Does Delta 8 Have Akin Properties to CBD?

The cannabis industry has grown in recent years, thanks to research highlighting its medical and therapeutic potential. Most individuals are aware of buzzwords such as CBD, THC, and marijuana. However, most people are not aware that the Cannabis Sativa plant contains over a hundred different chemical compounds, all with unique properties and benefits. One of these compounds that have been gaining popularity is the Delta-8. Consumers who obtain the best Delta 8 CBD recommend it as a potent natural remedy.

Additionally, brands have started to offer the best Delta 8 CBD at reasonable and cost-effective prices. Are you considering experimenting with the Delta-8 variant? If so, here’s a look at everything you need to know about Delta-8 and its similarities and differences to CBD.

What is Cannabidiol?

Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is one of the most popular phytocannabinoids found in the Cannabis Sativa plant. It is a non-psychoactive ingredient that possesses several medicinal and therapeutic benefits. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol, it does not induce any intoxication or mind-altering effects, making it safer and healthier for extended use. It interacts with our endocannabinoid system by binding to various neural receptors and neurotransmitters.

On the other hand, Delta-8 is a THC variant that possesses milder psychoactive potency. When it comes to properties and benefits in many ways, it falls mid-way between CBD and THC. The lowered psychoactivity of this compound makes it safer and healthier than Delta-9.  While consumers can suffer from side effects such as paranoia, anxiousness, insomnia, or excessive drowsiness when they consume THC, the best Delta 8 CBD creates no such issues. As a result, this compound has gained popularity in recent years as an excellent alternative for the Delta-9 variant.

How Does the Delta 8 Variant Work?

Phytocannabinoids resemble the cannabinoids our body produces for essential needs in several ways. As a result, they can exert some influence over our endocannabinoid system, impacting various bodily functions. For example, the endocannabinoid system helps maintain homeostasis and regulate several capacities, including metabolic activity, appetite, circadian rhythm, and pain tolerance. The primary difference between Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC lies in a carbon double-bond placement. Such a bond falls on the eighth carbon atom in the former and on the ninth in the latter. While the change might appear minuscule, it leads to significant changes in the way these compounds behave.

Does the Delta 8 Work Similar to CBD?

Endocannabinoids primarily interact with our CB1 and CB2 receptors. While the former deals with the central nervous system, cognition, memory, and appetite, the latter serves as a part of the peripheral nervous system. It is responsible for controlling and regulating our immune response. The inflammation arises as a bodily response to external threats our body believes will harm us. Regulating our immune response will help us prevent adverse reactions and reduce excessive swelling and inflammation. Unlike THC, which interacts primarily with the CB1 receptors, cannabidiol has an affinity for the CB2 receptors that handle our immune response. As a result, these produce a body-first effect that is mild, energizing, and calming, rather than creating a head-first high.

On the other hand, tetrahydrocannabinol interacts mainly with the CB1 receptors, producing psychoactive effects, such as intoxication and drowsiness. The best Delta-8 CBD works similar to cannabidiol and interacts with these receptors, helping create a mild and balanced impact. Manufacturers extract Delta-8 from the more commonly extracted Delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol.  Brands have to carry out various processes including, distillation, extraction, filtration, and molecule isolation, to obtain Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol. In its natural form, the cannabis plant contains roughly 1% to 3% of these compounds. However, due to the difference in the carbon double-bond placement, the Delta-8 is inherently more stable than its counterpart. On the other hand, cannabidiol occurs naturally in the cannabis plant and does not require a complicated extraction process. Additionally, though mild, the Delta-8 variant does produce a smooth psychoactive effect, whereas CBD does not.

Benefits of Cannabinoids

Now that we have talked about the similarities and differences between these cannabinoids let us look at their benefits.

1. Work as potent analgesics, helping alleviate symptoms associated with chronic and acute pain.
2. Efficient anti-emetics that prevent nausea and vomiting, especially in those undergoing chemotherapy
3. Anti-tumor properties that inhibit and prevent the excessive growth and spread of such masses
4. Boosts cognitive functioning, focus, and concentration, leading to higher productivity
5. Potent anti-inflammatory properties that prevent excessive swelling, inflammation, and redness
6. Regulates sebum production, leading to clear, flawless, and youthful-looking skin
7. Neuroprotectant abilities that prevent neurological degeneration and combats various disorders
8. Anxiolytic that keeps anxiety, depression, and other social disorders at bay
9. Boosts energy during the day, helping individuals stay more efficient and alert
10. Effective muscle relaxant that enables gym enthusiasts and athletes to improve their muscle recovery and growth

Hence, individuals who do not wish to feel any head-high can opt for cannabidiol, which contains almost zero psychoactive ability. On the other hand, those who want the best of both worlds can choose the best Delta-8 CBD to enjoy several medicinal and therapeutic benefits. These products enable consumers to enjoy a pleasant high without allowing feelings of paranoia and anxiousness to take hold. In medical applications, most consumers end up using cannabidiol as researchers have performed extensive studies on it. Tetrahydrocannabinol might not be the best option for extended use due to its high psychoactivity.

On the other hand, Delta-8 helps bridge the gap between these options. It enables consumers to make the best of better analgesic properties without compromising on mental clarity. However, similar to Delta-9, it can help individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, insomnia, and lack of appetite. Further research on the medicinal and therapeutic properties of these compounds will help highlight potential uses. Such studies will also help determine their appropriate dosage limits.

Purchasing Hemp Products

Consumers need to research the market before purchasing to ensure they buy the best Delta 8 CBD. Going through online reviews and customer testimonials will help individuals gauge a manufacturer’s reputation and credibility. Additionally, consulting a doctor will help individuals receive guidelines regarding dosage requirements and recommendations. Doing so will help prevent adverse drug reactions and overdosing effectively. Hence, approaching a physician can help consumers ascertain their specific dosage requirements that depend on their age, sex, usage history, and health conditions.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, Delta-8 products share several similarities and differences with cannabidiol. However, they are also unique and offer several specialized medicinal benefits. How have Delta-8 products helped you changed your life for the better? Help others switch to more sustainable and economic solutions by sharing your experiences below!