Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 8) and full-spectrum cannabidiol (CBD) are two cannabinoids found in hemp.
Both delta 8 THC and full-spectrum CBD naturally occur in the hemp plant, but delta 8 only occurs in small amounts so it’s produced synthetically for use in products.
Delta 8 has psychoactive effects while full-spectrum CBD does not, but instead renders mild mental relaxation in addition to its physical benefits.
Let’s take a deep dive into how the effects, benefits, and legality of these two cannabinoids compare.
What is Delta 8?
Delta 8 THC (we use “delta 8” for simplicity) is one of more than 100 naturally occurring cannabinoids in the cannabis sativa plant. Hemp is cannabis sativa containing less than 0.3% THC by dry weight.
While delta 8 occurs naturally, it only does so in small amounts. Therefore, it has to be made synthetically from CBD to be accumulated in high enough concentrations to be used in products. This process is known as isomerization.
Delta 8 is an isomer of delta 9 THC and is psychoactive, however, it’s only about half as strong as the classic THC.
While delta 8 hasn’t been researched much, early surveys indicate delta 8 may provide therapeutic benefits for people with pain, anxiety, and sleep issues.
What is Full-Spectrum CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally-occurring cannabinoid in the cannabis sativa plant. Along with delta 9 THC, CBD is one of the most abundant cannabinoids.
While CBD is technically psychoactive, in that it affects the mind, it isn’t inebriating and won’t create an experience anything like you’d typically associate with a “high.”
CBD has been studied, and research suggests that it has therapeutic potential for pain, inflammation, anxiety, sleep, epilepsy, and more.
Full-spectrum CBD refers to a type of CBD extract that also includes small amounts of other cannabinoids (e.g. THC and CBG) and terpenes, both of which naturally occur along with CBD in hemp.
Full-spectrum CBD is an unfiltered extract, whereas broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolate have had certain components removed.
Full-spectrum is generally considered to be the most beneficial type of CBD extract due to the way in which CBD and THC work together, as well as the way CBD and CBG work together.
Effects of Delta 8 vs. Full Spectrum CBD
Delta 8 and CBD render very different sets of effects.
Delta 8 is heavily psychoactive and renders an uplifting, energizing head high, along with a relaxing body high effect. In comparison to delta 9 THC, delta 8 is just half as strong, but it spreads its effects more evenly across the mind and the body.
CBD, on the other hand, won’t get you high. Although full-spectrum CBD contains small amounts of THC, the mental effects it renders aren’t appreciably different from those rendered by CBD isolate.
Instead of overt effects, most people report that CBD helps with mental or physical discomfort by making negative sensations feel “more distant” or “less important.”
Potential Benefits of Delta 8
There isn’t much clinical research yet on the therapeutic benefits of delta 8.
However, in 2022, researchers examined the potential benefits of delta 8 THC by surveying 521 people about their experience.
71% of the participants reported experiencing relaxation, 68% reported euphoria, and 55% reported pain relief after using delta 8 THC products.
Additionally, 74% of participants did not experience anxiety after using delta 8 and 83% didn’t experience paranoia. Both of these side effects are common with delta 9; this survey lends credibility to the anecdotal claims that delta 8 offers a milder alternative delta 9 and is less likely to cause these effects [1].
Based on this survey, delta 8 THC may be beneficial in the following areas:
- Pain: Delta 8 THC may promote physical support. Compared to delta 9, delta 8’s high is more body-focused.
- Anxiety: Delta 8 is commonly used for anxiety due its euphoric, uplifting effects. And as the survey showed, it’s less likely than delta 9 to cause anxiety or paranoia.
- Sleep: In addition to supporting a relaxed mental state, delta 8 promotes a healthy, pain-free body, further contributing to restful sleep.
- Energy & Focus: Most people report that delta 8 gives uplifting and energizing feelings. Some people use it for creative projects because of this.
Potential Benefits of Full-Spectrum CBD
Research suggests CBD has therapeutic potential in a variety of areas:
- Anxiety: Several studies suggest CBD has anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties. A 2021 research review found that CBD may reduce physiological and behavioral responses to stress and anxiety [2].
- Pain: Research suggests CBD may have analgesic (pain-reducing) and anti-inflammatory properties. In a 2021 survey of 253 CBD users, participants reported that CBD helped their pain (59.0%) and allowed them to reduce their pain medications (67.6%) [3].
- Sleep: CBD may promote restful sleep. A 2017 research review found that CBD has therapeutic potential for insomnia [4].
