Difference Between CBD and Delta 8

The hemp industry is in the middle of its “Big Bang.“ It seems every other day there is a new cannabinoid on the market. Right now, at least federally, the two behemoths are Delta 8 and CBD. CBD was the first one to be introduced to the market as the goodie-two-shoes, legal cannabinoid. Then came Delta 8, which was introduced as the marginally more edgy cannabinoid. So which is which? Are they the same?

What is the difference between CBD and Delta 8?

What is CBD?

CBD or cannabidiol is a cannabinoid extracted from hemp. CBD is non-psychoactive, provides medicinal benefits, and has been used for centuries. The cannabinoid interacts with the endocannabinoid system to restore balance in sleep, appetite, stress, and digestion.

The furthest you can go with CBD is by using full-spectrum CBD to experience the entourage effect. You will not get high from it. If you do “feel high,” note that you weren’t supposed to drink that entire bottle of oil at once! If you prefer a drink to help you relax, take a look at our Delta 8 and CBD Seltzers.

It is mostly used as a natural alternative for physical and mental health. 

From a legal standpoint, CBD was made federally legal by the 2018 Farm Bill. However, Idaho, Iowa, and South Dakota have active bans on it in any form. Other states have some regulations on its use in food and have purity requirements. You can check what the laws look like in your state here.

What is Delta 8?

Delta 8 is another cannabinoid that comes from hemp. If hemp were really a family, CBD and Delta 8 would be cousins.

Contrary to CBD, Delta 8 is slightly psychoactive. Indeed, delta 9 and delta 8 are isomers. This means they have chemical similarities but do not have the same molecular composition.

Rather than being viewed solely as a legal alternative to d9, d8 deserves more credit than that. In fact, according to early studies (we’re talking decades ago), delta 8 offers some powerful symptomatic relief. Therefore, d8 has powerful potential in the medical field, not just the recreational one.

Like CBD, Delta 8 (also from hemp) became federally legal with the 2018 Farm Bill. But, because you may have a little more fun with it, and it hinders your ability to drive and operate machinery, some states have been considering it a level II controlled substance. Thus, they’ve banned it from any form of consumption. Learn about the regulations and potential bans on D8 here.

Can both be used together?

Absolutely! The entourage effect applies to mixing multiple cannabinoids. Therefore, taking CBD and Delta 8 can enhance the effects of each other. This sounds pretty cool. But please, as always with cannabinoids: Proceed with caution.

Moreover, users have reported that using CBD and Delta 8 together helps get the best effects out of each compound. The psychoactive effects of Delta 8 are mellowed and the balancing effects of CBD are boosted.

Check out our CBD and D8 blends and try out the duo!

Finally, CBD will sometimes work for some people, but Delta 8 won’t, and vice versa. Mixing both or trying both separately then mixing them together is a good way to find out exactly what works for you and what brings you the best effects.

As always, before jumping on the hot new cannabinoid, make sure to talk to a doctor to find out if it is counter-indicated for you or may interact with any meds you’re taking.

Where can I find CBD?

You know it, we only do Delta 8. That’s our bread and butter. But, thankfully, we have friends in the industry we can vet for you. Direct Delta 8 has CBD Online has one of the largest selections of CBD products available in one place and has very competitive prices. Make sure to pay them a visit!