbon atom, D9 carries it on its 9th. Unlike Delta 9, though, Delta 8 is much milder and is only slightly euphoric.
Because D8 doesn’t bind to our cannabinoid receptors as strongly as D9 does, its side effects are not as potent or as intense as D9’s are. With D8, you probably won’t have to worry about experiencing the same paranoid feelings or overwhelming intoxicating effects known to accompany D9. Instead, you’ll feel perfectly refreshed and calm, entering an uplifting experience that’ll leave you ready to take on the day.
Delta 8 is completely federally legal, but rules (regarding age restrictions and possession limits) still vary by state. D8 products must contain 0.3% D9 THC or less to be federally legal and comply with the 2018 Farm Bill. Look up age restrictions and overall legality before attempting to buy or travel with D8 or any other controlled substances.
It’s important to note that Delta 8 can also be converted from D9, but this isn’t legal. D8 must be converted from hemp to be within federal law.
CBD is one of the primary cannabinoids in hemp. It’s naturally occurring and is found in higher concentrations in hemp than other cannabinoids. While you can find some CBD in marijuana, it’s typically found in very small, insignificant amounts.
CBD does not bind as strongly to the cannabinoid receptors in our bodies once it’s consumed, if at all. That’s why CBD is non-intoxicating on its own. However, it still helps to support our ECS, to provide many of the same amazing therapeutic benefits.
Despite their similarities, Delta 8 and CBD are not the same thing. Think of them as cousins — they may appear similar to each other and come from the same family, but they have a lot of differences too. Many people have transitioned to taking Delta 8 because it’s the perfect balance between the passive, soothing effects of CBD and the mellow, relaxing, euphoric experience of Delta 9.
Though they’re both cannabinoids in hemp and have similar methods of consumption, CBD and Delta 8 aren’t too similar when comparing the two side-by-side. Let’s break down some of their commonalities first.
Have you been having trouble eating or sleeping lately? CBD and D8 can both lend a hand here. Both cannabinoids promote appetite, improve digestion, and help you achieve more restful sleep, thus benefiting your overall wellness. They also both can ease an aching tummy, help alleviate soreness, and boost your mood.
CBD and D8 products vary a bit, but their onset and duration times don’t! Depending on how they’re consumed, products take longer to take effect and last for varying amounts of time:
Since Delta 8 binds more strongly to our body’s cannabinoid receptors than CBD does, it provides a much more enlivening sensation than CBD (but still less so than D9 THC). Because of this, you should consume D8 with more active awareness than CBD. You may feel more tired after consuming D8, and we don’t recommend operating any machinery or driving after consumption.
CBD offers a much more passive experience than Delta 8 or Delta 9 THC and can be taken throughout the day without too much planning or worry. It’s often made to be pet-safe so that Spot can benefit and increase his wellness too!
Imagine it’s Friday evening — you just parked your car after sitting in excruciatingly slow bumper-to-bumper traffic after a long week at the office. Your eyes are tired, and you’re ready to relax, but your neck and back are achy and tense from your commute. You want to escape, but you feel like you need a hand to help lift you up and out of your sluggish slump.
Delta 8 is a great choice for consumers who want to enjoy a slight euphoric boost but prefer less intense side effects than those following D9 THC consumption. D8 still offers the same holistic and natural approach that CBD offers but isn’t as passive and will bring you added bliss!
If you’re still questioning whether Delta 8 may be right for you, give your doctor a call. A licensed professional will provide medical advice to help you make the best decision for you and your body’s needs.
Why struggle to shop for Delta 8 at gas stations or convenience stores when you can find high-quality products online? When you shop online, you allow yourself more time to research what you’re buying and have a better ability to compare products.
Hollyweed is only one click away, and we carry Delta 8 products for all of your wants and needs:
If you’re still interested in trying out CBD (or refilling your supply), we have great news for you. When you thought it couldn’t get any better — Hollyweed specializes in CBD too! We also carry:
Visit Hollyweed to shop our entire selection and to round out your wellness routine! We offer free economy shipping to all of our customers at checkout and can ship to most places in the United States.
Delta 8 THC is not CBD — though they have similarities and can benefit consumers in many of the same ways, they’re two very different compounds and should be regarded as such. Delta 8 is perfect for people who want to experience a boost to their day that’s more elevating than CBD but less intense than Delta 9 THC. How great is that?
To learn more about Delta 8 and CBD and give D8 a try for yourself, visit Hollyweed today.
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