The big three — CBD, THC, and delta-8 — are the cannabinoids dominating the current cannabis market. From recreational uses to wellness benefits, everyone uses these cannabinoids differently.
Having trouble deciding when to use each cannabinoid? We’ve put together this quick guide on the most common health effects, uses, and legal considerations of CBD, THC, and D8.
Plus, a quick quiz to help you decide once and for all which cannabinoid is best for you!

CBD, THC, and delta-8-THC all interact with the endocannabinoid system. But the way they interact produces different overall experiences. Some health effects are similar across all three, while others are unique to each cannabinoid.
The way cannabinoids vibe with your endocannabinoid system may vary from person to person. So, while one person may see significant pain relief from CBD alone, another may find THC a better fit for their needs.
Also, some people find that high doses of THC increase their anxiety while others are on their way to chill-city. So keep in mind these are general effects that studies have found — and your mileage may vary.
|
|
CBD |
THC |
D8 |
|
Pain Relief |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Anti-Inflammatory |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Anxiety Relief |
Yes |
Maybe |
Maybe |
|
Sleep Support |
Maybe |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Nausea Relief |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Increases Appetite |
No |
Yes |
Maybe |
|
Psychoactive Effects |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
The legal landscape of CBD, THC, and delta-8 is ever-changing.
Hemp-derived CBD and D8 products are federally legal as long as they contain less than 0.3% of THC. Individual states may have stricter or more lenient regulations. While some states have legalized all three cannabinoids, others only allow for hemp-derived CBD that contains absolutely no traces of THC.
Visit your state page under Is CBD Legal in the United States? (2022 CBD Laws) for the latest up-to-date information on your state's laws.
Also keep in mind that even if THC is legal in your state, it may not be cool with your employer. So, if you’re subject to regular drug screenings at work — you may want to stick with CBD (isolate or broad-spectrum CBD only!).
|
|
CBD |
THC |
D8 |
|
Is it federally legal? |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
|
Is it legal in your state? |
Maybe |
Maybe |
Maybe |
|
Will it show up on drug tests? |
No |
Yes |
Maybe |
Now that you have some of the basic details in mind, here’s a little quizlet to help you pick the best cannabinoid(s) for you. If your situation ever changes, feel free to retake the quiz — you just might get different answers!
Mostly A. CBD might be the best fit for you. Isolate or broad-spectrum CBD could be an ideal option if you want to avoid THC. But if you do want a little touch of THC in your CBD, then a full-spectrum product may be the right choice.
Mostly B. Sounds like THC is your jam. You're not afraid of a little (or a lot of) psychoactive effects. Whether you're looking for some serious pain relief, sleep support, or just want to relax and have a good time — THC could be the cannabinoid for you.
Mostly C. We can't w8 for you to meet delta-8! Delta-8-THC has a lot of the same features as THC, but it's federally legal and just a bit less intense. Try starting with a low-dose D8 gummy to start your cannabinoid journey.
A mixed bag.A perfect excuse to experiment! If you want to focus on wellness without any psychoactive effects, give CBD a go. But if you're wanting something with more buzz, then THC or D8 might fit the bill. Want to try a little bit of everything? There's no shame in that. Take a gander at Delta-8 & CBD Together: A Dynamic Duo and Layering CBD: How To Do It Safely & Effectively for some tips on combining these cannabinoids.
With so many options available, it's an exciting time to be a cannabis consumer. But with all of these choices — it can be tough to know where to start. Arm yourself with a little bit of knowledge, though, and you can shop with confidence and find the perfect cannabinoid experience for you.
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