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Is CBD Cream Good for Tattoos?

Hempzilla: Are CBD Topicals good for tattoos?

Over the years, CBD has been used in every imaginable product, though edibles, vapes, and topicals are the most prevalent. Today, we will discuss CBD topicals, how they work, and how they can help you look and feel your best, from alleviating discomfort to caring for tattoos. 

How Do CBD Topicals Work?

Consumers are typically most familiar with inhaled cannabinoids, like joints or vapes. When inhaled, the cannabinoids travel through the lungs and into the bloodstream, interacting with CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors the whole way. 

Surprisingly, CBD topical applications work similarly. When applied topically, CBD is absorbed through the skin, enters the bloodstream, and interacts with the body’s cannabinoid receptors in this localized area. Scientists are still working to discover exactly how much of a cannabinoid is absorbed when applied directly to the skin. Still, the preliminary results show that topicals like CBD creams, CBD gels, and CBD salves could be very effective for certain applications.

What Are CBD Topicals Good For?

Studies have shown CBD may help support healthy skin, aiding in moisturization. Topical CBD can also help to potentially alleviate discomfort when applied directly to the affected area. 

Virtually anyone can use CBD topicals, whether they suffer from dry skin or occasional joint or muscle discomfort. Additionally, CBD is very accessible; you can easily buy CBD online from high-quality, trusted retailers like Hempzilla. 

Self-care items like CBD lip balms and CBD lotions are perfect choices for individuals who want to hydrate their skin with the nourishing benefits of CBD. These products come in various formulations and scents so that you can find one to suit you perfectly. 

CBD topicals formulated for pain are ideal for individuals looking to take advantage of CBD’s purported soothing and calming effects. Products like CBD gel are great for those with occasional aches and pains. Products such as CBD roll-ons and CBD sprays are convenient, easy to use, and perfect for throwing into a gym bag or carry-on. 

CBD can also be used to care for tattoos. Whether you’re covered in art from head to toe or considering your first tiny tattoo, CBD’s reported moisturizing and nourishing properties are likely incredibly beneficial for any ink. 

CBD For Tattoos

CBD creams for use on tattoos are quickly becoming one of the most popular forms of CBD topicals.

You can use these products anytime on a tattoo that has finished healing, whether it’s freshly healed ink you want to protect or an older piece you want to refresh. CBD tattoo creams are moisturizing, nourishing, and soothing to help your tattoos look their best for years to come. 

Keeping tattoos moisturized can help the lines appear sharper and the colors appear brighter. For the best results, you should moisturize with whatever gentle product your tattoo artist recommends during the healing process and consider switching to a more nourishing formula, like Hempzilla’s CBD Fresh Ink Tattoo Cream, for long-term moisturization and maintenance.

How to Use CBD Topicals

It’s easy to get all CBD’s purported benefits using topical products.

CBD lotions, lip balms, and creams can be applied as needed to refresh skin (and tattoos) throughout the day.

CBD gels, salves, sprays, and roll-ons can also be applied as needed to help manage discomfort. Balms and gels should be rubbed in thoroughly to get the full benefits. Sprays and roll-ons can be applied directly to the skin and allowed to dry for a quick, no-mess dose of CBD.

Where to Buy CBD Lotion Online

You’re in the right place if you’re looking for high-quality, pure CBD topical products. Hempzilla has a huge selection of CBD gels, CBD creams, and other CBD topicals – including our best-selling CBD tattoo cream. Whether you want to moisturize and keep your skin healthy or manage discomfort with CBD, Hempzilla has a product for you. Browse our selection and find your next self-care essential today.

You’ve probably heard about CBD or cannabidiol by now. For a while, CBD has been gaining the attention of the health-conscious and medical communities alike due to its promising properties and non-psychoactivity. Now, dozens of other cannabis-derived compounds like Delta-10 are slowly emerging. Today, we explore the nature of CBD and Delta-10 while detailing their differences and similarities, what each cannabinoid does, and more. 

Comparing Delta-10 and CBD

While Delta-10 and CBD are both found in cannabis, they have glaring differences when it comes to features. Because of these contrasts, they evoke distinct experiences as well. 

Below is a breakdown of the differences between Delta-10 and CBD.

Cannabis contains over 100 cannabinoids. Not all of these cannabinoids are equal in concentration, and some are more dominant than others. In cannabis, CBD and THC are the primary compounds, while Delta-9 is only a minor cannabinoid making it available in small traces only. 

As an only recently isolated compound, Delta-10’s collection of scientific research is still in progress. Research on the properties of the compound and how we can take advantage of its features are still in the process of getting discovered. 

Contrastingly, CBD has hundreds of scientific papers, from clinical studies, peer discussions, and reviews. 

Unlike Delta-10, CBD has been in the market for years now. CBD products have evolved from simple tinctures to several products like CBD Juul pods, CBD hemp cigarettes, CBD honey sticks, and more. CBD’s massive industry is thanks to its dominant concentration in cannabis plants and its properties.

