Is Delta 8 CBD, Or Are They Different?

It is very likely that, recently, you heard a lot of talk about Delta 8 and most likely have very little idea of what it is. Even if you are at least somewhat familiar with cannabis-related products, there’s a chance that the name delta 8 does not ring a bell. However, for those that love to hear the full name of certain cannabis-related compounds will surely know. Delta 8 is related to delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol, best known as THC. Although they have similar names, delta 8 is closer to CBD regarding its effects. So much so that some ask themselves, is delta 8 CBD rebranded? Let us answer that question here.

What Is Marijuana?

To fully understand the nature and effects of Delta 8, we first need to address the topic of marijuana in general. When we talk about marijuana, we are referring to a green-grey mixture of dried flowers that are another variety of cannabis. There are many slang terms for marijuana, some of which include weed, pot, grass, and herb.

However, there is one particular compound in marijuana, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, sometimes referred to as THC or simply Delta 9. Once we have a clearer understanding of delta 9 we will be in a better position to understand just what is Delta 8. Let’s take a look at that compound now.

What Is Delta 9 THC?

Delta 9 is the main psychoactive chemical in marijuana. When we use the term ‘psychoactive’ when talking about something which has the ability to your sense of perception. It is a resin that comes from the leaves of the plant, as well as the buds, that produces this chemical. Usually, it is more present in the female cannabis plant.

It is worthwhile to note that this is one compound of many found in the plant. In fact, there are over 500 other chemicals and over 100 compounds called ‘cannabinoids’ that relate to THC.

What Are The Effects Of Delta 9 THC?

Delta 9 causes the stimulation and release of dopamine in the brain. The effects which may result from this are as follows:

• Altered perception of time.
• Heightened sense of perception.
• Increased appetite.
• An overall relaxed feeling.

However, these are not the only feelings that you may experience; other more risky effects include the following:

• Anxiety.
• Memory issues.
• Hallucinations.
• A potential risk of developing psychosis.

It is due to these risks regarding delta 9 THC that the authorities initially banned the substances in the first place.

What Is CBD?

Everyone heard more than a couple of times about CBD these days. In fact, it sure does seem to be the buzzword in the world of alternative medicine, health, and wellbeing. That said, even though everyone seems to be talking about CBD, not everyone fully understands what it is. Let’s clear that issue up now.

CBD is the short-term for cannabidiol. This is a chemical compound that comes from the Cannabis sativa plant; that’s right, the same plant that we mentioned when addressing marijuana. The important aspect here is that this natural substance is not psychoactive like its cousin Delta 9.

What Are the Effects Of CBD?

Since we now understand that CBD is not going to have the same effect on the brain as Delta 9, let’s see what it does do to the body. Some of the positive benefits that you might experience are as follows:

• Anxiety relief.
• Potential treatment for epilepsy.
• Potential treatment for neurodegenerative disorders.
• Pain relief.
• Treatment of acne.
• Potential cancer treatment.

However, it is also important to note that some users of CBD have also seen mildly negative side effects. Some include low blood pressure, drowsiness, and diarrhea if taken in excessive quantities.

Does CBD Get You High?

We have already alluded to this previously, but let’s just make the answer as clear as possible before we move on.

CBD might come from cannabis, but it does not make you ‘high’ as THC would. While it is true that CBD can create a sense of relaxation or can lower anxiety levels, it will not get you high.

Where Does CBD Come From?

We mentioned that CBD comes from the cannabis plant above but now let’s look at the topic in a little more detail.

CBD is something that is present in all varieties of cannabis. However, hemp is the one that is usually high in CBD while very low on THC content. While some might think that high-quality CBD needs to come from a plant with high THC, the facts show that CBD is the same in all cannabis varieties. So, what is the difference then between hemp and marijuana? Is Delta 8 CBD? Read on, and we will answer those questions for you too.

What Is the Difference Between Hemp and Marijuana?

A common misunderstanding that exists is that hemp and marijuana are two different plant species. This is not actually true. They are simply two different varieties of the cannabis family of plants; however, the key difference lies in the THC content of each. Hence why we see a difference in laws related to hemp and marijuana nowadays.

Hemp refers to cannabis that contains a maximum level of 0.3% THC by its dry weight. It is because most CBD products come from hemp, and hemp has such low THC levels that it doesn’t make you high.

On the other hand, marijuana refers to plants that have a THC content much higher than 0.3% by dry weight. Of course, different plants can have different levels, and ones bred to be higher in THC will have higher levels.

What Is Delta 8?

This is a relatively new-to-the-market cannabis compound that became much discussed as of late. Not in the least due to its similar name and association with the much more famous delta 9 THC. Delta 8 is also something that can come from either hemp or marijuana. Also, like its brother delta 9 THC, the legality of it is something that kind of falls in the grey area. However, this is not due to concerns regarding its safety but merely due to the authorities’ failure to provide a legal distinction for it. We may naturally then wonder, what are the differences between Delta 8 and Delta 9? Let’s address that topic now.

How Is Delta 8 Different from Delta 9?

Just as Delta 9 binds to the body’s endocannabinoid system to create a high, Delta 8 operates in a similar fashion. However, the difference lies in the levels of impact in the body.

Delta 9 is more potent and has a higher effect on the body. Let’s understand why that happens by looking at the chemical composition of each.

What Is the Chemical Composition of Delta 8 vs Delta 9?

The similarities between Delta 9 and Delta 8 are clear when we consider the chemical composition. Let’s break down each one:

Delta 9

• Scientific name: delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol.
• Common name: Delta 9.
• Chemical similarity with Delta 8: Has a double bond in its structure.
• Chemical difference to Delta 8: The location of the double bond makes it more potent and, hence, has a stronger effect on the body.

Delta 8

• Scientific name: delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol
• Common name: Delta 8
• Chemical similarity with Delta 9: Has a double bond in its structure.
• Chemical difference to Delta 9: The location of the double bond makes it less potent, which is why it has a milder effect on the body

What Are the Effects of Delta 8?

Delta 8 seems to have the same type of effect on the body as Delta 9; however, the effect is milder. Hence, feelings of euphoria and happiness are not that noticeable with delta 8.

Negative effects can manifest and include red eyes, paranoia, anxiety, short-term memory loss, and dry mouth. The research on Delta 8 is not extensive at the moment, and the effects on the body and mind are not fully understood yet.

Will Delta 8 Get You High?

Yes, just as Delta 9 creates a high, Delta 8 also creates a lower-level high that some consider no nearly as impairing as delta 9’s.

Is Delta 8 CBD?

CBD and Delta 8 are not that far apart as far as effects go. CBD will not create a high, and levels of THC are minimally present. Delta 8 has a very similar chemical structure to Delta-9, and hence it creates a high albeit weak ones. On the other hand, delta 8 manifests beneficial effects that are much similar to CBD’s. These include triggering a calming effect and reducing pain sensation. But when it comes to understanding the answer to the question, ‘is Delta 8 CBD?’ the answer would be no because the high is the only significant difference. Still, some enthusiasts deem delta 8’s effects as a midpoint between CBD and THC, which, they argue, makes it better than CBD.

Is Delta 8 A CBD replacement?

Some people believe that Delta-8 may replace CBD in the future. However, as noted above, further research will surely put into perspective the full scope of the effects of Delta-8. Hopefully, it will also be enough to finally convince the authorities to clarify their stance in delta 8. In other words, it is too early to tell what the future will be for Delta 8 and if it will end up replacing CBD. For the moment, why not enjoy both and decide for yourself?