There are a lot of CBD compounds found in the hemp plant and they are all quite different. We have always been a large proponent of staying as close to the plant as possible, but as the hemp industry expands, so does our knowledge and understanding of cannabinoids. One particular cannabinoid, Delta 8, has gained a lot of popularity but there is also a lot of misinformation.
What is Delta 8?
So what exactly is this highly talked about compound? Delta 8 is a naturally occurring compound in the hemp plant, just like CBD, but in very small quantities. So the Delta 8 that we keep hearing about is not actually the naturally occurring compound on the vine, but rather a synthetically made version of this compound. Just because something is synthetic, that doesn’t make it inherently bad, but there are concerns with synthetic cannabinoids.
There is a form of synthetic CBD that is a pharmaceutical used to treat seizures called Epidiolex. While this is a relatively new drug for the pharmaceutical industry, synthetic CBD has given us a lot of really good insight into the practical uses of CBD.
Is Delta 8 legal?
Somewhat. Some states have begun to start the process to ban Delta 8 products due to safety concerns. Michigan, where Green Wellness Life is located, is one of the states to begin to ban Delta 8 products. In 2021, Michigan passed a piece of legislation that went into effect in October that made it illegal to sell CBD without a proper license. Michigan has chosen to treat all cannabis compounds, like Delta 8 THC, as marijuana which is far more regulated than hemp-based products. However, the way each state treats Delta products is different so you really need to look up your own state’s policy.
If you don’t know if Delta 8 is legal where you are, you should check out your state’s legislature. The regulation and legalization of Delta products is frequently changing, so unfortunately there isn’t a good comprehensive list. Your state’s website should provide the most reliable information for you.
The Difference Between Delta 8 & Delta 9
The Delta 8 compound is a variation of THC, also known as Delta 9 THC. Delta 8 has one less carbon bond and is less potent or psychoactive than traditional THC. That may seem like a really small change, and it literally is, but that makes a huge difference in both the potential effects and way that the cannabinoid is processed in the body. To be clear, though, both Delta 8 and Delta 9 are intoxicating.
When the hemp plant or cannabis plant grow naturally, the quantities of each compound differ greatly. Delta 8 is a minor cannabinoid that only occurs in very small quantities on the vine, which is why the Delta products you see for sale today are synthetically produced.
There is not enough research on cannabinoids in general, but there is a significant lack of research on the Delta compounds. There is more research being conducted on Delta compounds now and a study from this year indicated that the majority of surveyed Delta users described less side effects from Delta 8 than Delta 9.
CBD vs Delta 8
With stress and anxiety being one of the most common reasons customers turn to Delta 8, how does that compare to CBD? Both cannabinoids store in lipids (fat cells) and are pulled by the endocannabinoid system as needed, but they are still wildly different compounds. Our current understanding of how each cannabinoid is processed by the body is ever changing the more research is conducted, but THC variants have very different side effects than CBD variants. Some side effect concerns on the FDA website regarding Delta 8 are:
- hallucinations
- vomiting
- increased anxiety
- confusion
- tremors
CBD is not FDA approved either, but the side effects most commonly reported are significantly less severe:
- dry mouth
- drowsiness
- diarrhea
- reduced appetite
We have historically always recommended CBD isolate for stress and anxiety, but as the CBD industry expands and more research is done, that may change. As of now, isolated CBD with 0 THC is still our recommendation for anxiety and general stress.
What Are Your Favorites?
Everyone’s endocannabinoid system is different and what relief we are looking for is all different. If you really like Delta 8 or not so much, let us know. We are always curious what helps you and what your CBD journey has been like. You can reach out to us at 866-244-4223 toll-free and by email at support@greenwellnesslife.com.
Resources
- https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/5-things-know-about-delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol-delta-8-thc
- https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-021-00115-8
- https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/5-things-know-about-delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol-delta-8-thc#
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700