Cannabis 101: What is Delta 8 THC and How is it Different from CBD?
What is Delta 8 THC vs CBD: Uncovering the Hype
Ever wondered about what is Delta 8 THC and how it relates to CBD?Â
In brief, they’re both cannabinoids, distinct compounds found in the cannabis plant, largely non-psychoactive, meaning they don’t get you “high” like Delta 9 THC, the primary compound in marijuana.Â
Yet, they’re far from being identical, each bringing its own set of benefits to the table.
In the wellness arena, Delta 8 THC and CBD are akin to puzzle pieces, each offering unique therapeutic potential.Â
The truth is, CBD has carved a niche for itself with its anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties, while Delta 8 THC, a less explored component, is starting to draw interest for its unique blend of calm and focus.Â
How do these two interact?Â
Let’s unravel the top secrets of these cannabinoid counterparts!
What is Delta 8 THC and What Makes it Special?
Getting straight to the point: What is Delta 8 THC?Â
Delta 8 THC, short for Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, is one of the many cannabinoids naturally occurring in weed.Â
It’s similar to the more commonly known Delta 9 THC, but with a few key differences that make it extra-special:
- The unique chemical structure: The main difference lies in the location of a certain double bond.Â
Both Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC contain this bond, but it’s located on the 8th carbon chain in Delta 8 THC, and on the 9th in Delta 9.
This tiny molecular tweak actually leads to noticeable differences in how these substances affect your body.
- The psychoactive properties: As you may know, Delta 8 THC is less psychoactive than Delta 9.Â
While they can still induce some psychoactive effects, they’re said to be milder.Â
Often, users describe the experience as feeling clear-headed and calm, without the intensity often associated with Delta 9.
- It’s less available: Delta 8 THC is found in very low amounts in the plant, usually less than 1 percent.Â
This scarcity is why it wasn’t as well-known or widely available until recent advancements in extraction and refinement techniques.
- Interaction with the body: Delta 8 THC, like other cannabinoids, interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system (or ECS).Â
Namely, it binds to CB1 receptors found mainly in your brain and nervous system, which explains its psychoactive effects.Â
However, its affinity for these receptors is less than Delta 9’s, contributing to its more subdued effects.
All in all, Delta 8 THC offers a unique take on the cannabinoid experience, balancing subtle psychoactive effects with therapeutic benefits.
What is CBD and How Does it Affect the Body?
Moving on to the next big question: What is CBD?
In a nutshell, CBD, or cannabidiol, is another primary cannabinoid you can find in the cannabis plant.Â
Unlike Delta 8 THC, CBD is non-psychoactive, so it means that it won’t create the “high” linked with THC. What makes it so desired? Here are the facts you must know.
- It has a non-psychoactive nature: No, CBD won’t get you high. Because of this, CBD is a popular choice for people seeking the therapeutic benefits of cannabis without the intoxicating effects.
- Endocannabinoid interaction: CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system differently from the psychoactive THC.Â
Experts say that CBDÂ doesn’t bind directly with CB1 or CB2 receptors.Â
Instead, it modulates several non-cannabinoid receptors and ion channels and inhibits the uptake of certain neurotransmitters, enhancing the endocannabinoid system’s overall functionality.
- Higher availability: CBD is found in high concentrations in hemp, making it easy to extract in large amounts.Â
- Wide range of consumption methods: One of the reasons why CBD is popular is due to its incredible versatility.Â
In fact, you can ingest CBD (oils, capsules, edibles), inhaled it (vaporizers), apply it topically (creams, balms), and even use it sublingually (tinctures).
What is CBD Used For and How Effective is It?
Now that you know the basics about CBD, let’s dig into why it’s so hot!Â
In other words, what is CBD used for?Â
From recreational wellness enthusiasts to individuals seeking symptom relief, there’s a broad spectrum of uses for CBD. These are the most important facts:
- Relaxation aid and lasting stress relief: Many people incorporate CBD into their daily routines for its calming properties.Â
People often use it to unwind after a stressful day, promote a sense of relaxation, and enhance overall wellness.
- Acute and chronic pain management: CBD is also useful for pain management, owing to its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Anxiety and mild to moderate cases of depression: CBD has gained traction as a therapeutic option for anxiety and mild to moderate cases of depression.Â
Remember, though, it’s crucial to consult a doctor, especially if you are suffering from severe cases of depression.
