Did you know that the hemp plant is a member of the
cannabis genus? Not only that but it’s also
a fascinating and unique plant species boasting hundreds of distinctive
compounds that can be incredibly useful to the human body. The more we learn about this plant, the more
we understand how to use individual compounds to yield specific responses that
are desirable to the way we feel. Of all
of the compounds in hemp, two in particular have become extremely popular, and
they are cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 8 THC).
Now, if you’ve been wondering which compound is best
for your routine, it is important to have a good understanding of what each one
can offer.
What Do CBD and Delta 8 THC Share in Common?
Although CBD has been around for quite some time now,
users will be surprised to learn that it does have some unique similarities to
delta-8 THC.
#1: Both are Hemp-Derivatives
CBD and delta 8 exist alongside one another in the
hemp plant – more specifically, the flowering buds of the female member of the
species. These flower buds are where we
find the most sought-after compounds associated with the plant, and this is why
many people purchase the raw buds to smoke, vaporize, or even make edibles
with.
#2: They’re Cannabinoids
They are used by the body in a specific way. Cannabinoids
are a class of compounds that are unique to cannabis, in that they are the only
compounds that directly work with the endocannabinoid system, which is a system
of the body that is found in every mammal on the planet. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is in charge of keeping the body in a state of
homeostasis, and it consists of a network of cannabinoid receptors (CB receptors) placed throughout the body.
Cannabinoid receptors regulate individual bodily
processes that pertain to our functionality.
When we consume cannabinoids like the ones being discussed today, they
attach themselves to these cannabinoid receptors which allows these regulatory
actions to take place.
Worth point out that CBD and delta 8 are two of over
100 cannabinoids in the plant material.
Cannabidiol is the dominant cannabinoid in hemp, meaning that it’s the
most abundant found in the plant. The
hemp plant can contain up to about 20% CBD depending on its strain. Meanwhile, delta-8 is found in only about
0.1% of the plant’s chemical composition.
#3: They May Share Similar Properties
Delta 8 is newer to the market than cannabidiol, and
because of this, there are only a handful of studies on its properties compared
to the wealth of information we have regarding
cannabidiol.
But, even so, we have learned quite a few things about the potential effects of delta 8
since it first hit the scene. That being
said, we can safely presume that the two compounds actually share many
properties in common, including a potential ability to promote a sense of calm,
to offer analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, and to stimulate
neurogenesis as a neuroprotectant.
#4: Both are Federally Legal
It’s important to note that under federal law, both of
these compounds are considered legal.
The 2018 Farm Bill
declared hemp a legal plant, allowing its individual compounds to be sold
legally with the exception of delta 9 THC.
Before this bill was passed, the hemp plant was classified along with
marijuana as an illegal substance.
#5: Each are Available in Different Delivery Methods and Milligram
Strengths
Both cannabinoids can be found in the forms of
gummies, tinctures, vape oils, flower, and other delivery methods, with the
formulas often looking the same as well as the milligram strengths in which
they can be purchased. This makes it
easy for a person to incorporate both cannabinoids into their routine, as they
are taken in basically identical ways.
#6: Can Both Be Incorporated into a Daily Routine
Basically, both CBD and delta 8 can be taken daily,
while possibly offering cumulative effects if taken consistently over a certain
period of time. This is due to their
effects as cannabinoids on the body’s endocannabinoid system as we mentioned
earlier.
Where Do CBD and Delta 8 THC Differ?
On the flip side, there are some key dissimilarities
that everyone should pay close attention to, especially if you are looking to
start a delta 8 THC routine.
#1: Delta 8 THC is Psychoactive
Perhaps the most notable difference between the two
compounds is that delta 8 is psychoactive, and CBD is not. What this means is that taking delta 8 will
get you high. Delta 8 is actually the result of delta 9 THC degrading in the
plant over time, meaning it changes molecularly while still retaining many of
the properties associated with delta 9.
Delta-8’s high is about 70% as strong as that of delta 9, and so its
intoxicating effects are milder than those associated with marijuana. Still, you will have a psychoactive
experience with delta 8.
Meanwhile, CBD is completely non-intoxicating, and so
it will not get you high no matter how much you take.
#2: Delta 8 THC and CBD Work on Different Cannabinoid Receptors
Ultimately, delta 8 THC and CBD bind with different
cannabinoid receptors in the body, thus offering distinctive effects.
- Delta 8 binds almost exclusively to CB1
receptors – cannabinoid receptors in the body’s nervous system. The effects of this compound are mainly
associated with nervous system processes. - CBD splits its attention between CB1 and
CB2 receptors, with the latter being found primarily in the digestive system
and the immune system.
What all of this means is that the effects of
cannabidiol are more widespread, while the effects of delta-8 deliver more
concentrated results to the nervous system.
#3: Delta 8 is Illegal in Some States
It is important to recognize that delta 8, unlike CBD,
is illegal in 19 states (cannot legally purchase or possess this compound).
#4: Delta 8 May Result in a Failed Drug Test
Anyone who is getting tested for drugs by their
employer may want to hold off on buying delta 8 because it can yield a failed
test, while cannabidiol cannot. Standard
urine tests do not look for CBD, but they do search for a metabolite in the
urine known as THC-COOH,
which is produced when we consume tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
of any kind.
#5: Avoid Driving When Delta 8 is in Your System
CBD is non-intoxicating, hence, it shouldn’t impair
your driving. Delta 8, however,
can. Any substance that causes
intoxication can make driving dangerous, so if you have active levels of the
cannabinoid in your system, you should wait to drive until the effects have
worn off.
#6: Beginners Should Go Slow with Delta 8
Starting a routine with delta 8 requires a bit more
consideration than starting one with cannabidiol. This is because the psychoactive properties
of delta 8 are tolerance-dependent, meaning that beginners usually get less
high as their usage becomes more frequent.
Essentially, when buying delta 8 for the first time, it’s suggested that
a person starts with a low milligram strength and builds their way up.
Which Cannabinoid Should You Try?
Both have valuable properties to offer, so it really
comes down to what kind of experience you want from the hemp plant.
One way to decide is to consider the individual
properties of each. Based on what we
have discussed about how each cannabinoid works with specific receptors, you
may find that one cannabinoid is far better suited for your particular goals
than another. For instance, if you have
goals pertaining to functions of the nervous system, delta 8 may be the way to
go, while those looking for more widespread effects may choose cannabidiol.
Of course, the psychoactive nature of these compounds
also impacts your decision. Naturally,
some people do not want to get high off of a daily routine, and so CBD may be
the more sensible option to choose.
Can You Take Both Cannabinoids Together?
Another thing worth noting is that you can take these
two cannabinoids together, and many people do.
A lot of formulas on the market offer some level of balance between
cannabidiol and delta 8 THC. CBD may
help take the edge off of the psychoactive properties of delta-8, resulting in
a more relaxing experience. Similarly,
you can take a delta 8 product and a CBD product at different times of the day
depending on what it is that you’re looking to experience at any given time.
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