- Epilepsy: CBD is FDA-approved to treat certain forms of epilepsy in the form of Epidiolex, a prescription drug. A 2018 study found that CBD may have antiseizure properties [5].
- Addiction: There is some research suggesting CBD may have therapeutic potential for people addicted to opioids, cocaine, and psychostimulant drugs, as well as for cannabis and tobacco addiction [6].
Delta 8 vs. Full-Spectrum CBD on Drug Tests
Both delta 8 THC and full-spectrum CBD will show up on a drug test.
Delta 8 THC is an isomer of delta 9 THC, the cannabinoid screened for on drug tests due to its prominent presence in cannabis. Therefore, it will show up as THC on most tests.
Full-spectrum CBD will show up on tests because it contains trace amounts of delta 9 THC.
If you have to undergo regular drug testing, we recommend trying broad-spectrum CBD gummies or another THC-free product.
Delta 8 vs. Full-Spectrum CBD: Legality
As of the 2018 Farm Bill, all cannabinoids derived from the hemp plant are federally legal, including CBD and delta 8 THC. Hemp is cannabis sativa containing less than 0.3% THC by dry weight.
However, the state-by-state legality and availability of delta 8 and full-spectrum CBD varies:
States Where Delta 8 is Legal
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington D.C.
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
States Where Delta 8 is Illegal or Restricted
- Alaska
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Montana
- New York
- Nevada
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- South Carolina
- Utah
- Vermont
States Where CBD Is Legal
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New York
- Oregon
- Texas
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington D.C.
- Washington
States Where CBD Is Restricted (Full Spectrum Might Not Be Available)
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- California
- Florida
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Wyoming
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
Conclusion: Which Cannabinoid is Right for You?
Delta 8 offers many of the benefits of delta 9, but is less likely to cause paranoia and anxiety, making it the THC isomer of choice for many therapeutic users.
Full-spectrum CBD is also a fan-favorite among people focused on wellness, versus recreation, because it has a plethora of therapeutic benefits but no noticeable psychoactive effects.
Ultimately, we recommend choosing between delta 8 THC and full-spectrum CBD on the basis of the effects you want to feel. But whatever you do, be sure to purchase a high-quality product.
Delta 8 vs. Full Spectrum CBD: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions our customers frequently ask us about the differences between delta 8 and full-spectrum CBD.
Should I use CBD or Delta 8?
If you’re looking for a head and body high, we recommend delta 8. If you’re looking for full-body therapeutic benefits without noticeable mental effects, full-spectrum CBD is better.
Which is better for sleep, CBD or Delta 8?
CBD is better than delta 8 for sleep because delta 8 may be somewhat energizing, whereas CBD is calming.
What is full-spectrum delta 8?
Full-spectrum delta 8 is a type of delta 8 THC extract that contains other cannabinoids that are naturally found in the hemp plant, in addition to delta 8.
Is full-spectrum CBD the same as delta 9?
No. Full-spectrum CBD is a type of CBD extract that contains small amounts of other cannabinoids (including a little bit of delta 9 THC) and terpenes that naturally occur along with it in hemp.
Sources
[1] Kruger, Jessica S, and Daniel J Kruger. “Delta-8-THC: Delta-9-THC’s nicer younger sibling?.” Journal of cannabis research vol. 4,1 4. 4 Jan. 2022, doi:10.1186/s42238-021-00115-8
[2] García-Gutiérrez, María S et al. “Cannabidiol: A Potential New Alternative for the Treatment of Anxiety, Depression, and Psychotic Disorders.” Biomolecules vol. 10,11 1575. 19 Nov. 2020, doi:10.3390/biom10111575
[3] Schilling, Jan M et al. “Cannabidiol as a Treatment for Chronic Pain: A Survey of Patients’ Perspectives and Attitudes.” Journal of pain research vol. 14 1241-1250. 5 May. 2021, doi:10.2147/JPR.S278718
[4] Babson, Kimberly A et al. “Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature.” Current psychiatry reports vol. 19,4 (2017): 23. doi:10.1007/s11920-017-0775-9
[5] Porcari, Giulia S et al. “Efficacy of artisanal preparations of cannabidiol for the treatment of epilepsy: Practical experiences in a tertiary medical center.” Epilepsy & behavior : E&B vol. 80 (2018): 240-246. doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.01.026
[6] Prud’homme, Mélissa et al. “Cannabidiol as an Intervention for Addictive Behaviors: A Systematic Review of the Evidence.” Substance abuse : research and treatment vol. 9 33-8. 21 May. 2015, doi:10.4137/SART.S25081
