With cannabis legalization sweeping the nation, we are finding out more and more about the plant that was once prohibited. Cannabis has been in jail so to speak, and not much was studied/researched. Many believed that THC and CBD were the is all end all in the plant, when it came to compounds/cannabinoids.
It seems that everyday, we are learning about a new compound/cannabinoid in cannabis/marijuana. Right now, it appears that there are about 100 different compounds in plant cannabis, so, how does one choose between Delta 8, Delta 9, and CBD (all are different compounds/cannabinoids found in cannabis/marijuana)?
The Differences Between Delta 8, Delta 9, and CBD
Delta 8 THC is “delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol”, and is considered a minor cannabinoid found in hemp.
Delta 9 is “delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol”, tetrahydrocannabinol means THC. Delta 9 THC is considered the most popular cannabinoid and its main association is in cannabis marijuana. Delta 9 THC is the cannabinoid known to produce psychoactive impact, the high.
CBD is “Cannabidiol” and is a major cannabinoid found in both hemp and marijuana. CBD is the second most popular cannabinoid (THC is the first), and CBD that comes from hemp is federally legal in the U.S.
How to Choose Between Delta 8, Delta 9, and CBD
The first question to ask is: “what are the reasons I want/need to consume cannabis?” The answer to that question will lead you closer to the solution of- how to choose. For example, are you consuming for:
- Stress relief?
- Pain relief?
- Balanced homeostasis?
- Mental Health?
The reason for consumption matters, and makes it easier to choose between Delta 8, Delta 9, and CBD. I’m not a medical professional, and this isn’t medical advice, but, I do want to offer a starting point.
For those that want to consume cannabis for overall stress relief and relaxation, and don’t want high levels of psychoactivity, CBD may be the way to go. Important to note: they say CBD has zero psychoactivity but that's not the case. CBD is known to treat the body more than the mind, and though the psychoactivity isn’t recognized like it would be under the influence of delta 9 THC, CBD does in fact offer low levels of mental relief, therefore, contributing low levels of psychoactivity.
For someone that wants to consume cannabis/marijuana for reasons related to chronic pain, Delta 8, Delta 9, and/or a Delta 9- CBD 1:1. Delta 9 THC offers more to the mind, but does offer relief in the body. In chronic pain conditions, many people suffering need both mind and body relief to manage their pain. For someone that wants an in between of both, a balanced mind and body high, Delta 8 may be the way to go.
Also, delta 9 has a bad reputation for triggering anxiety and paranoia (this can happen when inexperienced consumers go in and purchase a potent strain, because they have no knowledge of cannabis), so, delta 8 may be a better option for beginners, or those that simply want little to no psychoactivity. Because delta 8 is produced in the hemp plant, it tends to mirror CBD more in its impact.
In Closing
For some, choosing between CBD, delta 8, and delta 9 is left to law because of the legality of cannabis at the federal level. Delta 9 THC is federally prohibited and only legal in states that have legalized cannabis for medicinal and/or adult use. Delta 8 is a little tricky too because while it’s extracted from hemp, and hemp is federally legal, certain states are creating laws that restrict access to delta 8.
Check out the Plain Jane blog for information on: cannabis and marijuana legality in various states, where CBD and delta 8 can be purchased in various states, and even some delta 8 and CBD product reviews.
