It seems that hemp enthusiasts are discovering the unique effects that delta 8 has to offer. We’re also noticing companies develop highly innovative ways to deliver this fascinating cannabinoid into the body. As of now, the most popular way to consume delta8 is by vaping it, most often in the form of a pre-filled cartridge. But a new trend is quickly taking over in a tincture form. Delta 8 oils are quite similar to CBD tinctures.
So, anyone who has used the latter will have no trouble figuring out how to make the former part of their regular routine. But delta 8 and CBD tinctures are unique enough that it’s important to talk about the differences between them in terms of how they are made and even what their effects are.
Tinctures: How They Work and Why They’re So Popular
Tinctures are liquid products that usually come in a dropper bottle. They’re poured beneath the tongue, where they make contact with the sublingual tissue. This tissue is highly absorbent, and so while the tincture formula is held there for about one minute, the compounds absorb into the body in a highly efficient manner. Tinctures are quite popular because they simultaneously provide fairly fast-acting effects (15 to 45 minutes). They also stay active in the body for up to a couple of hours. At least, when it comes to the compounds in hemp.
Hemp-based oils consist of a hemp extract which can contain any number of naturally occurring compounds. There’s also a carrier oil that dilutes the hemp to provide the desired concentration level. Tinctures come in various sizes, flavors, formulas, and milligram strengths.
CBD vs. Delta 8
To appreciate them, we need to first get into the differences between these compounds.
CBD
For those who may not be aware, CBD is the leading compound in hemp. It’s essentially a cannabinoid that occurs in higher levels than any other compound in the plant material. Cannabidiol’s a compound that’s fed to the body’s endocannabinoid system to promote regulatory effects through a binding process. This process that takes place between cannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors found in every bodily system. Cannabidiol is also known for having the potential to help with stress, pain, sleep problems and more. Plus, it’s extremely gentle, not to mention non-psychoactive.
Delta 8
Unlike CBD, delta 8 exists in extremely low levels – about 0.1% of the whole plant’s chemical composition. But, when isolated and extracted, we can concentrate delta 8 to explore its effects independent of other compounds. Delta 8 is a psychoactive compound, unlike CBD. But, its effects are notably milder than those of delta 9, which is the dominant cannabinoid in marijuana, responsible for its mind-altering properties.
Now, you can understand why delta 8 and CBD tinctures are different and may appeal to different hemp enthusiasts. While both cannabinoids come from the same plant material, the way in which they affect the body are different.
Also, keep in mind that being a cannabinoid, delta8 does also promote useful regulatory actions within the body. How? By binding with cannabinoid receptors. Namely, it’s the CB1 receptors in the nervous system that delta 8 plays a role in regulating.
CBD Tinctures
“CBD tincture” is a term used quite loosely, as this type of tincture can contain just CBD, or CBD combined with other compounds in the hemp plant. CBD will always be the most prominent compound in a CBD tincture as it is naturally the most abundant one in the plant. CBD isolate tinctures contain solely CBD, while broad spectrum tinctures combine CBD with every other hemp compound except delta 9 THC. Then, full spectrum tinctures simply offer every single compound in the hemp plant.
Delta 8 Oil
Use delta 8 as the active compound rather than CBD. Again, the delta 8 can be present all on its own, or it can be blended with other compounds in hemp. In fact, many delta 8 tinctures blend this cannabinoid with terpenes. These are naturally occurring hemp compounds that inform the flavor and aroma of the strain of hemp. All, while offering properties that may be beneficial.
How CBD Tinctures are Made
CBD tinctures start with the flowering buds of the hemp plant. From there, they’re put through an extraction process. This is to remove the desirable compounds from the plant material. This extraction is then diluted in a carrier oil, with the exact dilution being left to the discretion of the manufacturer.
How Delta 8 Tinctures are Made
Delta 8 tinctures also start with the raw hemp plant material. However, once the extraction of the full chemical composition is complete, the delta8 must be isolated and concentrated. This can be done by searching for that trace amount in the final product, or by rearranging the atoms of CBD, as cannabinol is an isomer of delta-8. Meaning, it’s atomically identical, but rearranged in a different manner.
Then, the delta 8 extract and other possible hemp compounds are diluted into a carrier oil, in any concentration level that the manufacturer chooses.
Main Effects of CBD Tinctures
CBD tinctures are typically taken for general wellness purposes. Our endocannabinoid system performs a series of useful tasks in response to receiving cannabidiol Therefore, the large majority of CBD tincture users are seeking out a natural option.
CBD tinctures do not make you feel high in any way, but they may make you sleepy in particularly high doses. Therefore, a lot of people also use CBD tinctures for sleep. Most people do not report feeling the CBD “kicking in,” but rather find that they experience a sense of relaxation, upliftment, and inner wellbeing.
Main Effects of Delta 8 Tinctures
Delta 8 tinctures may offer the same properties as described above, with the addition of subtle psychoactive effects as well. These effects tend to be mild but noticeable, and technically count as intoxicating. Therefore, if you’re going to take a delta8 oil, bear in mind that its effects are quite potent compared to cannabidiol.
How to Take a CBD Tincture
Taking a CBD tincture involves simply placing a dropper’s worth of the formula under the tongue and holding it there for a minute before swallowing. If after an hour or so you still desire more, simply take another dose.
How to Take a Delta 8 Oil
Taking a delta 8 tincture requires the same procedure as described above, except that those who are new to THC may want to start with a half dose the first time to see how it feels.
Final Thoughts
Both delta 8 oil and CBD tinctures can act as the perfect addition to your daily routine. But ultimately, each feels different from the other when absorbed into the body. If you wish to give a delta8 tincture a try, be mindful of these psychoactive effects in order to take the right dosage level for you to enjoy the experience.