The recognition given to various commercial cannabinoids has initiated the manufacturing of their newly isolated forms. Even though most of them naturally occur in the cannabis species, similar compounds are extracted from the hemp plant.
Today, people acknowledge numerous therapeutic benefits displayed by different cannabinoids. It is because they act uniquely once they enter the human body. The endocannabinoid receptor system is stimulated by them and results in the release of neurotransmitters. Therefore, we see several physiological and mental alterations after the consumption of any of the cannabinoids.
In this article, differentiation will be made between CBD, THC, and Delta 8. But, what category do they fit into? Or, where are they sourced from? For starters, all of them are cannabinoids. Meaning, they stimulate and act on the endocannabinoid receptors to bring about changes in the body.
What are cannabinoids?
There is a reason behind the medicinal capabilities of certain herbs. Known to humans for several years, the Cannabis Sativa plant possesses hundreds of compounds. Apart from this, the hemp plant also contains these chemicals, but in lesser quantities. These chemicals are scientifically referred to as cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids can interact with the central nervous system, thereby enhancing a couple of physical and mental operations. Although there are hundreds of cannabinoids, some of them remain to be better known than others. They are CBD, THC and Delta 8. Despite occurring in the same plant, these cannabinoids happen to affect a person differently. Let us get a clear perspective about their details.
What is CBD?
Undeniably the most famous of all, CBD or cannabidiol is a perfect healing treatment derived from cannabis extracts. Categorized as non-psychoactive, this compound is consumed to treat various ailments and disorders.
Available as consumable and non-consumable variants, CBD products are widely distributed in the markets. It acts on the receptor system that may stimulate the otherwise functions operated through this system. Even though we lack notable information regarding the curative properties of cannabidiol, several positive claims have helped this cannabinoid get a hold of customers worldwide. Let us learn about its peculiar properties.
Chemical characteristics of CBD
Scientific discoveries indicated that CBD contains all the good parts of cannabis. It means one can have the advantage of numerous health benefits without the risk of getting high. That being said, CBD has some fantastic properties that make it stand out from the crowd.
Because of its convincing chemical properties, it sometimes acts as a health supplement. But, what are these properties that we are talking about? Here they are—
● Anti-depression
● Relieves stress
● Acts as an anxiolytic
● Anti-seizure properties
● Stimulates blood pressure
● Enhances the mood
● Potential analgesic
● Anti-inflammatory properties
● Treats insomnia
● Assists in better digestion
● Neuroprotective qualities
What is THC?
The main psychoactive compound, THC, is found in both cannabis and hemp plants. It is chemically known as Delta-9 THC or tetrahydrocannabinol. This chemical is reactive even in the slightest amount. Being the primary cannabinoid of the Cannabis Sativa species, it has psychoactive tendencies. However, it does not limit its other medicinal values.
As in the case of CBD, Delta-9 THC, THC o carts could be used by individuals that seek medical treatment through this compound. Both these chemicals work on the body’s receptor system, but they seem to affect it differently. Nevertheless, the main difference remains its tendency to cause psychological effects, which is not the case with CBD.
Properties of THC
The chemical similarities and the structural dissimilarities between CBD and Delta-9 THC have indicated some shared and unshared properties. THC has a more intense effect on the endocannabinoid receptors than other cannabinoids. Due to this, the following are its properties—
● Analgesic effects
● Treat muscle spasms
● Counteracts low appetite
● Calms down anxiety
● Reduces depression
● Helps with nausea
● Induce euphoric effects
● Gets you High
What is Delta 8?
We read about the detailed facts of CBD and THC and how they are distinct in their respective areas. Delta-8, however, stands somewhere in the between. It would be interesting to know that although Delta-8 THC is a positional isomer of Delta-9 THC, it has distinctive properties that separate it from the main view. Even after being related to THC atomically, Delta 8 is extracted from hemp-derived CBD under the legal framework.
Delta 8 is psychotropic. The consumers claim it to be a milder yet effective version of Delta 9. Its similarities with THC have paved the way for its recognition by the public. This cannabinoid gives a subtle high to the individuals that consume it. However, its intensity is lower than the traditional THC. And hence, it has received mixed feedback from consumers.
Specifications about Delta 8
Unlike CBD and THC, the research on Delta 8 has not progressed enough to state its potential characteristics. Future research on this cannabinoid might help the researchers present their views firmly. However, lab experiments and customer reviews signify some basic properties.
Delta 8 shares its chemical specification with both CBD and THC. However, these constitute only a milder effect in comparison to the other cannabinoids. Its potential effects are—
● Pain relief
● Relaxation from stress
● Causes mild high
● Feeling of Euphoria
● Stimulates appetite
● Alleviates anxiety
● Eases nausea
The distinction between CBD, THC, and Delta 8
The above facts regarding these cannabinoids are subjective. It means they can display the same effects under similar conditions and concentrations. However, their distinctiveness can only be known when compared under different parameters. For ease of understanding, we have decided on a few factors that could help us get a clearer view.
● Psychotropic nature
If you were to ask a person who has consumed all three cannabinoids, their reply would suggest the contrasting behavior of these compounds. CBD has no or negligible psychotropic properties. Whereas THC and Delta 8 are psychoactive and may affect the consciousness of a person.
Although related through their chemical formula, the highinduced by THC is more intense than Delta 8. The latter has a milder action on the body than its original cousin. Nevertheless, it could become noticeable with high consumption. It means, to attain the same high as THC, one has to ingest high doses of Delta 8.