Why People Are Combining Delta-10 & CBD Together

People are starting to discover the effects of combining Delta-10 and CBD. 

According to consumers, the Delta-10 experience tends to be more uplifting and cerebral. It has a milder psychoactive effect compared to delta 9 and delta 8. 

The contrasting experience between CBD and Delta-10 is an attractive combination for its patrons. They believe that CBD and Delta-10, together, balance each other out.

Research suggests that the combination of cannabinoids along with smaller compounds in cannabis, such as terpenes, is better compared to one cannabinoid alone. The interaction between cannabis compounds is called “the entourage effect.”

Delta-10 and CBD have unique properties, each providing different experiences. When combined, the behavior of the cannabinoids’ metabolites may change in behavior. By then, the phenomenon exudes an even more unique experience. Research suggests the other cannabinoid magnifies the experience of another cannabinoid. 

With such diversity, your head would spin at the different synergistic possibilities the combination of Delta-10 and CBD can offer. 

What is Delta-10 THC?

Delta-10 THC is one of the over 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Most industries get this cannabinoid from hemp, making it a legal compound in some states of America. As one of the many forms of THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, Delta-10 THC appears in small amounts only. For this reason, it’s a challenge for manufacturers to extract large quantities of pure Delta-10. 

Accidentally discovered by a California cannabis-based company, the compound formed crystals previously exhibited by delta 8 and delta 9. As the isolation process moved along, thanks to advanced technology, the compound was identified as Delta-10. 

What Are the Effects of Delta-10 THC?

Delta-10 THC has milder effects compared to Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC. Delta-10 THC’s effects are well-liked by people who still need to be productive while using, rather than being couch-locked. Some consumers describe the experience to be uplifting, and some say they feel more creative. 

What Is CBD?

CBD is another cannabinoid that’s abundantly present in varieties of the cannabis plant. It’s the second most prevalent compound in hemp and is widely utilized by the cannabis industry. CBD has a similar molecular structure to THC but has a different atom arrangement, which sets it apart from other cannabinoids. 

Sold in different forms, from oils to the best CBD joint and muscle gel, CBD binds with the cannabinoid receptors naturally present in the human body. The 2018 Farm Bill legalizes CBD as long as it satisfies the guidelines — one of which is the requirement that it should only be derived from hemp. However, check with your local state laws on what they have drafted for the commercial utilization of CBD.

What Are the Effects of CBD?

Pure CBD, without the infusion of other psychoactive cannabinoids, cannot cause a high. Anecdotal reports described the experience with CBD to be subtle and easy. 

Even with full spectrum types of extracts in which CBD might contain a bit of THC, you shouldn’t feel any mind-altering effects. How? Legal CBD products can only contain less than 0.3% THC. 

Delta-10 Vs. CBD: How Does It Work?

Cannabinoids such as Delta-10 and CBD interact with the human ECS (endocannabinoid system). Most of these cannabinoids bind with the ECS’s receptors. 

How CBD works in the body has grown in interest among scientists and physicians in recent years. However, in the big picture, CBD specifically interacts with the body at a molecular level is not yet uncovered except in the part where it binds with certain receptors. 

Research tells us that CBD goes through multiple molecular pathways. There are more than 69 molecular targets that CBD can interact with. For example, CBD can delay the reuptake of neurotransmitters – anandamide and adenosine. CBD also inhibits the binding actions of G-proteins. 

However, CBD loosely binds with two of the ECS receptors (CB1 and CB2). Some receptors don’t even bind with CBD. The main difference in how CBD and Delta-10 work is how they interact with the ECS receptors. Delta-10 activates while CBD merely modulates. 

Delta-10 & The ECS

The ECS maintains several physiological processes, such as the body’s homeostasis, which encompasses several processes, including the brain, endocrine system, immune system, and more. 

The ECS has two primary receptors – CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are widely present in different parts of the body, such as the central nervous system, liver, lungs, kidneys, etc. Meanwhile, CB2 receptors are only present in hematopoietic cells, and some exist in parts of the brain. Delta 9 and 8 bind well with CB1 receptors located in the nervous system, but Delta-10 has a low binding affinity in comparison. 

What does this binding effect look like up close? Think of the lock and key system. Imagine the lock as the receptor and the key as the cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. The key floats around until it latches on a perfectly matched lock. Once bound, a change happens in the cell which enables cannabinoids to elicit their unique effects. 

CBD and The ECS

CBD doesn’t bind with the endocannabinoid receptors the way Delta-10 binds with the receptors. CBD has a weak affinity to CB1 and CB2 receptors. This makes CBD a mild choice for its patrons. 

Many believe CBD interacts with the ECS by preventing the endocannabinoid receptors from being broken down by the enzymes fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol acid lipase. More research is needed to confirm how this mechanism works, but it is believed that CBD inhibits the enzymes that break down endocannabinoid receptors. 

