When you think of cannabis, it often brings to mind a wide range of wellness experiences from a sense of calm after a long day to the gentle lift that some users turn to for enhanced focus or relaxation. But have you ever wondered what’s behind these varied effects?
Cannabis contains over a hundred active compounds known as cannabinoids, many of which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of neuroreceptors believed to regulate cognitive functions like mood, stress response, and perception.
Among these, CBD (cannabidiol) and Delta-8 THC have garnered immense attention for causing unique outcomes. However, there’s much ambiguity on what sets them apart and how each one might support your wellness goals. Thankfully, this CBD vs Delta 8 THC comparison guide breaks it all down!
What is CBD?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one among hundreds of naturally occurring cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. It’s non-psychoactive and generally believed to provide therapeutic effects, especially when interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The endocannabinoid system contains a network of CB1 receptors, mostly found in the human brain, that help regulate cognitive functions like mood, sleep, pain, stress, and general discomfort. CBD does not bind with the receptors, but researchers have observed that it actually modulates them to cause the regulatory effects.
CBD is popular among users looking for calm, recovery, or relaxation without feeling altered. It may support a more balanced and grounded state of mind. CBD is available in various forms such as CBD oil Canada, CBD gummies Canada, tinctures, and more—offering flexibility for users to choose the format that best suits their lifestyle and wellness needs.
What Is Delta 8 THC?
To get what Delta-8 THC is, let’s grab the basics of THC first! THC, another natural cannabinoid found in the hemp or cannabis plant, is psychoactive and responsible for causing the intense euphoria-driven relaxation it’s known for.
THC has several versions, such as Delta 8, Delta 9, Delta 10, and Delta 11, each with distinct characteristics and effects. Delta-8 THC, aka D8 THC, is anticipated to be the most mellow of them all.
Structurally speaking, Delta-8 THC is a tetrahydrocannabinol with a double bond on the 8th carbon atom. Unlike CBD, D-8 is known to bind to the CB1 receptors in your brain and promote relaxation and mental clarity, which may lead to restful sleep at night. While it’s psychoactive, many users describe it as smoother and more functional than Delta 9 THC.
Difference between CBD and Delta 8 THC
CBD and Delta-8 THC may share the same origins in the cannabis plant, but their effects and how people use them can be quite different. Let’s take a closer look at what sets them apart.
Chemical Structure and Composition
Both CBD and Delta-8 THC cannabinoids have the same molecular formula. However, their atomic arrangements differ drastically. Delta-8 THC contains a tricyclic carbon chain that helps it bind strongly with CB1 receptors. CBD, on the other hand, contains bicyclic carbon chains that do not bind with the receptors at all.
Psychoactive Effects
CBD is non-psychoactive, as it does not bind with CB1 receptors in the brain. Hence, it may provide a calm and relaxing vibe without the classic cannabis high! Delta-8, on the other hand, may bring a mild mental buzz to the table owing to its psychoactive properties. But anyway, it’s generally not too chaotic, hence the name “diet weed” or “THC lite.”
Stability
Delta-8 is known to be more chemically stable than CBD and other Delta THC compounds, which means it has a longer shelf life and doesn’t degrade as quickly. CBD, on the other hand, is less stable and may degrade quickly if exposed to light, heat, or air. If you’re wondering if CBD expires, the answer is yes. It is still slightly stable in powder form compared to its isolate or oil version.
Legal Status
In Canada, CBD is legal and regulated under the Cannabis Act 2018. However, it must be sold and produced by licensed suppliers only. Delta 8 THC is not explicitly mentioned in the Act, so its legal status is still ambiguous. Nevertheless, many consider it similar to Delta 9 THC when determining its legality in the country.
Receptors
CBD indirectly modulates endocannabinoid receptors, especially CB1 and CB2, and may support mood elevation and general relaxation with no signs of high. Delta-8, on the other hand, binds directly to CB1 receptors and produces a more intense relaxation and euphoric effect.
Common Uses
CBD has been widely recognized as the go-to cannabinoid for soothing discomfort caused by stress, anxiety, or muscular tension. They may have naturally calming properties to improve overall wellness. Delta-8 THC, on the other hand, is generally used to promote a light euphoric effect, especially to support users who look for intense relaxation after a long and exhausting day.
Side Effects
The reported side effects of CBD are generally mild and only appear if you consistently overdose. Some common impacts may include drowsiness and excessive sleep. On the other hand, overdosing on Delta 8 THC may lead to dry mouth, mild dizziness, or heavy sedation. Right dosing, based on what suits your body chemistry, can give you a chill and balanced ride.
Similarities between CBD and Delta 8
While CBD and Delta-8 might serve up different vibes, they still have a lot in common under the hood. Let’s examine some of their shared roots and similarities.
Both are Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids.
