Delta-8 THC is the hottest cannabinoid of the moment. Just like CBD, it’s extracted from the hemp plant. However, it is found in much smaller quantities and is ,therefore, more commonly produced in a laboratory. Due to its rising popularity, there are now numerous delta-8 products on the market, and if you search for “delta 8 near me,” you will find an abundance of options.
Despite its recent rise to fame, there seems to be a lot of confusion regarding what delta-8 actually is, with many people mistakenly referring to it as delta-8 CBD. On the contrary, it’s more closely related to delta-9 THC and even goes by the full name delta-8 THC. Below, we will look at what exactly delta 8 is, how it relates to CBD, and what benefits it offers.
What is Delta-8 THC?
Delta-8 is a naturally occurring cannabinoid within the cannabis plant, found in both hemp and marijuana. It’s an analog of delta-9 THC with appetite-stimulating, analgesic, and neuroprotective traits. Moreover, delta-8 also delivers psychotropic effects, but it’s reportedly milder and less intense than delta-9.
Users claim that delta-8 products produce a clearer, calmer, and more composed high compared to the experience of consuming “potent” marijuana. Typically, it’s described as a “body high” with fewer mental effects. Many enjoy using delta-8 as a means of alleviating stress and pain while still being able to think clearly.
Understanding the Relationship Between Delta-8 and CBD
As already mentioned, delta-8 CBD is a very incorrect term. Delta-8 has more similarities to delta-9 THC than CBD, both in its chemical structure and due to its psychotropic effects. CBD doesn’t contain psychotropic properties and is, therefore, ideal for people who don’t want the feeling of being “high.”
On a biological level, it’s got to do with the relationship each cannabinoid has with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Delta-8 binds to the ECS in a similar way to delta-9, but it’s less intense. Delta-9 binds tightly to receptors, while delta-8 binds more loosely, providing a high that many report leaves them feeling “high,” but without the paranoid or anxious feelings that often accompany delta-9 THC. CBD doesn’t bind as readily, making it non-intoxicating.
Essentially, you could say that although more closely related to delta-9, delta-8 THC is a middle ground between CBD and THC. If you are looking for effects similar to delta-9 but with reduced potency, delta-8 THC is a good option. If you are looking to experience the therapeutic benefits of cannabis but don’t want to get intoxicated, CBD may be a better option.
How is Delta-8 Made?
Here’s where it gets interesting with regards to how delta-8 relates to CBD. Delta-8 is found in very small trace amounts in the cannabis plant, making it challenging and expensive to extract. Therefore, it’s most commonly converted in a laboratory from CBD.
Since the structure of all chemicals is very similar, they can be converted from one cannabinoid to another with a simple chemical reaction. The process of converting CBD into delta-8 has been around for decades.
Commonly, the CBD is extracted from hemp and then refined into an isolate. Next, the isolate is put through an extensive process to transform it into a distillate. Basically, a solvent is added to the isolate to liquify it. Then, an acid substance is added to cause the reaction. After the reaction occurs, the new matter is neutralized with an alkaline material, washed, and then distilled to clean it up. The end result is the delta-8 distillate.
Trustworthy and credible manufacturers will then send their delta-8 extract to a third-party laboratory to test for purity, potency, and safety.
Why Choose Delta-8 THC Over CBD?
The most notable difference between delta-8 and CBD are the effects experienced after consumption. CBD is commonly used to enhance overall wellbeing, with many people preferring the cannabinoid for its less “obvious” effects – the ones that occur in the body. Using CBD consistently over a long period of time is the ideal way to experience its benefits.
Delta-8, on the other hand, produces a sensation that is more likened to delta-9-THC, albeit with a lot less potency and generally different effects. Delta-8 THC is touted for its incredibly relaxing body sensation, along with a mild high minus the overwhelming, head-strong side effects that accompany regular THC. Unlike CBD, you are sure to feel the effects of delta-8.
Some users enjoy using CBD with delta-8 to reduce the mind-altering effects. When used together, you get the benefits of both cannabinoids with little to no high since CBD has the ability to counteract this effect. Ultimately, CBD may help take the edge of delta-8 for anyone who finds the cannabinoid to be a little too overwhelming.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
