It took just a few years for Cannabidiol (commonly known as CBD) to gain huge popularity and reputation as a cannabinoid with a variety of medicinal & therapeutic properties. But soon it got some competition in the form of Delta-8 – another cannabinoid that overshadowed its predecessor, the delta-9, in a relatively short time. If you are new to cannabis and finding it difficult to choose between the two, this article is for you.

CBD

Cannabidiol is one among hundreds of compounds (known as cannabinoids) found in hemp and cannabis plants. Unlike most other cannabinoids consumed by humans, CBD is non psychotropic which means it doesn’t affect the user’s mental state. However it does have psychoactive properties though you won’t get high. This is why CBD is used by many people to deal with depression, anxiety and even sleeplessness. Some use it to suppress physical pain but that effect may not be experienced by everyone. When you consume CBD, you feel more relaxed and calm without any high. So it’s also used recreationally.

Delta-8

Delta-8 succeeded the highly potent delta-9 THC which is now illegal due to its many side effects. Because it’s THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol, its availability is naturally limited in hemp plants. Manufacturers rely on man-made methods to mass produce delta-8 in its original chemical structure. This is done by the oxidation of delta-9 THC to isolate the compounds present. Delta-8 is much milder than delta-9, with no conclusive permanent side effects. Delta-8 THC is, however, psychoactive giving the user a mild high. Just like CBD, delta-8 is also used for its therapeutic benefits – to deal with loss of appetite, depression and sleeplessness.

Choosing Between The Two

First off, both CBD and delta-8 have similar chemical properties but different effects.

Euphoria – As we mentioned earlier, consuming CBD does not get you high. Consuming Delta-8 does get you high but not like delta-9 used to. The health benefits offered by both are quite similar also. Both CBD and delta-8 can induce sleep, suppress pain, relieve stress and reduce anxiety. However, with delta-8 there will be euphoric sensations.

Legality – CBD being a byproduct of industrial hemp is federally legal in the United States, protected under the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018. As delta-8 is a THC compound, there are regulations. As long as the THC is naturally derived from the plants and is less than 0.3%, the law considers it a controlled substance and legal.

However, you should be aware that every state has its own laws. Some states legally permit the use of CBD and delta-8 only for medicinal purposes. Using them for recreational purposes is illegal. So make sure to check whether they are legal before you purchase.

Research – CBD has been extensively researched over the years and deemed safe by many accredited labs though uncontrolled use of CBD (we call it CBD abuse) may lead to temporary side effects including diarrhoea, fatigue, dry mouth, loss of appetite or maybe worse. Delta-8, presently, is being researched. So far, no side effects have been conclusively found. Further studies are required to learn more about the compound and its effects in the long term.

If you are in Kansas City, visit us at KC Smokz to check out our CBD and delta-8 products, and to learn more about both. Hopefully this article will help you choose between the two. If it doesn’t, you can always talk to our staff to see which one will go well for you.