CBD with Delta 8 vs THC

A canna-expert like yourself knows that there are many similarities and differences between CBD and THC. There are also hundreds of different cannabinoid compounds found in cannabis and hemp plants. Among these is our good friend Delta-8! Because delta-8 comes from the same plant as THC and regular CBD, there will still be many similarities, but knowing where they differ is important to knowing which CBD or THC product would be best for you based on your needs. 

We’ve got the answers to all your questions!

First, what even is Delta-8?

Delta-8 is actually a close cousin of THC (AKA delta-9 compound). Both can be found in the cannabis plants. Delta-8 THC is more similar to THC than it is to CBD, so it does have the intoxicating, psychoactive properties that weed has. When you take delta-8 THC, you’ll get many of the same effects that you would delta-9 THC or CBD like:

• anxiety and depression symptom relief
• chronic pain relief
• help with nausea and other appetite issues
• insomnia relief

Is delta-8 THC basically the same as delta-9 THC?

Even though these two are closely related, they’re still different compounds and can affect your body differently depending on tolerances, dosage, and sourcing. Most of the THC that you’re familiar with is delta-9 THC. This compound is more potent than delta-8. 

The delta-8 compound is less potent because of how compounds break down overtime and become less dominant. This is what is occurring with delta-8, which is still definitely intoxicating and potent, but just not as strong of a compound as delta-9.

What CBD is again?

CBD (cannabidiol) is a compound extracted from the cannabis plant, just like THC and delta-8, but also can be extracted from hemp plants. The biggest difference between CBD and other THC extracted from cannabis plants is the psychoactive property—the “high” feeling. This is because the CBD compound doesn’t attach itself to our CB1 and CB2 receptors like THC can, which results in that strong feeling when you take THC. 

CBD can deliver many of the same reliefs and benefits that you can get from taking THC. Many people choose CBD over THC because of regular drug testing they are subject to, or simply need the benefits of THC without feeling high (i.e. needing anxiety relief at work or a pregnant person needing some pain relief).

Can you use them together?

Yes! There’s actually something great that happens when you do. Using CBD alone, you typically won’t feel high (because it doesn’t attach to your CB receptors). But when you take CBD and delta-8 THC together, the CBD helps block the intoxicating connection, but you still get the great, potent benefits of the delta-8 compounds.

How does it compare to CBD and delta-9 THC?

We’ve created a helpful chart so you can easily pick out how alike and different CBD, CBD with delta-8 THC, and delta-9 THC are from one another!