CBD Vs Delta 8: What’s The Difference & Which One To Choose
The bottom line
CBD is not intoxicating, while delta-8 THC has psychoactive and intoxicating effects similar to delta-9 THC. The FDA has approved only one CBD product, a prescription drug to treat certain seizures, and has not evaluated or approved delta-8 THC products for safe use in any context.
This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about your own situation.
Key takeaways
- Concentrated delta-8 THC is typically made from hemp-derived CBD, sometimes with potentially unsafe household chemicals that can leave harmful by-products.
- Poison control centers received 2,362 delta-8 THC exposure cases from January 2021 to February 2022, and 41% involved children under 18.
- CBD can cause liver injury and change how other drugs work. It can also cause sleepiness, diarrhea and irritability.
- Keep cannabis products, including delta-8 THC gummies, out of the reach of children and pets, ideally in a locked childproof container.
CBD and Delta 8 are both cannabinoids that can be found in the cannabis plant. They differ in their effects on the body. CBD is not intoxicating like THC, while delta-8 THC has psychoactive and intoxicating effects, similar to delta-9 THC. So, which one should you choose?
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not produce the “high” associated with marijuana use. Some CBD products are being marketed with unproven medical claims and are of unknown quality, the FDA says.
What is Delta 8?
Delta 8 is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Unlike CBD, Delta 8 has psychoactive effects and is known for its ability to produce a high. Delta 8 is also being studied for its potential therapeutic benefits, including pain relief and anxiety reduction.
Key Differences of CBD Vs Delta 8
CBD oil or CBD gummies will not get you high like marijuana or THC products will. But some products marketed as CBD have been found to contain THC. Delta 8, on the other hand, is a psychoactive cannabinoid that can produce a high.
Regarding Delta 8 gummies, while they may not get you as high as marijuana, they can produce a sense of euphoria and relaxation. But the FDA has not evaluated or approved delta-8 THC products for safe use in any context. Adverse events reported to the FDA included hallucinations, vomiting, anxiety, confusion, and loss of consciousness, and most reports followed eating delta-8 foods such as brownies or gummies.
Health Benefits of CBD & Delta 8
Other than one prescription drug to treat certain seizures, the FDA has not approved any CBD products. Delta-8 THC products have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA for safe use in any context.
A purified CBD drug, Epidiolex, is approved to treat seizures associated with two rare and severe forms of epilepsy. For chronic pain, some evidence suggests modest benefits of cannabis or cannabinoids, and only a small amount of evidence suggests they might help reduce anxiety. The FDA has warned companies to stop selling CBD products they claim can treat serious diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
Benefits of Delta 8 are said to include pain relief, anxiety reduction, and appetite stimulation, but there is limited research on the health effects of delta-8 THC. The drugs approved for nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy contain dronabinol (synthetic THC) or nabilone, not delta-8 THC products.
Side effects of CBD & Delta 8
The FDA has seen only limited data about CBD safety, and these data point to real risks. Delta-8 THC products have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA for safe use.
CBD may cause drowsiness or fatigue in some people. It may also cause dry mouth, diarrhea, or changes in appetite.
Delta 8 may cause anxiety or paranoia in some people. It may also cause dry mouth, red eyes, and dizziness.
If you are considering taking either CBD or Delta 8, it is important to talk to your doctor first to make sure it is safe for you.
How to take CBD & Delta 8
CBD and Delta 8 can be taken in a variety of ways, including oral, topical, and inhaled.
CBD can be taken orally in the form of capsules, gummies, or oils. It can also be added to food and drinks or taken sublingually (under the tongue).
Delta 8 can be taken orally in the form of capsules, gummies, or oils. It can also be inhaled using a vape pen.
So, which one should you choose?
If you have pain, anxiety, or seizures, talk to your doctor about the best way to treat them with available FDA-approved treatment options. If you are looking for a compound that can produce a high, then Delta 8 may be the best choice for you. Ultimately, the decision of which one to choose is up to you and should be based on your specific needs.
