CBD versus THC: What are the Differences?

Posted on July 1, 2021

Many places you turn these days, businesses are selling, or people are talking about some type of CBD product, from gummies to oils to lotions to pet products and more. But the presence of these products raises the question for many of CBD versus THC and the differences between the two substances. In this blog post, we are diving into the differences and, more specifically, what Delta-8 (D8) is, the science behind it, and the safety considerations.

CBD versus THC

Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) have similarities and differences. CBD can be extracted from cannabis or hemp, and legal hemp must contain .3% or less of THC, which is the psychoactive component that produces the feeling of being “high.” While they have similar molecular structures, THC has a psychoactive effect that CBD does not. The legality of THC and CBD products varies by state, some of which require a medical license to purchase, so it is essential to be aware of the laws. Parents should be aware of the effects CBD can have on children, particularly if they are taking medication.

What is Delta-8?

In essence, Delta-8 is a legal cannabis derivative and sometimes synthetic form of cannabinoids that are becoming more and more accessible in various places. Delta-8 is THC, but while many are more familiar with Delta-9 (D9), Delta-8 is less potent. At the time of this blog post’s publication, 14 states have banned Delta-8 due to a lack of scientific data about the short and long-term effects of the substance. Delta-8 has been around for a long time, but due to the 2018 farm bill has become more widely known.

The Science Behind Delta-8

From a science perspective, Delta 8 is delta8-Tetrahydrocannabinol. The National Cancer Institute notes that it has properties that can reduce anxiety and pain and increase appetite. The difference between Delta-8 and Delta-9 is simply the location of a double bond, which is on the eighth carbon in Delta-8 THC and the ninth carbon in Delta-9.

Why Delta-8 Should Not Be Mistaken for CBD

The Michigan Poison Center warns consumers that Delta-8 and other THC products should not be mistaken for CBD, noting that D8 products sold in vape stores are often marketed as a “legal high.” There are other misleading practices, including similar packaging between CBD versus THC products with consumers intending to purchase CBD and ending up with D8 or other THC-based products. There are also significant concerns about THC products in the form of gummy bears, lollipops, and other forms that children would be drawn to without knowing there is something in them. It is important to know the risk factors of THC in children should they be accidentally ingested or consumed in any form.

What is Delta-10?

We have covered CBD versus THC, Delta-8, and Delta-9, but what is Delta-10? Delta-10 THC branded products are poised to hit the market, and there is little to no scientific data from reliable sources about this compound and the safety of use. Many of the CBD and THC compounds are not manufactured in a lab under sterile conditions, as you may have guessed.

When it comes to CBD versus THC, it is important to educate youth and communities about the risk factors and science around these substances, along with the risk factors of alcohol and other drugs. Should there be additional topics you would like more information on or if you need a survey for your community coalition or school, please call us today at 800-279-6361 or fill out our quick online contact form.

Resources:

https://www.wset.com/news/local/poison-control-center-raises-concerns-about-delta-8-thc

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/delta8-Tetrahydrocannabinol

https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-drug/def/delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol?redirect=true

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/delta-8-thc-legal-many-states-some-want-ban-it-n1272270

https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-vs-thc#_noHeaderPrefixedContent

https://norml.org/laws

https://www.laweekly.com/the-highs-and-lows-is-delta-8-thc-the-same-as-cbd/

https://thedalesreport.com/cannabis/delta-8-continues-to-rise-in-popularity-amidst-intense-skepticism/

https://today.wayne.edu/medicine/news/2021/04/08/michigan-poison-center-issues-warning-about-delta-8-thc-products-42155

https://childmind.org/article/cbd-what-parents-need-to-know/#:~:text=CBD%20may%20be%20safe%20itself,worsening%20sleep%20problems%20if%20stopped.%E2%80%9D

https://www.childrenscolorado.org/conditions-and-advice/conditions-and-symptoms/conditions/acute-marijuana-intoxication/