The hemp industry’s latest hype is Delta-8 THC, a unique chemical compound located within the cannabis plant that delivers remarkable benefits and the psychotropic effects that enthusiasts have been craving. The unfortunate part about the cannabinoid is that it hasn’t received quite the attention its close relative, Delta-9 THC (the popular psychoactive compound in marijuana known for producing the high), has received, therefore greatly limiting research involving the cannabinoid. Despite the limited research, here is what we know about Delta-8 THC and how it’s different from CBD.

What Is Delta-8 THC?

While it isn’t the most popular cannabinoid found in cannabis, it is one of the four most prominent out of more than one-hundred compounds that naturally occur. Delta-8 THC delivers psychotropic effects, yet it is less potent than its close relative, Delta-9 THC. It also occurs in very small concentrations, which increases its value due to the intricate process that involves extraction, isolation, conversion, and refinement. Though it is a complex process to obtain large concentrations of Delta-8 THC, there are methods of creating Delta-8 THC that are less difficult.

All in all, Delta-8 is a powerful cannabinoid that has a lot to offer. It is an isomer of CBD and a derivative of hemp and CBD and is completely legal if the final product contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC.

The Difference Between Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC

While they are two separate chemical compounds native to the cannabis plant, they are closely related by sharing many similarities. In fact, the only real difference is its placement. Both Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC contain double bonds, yet Delta-8 contains the bond on the 8th carbon chain, while Delta-9 contains the bond on the 9th carbon chain, hence the names.

Besides the bonds, the Endocannabinoid System’s (ECS) receptors react relatively similarly, they both present a similar structure, and they also share many similar properties. If you’re missing out on all the fun and benefits of THC common in marijuana, you will be thrilled to learn that both Tetrahydrocannabinol cannabinoids serve the same purpose as one another, acting as the ideal solution for both medicinal and recreational use.

While they are different compounds with many similarities, there isn’t too much that separates the two. They both bind to the CB1 receptor and offer psychotropic effects; however, Delta-8 THC is half as strong, delivering a lower potency, which some find more tolerable and suitable for recreational use.

The Difference Between Delta-8 THC and CBD

When it comes to the comparison of Delta-8 and CBD, the differences between the two are a bit more balanced than the similarities Delta-8 and Delta-9 have. This is because CBD is chemically much different from Delta-8 THC. For instance, Delta-8 is a psychoactive cannabinoid, and CBD is not. Additionally, scientists have conducted research on CBD much more and the benefits that it offers are vast. Here is a brief list comparing the two to show the differences between them.

Delta-8 THC

Psychoactive
High Probability of Failing a Drug Test
Found in Low Concentrations
Used Medicinally and Recreationally
Binds to CB1 Receptors and Relation to CB2 Receptors
 

CBD

Non-Psychoactive
Low Probability of Failing a Drug Test
Found in High Concentrations
Commonly Used Medicinally
Binds to CB1 Receptors

Is Delta-8 Legal?

Though many may find the legality of Delta-8 THC confusing, it is indeed federally legal in most states. The legality of hemp changed because of the 2018 Farm Bill, which is also known as The Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018. With the new law, it specifically states that all derivatives, isomers, and cannabinoids in hemp are legal provided that the final products contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC.

What is quite fascinating is that cannabis has been federally illegal since the 1920s, though under the eye of the law, millions of people have continued to use it. The Government has portrayed cannabis in the most negative way, yet hemp is now federally legal, and marijuana is legal in some states medicinally and recreationally.

Where To Buy Delta-8 THC?

Though there is a lot to be discovered about Delta-8 THC, it is slowly moving along, and people are becoming even more familiar with the quite incredible cannabinoid. Manufacturers have found new methods that allow them to convert CBD into Delta-8 THC, giving them the ability to generate high concentrations. As a result, there are many products emerging onto the market utilizing Delta-8 THC. One of the best Delta-8 products includes Delta-8 THC Cartridges; Like Cannabis – Delta-8 THC Carts come in Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid strains.