With this action, endocannabinoids are allowed to exist further which enables the regulatory functions for a longer period. It’s also implied that CBD might be binding with a yet-to-be-discovered receptor. 

Delta-10 Vs. CBD: What Does the Research Show?

Over the years, researchers have made several small and big-scale scientific breakthroughs in CBD. CBD’s extensive research and public acceptance garnered from several communities, including medical, business, media, consumers, etc., triggered a budding industry.  This great popularity gave cultivators the confidence to innovate the compound into something that had never been done before. 

The strongest evidence science has explored on CBD is on the pediatric spectrum. The amount of research prompted the FDA in 2018 to approve a CBD-based product called Epidiolex. There is also preliminary clinical research gathered from small clinical trials on mental health. 

It’s a continuous strive for science to carry out trials and put out more quality evidence and reports to prove, time and time again, CBD’s safety and efficacy. 

Research on Delta-10 is still in its infancy. Years of strict protocols regarding cannabis-related research made it challenging for lesser-known cannabinoids to flourish.

Delta-10 Vs. CBD: How Do You Use It?

There are several different ways people employ CBD and Delta-10. 

There are Delta-10 and CBD-based products, which include tinctures, vapes, topicals, candies, and more. There are even more experimental brands that offer them in perfumes and other unique forms. 

Consumers should take into consideration factors that play a role in efficacy, such as weight, height, needs, comfort, tolerance, delivery method, time of the day, nature of work, and so on. 

The Legality of Delta-10 vs. CBD

There are states that both allow and ban the sale and consumption of Delta-10-derived products. So far, Delaware, Arizona, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Mississippi, Rhode Island, Iowa, Montana, and Utah don’t allow the distribution of Delta-10. The other unmentioned states may be allowing some products to circulate as long as they follow the set protocols. 

On the other hand, hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.3% THC is allowed in most states. Therefore, you should be able to easily buy CBD in states where it’s legal. 

Delta-10 Vs. CBD: Will It Make Me Fail a Drug Test?

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived cannabinoids but the differences in state laws could still perplex others when it comes to important state and employment requirements such as drug tests. 

THC is detectable in drug screenings if enough metabolites are present in your body. Also, it’s not common for drug tests to distinguish what type of THC the sample contains. 

So far, the jury is hung on whether the consumption of delta-10 products fails a drug test or if it’s even possible for drug screenings to specifically detect delta-10. However, it’s important to note that delta-10 is a form of THC. 

It’s not typical for drug tests to search for CBD metabolites in their positive list but CBD might appear in CBD-sensitive tests. Relatively, CBD-based products with high THC content might turn drug tests positive. 

You should not worry about getting a positive drug test result if the CBD product you’ve recently consumed is an isolated type of CBD extract (CBS isolate). Most CBD products label their product with either isolate, broad-spectrum, or full-spectrum type of CBD extract. You can see that printed on the packaging. 

Overall, if you want to make sure you’re 100% clean for your upcoming drug test, it’s best to avoid cannabis-derived products temporarily. 

Delta-10 Vs. CBD: Where Can You Buy It?

CBD is widely available, and its products are sold in most states. Chances are, almost all shops (online, too) that sell cannabis and other related products sell CBD. Delta-10 products aren’t sold as often, compared to CBD. But if you’re looking in the right place, you’ll find a plethora of legal Delta-10 products. 

Here at Hempzilla, innovation is at the forefront of our goals, and you’ll see it in our line of CBD products. Take your pick from CBD Juul Pods, CBD hemp cigarettes, CBD muscle gel, and Nighttime gummies.

We also don’t go easy with our CBD product selections. From tinctures to salves, you won’t underwhelm yourself with what we have in our collections. 

You might find a CBD or Delta-10 product sold in gas stations, sidewalks, and the like. Not all of them are low-quality products or fake, but it’s best to be extra cautious when buying from these places. Don’t get attracted easily by their convenience and low prices.

With that said, there are a couple of things to look out for when buying products like CBD and Delta-10. 

How to Buy Delta-10 & CBD Safely

If you’re planning to buy Delta-10 and CBD, it’s easy to get them (especially CBD), but finding quality and safe products might be a challenge. 

Here’s a quick guide on how to safely buy the best Delta-10 and the best CBD products the industry has to offer. 

A COA, or certificate of analysis, is a document done by third-party laboratories testing the safety and quality of product samples. Most companies provide these with their products to assure their customers of quality and potency.

Avoid shopping where quality products aren’t sold. Instead, shop Delta-10 and CBD products from licensed online shops and dispensaries that sell products directly.

Hemp grown domestically is cultivated under strict quality protocols, which are regulated by the (USDA) United States Department of Agriculture. 

If possible, choose an all-organic option. Avoid products with an overload of additives and preservatives. 

Why choose us? Here at Hempzilla, transparency is one of our primary priorities. We may have a wide range of product variants, but we make it a point to let third-party laboratories test each of our product batches for potency, residuals, and pesticides.

Shopping with us means you can safely buy CBD products that don’t hold back on quality.

