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CBD vs. Delta 8: Key Differences
Learn the details about CBD and delta-8 THC, including what they are, how they work in the body, and the key differences between them.
The hemp plant contains more than 100 naturally occurring cannabinoids, and several of them naturally work in harmony with the human body. CBD and delta-8 come from the same plant, but they're capable of producing significantly different effects.
CBD is widely known for supporting emotional balance, promoting relaxation, and general holistic wellness support without altering your state of mind. Delta-8 offers a mild euphoric experience, often described as a lighter, more manageable version of delta-9 THC.
But how do they compare? When should you use CBD instead of delta-8, or vice versa? Should you consider using both together for enhanced benefits? Here's what you need to consider when incorporating cannabinoids into your wellness routine.
How does the human body use cannabinoids?
Your body utilizes each cannabinoid in a different way. Before we get into the details of each cannabinoid, it's important to understand how the body utilizes cannabinoids and why they produce the effects that they do.
Cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system, which is a massive system that exists within almost every other system of your brain and body. It's not a fixed system like your central nervous system — it's a dynamic system of receptors with the power to influence most major processes within your body.
Endocannabinoid receptors are found in the parts of the brain that regulate mood and emotional well-being, memory, and cognitive function. Receptors throughout the body also exist within systems that manage physical comfort, appetite, metabolism, and sleep cycle.
The endocannabinoid system helps the body adjust to internal and external stressors, ensuring that everything remains balanced.
What are the main parts of the endocannabinoid system?
The endocannabinoid system has three main components. The first component is endocannabinoids, which are cannabinoids produced by the human body. There are two endogenous cannabinoids.
Anandamide plays a role in mood, relaxation, and overall wellbeing. 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) plays a key role in supporting immune system responses and overall balance.
The second component of the endocannabinoid system is your cannabinoid receptors. These receptors are found throughout the body and interact with cannabinoids. CB1 receptors are mostly found in the brain and central nervous system.
These receptors are responsible for mood regulation, sensory perception, and cognitive function. CB2 receptors are primarily found in the immune system and peripheral organs. CB2 receptors help support physical well-being and overall balance.
The third component of the endocannabinoid system is enzymes. Your body produces enzymes to eliminate endocannabinoids when it's done using them. They're dissolved by the enzymes and leave the body as a waste product.
How do cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system?
When cannabinoids like CBD or delta-8 enter the body, they mimic or influence the natural processes of the ECS by interacting with CB1 and CB2 receptors. CBD and delta-8 bind very differently, leading to unique effects.
Cannabinoids come in different shapes. Their shapes affect their ability to bind or interact with your receptors. Cannabinoids that fit with receptors like a puzzle piece can lock on. When a cannabinoid locks on, it's able to change the way your body sends and receives signals. Some cannabinoids can't lock on, which limits their ability to influence the way your endocannabinoid system works.
Binding cannabinoids, like delta-8 THC, can have significant effects that alter your mood and perception. Cannabinoids that don't bind to your receptors, like CBD, will simply stimulate your endocannabinoid system to fulfill its natural role.
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid found in hemp. It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to support balance in mood, relaxation, and physical well-being without altering your perception or thought process.*
How does CBD work in the body?
CBD influences the endocannabinoid system by providing holistic support. Unlike THC, CBD does not directly bind to CB1 receptors in the brain, meaning it does not cause altered perception. Instead, it supports the body’s natural ability to regulate balance.
CBD provides encouraging stimulation that may assist with production of endocannabinoids.
It may also interact with serotonin receptors to promote relaxation and emotional balance*
What is delta-8 THC?
The THC family of cannabinoids is known for psychoactive properties, but some are more psychoactive than others. Delta-8 THC is a mildly elevating cannabinoid found in hemp. It provides a more subtle elevating effect than delta-9 THC, often described as calm and clear-headed.
How does delta-8 work in the body?
Unlike CBD, delta-8 THC interacts directly with CB1 receptors in the brain, which causes noticeable shifts in mood and awareness.
However, because it is less potent than delta-9 THC, it provides a gentler, smoother experience without overwhelming effects. Delta-8 doesn't lock onto your receptors as strongly as delta-9. Delta-9 can jam messaging signals, whereas delta-8 just makes them a little bit fuzzy.
Most people describe their experience with delta-8 as a mild euphoric feeling, reporting a sense of relaxation that doesn't stifle mental clarity.* Since delta-8 offers a mild, balanced experience, it’s often used by people who want a little extra relaxation without feeling significantly impaired.
What are the main differences between CBD and delta-8?
While CBD and delta-8 are both cannabinoids from the same plant, they work very differently. These differences prevent them from becoming interchangeable. It's important to understand the effects you're looking for so that you're able to make an informed decision about which cannabinoids can play a valuable role in your wellness routine.