First off, both CBD and Delta-8 THC are hemp-derived cannabinoids, meaning they’re extracted naturally from hemp plants. However, Delta 8 THC is not found as abundantly as CBD in hemp, so most of it that you get in the market is synthesized from natural hemp-sourced CBD in the labs. Nevertheless, its core origin is still a natural hemp plant.
Interact With The Endocannabinoid System.
Both CBD and Delta 8 THC interact with your endocannabinoid system (ECS). While they may interact differently, their goal is the same: supporting relaxation, sleep, and general well-being. Some strains may also elevate a tense mood or enhance appetite.
Potential Therapeutic Effects
Wellness-focused consumers commonly use CBD and Delta-8 THC as they may show potential therapeutic benefits, like helping with pain, anxiety, and inflammation management on a routine basis.
Available In Similar Product Forms
Product-wise, they’re basically twins. You’ll find them available as gummies, vapes, tinctures, loose powders, capsules, and even topicals. You can customize your servings according to your personal needs and preferences.
Legal Under the Cannabis Act
CBD is legal according to the Cannabis Act. The legal status of Delta-8 THC in Canada is complex and can vary by region, so it’s important to verify local regulations to ensure compliance with current laws regarding its use and possession.
Health Benefits: CBD vs Delta-8
CBD and Delta 8 have garnered immense popularity in the natural wellness market. Users have reported tons of therapeutic benefits from their consumption over time, and some have even integrated them into their daily wellness routines.
CBD Benefits
CBD is like the wellness MVP of our cannabinoid crew. It doesn’t get you high, but it’s famous for helping our customers manage stress, anxiety, and general discomfort. Many users have reported incorporating CBD into their wellness routines to support relaxation, focus, or recovery. While research is ongoing, some users find CBD useful for sleep, stress and rest.
Delta-8 THC Benefits
Delta 8 Canada meets intense stoners and non-stoners at the midpoint. Users claim that Delta 8 products have helped them with relaxation, anxiety relief, pain management, and even boosting their appetite. Delta 8 THC binds directly to CB1 receptors, which gives it a euphoric edge, but one that’s way smoother, peaceful, and chill compared to strong psychoactive compounds like Delta-9 THC.
Which Is Better, CBD or Delta 8 THC?
If you want to give natural hemp-based wellness a try but are hell-bent on avoiding its classic euphoria, you must go for our CBD Canada products. Many users prefer CBD during the day due to its non-psychoactive nature, which eases the process of winding down without fogging the brain.
How does CBD affect you? Well, it helps you destress, calm your anxiety, and improve your sleep quality without altering your mental state. Great for first-timers, folks sensitive to THC, or anyone who wants to keep it strictly functional.
On the flip side, Delta-8 Canada products are generally meant for those who want to relax but with a mild euphoric lift that is not too overwhelming. Bottom line? There’s no clear winner here! The choice between CBD and Delta 8 THC depends on what intensity and kind of effects you’re looking for that day.
Conclusion
Both CBD and Delta 8 THC come from hemp, and both have wellness potential that’s helped them grab front-row seats at the cannabis table. But to make the right choice between them, you need a detailed comparison.
CBD is generally considered ideal for clearing mental fog, instilling calm, and staying grounded. Delta-8 THC, on the other hand, may bring stronger and intense euphoria-driven relaxation, perfect for unwinding at the end of the day and leading to a long, restful sleep at night.
Just remember, whichever one you get your hands on, start low, go slow, and always check your body’s response before taking more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can take them together. Many users combine CBD and Delta-8 to balance the high with calming effects and enhance the overall therapeutic experience. Just start low and observe how you feel before climbing up the dosage ladder.
Yes, Delta-8 is considered stronger than CBD owing to its mild psychoactive properties. Though not intense, D-8 may still offer a long-lasting mental buzz that promotes stronger relaxation and helps you unwind perfectly after a tiresome day. On the other hand, CBD is generally known to provide mellow, calm, and therapeutic wellness benefits.
You can usually drive after taking CBD, as it’s not at all psychoactive. But stay clear of the risk if you’ve overdosed on it. We generally do not recommend driving after consuming Delta-8 THC, as it is psychoactive and may get your mental balance off-track if consumed in large amounts.
Delta 8, though not explicitly mentioned in the Cannabis Act (the law that regulates hemp-derived cannabinoids in Canada), is widely available and sold in the country. As far as its legal status is concerned, many place it on the same pedestal as Delta 9 THC, which is legal when supplied by licensed retailers and producers within Canada’s territory.
The duration of effects depends on the dose, method of consumption, cannabis, and individual tolerance, as well as metabolism to a certain extent. For instance, impacts can stick around for 4 to 8 hours in edibles like gummies, capsules, and powders. On the other hand, effects in vapes and tinctures may wear off quicker, typically after 1-2 hours.
