Is There Really a Difference Between CBD & THC?

The cannabis industry has seen incredible growth over the past few years due to the popularity of CBD and its therapeutic effects. While CBD and THC are both derived from cannabis, they are very different in their makeup and are used differently by people looking to improve their health and well-being using cannabis products. Today we will examine three significant compounds found in cannabis – CBD, Delta-9 THC, and Delta-8 THC – and what separates them from one another.

What is CBD exactly?

CBD is a naturally occurring cannabis substance called cannabinoids. Unlike THC, CBD is non-intoxicating, meaning it doesn't produce any mind-altering effects when consumed. CBD has different effects than THC, including pain relief without intoxicating side effects. If you are looking for a natural alternative to prescription medicine without the high associated with THC, CBD might be what you need.

Delta-8/Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a psychoactive compound in cannabis that can make you feel euphoric and give you that so-called high. It's available through smoking, cooking oils, edibles, capsules, and more. Our endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a vast network of cell receptors that help regulate mood, pain perception, appetite, memory, and sleep. When we consume cannabis products containing Delta-8 (THC) or Delta-9 (THC), those cannabinoids interact with our ECS.

Delta-8 (THC) is very close in its molecular structure to the long-known Delta-9 variant of THC. It is one of many cannabinoids produced naturally by the cannabis plant but is not found in abundance in the cannabis plant. If you've ever used cannabis before, chances are it was Delta-9 that you had as it is the most abundant cannabinoid.

Studies show that Delta-8 has similar psychoactive effects as Delta-9, but to a lesser degree.