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CBD vs. Delta 8 — Differences & Similarities

Published July 01, 2021
CBD vs. Delta 8 — Differences & Similarities - Secret Nature

We’ve already looked at how CBD and delta 8 work together. It’s safe to conclude that CBD and delta 8 aren’t adversaries, and we’d never pit two good friends against each other.

Still, inquiring minds want to know: Is delta 8 better than CBD? Maybe not all the time, but under certain circumstances, perhaps?

Use your own astute judgment to determine the relative superiority of CBD in comparison to delta 8. The only way to make a good judgment, though, is to have the right information.

One big cannabinoid family

Let’s start with an important disclaimer — just like all the other members of the big, boisterous cannabinoid family, delta 8 and CBD work best together. The entourage effect appears to boost the effects of cannabinoids when you ingest them at the same time, so think of this entire article as a “when-to-use-which” rather than an “either-or” guide.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid naturally found in cannabis in small concentrations. Breeders have developed strains of cannabis that contain high concentrations of CBD but less than half a percent THC, making these strains defined as industrial hemp, not the illegal drug marijuana.

What is delta 8?

Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 8 THC) is generally considered to be an analog of delta 9 THC, the more common variant of this intoxicating cannabinoid. Since delta 8 is technically a distinct substance, however, it is considered to be industrial hemp under US federal law under certain conditions.

Delta 8 is only naturally available in cannabis in very small concentrations, so it must be converted from CBD or another cannabinoid. This semi-synthetic status may put delta 8 in a separate regulatory category from other cannabinoids.

Are CBD and delta 8 the same thing?

Despite both occupying legal gray areas at the moment, CBD and delta 8 are actually not very similar at all. CBD is strictly non-intoxicating while the effects of delta 8 THC largely mirror those of delta 9.

Do CBD and delta 8 feel similar?

No, CBD feels very different from delta 8 when smoked or vaped. Inhaling delta 8 will deliver effects very reminiscent of those that THC provides, but CBD will remain non-intoxicating no matter how much you smoke.

Does delta 8 get you high?

Yes, the effects of delta 8 THC would definitely be described as mind-altering. Some users report that the effects of this THC analog are slightly different from the original, but for all intents and purposes, delta 8 is simply a very similar variant of delta 9.

What’s the difference between CBD and delta 8?

There are two primary differences between CBD and delta 8: their origins and their effects. CBD-rich cannabis strains are now commonplace, but it may be years before the first delta 8 strains hit the market. Or, anticipating the imminent federal reworking of cannabis regulations, breeders may never make the effort of developing strains high in delta 8 to begin with.

In terms of effects, CBD is strictly non-intoxicating while delta 8 seems to have a hard time finding out where it fits in the psychoactivity spectrum. Regardless of our opinion on the matter, the world appears to have concluded that delta 8 is simply a type of THC you can buy on the internet — history will determine the ultimate truth of the matter.

CBD and delta 8 — pros & cons

Still not sure how CBD and delta 8 compare? Let’s break it down further with a detailed list of pros and cons:

CBD pros

  • Non-intoxicating
  • Relaxing
  • Lots of different CBD products
  • All-natural
  • Plenty of different CBD flower strains
  • Tons of research
  • Definitely covered under the 2018 Farm Bill

CBD cons

  • You might be looking for something more intoxicating
  • CBD can make you sleepy

Delta 8 pros

  • Intoxicating
  • Very similar to THC
  • Sold online
  • Often included with terpenes
  • Something new in the world of cannabis

Delta 8 cons

  • Not as much product variety
  • Usually converted from another cannabinoid
  • Only certain types protected under the Farm Bill
  • Intoxication might not be what you’re looking for

Is delta 8 better than CBD?

We don’t think any cannabinoid is inherently better or worse than any other. They all work together to make cannabis the extraordinary plant we all know it to be.

With that in mind, we’ll need to take a more situational than objective view toward the situation. Delta 8 might never be inherently better than CBD, but it could be more useful in certain situations.

If you want to experience the effects of THC in an area that does not yet allow the reasonable use of cannabis, for instance, online delta 8 might be your best friend. Mimicking the effects of THC but with a unique twist, delta 8 has proven to be a godsend for Americans from all walks of life seeking a new level of freedom.

Is CBD better than delta 8?

Again, we would never say CBD is better than any other cannabinoid. Sure, CBD certainly has some seniority on delta 8, and it’s much easier to naturally source. Some puritans among us may even say that CBD is inherently better since it’s non-intoxicating. To each their own, we say.

Just as is the case when comparing CBD to the original THC, there are certain things that only CBD can do. It is CBD, for instance, not THC, that has been made into an FDA-approved drug for epilepsy.

There are also certain things CBD can’t do. Scientists haven’t identified any habit-forming properties of CBD after lengthy investigation, making this cannabinoid fundamentally different from THC in at least one capacity.

CBD vs. delta 8 — the bottom line

Discerning minds will ultimately look at CBD and delta 8 as two indispensable tools to keep well-stocked in any cannabinoid toolkit. In the end, there’s no reason CBD and delta 8 should exclude each other — the same goes for any two cannabinoids.

What’s fundamental to remember is that all cannabinoids come from the same plant body, and nature designs bodies to be harmonious and homogeneous. Everything that comes from cannabis comes from the same place, and everything in cannabis is meant to work together for the common good.

Best CBD and delta 8 products

Secret Nature products come from organic hemp, and they’re connoisseur-crafted to deliver cannabinoids as perfectly as humanly possible. Our brand has been synonymous with CBD flower for years, and our recent entries into the delta 8 market have already been hailed as industry-defining. Browse our full product catalog for more.
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