What Is Delta-8 THC and How Is It Different from CBD?

Cannabis is one of the hottest topics today. From its toggling legality across the United States, cannabis is gaining a lot of attention lately and has been for many decades. Cannabis has gone from being a mandatorily cultivated crop many decades ago to becoming a drug used recreationally and even recognized for medicinal potential in the health industry. The cannabis timeline is composed of medical discoveries, legal shifts, and a variety of products created in the process. 

Table of contents:

• Cannabis plays a key role today– but why exactly?
• THC is a term that you have probably heard, but what is it exactly?
• What Is Delta-8 THC?
• The Difference Between Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC
• The Difference Between Delta-8 THC and CBD
• Is Delta-8 Legal?
• Where To Buy Delta-8 THC Products Online?

Cannabis plays a key role today– but why exactly?

There are many things that makes cannabis unique today. One unique characteristic is that there are numerous cannabinoids found in cannabis that have been discovered over the years. Cannabinoids are basically chemicals that are produced naturally in the plant that are extracted, isolated and used to create different types of products. Cannabinoids are recognized for their differing properties that help them offer variety. 

With a plethora of products to choose from, we have to also acknowledge the progress that the herb has seen legally. Over the years, cannabis has been legalized, decriminalized and regulated differently in many states. Legalization is a term that means a once-banned drug is made legal, under federal or state law. Decriminalization, on the other hand, means a once-banned drug is still prohibited by law, but the legal system will no longer prosecute or criminalize a person for carrying under a certain amount. Regulation refers to a once-banned drug being permitted to use within a set of legally mandated regulations such as within a certain city limits or with some sort of official license. Over the years, cannabis has seen a lot of legal growth. During the presidency of Barack Obama, which lasted from 2009 to 2017, a lot of research was put into cannabis and in 2018, the Farm Bill was signed under the presidency of Donald J. Trump. This bill legalized the sale and use of cannabis products in various states as long as the products do not contain more than 0.3% by dry weight. 

THC is a term that you have probably heard, but what is it exactly? 

THC is the most abundant cannabinoid in cannabis. Scientifically known as Tetrahydrocannabinol, THC is present in many different cannabis-derived products, but not all of them. Delta-9, Delta-8 and CBD are three common cannabis products. Let’s review the differences between these popular compounds and how to determine which is right for you. 

What Is Delta-8 THC? 

One of the most sought-after cannabinoids right now is Delta-8. Delta-8 THC is an isomer of Delta-9 THC. In other words, Delta-8 shares almost an identical molecular structure with Delta-9, but has minor differences. The slightly different structure of Delta-8 gives it unique properties. Delta-8 is found naturally in cannabis though in small amounts. This fact makes Delta-8 products very appealing to cannabis buyers. And to up the curiosity, Delta 8 products are legal in many states, especially those that have also legalized CBD products. However, Delta-8 is not legal everywhere, and it even remains illegal in some states where THC has been legalized like Colorado. The more relaxed legal status has led to more visibility for Delta-8. These products can be found at hemp shops and you can even buy Delta-8 online. But how does Delta-8 compare to naturally-occurring cannabinoids found in larger amounts in the cannabis plant? 

Let’s compare Delta-8 to it’s more commonly known relatives Delta-9 THC and CBD. 

Related Article: What Is Delta 8 THC?

The Difference Between Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC 

Delta-8 and Delta-9 are, without a doubt, the most popular cannabis-derived compounds that contain THC. Both Delta-8 and Delta-9 bind to the receptors in the endocannabinoid system, but they have different chemical structures. Delta-8 THC has a double bond on the eighth carbon atom in its molecular structure, while Delta 9 THC has a double bond on the ninth carbon atom. Besides this, if you look at each of these compounds on the surface level, you might not notice much of a difference. However, there are many differences between the two that help to prove just how versatile cannabis is. Let’s review the main differences between Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC. 

Delta-9 has been building up a reputation for many years. It’s the cannabinoid we are most familiar with. It is more heavily present in cannabis of the two. 

When it comes to legality, Delta-9 THC is available in fewer states compared to Delta-8. The wide availability of Delta-8 has helped it become an incredibly popular alternative to Delta-9. Both of these cannabinoids are available in similar products which is often what causes many people to confuse the two. Sharing similar properties and being available in the same types of products leads to many comparisons of Delta-8 and Delta-9. Despite their similarities, the two can appeal to different sets of customers entirely.

The Difference Between Delta-8 THC and CBD 

Now that we have compared Delta-8 to Delta-9 THC, let’s see how it compares to another cannabinoid found abundantly in cannabis, cannabidiol (CBD).

In fact, CBD does not contain THC. This characteristic makes it ideal for those that would prefer a cannabis-derived compound without it. CBD products can be sold and purchased legally in most states. There are various CBD products in the market to choose from. CBD flower is a popular option, which is hemp flower coated with CBD . Just like Delta-8, there are also CBD gummies and CBD hemp oil. Both Delta-8 and CBD are hemp-derived but they generally appeal to different types of cannabis consumers. 

Is Delta-8 Legal? 

If you are interested in using Delta-8 products, you should confirm that they are legal where you live. Delta-8 THC is legal in several states. Delta-8 is legal in 31 states and 1 district, including:

• Alabama
• Arkansas 
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii 
• Illinois
• Indiana 
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming
• Washington D.C
• Delta-8 is illegal in the following states:
• Alaska
• Colorado
• Delawware
• Idaho
• Iowa
• Montana
• Nevada
• New York
• North Dakota
• Rhode Island
• Vermont
• Virginia 
• Utah 
• Washington

The remaining states have either banned or regulated the use of Delta-8 products.

Connecticut and Michigan treat Delta-8 products just like recreational cannabis. In these two states, Delta-8 products can only be purchased from licensed cannabis stores. Delta-8 is in a legal gray area in Arizona, California, and Mississippi. It is recommended that you check with your state laws to learn more about the status of Delta-8 products where you live.

Related Article: Is Delta 8 THC legal?

Where To Buy Delta-8 THC Products Online?

ATLRx are industry leaders that specialize in top shelf cannabis products. Their mission is to help cannabis lovers keep up with all of the latest cannabinoids by offering a variety of hemp-derived products that will appeal to all cannabis lovers. ATLRx offers many Delta-8 products. Their top tier Delta-8 gummies are the best in show and can be purchased on their website at different strengths. ATLRx also offers high quality, Delta 8 flower, Delta 8 tinctures and Delta 8 concentrates. No matter what kind of Delta-8 mood you’re in, ATLRx has the perfect product for you. Not only is their Delta-8 collection varied, but all of their products are lab tested. ATLRx offers a way to enjoy Delta-8 products that are safe, free of heavy metals and pesticides. 

To have a pick at the best Delta-8 products online check here and uplevel your Delta-8 THC experience.

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