● Extraction procedure
CBD, although found in both hemp and cannabis species, is abundantly present in the hemp plant. And therefore, extracted from it. As the law indicates, you could also obtain it from cannabis, provided it contains no more than 0.3% THC.
THC, on the other hand, is formed in the cannabis plant and extracted from it. It is the renowned compound consumed by individuals to experience an immense euphoric high.
The extraction process for Delta 8 could be a confusing one. Even though it is an isomer of Delta 9, it is not derived from cannabis. Instead, it is derived from hemp sourced CBD as directed by federal law. This procedure assures the absence of THC in the extracted solution.
● Therapeutic properties
When it comes to the medical picture of these cannabinoids, they possess the advantages to treat and heal various ailments. They have miraculous abilities to cope with stress and other neurotic disorders. However, there could be different experiences by different consumers.
An individual might feel the medicinal effects with the consumption of CBD and not by Delta 8. It is purely subjective. Despite being chemically different, CBD, THC and, Delta 8 have analogous functions. Not to forget, even their therapeutic properties share distinctiveness.
While CBD prevents neurodegeneration, Delta 8 takes over the edge of your anxiety. The therapeutic properties of CBD and THC may get intersected. However, the former causes no high and delivers somewhat the same health benefits as the latter. There are few differences in the outcome of these qualities. And these could be perceived only through careful examination.
● Efficiency
The first thing that an individual comes across after consuming a medicinal drug is its efficiency. While CBD, THC, and Delta 8 have a similar mode of action, their effects are subjective to the concentration, amount, purity and the form consumed. No matter which cannabinoid you consume, their consumable types like gummies, tinctures, vaping liquids, or oils have different levels of efficacies. It means gummies might be affected for a longer time than a tincture or vice versa.
THC remains an intensified version of both CBD and Delta 8 cannabinoids in terms of the magnitude of shared properties. However, it does not indicate CBD and Delta 8 are any less effective. All three of them are efficient but in their specific way.
● Consumer experience
The scientific data regarding cannabis intake suggests that its effects are dominated by one primary cannabinoid, THC. The remaining cannabinoids are either absent or only present in negligible traces. While this cannabinoid delivered certain health benefits, the inevitable altered consciousness was the significant repelling effect.
The scenario changed with the isolation of CBD. It came as a potential competitor for THC, but without the risk of psychoactive nature. Individuals that prefer CBD over THC state the absence of euphoric effects as the main reason to opt for it. Furthermore, cannabidiol has a better tendency to relieve depression than Delta-9.
Delta 8 is comparatively new. Even though we have its products like the other cannabinoids, there is less data concerning its potential benefits. Customers who consumed this cannabinoid stated mixed reviews considering its effects. For some, it worked, and for others, it was deemed ineffective.
● Side effects
Talking about the side effects, CBD, THC, and Delta 8 may display adverse effects under specific conditions. The conditions could be an improper method of intake, degraded product quality, product overdose, or the very fact that your body cannot tolerate such cannabinoids.
Although bearable, some listed side effects of consuming CBD are—
● Drowsiness
● Irregular appetite
● Diarrhea
● Weight loss
● Exhaustion
The temporary side effects after consuming THC are—
● Heart palpitations
● Problematic movement coordination
● Disorientation
● Dry mouth
● Anxiety
● Red eyes
● Psychoactive effects
The probable adverse effects of Delta 8 are—
● Rapid heart rate
● Dry mouth
● Loss of memory
● Anxiety
● Disoriented body movements
● Slow reflexes
These effects for Delta 8 are still unclear. We lack notable information on the potential benefits and drawbacks of consuming this cannabinoid. However, the evident results predict the ones mentioned above.
● Legality
The 2018 farm bill stated hemp-derived products with <0.3% THC to be legal. This assertion made way for CBD and Delta 8 products to be manufactured and sold. Under FDA guidelines, CBD is derived only from the hemp plant for commercial use. Any sample containing more than the allowed concentration of THC is not legal to consume or sell throughout the United States.
Cannabis laws are constantly evolving. But for now, THC is permitted only to licensed individuals for fulfilling their medical requirements. Apart from this, every State allows THC under a different set of rules. So, one has to check in detail before buying or selling it.
Delta 8 products are legal only if they are sourced out from CBD (hemp-derived). It is also synthetically obtained from cannabidiol and THC. However, this process is not appreciated. It is because Delta 8 is not regulated due to its insignificant clinical data and unknown side effects.
Even though they are cannabinoids from the same plant, how are they unrelated?
The fact that distinguishes CBD, THC, and Delta 8 is their fundamental chemistry. They have varying chemical formulas as indicated by chromatography and various other analytical methods. These cannabinoids show individuality in every aspect that concerns them. It would be wise to assert their differences to highlight their particular characteristics and distinct behavior.
Why would people prefer either of them?
These cannabinoids might share therapeutic properties. However, people seeking them for treatments might stumble upon the difficult choice of selecting the appropriate one. While most individuals prefer depending on the product’s effectiveness, some prefer the one with fewer adverse effects.
It is why CBD comes as a safer option than others, as the health risks are relatively low. However, Delta 8, because it resembles THC, seems a promising compound for treatments.
The bottom line
This article effortlessly summons all parameters needed to assert the distinctiveness between CBD, THC, and Delta 8. Their characteristics remain similar. However, their productivity is specific to their chemical nature and potential. The best distinction is their therapeutic nature. Picking any one of them would be entirely a personal choice.