A split-screen image featuring CBD oil in a dropper bottle on one side and Delta-8 vape carts on the other, set against a background of fresh green cannabis leaves.

CBD ISOLATE VS DELTA-8

The cannabis plant produces various cannabinoids, and two examples of such are CBD and Delta-8. CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is a popular cannabinoid in the industry. It's widely used to provide various benefits such as pain and inflammation relief, treatment of cancer-related symptoms, and so on. Delta-8 Is also a major cannabinoid that has started to garner the attention of many cannabis users.

Delta-8 occurs in little amounts in the hemp plants, and manufacturers often produce it synthetically from delta-9. It bears some similar characteristics with delta-9 in its chemical structure, uses, and side effects. However, there exists a slight difference between the two; most users usually prefer taking Delta-8 to delta-9 because of the milder intoxicating effects it produces.

In this article, we are going to have a closer look at what CBD isolate and Delta-8 are, the major differences between the two, the advantages and side effects of each of them, and lastly, the common questions people have about the two cannabinoids.

WHAT IS CBD ISOLATE?

CBD(Cannabidiol) can be divided into three these are: full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate. CBD isolate refers to the pure form of CBD that does not contain any other chemical compounds such as THC(Tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound; it contains only CBD. CBD can be found only in the aerial parts of the hemp plant, such as the stems, flowers, and leaves above the soil line.

There are various forms of consuming CBD. The most common type of consumption is CBD oil. Examples are gummies, capsules, vapes, and so on.

WHAT IS DELTA-8?

Delta-8, also known as Delta-8 THC, is similar to other cannabinoids in that it is obtained from the cannabis plant. However, due to its scarcity, it's often manufactured by synthetically converting Delta-9 THC and CBD to Delta-8. It produces similar effects with delta-9 due to the great similarity in the chemical structure. They can be used for pain relief, alleviating stress, increased appetite, etc.

However, they are not completely similar and differ slightly in molecular structure. The double bond for Delta-8 THC is located on the 8th carbon, while9 the double bond for delta-9 THC is located on the 9th carbon. This seemingly little difference accounts for the milder intoxicating effects and less potency of Delta-8 compared to delta-9. This also makes it suitable for starters new to cannabis, giving them a more gentle effect.

THE MAJOR DIFFERENCES BETWEEN DELTA-8 AND CBD

A close-up of CBD and Delta-8 oil droppers, each dispensing into small glass vials. The CBD oil is light golden, and the Delta-8 oil is amber, with a hemp leaf in the background.

Delta-8 and CBD are both cannabinoids that occur naturally in the hemp plant. They share some similar characteristics, and at the same time, they differ in some properties. Here are a few ways in which CBD is different from Delta-8:

The Intoxicating Property

Delta-8 produces an intoxicating effect and gives its users a feeling of being high, while CBD is a completely non-intoxicating substance.

System of operation

Cannabidiol (CBD) and Delta-8 THC work differently with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Delta-8 THC activates the CB1 receptors, which results in a reduction in pain, promotion of sleep and appetite, protection and healing of nerves, and prevention of seizures over. It also activates the CB2 receptors, which also leads to calming of an overreactive immune system and the reduction of inflammation.

Meanwhile, CBD doesn't interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors. Instead, it increases the number of endocannabinoids produced by inhibiting the enzymes that tend to hinder its production.

Increase and Decrease In Appetite

Delta-8 is a powerful appetite stimulant. According to studies, it stimulates appetite even more effectively than delta-9 THC. Whereas CBD doesn't stimulate appetite; instead, it inhibits it. CBD is suitable for use by people that are seeking to lose weight.

Results Produced In A Drug Test

A significant difference between CBD and Delta-8 is exposed in a drug test. Drug test  usually fail to differentiate between the two as the test is meant to identify delta-9. Delta-8 can make you fail a drug test because of the similar chemical structure it shares with delta-9. The duration Delta-8 THC spends in a body differs based on the individual, but it is advisable to refrain from taking Delta-8 for nothing less than 21 days before taking a drug test.

