Delta-8 & CBD Together: A Dynamic Duo

Thinking about mixing delta-8 and CBD together? Is it safe, and what kind of benefits do you get? Well this is the blog post for you!

Two of the most popular hemp-derived cannabinoids — delta-8-THC and CBD — have some similar qualities, but mostly offer different vibes.

When taken together, D8 and CBD form a tantalizing twosome. As a combo, these hempy do-gooders offer a host of unique experiences and effects. Let’s take a look at what happens when you mix CBD and delta-8 together.

CBD + Delta-8-THC vs THC (aka Delta-9-THC)

You may be wondering — why not just use a product that combines CBD + THC (like a marijuana gummy or higher-THC CBD tincture, for example)?

There are a few reasons why you may prefer CBD + D8 over other combos:

• The D8 high is quite a bit more mellow than the THC high.
• There's a smaller chance of unpleasant experiences like paranoia with D8, compared to THC.
• Hemp-derived delta-8 is federally legal, whereas THC is illegal at the national level and permitted in varying forms and degrees in some states.

Delta-8 is sort of like a federally-legal THC-lite. It has an almost identical molecular structure with similar psychological and physiological effects. It's just a bit milder, and easier to access.

D8 + CBD Benefits

There are many benefits to taking delta-8-THC and CBD together. Let's first look at what each substance offers.

A short list of CBD's benefits:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Anxiety relieving
• Anti-tumor
• Anti-nausea
• Mood boosting
• Sleep supporting

Delta-8's qualities are similar, but not exactly the same. Here are some of the properties of D8:

• Relaxation
• Euphoria
• Anti-seizure
• Anti-nausea
• Appetite-stimulating

Delta-8-THC and CBD combined potentially offer some benefits that are greater than when either is used alone.

Taking CBD & Delta-8-THC For The Entourage Effect

In a process called the "entourage effect," D8 and CBD may work together to improve the positive effects of each — like heighten the qualities of each other, or make each cannabinoid react a little differently in your body. It's a pretty neat-o phenomenon unique to cannabis.

For example, one study compared the efficacy of a THC extract with a THC + CBD extract in alleviating pain. They found that the THC + CBD combo provided more pain relief than the THC alone.(1)

While the study was done on THC, delta-8 has a very similar structure. As such, we might anticipate similar effects when combining delta-8-THC and CBD.

Curious to hear more about the collective of cannabis constituents and their impacts? Read all about it over on: What Is The Entourage Effect?

Delta-8-THC & CBD For Anxiety

It's no secret that many people take CBD to help manage their anxiety. And for those who want to try something a bit more potent, D8 might be the right choice for them.

Compared to THC, the D8 high is more consistent, and not prone to the same peaks and pits of THC. There's less of a chance of that icky paranoia feeling you may get from THC. So, D8 might just be the perfect choice if you want a psychoactive stress-reliever and mood-elevator without the risk of a distressing trip.

2 Tips To Maximize Your D8 + CBD Experience

Here are a couple things to keep in mind so you can maximize your delta-8-THC + CBD experience.

Product & CBD Type

Consider the product formulations you have or want to purchase. The kinds of products will impact your overall experience — particularly the timing of when you feel the effects. Each type of product preparation will have a different time of onset.

• Are you taking a CBD gummy and a D8 gummy together? You’ll start feeling the effects of both around the same time.
• Or are you looking at mixing a CBD softgel with a D8 vape? You’ll likely feel each experience at different times.

Additionally, it pays to be mindful of the:

• Type of CBD in the product. The effects of full-spectrum CBD will likely be different than those of a CBD isolate. You can learn more about this in our post Different Types of CBD: Full-Spectrum, Broad-Spectrum & Isolate.
• Bioavailability of the CBD and delta-8-THC. Nano CBD and delta-8 are more accessible to your body, so it’ll use the CBD/D8 more effectively and more quickly. For a deep dive into nanotechnology, bioavailability, and how they benefit you — read Pure Craft’s Bioavailable CBD: Benefits & Why It’s A Win For You and What Is Nanotechnology & Why’s It A Big Deal For CBD when you’re done here.

Dose & Schedule

There’s no standard dose per product. Thus, you have a vast array of dosages and strengths for delta-8 and CBD products.

• If you want to take the same amount together, be sure to check the dosages on each product to get the desired amount. This info can easily be found on the product labels.
• As always, start low and slow if you’re new to layering D8 and CBD. This will give you a gentle opportunity to see how your body responds to the pairing of these two powerful cannabinoids. You can always adjust your intake as needed.

Also factor in the timing and frequency of consuming your little hempful helpers. Give them a chance to kick in.

Taking CBD & Delta-8-THC Safely

Unlike cannabidiol (CBD), delta-8 is psychoactive. So, be sure to follow some of these best practice guidelines when adding D8 into the mix.

• Before taking CBD or D8, talk to your doctor to make sure it's safe for you to use.
• Only use high-quality CBD and delta-8 products derived from pure, organic, American hemp.
• Ease into D8 and CBD with a small dose. Like all cannabinoids, the way delta-8 and CBD interact with your endocannabinoid system is unique and will produce a different experience for you.
• Don't take D8 and drive, or operate machinery either. The psychoactive effects can impair your motor skills and judgment. Similarly, if CBD has you feeling a bit too chill — steer clear of the power tools and vehicles.
• Take care when consuming other substances at the same time. Substances like alcohol may interact with how delta-8 or CBD gets absorbed and might provide a more intense experience. Read our articles Do Delta-8 & Alcohol Mix?and CBD + Alcohol: Here’s What We Know for a good breakdown.

Delta-8-THC & CBD: A Couplet Of Cool Cannabinoids

Delta-8 and CBD, could there be a better match?

The delta-8 high is smooth, mellow, and calming. CBD offers a host of positive benefits, soothing the body and mind. And both of them together may even be better than either alone. Together delta-8 and CBD may provide an experience unlike anything else.

Just be sure to follow a few safety guidelines for the best possible outcomes. Take it slow when mixing the two for the first time, and refrain from driving or other activities that require you to be sober.

And enjoy the experience of two top cannabinoids together!

TRY CBD + D8 TODAY

References

1. Johnson, JR, et al. (2010). Multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of THC:CBD extract and THC extract in patients with intractable cancer-related pain. Journal of pain and symptom management. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2009.06.008