How Does Delta-8 Compare to THC and CBD?

Here at Loud News Net, we’ve been getting a lot of questions about delta-8 THC. What is delta-8? Does delta-8 get you high? Is delta-8 legal? Is D8 the same as CBD? These are just a few of the queries we’ve received on the topic.

Given the interest and mystery around delta-8, we’re going to try and answer some of these questions for you. We’ve connected with delta-8 industry experts from Delta Munchies to help us out since we don’t claim to be either doctors or scientists. They’ve also been kind enough to ship us 4 flavors of delta-8 THC gummies from their online store. We’ll let you know how that adventure goes too!

What is Delta-8?

Most cannabis consumers already know that THC is the compound in the marijuana plant that results in the euphoric or “high” feeling. This compound is known as delta-9. Perhaps even more well-known is the Cannabidiol (CBD) component of the hemp plant. You can’t walk into a Seven-Eleven store these days without seeing some countertop display of CBD products.

There are some key differences between cannabis and hemp plants when it comes to psychoactive ingredients. Traditionally, the school of thought is that cannabis gets you high, while the hemp plant is used for things like rope, fabric, and hempcrete. However, some may not know that the hemp plant can produce THC, or more specifically, delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol.

Delta-8 THC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp that shares a very similar molecular structure to delta-9 THC. To drop some science like the Beastie Boys, delta-8 is an isomer of delta-9 THC. The main difference being a specific chemical bond that occurs on the eighth carbon instead of the ninth.

Is Delta-8 Legal?

So you might be asking, “That’s rad! D8 can get you high, but is it legal?”. The answer is yes, with some state-level exceptions.

Delta-9 THC is illegal at the U.S. Federal level and is a class 1 controlled substance. Some states have legalized cannabis for medical and recreational purposes. Conversely, delta-8 is federally legal under the 2018 Farm bill, but certain states have taken action to outlaw delta-8 THC and other hemp compounds.

According to the Delta Munchies website, “The Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, also known as the 2018 Farm bill, made delta-8 THC legal as long as it is made from 100% industrial hemp with a delta-9 THC content of under 0.3%.”

So far, eleven states have laws banning D8.

The 13 states where delta-8 is illegal include:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Idaho
• Iowa
• Montana
• Mississippi
• New York
• Vermont
• Utah
• Rhode Island

Since delta-8 THC is derived from hemp and not cannabis, it is often sold in states where cannabis is illegal. Currently, the vast majority of delta-8 THC is derived from CBD, which comes from legal hemp. The hemp plant is a type of cannabis that has a THC content of less than 0.3%.

Delta 8 and CBD

In terms of chemical structure, delta-8 resembles THC (delta-9) more than CBD. It also gives you a high, whereas CBD does not. Technically, CBD doesn’t bind to the endocannabinoid system, which is why it doesn’t provide a euphoric feeling. You may find delta-8 to be an excellent choice if you want THC-like effects but with a lower potency. CBD can, however, offer medical benefits as well. In order to relieve specific symptoms without getting intoxicated, you may want to look into CBD products.

There are probably more benefits to delta-8 THC than CBD. But, most importantly, it offers all the benefits of delta-9 THC without its limitations, making it a good choice for getting lit, along with some similar benefits as CBD.

Delta-8 Industry Expert Opinion

One thing to point out about delta-8 is that there are generally two approaches to manufacturing it. First, you can synthesize or use isomerization on the hemp plant to produce the compound at scale. Second, you can process large quantities of hemp and extract the compound naturally.

Lucky for Loud, we connected with a delta-8 brand that is committed to producing the compound the natural way. Our friends at Delta Munchies, who specialize in delta-8 THC gummies and vapes, provide their perspective on the all-natural process that they use:

“We are definitely aware of people being skeptical of trying delta-8 because of all the talk of bans. These talks of bans are only for delta-8 and delta-10 products that are created through synthesis. Basically turning CBD isolate to delta 8 using who knows what method.

All of our delta 8 is manufactured in a cGMP/ISO 9000 laboratory and is full panel lab tested to assure safety and compliance with the 2018 Farm Bill. Quality and safety are our number one concern at Delta Munchies!

All cannabis, whether hemp or marijuana, without manipulation, contains delta-8 THC in some form. Although some traces can be small, the manufacturer we work with processes flowers on such a large scale that they’re able to isolate the naturally occurring delta-8 THC at a level they can, in turn, sell by the liter. During this process, the laboratory is merely performing isolation of the delta-8 THC and not conducting a synthesis or isomerization of the cannabinoids.

In a nutshell, we take a lot of weed and separate the delta-8 from it and isolate it into a more potent form. From there, it goes through a DEA-certified lab for testing to make sure it is not synthetic and has no non-naturally occurring ingredients. Once approved, it goes out to the consumer to enjoy! Although the extracting and testing is done in a lab, the entire process is natural and completely 100% derived from hemp.”

What are the Best Ways to Consume Delta-8?

Delta-8 can be consumed in as many methods as traditional delta-9 THC. Producers have been bringing to market delta-8 THC gummies, delta-8 vapes, oils, and more. D8 flower has also exploded in popularity.

Although D8 THC can get you high, it is estimated that it is half as potent as THC. Which might lead some of you stoners to eat a whole bag of gummies. So regulate your consumption if you are unfamiliar. In short, don’t dose more than you can handle, buddy.

Whatever your vibe, brands like Delta Munchies are innovating new and flavorful ways for you to enjoy delta-8 safely and legally. They currently carry four different flavors of delta-8 gummies and vapes. Peach, Watermelon, Sour bites, and Gummy Bears edibles, to name a few.

Where can I get Natural Delta 8?

If you live in a delta-8 legal state, you can order online and get it delivered directly to your door. Remember, D8 is federally legal under the Agricultural Improvement Act.

Delta Munchies offers delivery to every legal state. They are also one of the few D8 brands committed to using a natural process in their production of the product. You can order their delta-8 THC gummies and vapes directly from their website. Trust us, you don’t want to miss out!