As more hemp enthusiasts are discovering the unique effects that delta 8 THC has to offer, we’re seeing companies develop highly innovative ways to deliver this fascinating cannabinoid into the body. As of now, the top way to consume delta 8 is by inhaling it. Most often, in the form of a pre-filled cartridge and battery. But, a new trend is quickly taking over – delta 8 tinctures!
Delta 8 tinctures 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. Still, delta-8 and CBD tinctures are different enough that it’s important to cover the differences between the two.
Tinctures: How They Work and Overall Popularity
Tinctures are liquid-based products that usually come in a dropper bottle. They’re taken sublingually, underneath the tongue, making contact with the highly absorbent sublingual tissue. While the tincture formula is held there for about a minute, the compounds absorb into the body in an efficient manner. Tinctures are quite popular because of the fact that they simultaneously provide fairly fast-acting effects (15 to 45 minutes) and stay active in the body for up to a couple of hours. At least, when it comes to the compounds in hemp.
Hemp cannabinoid-based tinctures consist of a hemp extract that can contain any number of naturally occurring compounds. Plus, a carrier oil dilutes the hemp to provide the desired concentration level. Hemp cannabinoid tinctures are also available in various sizes, flavors, formulas, and milligram strengths.
CBD vs. Delta 8 THC
To appreciate the differences between CBD and delta 8 tinctures, we need to first get into the differences between these big-time compounds. Why? Because here is where the main difference lies.
CBD
Cannabidiol is the leading compound in hemp. It’s a cannabinoid that occurs in higher levels than any other compound in the plant material. It’s basically a compound that is fed to the body’s endocannabinoid system. This is to promote regulatory effects through a binding process that takes place between cannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors found in every bodily system. Also is extremely gentle, not to mention non-psychoactive.
Delta 8 THC
Another cannabinoid in the hemp plant, and unlike cannabidiol, 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 but its intoxicating effects are notably milder than those of delta 9 THC. Delta 9 is the dominant cannabinoid in marijuana, responsible for its mind-altering properties.
Also, keep in mind that being a cannabinoid, delta 8 does promote useful regulatory actions within the body. How? By simply binding with cannabinoid receptors as well. Namely, it’s the CB1 receptors in the nervous system that delta-8 has a role in regulating.
Which Tincture Type Should You Choose?
Now, you can understand why delta 8 and CBD tinctures are unique. Not only that, but 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.
CBD Tinctures
“CBD tincture” is a term used quite loosely, as this type of tincture can contain just cannabidiol or CBD combined with other compounds in the hemp plant. It will always be the most prominent compound, as it is naturally the most abundant one in the plant.
- CBD isolate: Contains solely cannabidiol.
- Broad spectrum: Combines CBD with every other hemp compound except delta 9 THC.
- Full spectrum: Simply offers every single compound in the hemp plant.
How Are They Made
CBD tinctures start with the flowering buds of the hemp plant. These are put through an extraction process in order 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.
Main Effects
They are typically taken for general wellness purposes, as the endocannabinoid system performs a series of useful tasks in response to receiving cannabidiol. CBD tinctures do not make you feel high in any way. However, they may make you sleepy in particularly high doses. Therefore, a lot of people also use them as a sleep aid. Most people do not report feeling the CBD “kicking in”, but rather find that they experience a sense of bliss, upliftment, and inner wellbeing.
How to Take Them
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, you can take another dose.
Delta 8 Tinctures
Delta 8 tinctures use delta 8 THC distillate 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. Terpenes are naturally occurring hemp compounds that inform the flavor and aroma of the strain of hemp. They can even offer properties that may be beneficial.
How Are They Made
They also start with the raw hemp plant material. But, once the extraction of the full chemical composition is complete, delta 8 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 cannabidiol, as CBD is an isomer of delta 8, meaning that 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
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. So, if you are going to take a delta 8 tincture, remember that its effects are quite stronger compared to CBD.
How to Take Them
Taking a delta 8 tincture requires the same procedure as described for a CBD tincture, except that those who are new to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) may want to start with a half dose first time to see how it feels.
It’s important to start low and go slow with any THC products. Also as a pro-tip, wait at least 1-2 hours before your initial dose of delta 8 tincture before ingesting more if needed.
Final Tincture Thoughts
Both delta 8 and CBD tinctures can act as the perfect addition to your daily routine, but ultimately, each one feels different from the other when absorbed into the body. If you want to give a delta-8 tincture a try, be mindful of these psychoactive effects in order to take the right dosage level for you to enjoy the experience.
