What do you know about Delta 8 THC and CBD?
If you’re an avid consumer of CBD, it is highly likely that you know what Delta 9 THC is. After all, Delta 9 is one of the most common types of Tetrahydrocannabinol, and it is found in a wide range of weed and other related products. However, we’re not here to talk about Delta 9, instead, we’ll focus on its less popular relative, Delta 8 THC. It’s a cannabinoid, just like Cannabidiol (CBD) or Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) but to know about their similarities and differences, we need to dig a little bit deeper.
Delta 8 THC and CBD: What are their similarities?
For the uninitiated, Delta 8 THC and CBD are both cannabinoids: chemical substances, regardless of structure or origin, that joins the cannabinoid receptors of the body and brain to produce the desired effects like euphoria, feelings of well being, excitement, and increased appetite, among others.
Delta 8 THC and CBD: Differences Explored
CBD is quite abundant because it is naturally occurring and can be produced without any complex processes, Delta 8 THC, on the other hand, requires a man-made process, since it is produced by creating an isolate of Delta 9, one of the most common cannabinoids.
Delta 8 and Delta 9 share similar structures and related stimulating effects, but the former is more stable than the latter. Consequently, Delta 8 delivers a lower psychoactive effect and has also been studied as a more stable way of addressing various illnesses.
Comparing the two in terms of fame and familiarity, we could say that Delta 8 is the up-and-coming compound that has not been studied as thoroughly, while CBD is the venerable veteran. In terms of chemical differences, Delta 8 and CBD are night and day. One major difference is that CBD does not contain psychoactive properties, making it the go-to cannabinoid for people who don’t want the feeling of being “high.”
This is also the main reason why there is a lot of research about the uses of CBD for health-related issues. But that doesn’t mean Delta 8 has no benefits. Delta 8 shows a lot of promise as an aid for insomnia, anxiety, lack of appetite, and depression. We can expect more research about it in the coming years as it continues to grow in popularity.
Combining Delta 8 and CBD
Because of its potency, Delta 9 THC users usually mix it with CBD to reduce the effects. So, comparing Delta 9 with Delta 8 THC, it’s expected that the latter has considerably less severe psychoactive effects. But if you still want to dial it down a bit, you can: Delta 8 can also be mixed with CBD to deliver the benefits of both cannabinoids with little to no high.
This is possible because the CBD compound will interact with the same receptors like the THC compound, canceling out the activation of the receptor. What this means is that you are still able to introduce the benefits of Delta 8 to your body while CBD reduces the effects of the psychoactive properties of THC.
Choosing the Right Cannabinoid
There’s really no exact science in determining which cannabinoid you should stick with, as it still depends on the type of person you are. You may or may not like the effects of Delta 8, or may you feel CBD’s effects are too light and negligible. To hasten your decision, we’ve narrowed down some items to note:
Go with CBD if…
You want non-psychoactive products but you are after benefits like aiding your appetite, feeling more rested or relaxed, and the like. As mentioned earlier, CBD doesn’t have any psychoactive effects. It also helps that it comes in many forms including but not limited to CBD tinctures, edibles, vapes, and more.
It has well-researched and documented benefits as an aid for illnesses like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Without the notable high, it is commonly marketed to help you sleep, boost your appetite, lighten the mood, and more.
Go with Delta 8 THC if…
You still want the high, but not too much like that of Delta 9. Delta 8 has a lower psychoactive effect than Delta 9, so it is really appealing to those who like the occasional buzz, but don’t want to experience that “out-of-your-mind” high. Like CBD, you can enjoy benefits like promoting relaxation, clear-headedness, and the most well-known, munchies or hunger pangs. It can also help reduce stress and lessen nausea.
Wrapping Up
Delta 9 may be well-known, but it is not your only option, especially if you’re apprehensive about any psychoactive effects. After all, there’s Delta 8 THC and CBD. Delta 8 is an up-and-coming cannabinoid and promises most of what Delta 9 benefits without too much of the uncomfortable high. CBD, on the other hand, can be your go-to if you only want the benefits without the risk of getting high and not being able to go about your day like you normally would. At the end of the day, you, the consumer, will decide which one to get. If you can, try them all out first and see for yourself which ones fit your needs.