Is Delta-10 or CBD Better?

If you’re caught up choosing between Delta-10 and CBD, there is simply no absolute answer for this. Each compound has unique attributes you might not find in the other. The best thing to do is to choose the best cannabinoid that will work for your needs. 

It’s important to note that not everybody experiences the same effects from each cannabinoid or the combination of the two. 

Conclusion

Delta-10 and CBD are cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. They have a set of similarities and differences when it comes to properties, molecular structure, and more. Although there’s a vast amount of research on CBD, Delta-10 is slowly coming out of oblivion by gaining its spotlight within the scientific community. 

Choose between Delta-10 and CBD according to the experience you want to achieve. Some combine the two believing that the mix will yield an even greater experience. If you’re looking for the industry’s best CBD products, shop our e-commerce site, Hempzilla, and find what works best for you.

Cannabinoids are becoming more and more popular as the cannabis industry expands. Numerous cannabinoid-based products are now being sold in different forms, including CBD Juul pods, CBD hemp cigarettes, CBD joint and muscle gel, CBD honey sticks, and more. 

The unforeseeable rise of cannabis-derived products is great but, on the other hand, has caused much information overload. Even the most knowledgeable of consumers might still miss some key details. But don’t worry, we’re here to help sort things out.

In this article, we’ll separate CBD from Delta-8, look at each cannabinoid closely, discuss their similarities and differences, and share other crucial information you need to know before making your next CBD or Delta-8 purchase. 

What is CBD?

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid found mainly in hemp plants. Though hemp and marijuana plants both contain CBD, hemp has a higher concentration of CBD compared to marijuana. CBD does not produce any significant mind-altering effects, unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Additionally, it is one of the most extensively researched compounds. 

CBD is the least stigmatized of all cannabis cannabinoids. As long as the final product contains less than 0.3% THC, it should be readily available across most states. Having gained the favor of cannabis consumers, it has triggered movements from different groups calling for the widening of CBD’s availability nationwide.

While CBD is federally legal, some CBD companies are still experiencing obstacles when it comes to marketing and selling their products. The crackdown on false advertising by employing unsupported health claims is implemented by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

What is Delta-8 THC?

Cannabis also contains delta-8 THC. Cannabis is a natural compound that belongs to the cannabinoid family. 

Delta-8 is not synthesized directly from cannabis. Existing in small concentrations, Delta-8 is the product of Delta-9 THC’s degradation over time. However, there are ways of extracting Delta-8 in large quantities. Manufacturers now employ a method called catalytic reaction. 

Also, manufacturers can now convert CBD to Delta-8 within a laboratory setup. This discovery, believe it or not, is due to an oversupply of CBD that caused the price of CBD to go down. Producers then were looking for ways to profit from the extra CBD supply. Through a simple chemical conversion, the industry got creative and started converting batches of CBD into Delta-8. 

While Delta-8 shares a similar molecular structure with other forms of THC, Delta-8 is described to be less psychoactive yet more stable compared to its other THC counterparts – Delta-9 and Delta 10. This difference is due to how Delta-8’s atomic bonds are arranged. If Delta-9’s double atomic bond occurs at the 9th carbon chain, Delta-8’s are at the 8th carbon chain. 

Delta-8 can be extracted from hemp and marijuana but the only legally-acceptable products made from Delta-8 are sourced from hemp. 

Is Delta-8 the Same As THC?

Delta-8 is not the same as THC. Rather, Delta-8 is a form of THC. 

There is a misconception surrounding the term THC and what it means. In a colloquial sense, THC is made synonymous with Delta-9 THC. But THC is a categorical compound that takes the form of multiple isomers (Delta-8, Delta-9, and Delta-10).

An isomer is a compound that shares the same formula as another compound but has a different arrangement of atoms and properties. 

Delta-8, -9, and -10 are isomers of THC. 

Where Do CBD and Delta-8 Come From?

Hemp-derived CBD extracts mainly come from hemp leaves and buds. CBD can be extracted from other parts of the plant as well, as long as it’s above the soil line – this includes the stems and leaves. There is little to nothing found in hemp’s low parts, such as roots and seeds. 

For large-scale manufacturers, extracting CBD from cannabis comes in two types – the carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction method and the solvent extraction method. 

For the CO2 extraction method, CO2 gas is compressed and turned into a liquid state. The liquid is then forced into the hemp flowers (specifically trichomes) and other parts of the plant where CBD naturally exists. The entire solution is then processed again, to which CO2 evaporates into a gas, leaving an unadulterated CBD extract. 

During solvent extraction, instead of CO2 in the liquid state, solvents such as butane, ethanol, and propane are utilized to strip the plant matter off CBD. For the solvents to separate from the extracted cannabinoids, it has to be carefully heated or cooled at specific temperatures. 

Delta-8, on the other hand, is mainly derived from hemp by converting CBD. To extract the cannabinoid, the flower is crushed and fractionally distilled. Once this is done, Delta-8 is isolated through a distillation process, yielding at least 80% Delta-8. 

