Ultimate Guide Delta-8 THC Vs. CBD | What's The Difference

The cannabis plant is naturally grown and found in the wild and contains several distinct properties that we will cover in this article, particularly covering the bases of the differences between Delta-8 THC and the newly legalized (in most states) CBD Products and with small references to the ever popular Delta-9 property, AKA THC. 

The cannabis and hemp industry has come a long way over the past couple of centuries. 

In today’s time its biggest flex is the extensive evidence built behind these plants' notable list of uses and benefits. 

These plant-based assets and perks ramping up in public support through scientific research.  While also shedding light on its important history and stapled place in our civilizational growth. 

Today there is an entire production dedicated to the growth, cultivation, fabrication, de-stigmatization, and sale of this plant both medically and recreationally. 

Technological and scientific advances in this subject has landed us in a realm of welcomed knowledge.  Which, despite its many positives, can leave most people at times lost in the informational trenches of where to start.  Especially when finding something that works for their individual needs. 

To clarify, not everyone is just looking to get a buzz from the psychotropic effects of THC’s more recreational side. Although these aspects of the delta 9 cannabinoid in the plant can lead to a chill time.  Often people find themselves leaning more towards the benefits they have found in hemp-based CBD and the delta 8 compound.

A common misconception of marijuana and hemp-based products is that they come from separate plants. When in fact they are derived from the same household. But with differing levels of tetrahydrocannabinol or THC.  

Even though these compounds hold similarity and come from the same home base.  How they are grown, extracted, processed, and manufactured is what lets their differences truly shine. 

However, to dig even deeper into the informational outline of consideration.  

Something to add to this quest of knowledge is learning the few differences between the effects of CBD and Delta 8.  As well as which one could possibly fit an individual’s unique avenue of need or interest.

Most would think they are one in the same. 

Or that delta 8 has the same effects as the delta 9 cannabinoids found in plants classified as marijuana and not hemp.  But despite popular belief and their analogy, science has been able to centralize the effects and uses of these separate cannabinoids. 

CBD stands for cannabidiol. 

Which is the second most prevalent in the active ingredients of cannabis. Although it holds crucial components of medical marijuana.  It is more often derived from hemp plants, the cousin so to speak, of the marijuana plant.

CBD, and now Delta 8, have been brought to light through several studies as a possible treatment aide. Mostly for patients who suffer from pain, depression, anxiety, inflammation, and several other ailments. 

Theoretically doing this by impacting the body's endocannabinoid system or ECS. 

This is something the body produces as a bind to our neurotransmitters and cannabinoid receptors in the nervous system.  Controlling a variety of functions, such as sleep, appetite, pain, and even immune system responses.

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According to Harvard Health review, CBD has been pinpointed to help with a wide variety of serious health issues in children.  Although most of these studies still state that they need more human trials to be conclusive in their findings. 

They still confidentially point out CBD’s scientifically proven effectiveness in the treatment of certain syndromes of childhood epilepsy.  Such as those with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.  Which are typically the areas of epilepsy that do not respond to normal anti-seizure medications. 

Because of CBD’s extensive media coverage showing the almost immediate relieving effects.  The FDA took a stand and approved the first ever cannabis derived medicine specifically for this ailment.  Which has continued to pave the way for research into CBD as a treatment aide for the long list of other ailments above.   

So, though I am simply a researcher of blog content and can not make any medical claims.  I can point out that through reading the studies associated with CBD.  It is showing to have quite the track record of treatment success and aide for a full spectrum of needs. 

While also being the major front runner for breaking down the social and political stigmas behind cannabis and hemp. 

Stigmas as we know, which were built around old views of past ideals.  Attached to individuals with limited access to all the wonderful knowledge and research we have today. 

Now that scientists have legal access to what I believe is a fantastic subset of plants.  The possibilities are endless to the implementation of CBD and its neighboring compounds like delta 8. 

Even now CBD offers a wide variety of products marketing themselves as aide. These products can be anything from infused foods, wellness products, medications, oils, pet treats, and so much more.  Everyday companies are rolling out with new results designed for every consumer’s specific need.

Delta 8 is newer to the scene than its predecessor, CBD. 

Ultimately, Delta 8 is an isomer of CBD as well as being a derivative of Hemp. 

Presenting just as much promise to growing our current understanding of this plant’s expansive versatility.

Although Delta 8 is not as popular as its brother cannabinoid, Delta 9.  This compound is slowly developing as a bridge between the psychotropic effects you get from the Delta 9 cannabinoid, as well as the aiding effects of CBD. 

Delta 8 is harder to extract and may not be as potent as the Delta 9 experience. It still packs a punch of everything one might like from both concentrations. 

It does this by combining live cannabis terpenes with the delta 8 extract. Which can result in a multitude of vaping and otherwise products for consumers. It is described as creating a relaxed full body experience with mild psychotropic effects.

Compared to CBD, delta 8 has not had as many studies associated, due to its legal history.  Although the few that have been done have shown immense progress in areas such as nausea, inflammation, and even combating cancerous tumors. 

Before anything cannabis and hemp based became criminalized as a class 1 drug back in the 70’s.  In 1974 scientists were able to notice that mice treated with the Delta 8 THC for a period of 20 days showed a reduction in tumor size.  As well as survival rates in mice going up when consistently treated. 

Personal Note: Though I am again, no doctor or scientist.  I will say that the National Cancer Institute did note that Delta 8, Delta 9, and CBD all presented promising results in slowing and even stopping tumor growth.  All due to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. 

More studies started back up in 1995 when scientists continued this plant-based research by doing a pediatric study on cancer patients. Discovering a 100% success rate in helping patients with nausea, while having minimal psychotropic effects. 

Today you can find a vast array of products with both delta 8 and CBD sold at a multitude of locations.  The only downside to it being so readily available for public consumption. Is the lack of regulation behind what companies are putting in their products.  Which is where you should tread carefully when choosing the right outlet for your needs. 

Always look for companies who are not afraid to show their lab work and can tell you where their product is sourced from. 

Some of these companies, like Serene Tree.  Are one of the few businesses that will go above and beyond in showing you the paperwork behind their quality tested products. 

In Conclusion I am not claiming that these compounds are the cure all for every ailment down to cancer.  Although I will say that both CBD and Delta 8 show scientifically provable benefits to its users seeking relief.  My hope with our new platform of information.  It will lead us to be more informed to the nuances of a more natural approach.  Especially when it comes to our overall health and understanding as a society.

(As a finishing note, just like with anything new you are introducing to your body.  Make sure to sit down with your primary care physician; and talk about any possible side effects either compound could have with your specific biology.)

Written by Ariel Horvath