Effects and sensation of CBD vs. delta-8
CBD provides subtle, non intoxicating wellness support. CBD is commonly used for long term balance and daily wellbeing. It doesn't alter your perception, making it ideal for those who want a gentle, natural supplement for relaxation, focus, and emotional balance.
Delta-8 provides a mildly euphoric experience, which can enhance relaxation, mood, and sensory perception. Many people use it for unwinding in the evening or enhancing creative activities.
Interaction with the endocannabinoid system
CBD works by helping the body maintain balance without directly binding to ECS receptors. It influences your body's natural ability to reach a calm and balanced state.
Delta-8 binds to CB1 receptors in the brain, leading to a noticeable but mild shift in awareness and perception. This is why it can provide a feeling of relaxation and ease.
A summary of the differences of CBD and delta-8
CBD won't cause a noticeable shift in the way you feel immediately after you use it. CBD's benefits become more noticeable with consistent, daily use. The supportive effects are very gentle and broad. It's a slight boost to everything your body already naturally does to keep you in a balanced state.
Delta-8 will cause a noticeable change in the way you feel shortly after you consume it. Although the change is mild, you're likely to notice the elevating effects of delta-8 in a meaningful way.
Should I choose CBD or delta-8?
Whether to choose CBD or delta-8 is a personal preference that largely depends on your wellness goals.
If you’re only looking for gentle holistic support, CBD fits the bill perfectly. It won’t interfere with your ability to get through a long day at work or a tough workout. CBD is favored for its ability to promote mental focus and healthy energy levels.
Delta-8 offers a far more relaxing experience. When you use delta-8, you may not want to focus on an important project or go for a run. Delta-8 is far better for sitting at home and relaxing. You may feel more creatively inspired or noticeably elevated.
Think of it this way. CBD is for work, and delta-8 is for play. It’s important to choose the right cannabinoid for the right set of tasks to maximize your experience and keep things positive.
When to choose CBD
CBD is best utilized as a part of your daily wellness routine. Its subtle supportive effects may lend themselves to a wide variety of day to day tasks. Think of CBD the same way you'd think of your other supplements.
Daily wellness and long-term balance
CBD may be a valuable choice for those who want a daily supplement to support emotional balance, relaxation, and physical wellbeing. Many people feel as though CBD provides them with holistic support that encourages a greater sense of overall wellness.
Post workout recovery
Many athletes and active people use CBD for muscle recovery after exercise. If you're interested in becoming more physically active, CBD may provide support when you need it.*
You can also use CBD cream to soothe muscles. Since topical creams and tinctures are processed differently by the body, there's no conflict when you use them together.
Before bed for restful sleep
CBD for sleep can be used to help you unwind at bedtime without feeling drowsy or groggy. Many people enjoy the subtle supportive effects of bedtime CBD to the heavy handed effects and lingering side effects of over the counter sleep aids.
When to choose delta-8
Delta-8 is a cannabinoid built for leisure. It's less likely to play a role in your daily routine. Most people who enjoy delta-8 reserve it for special occasions or specific purposes when they want to feel noticeably elevated.
Occasional relaxation and mood enhancement
Delta-8 is best for those who want to unwind after a long day with a gentle shift in mood. Delta-8 is like a Friday night ritual. Its elevating properties can be excellent when you're ready to put the work week behind you and engage in some self care.
Social gatherings and events
Because delta-8 can increase relaxation without causing you to become significantly impaired, many people use it as an alternative to alcohol.
If you want to unwind with your friends without feeling out of control or waking up with a hangover, delta-8 THC can be a great substitute for a cocktail. Try sipping a delta-8 seltzer at your next get-together.
Enhancing leisure activities
Delta-8 can make experiences like listening to music, watching movies, or doing creative projects feel more immersive.
If you feel like dialing in the settings on your new record player or picking up your acoustic guitar, you might find that delta-8's uplifting effects bring out your appreciation for creativity and the enjoyment of art.
Can you use CBD and delta-8 together?
Yes — CBD and delta-8 can be used together, and many people find that combining them enhances their effects while providing a more balanced and controlled experience. When used together, these cannabinoids can complement each other, creating what is known as the entourage effect.
Cannabinoid synergy can be more valuable than using single cannabinoids on their own. If you're contemplating using both CBD and delta-8, here's what you should consider.
What is the entourage effect?
The entourage effect suggests that cannabinoids and other hemp-derived compounds work better together than they do alone. This means that when CBD and delta-8 THC are combined, they can potentially enhance each other's benefits while balancing out certain effects.
