If you’ve been following cannabis-related news, you probably came across delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). With so many emerging cannabis-derived products, it’s a controversial topic, with some users claiming it’s legal but others saying it isn’t.

Delta 8 is a cannabinoid that occurs in small concentrations in cannabis plants. But is it legal? Is it safe? What are its effects?

I’ve spent countless hours going over available research and online information on Delta 8 to understand all about this cannabinoid. Here’s everything you should know about Delta 8, including how it differs from CBD.

 

Quick Summary

• Delta-8 is similar to delta-9 THC, but it’s more rare.
• Delta-8 can be used for therapeutic or medical uses.
• Delta-8 isn’t legal under federal law.

 

What is Delta-8 CBD?

Delta-8 THC is a rare psychoactive compound found in the cannabis sativa plant. It’s similar to delta-9 THC, which is the compound that makes you feel high. Delta-9 is the compound people usually refer to when they talk about THC.

However, delta-8 has a somewhat different chemical structure, so it’s less potent than delta-9 THC.

Delta-8 produces feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and pain relief, but these feelings are milder compared to delta-9. For people who don’t want to feel high, milder effects are a benefit.

Delta-8 is a rare compound, and it only shows up in small concentrations, so it’s often artificially made and converted from CBD. 

 

Is Delta-8 CBD?

No, Delta-8 isn’t CBD. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a chemical compound in the cannabis plant. There are two kinds of the cannabis plant: marijuana and hemp. Hemp has higher traces of CBD and lower THC levels. 

CBD doesn’t have intoxicating effects, so it won’t make you feel high. Moreover, CBD is less likely than THC to cause adverse events and doesn’t have serious health risks. There’s extensive research on CBD, which shows it can help with anxiety, inflammation, sleep issues, and other health problems.

On the other hand, Delta-8 has some intoxicating effects, and it’s much more rare than CBD. Other potentially harmful substances, such as potentially harmful chemicals, are used to create concentrations of delta-8 THC. This is why there are significant public health concerns when it comes to using delta-8, and more research is needed to know its effects.

CBD vs. Delta 8: Differences and Similarities

These are the differences between CBD and delta-8 THC.

Delta-8 THC	CBD
Psychoactive (makes you feel high) Can make you fail a drug test Found in low concentrations in the cannabis plant Can be used medicinally and recreationally Binds to the CB1 receptor and has a relation to the CB2 receptor Minimal scientific research Improves appetite Isn’t legal in states that ban marijuana	Non-psychoactive (doesn’t make you feel high) Won’t make you fail a drug test Found in high concentrations in the cannabis plant Usually used medicinally Agonist of the CB2 receptor (which is why it doesn’t get you high) Large body of scientific research Lowers appetite Hemp cannabis raw extracts are legal under federal law if they contain less than 0.3% THC

 

These are the similarities between delta-8 and CBD:

• Mostly have the same health benefits — Anti-nausea, relaxes muscles, anti-anxiety, and anti-inflammatory. CBD also regulates sleep and is an anti-convulsant.
• Have the same side effects — Dry mouth, fatigue, irritation, dizziness, and confusion. Delta-8 can also cause red eyes.
• Similar price — Both delta-8 and CBD products are similarly priced.

Best Place To Buy Delta 8 CBD Online?

You need to be careful where you buy delta-8 online because some manufacturers use potentially unsafe household chemicals to make delta-8 through the chemical synthesis process. This results in potentially harmful by-products, and you may experience side effects.

I’ve tried several delta-8 THC manufacturers, and the one with my full confidence is Keoni CBD. My favorite product is Keoni full-spectrum CBD oil, which means it has all components in the cannabis plant, including THC and CBD. You can also find other products like Keoni CBD Gummies, CBD Capsules, and CBD Topicals.

It has a high potency but doesn’t make you feel high. Moreover, this is a natural, gluten-free product, so you can use it if you’re a vegan.

The ingredients, such as essential and carrier oils, are natural, without any added flavors, so you’ll notice an earthy taste when using their products.

 

Should You Use Delta-8?

Delta-8 can provide numerous health benefits. However, there’s a risk of getting high. Always make sure to buy from third-party tested sellers like UNO CBD, and check the manufacturer info and other user reviews. This is why I recommended shopping online instead of in convenience stores. 

Check out the brand I mentioned above, so you can get all the benefits of cannabis without worrying about side effects.

 

References

Holland, K. (2019, January 29). CBD vs. THC: What’s the Difference? Healthline; Healthline Media. https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-vs-thc 

Farm Bill. (n.d.). Www.usda.gov. https://www.usda.gov/farmbill