When we think about cannabis we often think about these two cannabinoids, CBD and THC. By now you may have heard of the countless benefits CBD or Cannabidiol has on our health whether that be the ability to improve sleep, manage stress and anxiety or pain relief, but there is a buzz going on in the world of cannabis, Delta 8.
CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid meaning that CBD does not make you high or intoxicate you. What you get instead is a much appreciated calming effect.
CBD is more commonly found in hemp plants. To clarify, hemp is part of the cannabis plant, but hemp contains less than 0.3% THC. There are three types of CBD products: Full Spectrum contains CBD along with other cannabinoids like THC, THCa, CBC, CBN, CBG, CBDa and terpenes, flavonoids and fatty acids like our very own Mellow Full Spectrum 1,800mg CBD Oil. Broad Spectrum is similar to the full spectrum option except it is free from THC. The third type of CBD is CBD Isolate which is the purest form of CBD and is extracted to include only CBD and you can also find Mellow 900 mg CBD Oil with two flavor options Natural and Orange available from Mellow Organic.
Delta 8 (Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol or Delta-8-THC) is a cannabinoid found in the hemp plant just like CBD. Both are naturally occurring substances, but Delta 8 can only be found naturally in very small amounts and not enough to be used commercially, therefore products with Delta 8 are almost always synthetically produced.
Delta 8 is more closely related to Delta 9 THC or what is commonly known as THC. Delta 9 THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. Delta 8 also has psychoactive effects and will cause you to feel “high". It is believed that Delta 8 produces a milder psychoactive effect than THC.
There is little research done on Delta 8 to fully understand their full potential, but from what we know we can give you a comparison between CBD and Delta 8. Why compare them when Delta 8 and Delta 9 seem to be more closely related. You see, both Delta 8 and Delta 9 may have psychoactive effects, but their chemical structure is very different. On the other hand, Delta 8 and CBD have very similar chemical structures.
Let's compare CBD with Delta 8:
CBD:
Naturally found in hemp plant
Benefits include pain relief, anti-inflammation, improve sleep, treat depression, reduce stress and anxiety, treat epilepsy symptoms and substance addiction.
CBD has a mild relaxing effect and does make you high.
CBD interacts with the Endocannabinoid System and CB1 and CB2 receptors.
CBD does not show up in drug tests and is allowed in many professional sports.
Delta 8:
Naturally found in hemp plants. Products with Delta 8 often used synthetic Delta 8.
Benefits include sleep, pain, anxiety, focus and boost energy.
Has psychoactive effects and can intoxicate you. Believed to be half as strong as THC.
Interacts with Endocannabinoid System and CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Delta 8 will show up in drug tests just like THC would.
CBD is in abundance in the hemp plant and one of the most common methods of extracting CBD from hemp plants is through CO2 extraction. CO2 separates CBD oil from the plant. The plant and its matter is discarded and when the CO2 evaporates from the oil the final extracted product is ready. As mentioned Delta 8 found in hemp is not enough to be used commercially so isomerization process is therefore introduced. Delta 8 is made from CBD that has already been extracted instead. The process is involved with combining CBD with acid that helps to create Delta 8. After the purification and refination, Delta 8 is ready.
What about side effects?
CBD:
Drowsiness
Reduced appetite
Fatigue
Dry mouth
Diarrhea
Delta 8:
Tremors
Anxiety
Confusion
Dizziness
Paranoia
Vomiting
Loss of consciousness
Raised heart rate (tachycardia)
Keep in mind that synthetic Delta 8 can be tricky if the manufacturing process has been poorly made. It could lead to health injuries and complications. The discarded matters during production of Delta 8 can also be hazardous to the environment. It is advised that you check all the ingredients and also ask for lab test results and Certificate of Analysis before buying products with Delta 8. You should do the same before buying CBD products or any other health related products.
CBD is now legal in many countries around the world including Thailand as long as the amount of THC in CBD products does not exceed 0.2%. CBD has also been lifted off banned substances in the World Anti-Doping Agency and endorsed by the World Health Organization as being safe for consumption. According to the 2018 Farm Bill, all cannabinoids derived from hemp are federally legal in the US, but it gets tricky when you deal with synthetic Delta 8. Things still remain unclear.
But we recommend that if you want to start using cannabinoids like CBD for both your body and mind it's best to choose CBD products that are safe and have been lab tested to guarantee the highest quality. You too can start using CBD products like Mellow Organic to help with pain management. CBD has pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties to help battle with arthritis and joint pains, headaches, migraines, PMS pain, muscle soreness, muscle strain and injuries that may occur from every daily activity. CBD is also known to reduce stress and anxiety. Improving sleep and treating insomnia. Studies have shown that CBD can help manage symptoms of epilepsy and Parkinson's disease and help bring comfort from chemotherapy treatment.
Written by Vivek Roachthavilit