The idea behind the entourage effect comes from the fact that hemp contains more than 100 different cannabinoids, each with its own properties. When multiple cannabinoids are consumed together, they interact with the endocannabinoid system in a way that can increase (or decrease) their effectiveness.
How do CBD and delta-8 complement each other?
Even though CBD and delta-8 interact with the endocannabinoid system in different ways, they work together to create a more balanced experience.
CBD can balance out the elevating effects of delta-8
One of the reasons some people avoid THC (including delta-8) is because it can sometimes feel too strong or overwhelming. Although delta-8 is far milder than traditional delta-9 THC, it can still elevate you.
When CBD interacts with your cannabinoid receptors, it can prevent other cannabinoids from binding to them. When you use CBD and delta-8 together, CBD can limit the amount of delta-8 that binds to your receptors. This dials the experience down a bit, making it more approachable for people who are newer to THC cannabinoids.
Delta-8 can enhance the relaxing properties of CBD
CBD is popular for its potential to support relaxation, but its effects can be subtle and gradual. For some people, CBD alone isn’t quite enough to help them fully relax.
Adding delta-8 to the mix can provide a more noticeable sense of relaxation, making it especially useful for meditative or leisurely activities.
Are there downsides to using CBD and delta-8 together?
The only potential downside of using CBD and delta-8 together is the way that CBD mitigates delta-8’s elevating properties. If you want an uplifting and euphoric experience, using delta-8 with a significant amount of CBD may prevent that experience from reaching its highest potential.
If you already use CBD in your wellness routine, it may be best to wait eight to 12 hours for the active effects of CBD to completely resolve before you use delta-8. Eliminating the overlap can help allow your body to fully process and experience the effects of delta-8.
What are some best practices for using CBD and delta-8 together?
If you’re interested in combining CBD and delta-8, here are a few tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Start with a low serving of delta-8
If you’re new to delta-8, start with a low amount and gradually increase if needed — you can always add, but you can't take away. After about an hour, you should have an idea of the way delta-8 impacts how you feel. You'll know for next time if you'd prefer more or less.
Since CBD is unlikely to cause any unwanted effects even with a low serving size, you don't need to be as mindful about your CBD serving size. Most people find that a low amount of CBD provides the support they want and is sustainable in the long term.
Use a 1:1 ratio for a balanced experience
A 1:1 ratio of CBD to delta-8 is a great place to start if you’re looking for a harmonized blend of relaxation and clarity. For example, if you use 10 mg of delta-8, you may want to use 10 mg of CBD at the same time.
You can also choose full spectrum delta-8 products that contain naturally occurring CBD. Full spectrum CBD products can promote the entourage effect. If you're looking for a balanced experience that provides all of the potential benefits that hemp has to offer, it's always your best bet to go with something full spectrum.
Consider your timing
Consider when you want to use CBD and delta-8 together. You may want to change your ratio of CBD to delta-8 depending on the time of day and what you have planned.
If you're using CBD with delta-8 in the morning, you may want to use less delta-8 to avoid potential drowsiness or dreaminess. You may want to use more delta-8 with your nighttime CBD if you're seeking deep relaxation.
How quickly do CBD and delta-8 work?
CBD and delta-8 both take about the same amount of time to reach your endocannabinoid system, depending on the type of product you’re using.
Gummies need to be processed by your digestive system before the CBD or delta-8 can reach your endocannabinoid system. This process can take anywhere between 45 minutes to two hours.
Tinctures are used sublingually, which means they’re placed under your tongue. The skin under your tongue is very thin and full of blood vessels. It can absorb the CBD or delta-8 from your tincture and encourage it to reach your endocannabinoid system much faster, with effects becoming apparent in 15 to 45 minutes.
It’s important to consider your needs when choosing a form of CBD or delta-8. Some people want to experience the benefits as soon as possible.
If you’re using CBD as a daily wellness supplement, you may not be in any rush for the CBD to get to work. If you’re using delta-8 to unwind at bedtime, you probably want to relax as soon as possible.
Unlike delta-8, CBD’s benefits are most apparent with consistent use, which somewhat changes the question. How long CBD really takes to work sits somewhere around one month. You’re most likely to experience the full benefits of CBD with daily use over a period of several weeks.
The bottom line
CBD and delta-8 each offer unique benefits, and choosing between them depends on your personal needs and preferences.
CBD is great for daily balance, emotional well-being, and relaxation without an elevated feeling. Delta-8 is ideal for those looking for a mild euphoric experience or occasional relaxation. Together, they offer a synergistic effect combining the best of both cannabinoids.
The Sunmed premium CBD line is built to explore. Shop now for the newest addition to your wellness routine.
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Sources:
Endocannabinoid System Components: Overview and Tissue Distribution | National Library of Medicine
Chemistry and Pharmacology of Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol | National Library of Medicine