Delta-8 THC vs. CBD: Explaining the Differences

Delta-8 and CBD differ in intensities when it comes to mind-altering effects because each compound affects some of the brain’s functionalities, such as cognition and perception, differently. Although both cannabinoids impact mood, perception, and emotions, Delta-8 is known to cause mild mind-altering effects.

Delta-8 is an analog of Delta-9 and shares a similar molecular structure. Thus, Delta-8 has a slightly similar binding affinity power that Delta-9 has over endocannabinoid receptors. As a result, Delta-8 causes the same psychoactive effects but is milder in intensity. 

CBD, on the other hand, shares the same molecular structure with the likes of CBG and also binds to endocannabinoid receptors without directly activating them. Therefore, CBD doesn’t elicit the same psychoactive effects as Delta-8 and Delta-9.  

What Do Researchers Say About CBD?

CBD has a decent amount of research conducted to back it up. However, the number of human trials remains a work in progress. In part, most of the hindrance came from the continued classifications made by the DEA, arguing CBD does not possess any medical benefits. 

Despite the overwhelming misleading information surrounding the CBD market, some of the unsupported claims, by themselves, do not constitute CBD not having therapeutic potential at all. Indeed, in 2018, the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) approved the medical utilization of Epidiolex, a purified plant-based CBD extract approved for pediatric cases on specific spectrums of epilepsy.

Under the FDA’s approval, Epidiolex was born out of several randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials and open-label studies. This supports the idea that conducting human trials on CBD shifts the focus from CBD being stigmatized to being seen as a compound with potential. In addition to Epidiolex, a cannabis-based oral spray with a 1:1 ratio of THC:CBD has been approved.

Research on animal models was carried out as well, but these studies were rather sporadic, and the body of scientific work wasn’t as convincing as human trials. Ultimately, it’s in the best interest of the government and its people to be zealous in creating more rigorous human trials on CBD. 

What Do Researchers Say About Delta-8 THC?

Currently, there are 31 studies in total where Delta-8 is one of the only subject matters. Mainly focusing on the therapeutic potential of Delta-8, 27 of the studies are primary ones where Delta-8’s interaction with the ECS is inspected to check for possible interventions for certain conditions. Four of the papers are related studies where Delta-8 is only part of the subject matter observed.

Of the 31 studies conducted, 10 are meta-analyses, 8 are animal studies, 7 are laboratory studies, one study is a human clinical trial, and finally, there is only one clinical meta-analysis. 

The first reported research on Delta-8 that resembles a human trial was done in 1942 by Adams et.al. In a study design involving 77 voluntary subjects from a prison population and a Delta-8 dosage of 30 mg with 30mg increments every two days, Adams reported that the effects of Delta-8 were quite similar to that of Delta-9. 

More research on Delta-8 is expected as federal health agencies are starting to take initiative in supporting multiple large-scale research exploring the potential of Delta-8 and other minor cannabinoids. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) posted a notice of special interest just last July. Additionally, President Joe Biden signed a large-scale infrastructure bill in 2021, which includes provisions for allowing further research on cannabis products consumers purchase from dispensaries. 

CBD & Delta-8 THC: With the Popularity Comes Great Scrutiny

New CBD and Delta-8 brands are popping up daily, creating plenty of innovative cannabinoid products, all catering to different needs and target markets. Although these cannabinoids are sourced from cannabis, they are unique in their own right, also offering their own set of unique effects — so we can understand their increasing popularity.

It’s a thriving industry mostly prompted by CBD and Delta-8’s popularity. However, like any popular product, it comes with scrutiny. For one thing, it’s an advantage for consumers who want a wide variety of options to choose from, but for some, searching for a dependable and quality product can be quite challenging. 

A quality check on 84 CBD products was carried out. Researchers discovered that around 21 and more of these products had less CBD quantity than what was promised on the label. Meanwhile, 18 of the CBD products had traces of THC in them even though the label said they were THC-free. 

Some consumers are worried about the slight lack of oversight on Delta-8 products containing heavy metals and intoxicants due to it being a particularly easy-to-make compound. By simply mixing an over-the-counter CBD with pool and battery acid chemicals, grifters produce products with Delta-8 semblance. 

Mostly sold in gas stations and unlicensed stores, shady Delta-8 products offer a cheap and convenient high that mainly targets unassuming Delta-8 beginners. With that said, buy from trusted and proven CBD brands like Hempzilla. Here at Hempzilla, we value transparency more than anything. We make sure our  CBD products are tested for traces of heavy metals, residuals, pesticides, and other unwanted contaminants. 

See for yourself why we’re the choice of thousands of customers anxious to try quality products that won’t disappoint. 

What Are the Similarities Between Delta-8 THC and CBD?

CBD and Delta-8 are both derived from cannabis. Both are naturally occurring cannabinoids present in cannabis (hemp and marijuana). Both compounds can also interact with the ECS existing in humans and animals. 