CBD doesn't cause you to fail a drug test as long as it's produced from a certified source that guarantees its THC content to be less than 0.3%. Health experts claimed that for a person to fail a drug test by consuming CBD, the person would have to take close to 2,000 mg of full spectrum CBD daily, which is 40 times the standard amount of CBD for most people. Meaning it's almost impossible to fail a drug test by taking CBD.

The Legal Status

According to the 2018 farm bill, CBD and Delta-8 with THC content less than 0.3% are considered legal because they are both derived from Hemp. However, that's only at the federal level; some states have banned the use of Delta-8. This is because Delta-8 doesn't occur in large amounts naturally. Thus manufacturers tend to produce synthetically.

Some other substances might be added during synthetic production, and the THC content usually exceeds the standard amount of 0.3%. Synthetic production is not well regulated; hence Delta-8 was banned in some countries.


THE ADVANTAGES AND SIDE EFFECTS OF CBD

Two wooden trays side by side, one with CBD tinctures and gummies, the other with Delta-8 vape carts and edibles, placed on a rustic wooden table.

CBD is a popular cannabinoid that provides a wide range of health benefits. Thousands of research have been carried out on its benefits, and these are some major benefits CBD could help you with:

Serves as a pain relief

The interaction of CBD with the endocannabinoid system makes it suitable as a pain reliever, especially for different types of pain, including nerve and back pain.

It helps alleviate mental health disorders' symptoms

CBD oil can relieve symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, such as insomnia and anxiety. Even though research is still ongoing, CBD has shown signs of being used as an antidepressant to improve symptoms relating to depression.

Serves as a treatment for some cancer-related symptoms

Some cancer-related symptoms, such as vomiting, nausea, and pain, can be alleviated with CBD. Even though CBD has proven to help treat cancer, more research is still needed before it can be finalized as a standard treatment for cancer-related symptoms.

Exhibits Neuroprotective properties

According to research, it's believed that CBD's ability to interact with the endocannabinoid system comes with some benefits, especially for those with a neurological disorder. CBD can reduce muscle spasms and seizures in epilepsy and certain syndromes such as Darvet syndrome.

Helps in the heart and circulation system

CBD can help lower the risk of health issues like heart attack and hypertension by lowering blood pressure.

THE POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS OF CBD

A pipette filled with amber Delta-8 oil dripping into a small bottle, with a blurred cannabis leaf and lab beaker in the background.

CBD has its advantages, and at the same time, it also possesses some disadvantages. These are some of the potential side effects that can accompany the use of CBD:

  • Dry mouth
  • Disrupts appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Dizziness
  • Causes liver injury when the dosage taken is too high.

CBD has the potential to interact with drugs. Therefore, consult with your doctor if you are on medications to check if CBD could affect the drugs. CBD produces a natural sedation effect; this is considered an advantage if you want to improve your sleep quality. However, the effects can become too severe when taken with another cannabinoid with similar characteristics.


ADVANTAGES AND SIDE EFFECTS OF DELTA-8

Delta-8 exhibits similar effects as delta-9. If you're looking to enjoy the benefits of delta-9 while bypassing the strong intoxicating feelings that come with it, then Delta-8 is the perfect solution. Research is still going on to determine how many benefits can be derived from Delta-8 THC. Meanwhile, these are some benefits you can expect when taking Delta-8 THC:

  • Gives you the feeling of euphoria
  • Helps you to relax and sleep better
  • Reduces stress and anxiety
  • Increases appetite
  • Helps to ease pain and inflammation.

If you're seeking relief from physical pain, anxiety, and stress, then Delta-8 THC might be the best option. If you also want to relax, sleep better and increase your appetite, you might also want to try Delta-8.

