As legalization of cannabis becomes more prominent throughout the US, more products are being introduced and it may be tricky to know all the names and what's the difference. So we are going to give an overview so that way you can be informed and know what you are looking for and how to tell them apart.
Cannabis sativa, the plant species best known for hemp and marijuana, is making its way into mainstream culture and medical research. The naturally-occurring active constituents in cannabis, known as cannabinoids, contain purported benefits, such as anxiety and chronic pain relief, as well as the “high” often associated with cannabis use.
Most likely you have heard of the two most abundant cannabinoids in cannabis sativa, Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-9 THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), but research suggests this plant may contain many other potentially beneficial cannabinoids. Delta-9 has many aliases: weed, pot, ganja, marijuana, green, tree, purp, etc. the list goes on and on. It is known for its psychoactive properties- the high effect that can either be stimulating and relaxing. Generally speaking, most people use the terms "cannabis" or "regular weed" to mean Delta-9 THC containing weed.
Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol
Delta-8 THC is one of more than 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis sativa plants, but it’s not present in significant levels. Therefore, concentrated amounts of delta-8 THC are typically manufactured from hemp-derived CBD, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Delta-8 THC is a psychoactive substance that is known to be less potent, "light" version of Delta-9 THC, It’s sometimes called Delta-9 THC’s nicer and softer sibling, says Daniel Kruger, Ph.D., a researcher at the University of Michigan. Delta-8 THC may provide much of the experiential benefits of Delta-9 THC, such as relaxation, euphoria and pain relief, with fewer adverse effects, he adds. Delta-8 THC is a psychoactive and intoxicating cannabinoid that is synthetically produced as a byproduct from CBD or Delta-9 THC. Consumption often leads to a lighter mote mild “high” than Delta-9 THC with less accompanying anxiety.
Similarities
All cannabinoids, including Delta-8 THC, Delta-9 THC and CBD interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Part of the neurological system, the endocannabinoid system helps control many important function areas, such as inflammation and pain regulation. Endocannabinoid receptors are where the active constituents of cannabis sativa bind, and they are found within the cardiac, gastrointestinal, brain, muscular and reproductive systems.
The Law
The legality of Delta-8 THC still resides in a gray area. Cannabis is illegal on a federal level due to its Delta-9 THC content, as stated by the Federal Controlled Substance Act, yet each state follows their own laws pertaining to medical and recreational use. CBD extracted from hemp is legal federally, but it isn’t legal if extracted from cannabis.
While Delta-8 THC products have not been classified as illegal at the federal level, the manufacturing of Delta-8 THC likely violates federal law, according to the National Drug Court Institute. Furthermore, in some states where recreational cannabis is legal, such as Colorado, Delta-8 THC products have been explicitly banned.
Does Delta-8 THC Lead to Positive Drug Test Results?
Unfortunately, there’s not enough scientific evidence to determine whether using delta-8 THC will result in a positive drug test result. Due to the chemical similarities of delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC, researchers believe excessive use may lead to a positive drug test, especially since CBD isolates can potentially lead to positive results.
Currently, Butter of Sheba only carries Delta-9 THC so you can be sure that the products and flowers that contain THC do not have any synthetic or Delta-8 origins.
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