Should I Use Delta-8 Or CBD? How To Choose

To take delta-8 or to take CBD? That is the question.

Both are hemp-derived cannabinoids, though they offer different experiences.

How do you decide which is right for you?

The answer — like any other question in life — depends on your personal preferences and needs.

But read on for some tips on how to pick between the two. We're pretty confident this guide will help you resolve your current cannabinoid conundrum!

What's CBD?

CBD is short for cannabidiol — one of the key cannabinoids found in hemp and marijuana. Researchers are eager to learn more about CBD because it may be an effective treatment for many health ailments from cancer to epilepsy.

It's also used personally and recreationally by many to help manage common health conditions like stress, insomnia, and chronic pain. There's a lot to love about CBD, and here's why.

CBD Benefits & Uses

Here's just a teeny list of CBD's potential benefits:

• Combats inflammation
• Reduces pain
• Alleviates stress and anxiety
• Improves sleep quality
• Boosts mood
• Fights tumors

For the full (impressive) list of CBD's positive health effects, read the blog post Can CBD Benefit These 42 Health Concerns? Science Says Yes!

What Does CBD Feel Like?

CBD by itself doesn't produce a "high." It's because cannabidiol is not an intoxicating compound.

If you try a full-spectrum CBD oil, you may feel a psychoactive effect since the product will likely have other cannabinoids (like THC) mingling with the CBD. But broad-spectrum and isolate CBD have negligible to no THC in them and won't produce a high.

So what does cannabidiol feel like? This mostly depends on your own bod! The way CBD interacts with your endocannabinoid system (ECS) to produce its effects varies from person to person.

Here’s what some of Pure Craft’s CBD consumers are saying:

”Always helps me relax and mitigate minor to moderate anxiety….” — Christell Ordonez

”This product has changed my life! I was able to immediately stop taking all of the OTC pain meds I was taking for my bad hips…. I also have an immediate reduction in anxiety and am so much of a calmer person now….” — Tracy Babbitt

”.... super effective. Relaxed and ready to face the world.” — Mary

”No more anxiety. These have improved my quality of life immensely.” — Ryan

”.... It has been amazing in helping my husband who suffers from PTSD. This product has helped lower his anxiety and has helped him be more mindful during his triggers.” — Carmen Gabbard

It also depends on how you use your CBD. After taking a CBD oil, you may feel relaxed, less stressed, or even more focused. You might experience fast pain relief after using a CBD topical cream. Or you may not "feel" much at all, except notice that you're sleeping more soundly than ever since beginning a CBD softgel supplement.

Gimme The Deets On Delta-8-THC

Delta-8 is another cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Unlike CBD though, delta-8 is psychoactive and produces the "high" that people often associate with marijuana.

In many ways, this makes D8 more similar to THC than CBD.

Delta-8-THC vs THC

Delta-8-THC is — molecularly — almost exactly like Delta-9-THC (aka THC). The big dif between D8 and THC is the intensity.

With delta-8-THC, you typically get a milder, more consistent high as opposed to THC's often wild and wacky ride.

D8 Benefits & Uses

Delta-8-THC has a lot of the same potential benefits as are associated with other cannabinoids:

• Promotes relaxation
• Boosts mood
• Combats seizures
• Suppresses nausea
• Stimulates appetite

Most people use it recreationally, though, as a fun way to relax and enjoy themselves.

What Does Delta-8 Feel Like?

Delta-8-THC has been described as "marijuana-lite." Words like: relaxed, euphoric, creative, mild high — have been used to describe the feeling of the delta-8 experience.

Here’s what some of Pure Craft’s D8 users report:

”I take one as I climb into bed. Shortly thereafter I feel it working, like my body took a deep breath and relaxed enough I simply drift right off! Which is rare for me. So glad I tried it. Thank you PureCraft! — Elken

”These rocked my world. Highly recommend.” — Chris P.

”… they were very calming, slight buzz and I slept like a baby…” — Jim Sills

”Nice feeling, not too much, not too little.” — Veronica

”A totally different experience then cbd. Total body and mind relaxation.” — Christopher Drew

”... a really nice mellow sets in at about 1 hour. Anxiety is melted, a general feeling of "well-being" occurs.” — Vickie Long

Your body's unique physiology also plays a big role in the effects you feel from different cannabinoids. For instance — maybe for you, half a D8 gummy is the perfect amount to get you into a state of flow. Whereas your friend might need a full dose to feel the desired buzz.

How Do I Choose Between CBD & D8?

Like we said, the answer to this question really depends on you.

But here are some of our best tips to make your pick.

When To Pick CBD

You may prefer using CBD if:

• You're searching for fast-acting pain relief.
• You want a stress reliever.
• You’d like a regular wellness supplement.
• You're looking for a non-intoxicating option.

CBD is best known for relieving pain, helping reduce your stress levels, and improving sleep — often without any glaringly noticeable sensations. This is because CBD is not psychoactive.

If you're looking for an overall calm and relaxed experience, CBD might fit the bill.

When To Opt For Delta-8

Reasons to choose D8 might include:

• You crave a psychoactive experience.
• You want to feel more creative, open, or imaginative.
• You're looking for an uplifting but mellow high.
• You’ve tried CBD and want something new!

If you want a chill experience, but with a slightly mind-bending edge, delta-8-THC might be the better choice for you. With D8, you'll likely experience a "high" that offers some mental and physical euphoria.

Plot Twist: Why Choose? Delta-8 & CBD

Although, do we really need to choose between the two?

¿Por qué no los dos?

You can have a totally fun and unique experience by taking both of these hemp heavy-hitters together. Due to the "entourage effect," taking both CBD and D8 together may enhance the properties of each — so consider giving it a try!

Hit up our article titled Delta-8 & CBD Together: A Dynamic Duo for the best tips on using both.

CBD Or Delta-8 — An Easy Cannabinoid Choice To Make

How to choose between delta-8 and CBD?

Easy — do you want to experience a psychoactive high or mainly get relief from your aches and pains?

Delta-8 is your go-to for the euphoric buzz of cannabis. It has its own potential wellness benefits, but most people use it recreationally.

CBD oil, on the other hand, is non-intoxicating and great for those who are looking for more targeted pain relief, sleep support, or anxiety reduction. Or just a way to chill after a long work day.

Of course it's up to you to decide which one suits your needs best. Also, consider the option of using both if that's your jam!

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