- Potent sleep aid: Furthermore, patients enjoy using CBD as a natural sleep aid. Many people report improved sleep patterns and quality.
- Improved skin health: Topical CBD products can help alleviate skin conditions like acne and psoriasis. Why? It is due to their anti-inflammatory and sebum-reducing properties.
So, who might be interested in buying weed online and getting CBD products?Â
Really, anyone over the legal age who’s looking to explore the benefits we’ve just outlined will want to buy weed online!
For example, that might include wellness enthusiasts, individuals seeking natural symptom relief, or users curious about non-psychoactive cannabinoids.Â
As always, ensure you’re purchasing from reputable sources, as this is how you will buy weed online in the safest and easiest way possible.
What is Delta 8 THC vs CBD: Debunking the Myths
Finally, let’s answer the question: What is Delta 8 THC vs CBD?
Both being cannabinoids from the cannabis plant, Delta 8 THC and CBD share some similarities but also have distinct differences.
Similarities between Delta 8 THC and CBD:
- Origins of Delta 8 THC and CBD: As mentioned before, both are cannabinoids, compounds naturally present in the cannabis plant.
- Therapeutic benefits to consider: Both have been studied for their therapeutic uses and wellness benefits. Some of these include anxiety, depression relief, and pain management, among others.
- Non-intoxicating nature: While Delta 8 THC has mild psychoactive properties, it does not induce the powerful “high” typically associated with Delta 9 THC. CBD, on the other hand, is entirely non-psychoactive.
Differences between Delta 8 THC and CBD:
- Psychoactivity levels: Though both are less intoxicating than Delta 9 THC, Delta 8 THC can still give you a mild psychoactive effect, whereas CBD does not.
- Interaction with your endocannabinoid system: Delta 8 THC binds directly to the CB1 receptors primarily found in your brain, causing its mild psychoactive effects.Â
On the flip side, CBD doesn’t directly bind to CB1 or CB2 receptors but instead has a more complex, indirect interaction.
- Availability status: CBD is plentiful in hemp and is easily extracted in large amounts, whereas Delta 8 THC typically occurs in much lower concentrations in the plant.
In terms of medical conditions, here’s a brief comparison of each cannabinoid’s applications:
- Advantages of Delta 8 THC: Delta 8 THC has applications in conditions such as anxiety, acute and chronic pain, and nausea.Â
It’s also appreciated by users for promoting a state of bliss, focus, and calm, which are beneficial in managing attention or stress-related conditions.
- Advantages of CBD: CBD has demonstrated benefits in epilepsy, anxiety, mild to moderate depression, and acute and chronic pain.Â
Plus, CBD is widely used for its anti-inflammatory properties, which are beneficial for conditions like arthritis.
You may be eager to know, do they treat the same conditions?Â
As you can see, there is some overlap, particularly in areas such as anxiety and pain management.Â
However, individual responses can vary significantly. Talk to your doctor first!
Lastly, when purchasing Delta 8 THC or CBD products, source them from a reliable online dispensary.Â
This ensures that the products are of high quality, have been thoroughly tested, and are effective and safe for consumption.Â
FAQ
What is Delta 8 in a Nutshell?
Let’s recap “What is Delta 8 THC?”.
In short, Delta 8 THC, which we’ve discussed in this guide, is a cannabinoid type found in the marijuana plant.Â
It’s similar to the more famous Delta 9 THC (the compound that typically makes you “high”), but it’s less powerful.Â
On top of this, Delta 8 THC offers a restful, clear-headed effect.
What is CBD and Who Can Benefit From It?
Cannabidiol (CBD for short), is another cannabinoid from the marijuana plant, but it’s completely non-psychoactive – no “high” here!Â
What is CBD used for? It’s used for its calming effects and wellness benefits.Â
Stressed-out users looking for relaxation and patients seeking natural approaches to managing conditions like anxiety or acute and chronic pain can benefit from cannabidiol.
Where Can I Buy Weed Online?
Always buy weed online from a reliable source.Â
For best results, buy weed online in Canada from a dispensary you can trust.Â
We recommend an online dispensary that lab-tests all of its products, provides details about the weed offered, and is fully transparent about what’s on the table.
Buy Canadian Weed Online with Ease
What is Delta 8? It’s something you must buy from your online dispensary today!Â
Head to your favourite online dispensary in Canada, select your desired product, provide your shipping info, and voila! Buy weed online in Canada in just a few steps!