In December, we published an article about CBD gummies being a healthy replacement for THC. It’s not as intense, having zero psychoactivity. 

The distinction between THC and CBD has only recently come to light, officially legalizing CBD nationally in 2018. In fact, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of cannabinoids researchers don't know about. So far the cannabinoids undergoing research for their benefits are: CBD, Delta-9 THC, CBG, CBC, CBN, CBA, and a more recent one, Delta-8 CBD.

Delta-8’s legality is increasing in controversy, but why? First, let’s distinguish between the two most commonly talked about cannabinoids, THC and CBD. 

THC

Perhaps the most stereotypical cannabinoid, THC, or Delta-9, grew in popularity in the 70s. Because it was affiliated with other drugs, such as LSD, it received a “hippie, psychedelic” name. Mary Jane, as it is also referred to as, is derived from the marijuana plant in the cannabis family. THC is often used in tinctures.

Marijuana has been around for centuries, used for medicine, as well as textiles and other materials. It is still grown all around the world, in places like Mexico, Albania, the Netherlands, and Thailand.

THC is known as a psychoactive, because the cannabinoid connects with a receptor in our endocannabinoid system, blocking it from receiving certain chemicals and resulting in the euphoric “high.” Although THC connects with other receptors to help stimulate appetite and treat insomnia, it’s most prized for the psychoactive experience. 

Delta-9 is illegal in many states for recreational use, and in some recognized as a medicine, offered only to those who obtain their medical card. 

This cannabinoid has been considered a Class 1 drug for decades, likely due to the fact it is hard to regulate and test, and because it was often paired with other Class 1 drugs. 

In countries like Malaysia, there is a death penalty for people found smoking weed, tourists included. 

Society has seen a drastic change in the acceptance of cannabis, since Colorado officially legalized it for recreational use in 2012.

CBD

CBD, on the other hand, is a very “chill” cannabinoid, connecting with certain receptors that reduce pain, inflammation, stress, anxiety, and does not touch any receptors that respond with psychoactivity. For this reason, CBD is legal nationwide, with regulation of containing less than 0.3% THC. 

Users who are THC sensitive or undergo drug tests for work or other personal reasons can also find non-detectable products that contain 0% THC. CBD can be found in many products like CBD pain relief cream.

CBD can be purchased at grocery stores, herbal shops, and even crystal stores. Your local farmer’s market probably carries it at least at one stand! 

CBD is derived from a hemp plant, different than marijuana, although still in the same cannabis family. Hemp has higher yields of CBD, while marijuana has more THC. They can both be found in both the plants, along with all the other cannabinoids being uncovered. You can learn more from their guides on cannabis.

This plant medicine is used to assist people with various types of cancer and chronic inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis read details on Healthcanal. With that being said, it’s become another item at the bottom of the purse in case a headache arises or signs of anxiety. 

Although it is really useful from a medicinal standpoint, many people don’t see a point in it because there is no “high,” while others don’t know the difference between the two and don’t use it, because they don’t want to get high. Even some don’t use THC, even though they like the high, because they don’t want to fail a drug test at work. 

Is there a middle ground? 

Delta-8

As mentioned above, the newest cannabinoid undergoing research and facing new legality requirements, is the happy medium between CBD and THC, Delta-8. 

This cannabinoid is actually derived from CBD, rather than THC, so it is non-detectable on drug tests. You can also have tinctures made from delta 8.

What makes it so controversial, however, is its psychoactivity. Delta-8 is very similar to THC in that it gives users the euphoric high, while being undetected. It cannot be tested under the law, because authorities can’t detect it! 

It does differ from THC slightly, in that users report feeling more productive, less tendency toward munchies, and fewer cases of paranoia.

You can buy Delta-8 in gummies, vape cartridges, and even smokable flower, from baysmokes.com, as it does derive naturally in the cannabis family! Because Delta-8 is found in trace amounts in hemp, this can explain why some people report a slight high from CBD.

As researchers uncover more cannabinoids, it’s surely possible this won’t always be considered the best, but right now, it is! It is currently legal, but awareness is being raised to it and new regulations will be underway.