In recent years, CBD has gone from being something associated with drug use to a mainstream product used by everyone from actresses and politicians to school teachers and shop assistants. This healing substance has been well and truly embraced by the public at large, with what seems like hundreds of new CBD products cropping up on a daily basis.
But what about a lesser-known cannabis component? You might have heard of Delta-8 THC before, but what exactly is it?
This post will take you through what exactly Delta-8 THC is, how it differs from some other components of cannabis, and how you can use it. Read on to find out everything you need to know about Delta-8 THC.
What Is Delta-8 THC?
THC and CBD are two of the better-known cannabinoids. But what you may not have known is that the full name of what we know as THC is actually Delta-9 THC. As you can probably guess, Delta-8 THC is a variation of this compound.
Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC are actually quite similar. The main slight differences between them are the way they are made up as chemicals and their placement in the cannabis plant. Delta-9 THC is usually found in much higher quantities than Delta-8 THC within the cannabis plant.
The two produce many of the same effects and have a relatively similar makeup. Like its close relative, Delta-8 THC produces a psychoactive effect, although it is milder than that of Delta-9 THC. For a more in-depth analysis, you can learn more about Delta 8 here.
Delta-8 THC vs CBD
When it comes to Delta-8 THC and CBD, it’s fair to say there are more differences than there are similarities. The two compounds are both cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. This is more or less where the resemblance ends.
CBD is a compound that produces little to no psychoactive effect. Meanwhile, Delta-8 THC is a psychoactive substance. CBD is found in high concentrations in the cannabis plant, whereas Delta-8 THC is found in lower levels.
CBD is usually used for medicinal purposes, while Delta-8 THC has both medicinal and recreational applications.
Another difference between the two is the way that they react in the human body. CBD binds only to CB1 receptors in the brain. Delta-8 THC, on the other hand, binds to CB1 receptors, but it also reacts with CB2 receptors.
Two Sides of the Same Coin
Although CBD and Delta-8 THC come from the same plant and share certain similarities in makeup and behavior, generally speaking, they are quite different. In the way they chemically react with the human body, the effects they produce, and the uses they commonly have.
If you are looking to try either, it is a good idea to do your research to make sure you’re informed on the key differences between the two, and which might be better for you.
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