Also, federal law sees CBD and Delta-8 as the same in the sense that both are derivatives of hemp. And as long as the source and the product do not go beyond the 0.3% THC limit, Delta-8 products should be at par with CBD in the eyes of the law.

What Are the Regulations Around CBD and Delta-8 THC?

Federal law treats hemp-derived CBD and Delta-8 the same due to the 2018 Farm Bill. The Bill stated that hemp could be legally grown as long as it only yields less than 0.3% of THC. But the authors of the Bill made an oversight. They defined THC as Delta-9, excluding other isomers. With that loophole, the market for legal Delta-8 was born.

Now, as long as the CBD or Delta-8 products contain no more than 0.3% of Delta-9 THC, they are deemed legal. However, some states enforce separate laws regarding CBD and Delta-8. For example, some states might not take the time to distinguish between Delta-9 and 8. Other states ban all forms of THC altogether, including Delta-8. It’s best to check with your local state laws if you’re unsure about the legality of a particular cannabis-derived product. 

Which is Better? CBD Or Delta-8?

There is no absolute answer to this question. Varying factors and a person’s individual needs require different cannabinoids. 

If you’re looking for a non-psychoactive experience, choose CBD. It’s also versatile enough to be combined with other cannabinoids such as CBG and CBN. If you want to take your CBD experience up a notch, you might opt for a full-spectrum extract. The combination of CBD, terpenes, and other cannabinoids is synergistic and creates an even greater effect together than they would on their own. However, if you’re looking for a more fun experience, choose Delta-8. A decent introduction to cannabinoids is either a tincture or gummies. The same synergistic effect can also happen when consuming Delta-8 with other cannabinoids.

Delta-8 THC vs. CBD: How They Work 

When it comes to how CBD and Delta-8 work in the human body, we need to examine their interaction with the ECS. 

While Delta-8 directly binds with two of the ECS’s main receptors (CB1 and CB2), CBD merely modulates these receptors. Their difference in binding affinities explains why Delta-8 can induce a mild psychoactive effect and why CBD doesn’t. 

Let us look closely at how CBD behaves with the ECS. CBD modulates the ECS’s activity by delaying the breakdown of endocannabinoid receptors that naturally exist in the body and enhancing their signaling power. 

CBD’s versatility when it comes to its perks is mainly attributed to its modulating power with the ECS and its action on 65 other molecular pathways. 

Delta-8 THC vs. CBD: Drug Testing

Drug tests cannot distinguish between types of THC. Unless the method of metabolite analysis is sensitive and advanced enough to pinpoint which type of THC a sample holds (in which most cases isn’t true), average drug tests may not tell the difference between Delta-9, -8, or -10 THC (all of which are forms of THC). 

For drug tests, if you have enough THC metabolites detected in a sample, it may cause a positive drug positive for marijuana. To be worry-free, it’s best to avoid taking any form of THC-laden product a month before your scheduled drug test. This should be followed even if the test is carried out in states where marijuana is legal. 

On the other hand, THC-free CBD should not give you a positive drug test result. It would take an insane amount of CBD for a person to get a positive drug test — somewhere around 2,000mg per dose. That’s far-fetched and 40 times higher than the standard dose a human should intake per day. 

Conclusion 

Despite coming from the same plant, CBD and Delta-8 have obvious differences. They produce a different set of effects on the body. One thing is for sure; their differences are mostly dictated by the nature of how they interact with the ECS. 

Regardless of your choice, whether it’s CBD or Delta-8, be sure to purchase products from a source you can trust. The options might be vast, but the regulations on cannabinoids like CBD and Delta-8 are pretty relaxed, so it’s all the more important to be critical about making informed purchases. 

That said, consume products from companies that source extracts from organically-grown hemp and who use sustainable practices.

At Hempzilla, our firm stance on transparency translates to the COAs (certificate of analysis) we produce for each batch of CBD products. As an added cushion, we make sure we comply with all of Colorado and Oregon’s regulations and compliances. 

Cannabis has been consumed for ages — and for a good reason too. The plant is filled with several chemical compounds that have garnered much attention. At one time, many had only heard about and consumed THC, yet CBD followed soon after. These two natural substances (known as cannabinoids) found in nature are the most well-studied and abundantly found in the cannabis plant. However, each is unique in its own way. We know there’s a lot of misinformation out there on the internet, but we’re here to help.

In this article, we will share their similarities, differences, and other useful information you probably didn’t know!

What is THC?

THC is perhaps the most famous cannabinoid found in cannabis. While it may be found in hemp, it’s mainly found in higher concentrations in the marijuana plant. THC has had a long history of being demonized and stigmatized. Still, thankfully over the years, this mentality has broken down, with many putting forth a great effort to decriminalize THC. 

No matter how you consume THC, it’s well known for providing a mental high sensation, yet current research has shown the cannabinoid to offer something more. THC is still illegal in many states, yet, we are hopeful there will be a significant shift in the foreseeable future.

