What Is Delta-8 THC and How Is It Different from CBD?

Hemp-derived products are increasingly popular on the wellness market, and CBD is no longer the only cannabinoid in the center of attention. New hemp derivatives like delta 8 THC are emerging on the scene and becoming popular amongst CBD enthusiasts. You probably have already seen various delta 8 THC products sold by numerous brands online and in-stores like tinctures, softgels, edibles, and vape products. If you haven’t yet tried one of these trending products, you might wonder how they work and how delta 8 THC is different from cannabidiol, so here’s everything you need to know to start your delta 8 THC journey.

What is Delta 8 THC?

You might have already heard of THC, but if you only knew about it being responsible for marijuana’s high, then you know only about its one type – delta 9 THC.

Delta 8 THC is one of the analogs of THC, like delta 9 THC, but it’s relatively new on the hemp market.

With its chemical structure, delta 8 THC is almost identical to delta 9 THC, with the only difference – it has a double bond 8^th carbon chain, while delta 9 has it on the 9^th chain.

Delta 8 THC	Delta 9 THC

 Besides their chemical structure, Delta 8 and delta 9 THC differ in two primary ways:

• Source
• Effects

Delta 8 THC derives from hemp, while delta 9 THC derives from marijuana. The latter also exists in hemp but reaches only trace amounts.

Besides, Delta-8-THC is less psychoactive than delta-9-THC, and it may be due to the low solubility of delta-8-THC in water. Delta 8 THC consumers usually report milder ‘high’ without common side effects of delta 9 THC.

How is Delta 8 THC Produced?

Delta 8 THC, unlike CBD, is a rare cannabinoid, and its concentrations in hemp can reach only about 1%. This amount isn’t enough for manufacturers to extract usable amounts of delta 8 THC from hemp as they do with CBD, so they use an alternative method. Producing delta 8 THC extract requires manufacturers to extract CBD from hemp and convert it to delta 8 THC in a lab.

Is Delta 8 THC Legal?

The manufacturing process of delta 8 THC raises many questions about its legality and whether delta 8 THC is a synthetic cannabinoid.

Delta 8 THC naturally occurs in hemp plants; thus, it can’t be classified as a synthetic cannabinoid, even if its production requires lab work. Moreover, manufacturers use only hemp-derivatives in the process, like CBD.

Per the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp and its derivatives with no more than .3% THC are legal for purchase and consumption, meaning delta 8 THC products should also be permitted. However, some states criminalize all types of THC, so it’s best to check local laws before consumption.

Delta 8 THC vs. CBD

If you are a CBD consumer thinking of trying the new cannabinoid, you might wonder how these two differ and what to expect from a new product.

Delta 8 THC and CBD vary in three primary ways:

• Production Methods
• Chemical Structure
• Effects

As you already know, creating delta 8 THC products is much more complicated than extracting CBD from hemp. Hemp is rich in CBD, so extracting CBD doesn’t require a lab process like delta 8 THC does.

CBD and delta 8 THC are significantly different in their chemical structures, resulting in different outcomes on the human body and mind.

Delta 8 THC binds to and interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the human endocannabinoid system, resulting in euphoric feelings, while CBD doesn’t bind to ECS receptors and indirectly affects them. CBD doesn’t cause psychoactive effects like delta 8 THC and won’t get users high.

Delta 8 THC and CBD: Similarities

Although CBD and delta 8 THC are very different, they both are cannabinoids and share many similarities, including their source, consumption methods, and the interaction with Endocannabinoid System (ECS).

Both cannabinoids are hemp-derivatives, although delta 8 is much rarer than CBD.

Delta 8 THC comes in numerous product types like CBD, such as tinctures, softgels, edibles, vape products, and smokables.

And finally, both CBD and delta 8 THC affect our bodies by interacting with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and its receptors.

Which One to Choose? Delta 8 THC vs. CBD

Now that the new cannabinoid – delta 8 THC is widely available on the market, you might wonder which one is best suited for your needs.

Which one to choose depends on your goals; if you want a mild and smooth ‘high,’ then delta 8 THC is a better option, and if you are searching for a supplement to use daily with no psychoactive properties, then CBD is the right choice. If you think you want them both, don’t worry! Combining delta 8 THC and CBD is safe, and they might even provide better results per the famous theory Entourage Effect.

Are You Searching for Premium Hemp-Derived Products?  Shop at His Grace Organics!

Regardless of which hemp-derived cannabinoid you choose to consume, once you start searching for a premium product, you’ll stumble upon countless options, all of which differ in quality. Mislabeled and low-quality products are prevalent on the market, so it’s crucial to choose high-quality solutions.

At His Grace Organics, we are happy to offer delta 8 THC and CBD products to our customers. All products in our inventory are made from U.S.-grown high-quality hemp and are third-party lab tested to ensure their safety and quality.