SIDE EFFECTS OF DELTA-8

Delta-8 sits well with most people and doesn't cause many adverse effects except when taken in high amounts. When these effects set in, they only last for a short while. These are some of the potential side effects that come with consuming Delta-8:

  • Increased heart rate
  • Red eyes and dry mouth
  • Problem with coordination
  • Anxiety and sometimes it causes panic
  • Tiredness
  • Memory loss

Delta-8 manufactured synthetically can also contain more side effects as you can never really be sure what's in it. These effects are temporary, and they disappear after a couple of hours. Before taking Delta-8, it's advisable to take your meal to minimize the possibility of having these symptoms and to prevent mild aches and pains. Delta-8 shouldn't be taken on an empty stomach.

 

CAN DELTA-8 AND CBD BE COMBINED FOR GREATER EFFECTS?

A transparent container of white CBD isolate powder next to a small glass jar of golden CBD oil, with a cannabis leaf placed beside them.

The answer to this is yes. If you're seeking less psychoactive effects of Delta-8, you might want to combine it with CBD. You will enjoy the benefits of both cannabinoids with minimal or no feelings of being high. This is because both CBD and THC compounds interact with the same receptors; this prevents the receptors from being activated, causing no high feelings.

However, this doesn't deprive you of the other benefits of Delta-8 and CBD. Only the psychoactive properties of Delta-8 are reduced. Instead of seeing CBD and Delta-8 as two competitive Cannabinoids, it's much better to view them as two cannabinoids that can work together to enhance therapeutic effects.

Research has shown that the health benefits of CBD and Delta-8 become amplified when taken together. For example, Delta-8 and CBD can be used to improve the quality of your sleep. Studies show that they are more effective when used together. This is known as the entourage effect, which holds that the combined cannabinoid compounds are more effective than each working alone. The euphoria and mild sedating effects induced by Delta-8 at the CB1 receptors and CBD relaxing effects at serotonin receptors form a perfect combination for a good night's sleep.

CBD could even help to eliminate some side effects of Delta-8. Therefore it's advisable to use them together. However, you might need a medical consultation with your healthcare provider before using the two together.

BETWEEN CBD AND Delta-8, WHICH IS MORE SUITABLE FOR ANXIETY RELIEF?

Both Delta-8 and CBD can be used to alleviate anxiety effectively. CBD is more suitable for alleviating mild anxiety, while Delta-8 works better for moderate anxiety. CBD creates some balancing effects which is not easily noticed. It can gently calm both the body and mind, and it's more effective when taken every day.

While in the case of Delta-8, the effects are stronger and more obvious, particularly in moderate doses. Delta-8 is better used for combating persistent and long-lasting anxiety syndromes.

HOW DO DELTA-8 AND CBD OPERATE IN RELIEVING ANXIETY?

CBD helps alleviate anxiety by activating the serotonin receptors; when this is activated, the body can make good use of the serotonin molecules already present. In case you're wondering what serotonin is, it's also known as the happiness molecule, and it's used to reduce anxiety and stress.

The way Delta-8 relieves anxiety is quite different. It interacts with the CB1 receptors and activates them. The activation doesn't directly relieve anxiety. Instead, it produces a feeling of euphoria, which causes short-term happiness, calms the body, and spikes up overall mental satisfaction.

WHICH IS MORE BETTER BETWEEN, CBD AND DELTA-8?

Various factors must be considered when choosing between two or more cannabinoids. Ultimately, it boils down to the effects you are looking for. CBD and Delta-8 share similar health benefits, so judging based on the health effects alone might be difficult.

But if you're looking for a mild and suitable therapeutic effect, then CBD is the better option. It works more effectively, especially when taken with other cannabinoids, with a soothing effect. An example is a full spectrum CBD of good quality mixed with terpenes and spice of THC.

However, if you're seeking stronger, more powerful, and more obvious effects, then Delta-8 is the perfect option for you. If you desire to enjoy similar benefits with delta-9 without experiencing the strong intoxicating effects it brings and maintain a cool head, you might also want to try Delta-8. Due to the lack of proper regulations and marketing of Delta-8 products, it's very easy to fall victim to the wrong ones. To ensure your product is original, make sure to buy products that have been subjected to third-party testing or buy from a certified source that's already famous for selling original Delta-8 products

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