CBD: What is it?

Known as a cannabinoid, CBD is a chemical compound found in cannabis, found in specifically hemp plants. It is mainly used for medicinal purposes, as it’s non-psychoactive, and was made federally legal to sell and consume in 2018 under the Farm Bill signed into law by former President Donald Trump.

Currently, research has found that the CBD cannabinoid doesn’t have any overdose, withdrawal, or addiction potential. Yet, we understand that there is far more research needed on its efficacy and safety. What we do know is that cannabinoids come in three types, which we explain below.

Types of CBD

Full-spectrum CBD is a type of product that contains the full spectrum of cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. This includes not only THC but also CBC, CBN, CBG, and other lesser-known cannabinoids as well as terpenes, flavonoids, and other chemical compounds. Compared to other CBD types, full-spectrum CBD offers a unique advantage — the entourage effect.

Broad-spectrum CBD is a type of product similar to full-spectrum products, containing everything except THC. This is an ideal option for those who want to avoid THC; however, they may not experience the whole experience of the entourage effect due to the absence of THC.

CBD isolate is a product that contains only CBD and no other chemicals. The CBD isolate is claimed to be the purest form of CBD. As you can imagine, like broad-spectrum, this CBD type doesn’t offer the entourage effect experience.

The Endocannabinoid System

CBD and THC may be popular, but many still do not fully understand how they work in the body. If you are new to the world of cannabis, you might find it surprising that these cannabinoids share a special relationship with our body, specifically the endocannabinoid system.

The endocannabinoid system is a resilient biological network in every living vertebrae, including animals. It is filled with millions and millions of cannabinoid receptors, which are responsible for critical bodily functions such as sleep, mood, memory, pain, appetite, and many others. When the endocannabinoid system is not functioning correctly or is out of whack, researchers believe it can cause an internal imbalance in the body that is responsible for many health issues. However, when it is functioning at optimal levels, homeostasis is created within the body. 

Many have believed that although the body has its own cannabinoids (known as endocannabinoids), it is believed that cannabinoids found in nature, such as CBD and THC, can uniquely interact with this system. All science jargon aside, while this is believed, we still have much more to discover about the work of THC and CBD in the body.

Different Ways to Take CBD and THC 

You can choose from various modes of consumption when taking THC or CBD. The cannabinoids can be vaped, applied sublingually, eaten via edibles, or swallowed via capsules. Each method of consumption has its unique benefits, though it all depends on an individual’s preference.

Ingestion:

Whether you’re drinking, eating, or chewing them, CBD and THC can be found in various ingestible products. Products include:

Topicals:

Topical CBD and THC are applied to the skin.

Products include:

Inhalation:

While there are several delivery methods, THC or CBD products that allow these cannabinoids to take effect quickly is typically done by inhalation. It’s also one of the most popular (and classic) ways to consume cannabis. Products include:

Smoking Cannabis Flower

Most people know you can’t just eat cannabis and get high from it. But why is that? Because the cannabis hasn’t been “activated” yet. This process — called decarboxylation — is something that happens consistently in the cannabis world, but it’s something that we rarely talk about. That’s why, today, we’re giving you a simple guide to decarboxylating your cannabis and letting you know the importance of doing so. Ready to get started?

What Is Decarboxylation and Why Do It?

First, let’s break down the meaning of this complex-looking word. Decarboxylation is the activation of compounds in the cannabis plant. To get technical, the cannabinoids within the plant (THC, CBD) have an extra carboxyl ring on their chain called COOH. The additional ring creates compounds like THCA, which transform into THC once decarboxylated. While THCA on its own does have benefits, you will not receive the psychoactive effects of THC unless this cannabinoid is activated through the decarboxylation process. 

It’s pretty clear at this point, but decarboxylation is crucial in getting the plant’s desired effects. As we mentioned, you simply will not experience the mind-altering effects of THC unless your product has been decarboxylated first. 

You may think, “But, I don’t do anything to cannabis before smoking it, and I still get high.” Well, that’s not entirely true! Decarboxylation happens through heat and over time; thus, when you heat your cannabis in your bowl or pre-roll, you’re decarboxylating your cannabis in real time! However, this is a process that you have to do if you’re attempting to make your edibles consciously. 

Decarbing 101: Here’s What You’ll Need

Speaking of decarboxylating cannabis yourself, doing so is relatively easy as long as you have some cannabis and an oven. As we mentioned, you have to do this if you want to make your own cannabis edibles or other activated products. 

If you’re interested in decarboxylating some cannabis, here are all the things you’ll need to do it correctly: 

Instructions for Decarbing Your Cannabis At Home

Now that you have all your materials ready, we’ll walk you through the three easy steps it takes to decarboxylate your cannabis right at home. As we mentioned in the materials list, you may want to have something prepared to keep your house from smelling like straight marijuana. This can be candles, air fresheners, fans on, windows open — whatever you prefer! But, make sure you get those set up right away before you even start the decarboxylation process.

