More people are becoming aware of the cannabis industry in the United States, and they are becoming more interested in cannabis-derived products and their health benefits. Consumers are now interested in learning more about the various cannabis-derived products available.
Cannabis is, however, the subject of a lot of misunderstandings. Consumers, even those who are well-informed about cannabis, may not know the difference between popular compounds like CBD and THC, let alone new cannabinoids.
As cannabis-based products become more readily available, customers must understand how the various cannabinoids differ and how they are similar. So, what’s the difference between CBD and Delta 8 THC?
If you’re also curious about these two compounds, stick around to discover the similarities and differences as we compare these two cannabinoids below.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a compound found in Cannabis Sativa, commonly called hemp or marijuana. CBD is more prevalent in hemp than in marijuana, and it’s mostly extracted in the former. CBD is devoid of the psychoactive effects of marijuana that cause a “high.”
Although CBD oil is the most common form, there are also extractions, vapor-liquids, and CBD-based pills.
What is Delta 8 THC?
Ever heard of the hallucinogenic molecule Delta 9 THC? Delta 8 THC is a variant of this exact molecule. It has the same chemical structure as Delta 9, but a slightly different molecular structure, making it less potent. If you’d like to know more about this cannabinoid, you can look for any delta 8 tincture review and guide online.
Is CBD Different From Delta 8?
CBD and Delta 8 THC are fundamentally different in several ways. Their effects on the human body, their molecular structure, and their presence in cannabis plants.
Effects of CBD and Delta 8
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex system within our bodies that interact with the nervous system and trigger different physiological effects, mainly in the brain.
CBD interacts with the CB1 receptors in the brain to modify the position of the binding site, in contrast to THC’s stimulatory effects on CB1 receptors.
A study in the British Journal of Pharmacology shows that changes in the receptor’s shape prevent antagonists, such as THC, from binding. Due to this, CBD does not have any stimulating effects compared to Delta 8 THC.
Molecular Structure of CBD vs. Delta 8
CBD and Delta 8 share the same molecular formula, C21H30O2. There is, however, a distinct variation between the molecule structures of CBD and Delta 8 THC.
According to a study, Delta 8 is composed of a cyclic carbon ring with a double bond at the eighth carbon atom, as implied by its name. On the other hand, CBD has a hydroxyl group instead of a cyclic ring.
Due to the molecular shapes between a cyclic ring and a hydroxyl group, interactions between the ECS and cannabinoids will differ.
Their Presence in Cannabis Plants
CBD and Delta 9 THC are found in their acid form, CBDA, and THCA, respectively, in high amounts in cannabis plants, while Delta 8 is present in tiny quantities. Due to this issue, manufacturers make Delta 8 by extracting, isolating, and distilling CBD.
Benefits of CBD
The therapeutic properties of CBD include its anti-acne, minor pain-relieving, and calming properties, among others. According to a study found in the Psychopharmacology Journal, CBD can stimulate the production of serotonin in rats. CBD may have calming and relaxing effects on the body when consumed from this study. As such, CBD has been a promising prospect in the medical field of mental health.
Some people can also experience a reduction in acne when using CBD. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, CBD binds to receptors and sebocytes in the skin.
In turn, this interaction leads to a decrease in skin sebum production. If there is less excess sebum on the skin, there are fewer chances that pores will be clogged with sebum, dust, and dead cells; therefore, acne will decrease.
Similar to Delta 8 THC, CBD may also help relieve pain. According to the Journal of Pain Research, CBD was studied as a pain-reliever in 18 different trials. The studies concluded that CBD could decrease pain to a certain degree.
Benefits of Delta 8 THC
Delta 8 THC offers users a wide range of benefits, just like its sister Delta 9 THC. Some of these include appetite stimulation, reduction of nausea, and body soothing properties.
Scientists found that Delta 8 gave soothing effects to mice suffering from corneal pain in a study published in the Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research Journal. In the study, Delta 8 was found to relieve minor aches and pains. In another study published in the Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior Journal, researchers found that Delta 8 helped increase appetite among rats.
According to the survey, Delta 8 THC encouraged the rats to consume more food and improve their cognitive abilities when administered in low doses. Research from the Life Science Journal found that Delta 8 also helped lower vomiting among children.
Conclusion
Numerous studies show that CBD and Delta-8 THC can alleviate many ailments. Despite this, further research suggests Delta-8 THC has a higher potential for addiction than CBD, which may end up on your drug test. Additionally, it can lead to excessive weight gain and obesity. CBD also has some drawbacks, such as nausea, fatigue, and irritability. If you intend to use either, consult your physicians beforehand so that they may guide you on the way forward.
