Full Spectrum CBD vs Delta 8

If you’ve been dabbling in CBD and other cannabinoids, you may have heard of full-spectrum CBD and delta 8 THC, but may be wondering what they are. These are two of the most popular cannabinoid compounds from the cannabis plant since they can offer many medical and therapeutic benefits. While they come from the same plant, there are many differences between the two that can cause some confusion when choosing the right product for your needs.

Let’s talk about full-spectrum CBD and delta 8 THC and how to know which is the best choice for you.

What is Full-Spectrum CBD?

Full-spectrum CBD is CBD that has multiple compounds from the cannabis plant, such as multiple cannabinoids, terpenes, natural oils, and up to 0.3% THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol. This is the psychoactive substance that causes “high” feelings of euphoria and an altered state of consciousness.

Along with CBD and THC, full-spectrum CBD also contains powerful therapeutic cannabinoids such as CBG and CBN. CBG has shown promise in treating anxiety and depression and can help relax the muscles, while CBN is known for its potential sedative properties and its possible pain-relieving effects.

Full-spectrum CBD also has the added benefit of the entourage effect, which is the idea that the different substances that are naturally produced in cannabis can combine and work together to provide greater therapeutic benefits than if the substances were taken individually. This can be the reason why full-spectrum CBD is so effective when used to treat a wide variety of conditions.

CBD products that are made from full-spectrum CBD can come in a wide variety of products, such as oils, tinctures, gummies, and even pre-rolls. These products are usually made from the hemp plant and contain much less THC than cannabis plants. This allows the full-spectrum CBD to provide all the therapeutic benefits of multiple cannabinoids, including THC, without overwhelming the user with psychoactive effects.

Do you want to learn more about CBD, its benefits, and how it affects your body? Stop by our learning center and find the answers you are looking for!

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What is Delta 8 THC?

Delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol, usually shortened to Delta 8 THC, is one of the psychoactive cannabinoids that are found in cannabis plants. Delta 8 THC is similar to delta 9 THC, which is usually referred to as simply THC, and can have similar psychoactive effects, such as creating a “high” feeling, but delta 8 THC is considered to be a little less intense and provides a relaxing effect.

The effects of delta 8 THC are considered to be much more mild and mellow than those of THC, which can make it a better choice for those that are prone to paranoia or anxiety when consuming THC.

Many users of delta 8 THC report that the “high” can differ from the feelings of euphoria and disorientation that you can get from THC. Delta 8 THC tends to provide a more mentally stimulating high, which some users prefer since it allows them to stay functional and more in control than if they consumed THC.

Delta 8 THC can be found in hemp and cannabis plants but only in small amounts. Since cannabis plants are not a good source of delta 8 THC, it is usually manufactured from CBD isolate. That means that most of the delta 8 THC that can be purchased was most likely manufactured in a lab.

How does Full-Spectrum CBD Differ from Delta 8 THC?

While full-spectrum CBD and delta 8 THC both come from the same plant, there are some distinct differences between the two.

A major difference between the two is that full-spectrum CBD is extracted from the whole plant and will contain many different cannabinoids, while delta 8 THC is a single cannabinoid. This gives full-spectrum CBD the benefit of the entourage effect. With delta 8 THC, you would have to add more cannabinoids for the entourage effect.

Full-spectrum CBD is considered to be a non-intoxicating compound since it can make you feel a sense of well-being and even euphoria but generally does not cause the person taking it to get “high.” Delta 8 THC, on the other hand, can give the user a mild but still noticeable “high.”

Another important difference is that while full-spectrum CBD has many promising studies and is considered to be well-tolerated by most users while delta 8 THC is a relatively new cannabinoid that has been used and has not been as extensively tested and studied as full-spectrum CBD has. This can be an important distinction since some individuals have pre-existing conditions or other circumstances in which they must be mindful of exactly what they are putting into their bodies.

It is legal to purchase, possess, or use full-spectrum CBD in all fifty states of the United States due to the 2018 Farm Bill. The legality of delta 8 THC is a bit murkier than with CBD and is illegal in certain states, so make sure you do your research before you purchase a product that contains delta 8 THC.

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