Step One: Preheat the Oven

The first step to decarboxylating your cannabis at home is preheating the oven. Most people suggest setting the temperature anywhere between 230 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure you place your oven rack in the middle, as the top and bottom of your oven will be hotter — and you don’t want your cannabis to burn.

Next, grab your baking sheet and cut a piece of foil or parchment paper that’s about the size of the sheet. Then, crumble it up a bit, and lay it out on the baking sheet. When you do this, you’re reducing the amount of contact your cannabis is making with the sheet directly, as these temperatures — again — will be warmer than you’d like.  

Step Two: Prepare the Cannabis

Now, it’s time for cannabis. Take your cannabis and break it down gently until it is about the size of grains of rice. You don’t want anything smaller; otherwise, your cannabis will burn too quickly. That’s why we don’t recommend using a grinder to break down the flower. Instead, you can rely on your trusty hands!

As you break down your cannabis, start sprinkling it over your foil or parchment paper. Lay all the cannabis out and then grab another piece of foil or paper and lightly place it on top of the broken-down cannabis.   

Step Three: Start Baking

Hopefully, your oven is hot and ready because it’s time to start baking! Place your baking sheet on the middle rack of your oven and bake it for about 45 minutes. You don’t want to let it go for much longer than this, or you risk ruining your cannabis. 

After 45 minutes have passed, take the cannabis out of your oven and let it cool for about half an hour, just at room temperature. When you look at the flower, it should have a slightly toasted brown appearance. Once 30 minutes are over, or when your flower is cool enough to handle, you can transfer it to a container of your choice. We’d recommend something airtight and not too transparent to protect your flower. 

And that’s it! At this point, you have activated cannabis ready to be used within recipes. As long as you don’t mind the smell of cannabis in your house, decarboxylating your cannabis is as easy as possible. Just make sure you take your time and don’t try to rush the process. Being careful and mindful are the best ways to produce ideal decarboxylated cannabis. Whether you add your activated flower to butter, oil, or a full-on recipe is entirely up to you. (Just make sure you note how much you add.)

So, Which is Better?

This will honestly depend on the individual. However, if you are interested in consuming cannabis products that aren’t yet legal in your state, consider looking for hemp-derived CBD products. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the growing of industrial hemp across the USA, and as such, products sourced from industrial hemp plants containing less than .3% THC are legal for sale across all 50 US states. These hemp-derived cannabidiol products come in various forms and typically have high concentrations of CBD and low concentrations of THC, meaning they won’t create a psychoactive high. Yet, THC is still illegal for sale and consumption in certain states.

Due to this fact, many consumers may choose conventional medicines and therapies over THC or CBD due to the legality of their location. But, as cannabis legalization continues to spread across the country and world, we are hopeful things will change and clear skies await.

Ultimately, the decision between CBD and THC comes down to the individual and their specific needs. If you live in a region of the country where cannabis is fully legal, you have the best chance of purchasing and consuming products infused with cannabinoids today. Just be sure before doing so that you consult with a healthcare provider before doing so.

In terms of the future of THC, we say, we are hopeful that more research is underway — be it the efficacy of THC or its safety. 

Does THC or CBD Interact with Medications?

The foods, drinks, supplements, and medications we consume are broken down in the body and metabolized through the liver. The liver is the primary organ responsible for metabolizing drugs and breaking them down into their parts.

As a result, THC or CBD has the potential to interact with other medications metabolized by the liver. So, suppose you are taking medication, and you also take THC or CBD. In that case, the cannabinoid could potentially compete with the medication before metabolization and reduce its effectiveness – or enhance its side effects depending on the drug. For example, many studies have shown that consuming CBD in gummy or non-heated forms has been far more efficient than smoking it as a dry herb or vaporized product. Gummies are known to digest through the body more slowly than other CBD or THC consumption methods, with a better balance of bloodstream saturation and concentration that doesn’t overpower the effects of other medications.

Most THC and CBD products contain other cannabinoid content, such as terpenes, flavonoids, and phytocannabinoids that may also interact with other medications. However, your doctor can help you determine whether or not cannabis is the right treatment for you and can provide you with a referral to a healthcare professional who can help you start using cannabis as a medication.

If you have a condition and want to consume cannabis, talk to your doctor about it. Above all, research is limited to the interactions of THC and CBD with other medications.

Conclusion 

As we’ve learned, THC and CBD are the two most abundant cannabinoids found in cannabis. While they derive from the same plant family, they each come with their own unique set of characteristics and effects. 

If you’re interested in trying CBD, be sure to do your research and also keep up to date with current cannabis laws where you live. We should also say, before taking any type of cannabis product, be sure to consult a medical practitioner to understand the potential interactions between these substances and the best way to manage your specific condition. 

At Hempzilla, we provide our customers with the best products that are both compliant and high quality. We at Hempzilla provide a variety of high-quality products to choose from. View our online store and find out why so many people are seeking out these versatile cannabis compounds today!