Delta 8. Delta 9. Full Spectrum. Broad Spectrum. These terms are all over CBD products, and if you’re new to the world of CBD, you may be wondering what they mean.
Let’s dive into the nitty gritty of CBD terminology!
Delta 8 vs. Delta 9
Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC — which we refer to in this article simply as Delta 8 and Delta 9 — are two cannabinoids that are found in the cannabis plant.
Now, Delta 8 and Delta 9 are found in both hemp and marijuana. In this article, we’ll discuss hemp-derived components of cannabis, but it’s important to understand the difference between these two plants:
- A cannabis plant with more than 0.3% THC is marijuana, and is illegal in Texas
- A cannabis plant with 0.3% or less THC is hemp, and is legal in Texas
Delta 8 and Delta 9 are found in both variants of cannabis, but are only legal if they are derived from hemp. Thus, all product containing either of these that is legally sold in Texas, including ours, is hemp-derived.
Note: we ship Delta-8 and Delta-9 nationally, but we have systems in place to ensure we only sell to states where it’s legal.
Effects
Delta 8 and Delta 9 are quite different in terms of the effects they render.
Delta 9 is about twice as strong as Delta 8, and is closer to the true high that some seek to get from THC. The high from Delta 8 is not as potent, being roughly 1/2 as strong as the high from Delta 9. In terms of other psychoactive cannabinoids, delta-8 is slightly weaker than HHC (hexahydrocannabinol), while Delta-9 is slightly stronger.
Each cannabinoid has a different onset time, or the time it takes for you to feel the effects. Delta 8’s high comes on gradually, while the onset of Delta 9’s effects happens quickly.
Uses
Delta 8 and Delta 9 have their own unique sets of users.
Delta 8 is perfect if you’re looking for feelings of relaxation in the face of anxiety or stress. It’s also used for therapeutic purposes, especially among those who are weaning themselves off of prescription medications for sleep and pain.
If you want to get high for recreational purposes, or if you’re more used to the effects that come from smoking marijuana, Delta-9 is the cannabinoid of choice.
Either cannabinoid can be used effectively for both therapeutic and recreational purposes. However, certain aspects of Delta 8 and Delta 9 make one preferable over the other, depending on what you’re trying to experience.
Drug Tests
So, will Delta 8 and Delta 9 show up on drug tests?
Unfortunately, yes. Delta 8 and Delta 9 are variants of THC, which is naturally occurring in hemp.
THC will be flagged in most drug tests since it is also a primary component in marijuana, which is illegal in many states. So, using a Delta 8 or Delta 9 product will cause you to fail a drug test.
Full Spectrum vs. Broad Spectrum
The wide range of cannabinoids that are found in CBD and CBD variants is the “spectrum” to which “full spectrum” and “broad spectrum” refers.
Full spectrum CBD, as the name implies, contains most cannabinoids, including THC in amounts of 0.3% or less.
Broad spectrum CBD contains the same cannabinoids as full spectrum, except for the THC.
The presence of THC is the sole differentiator between full and broad Spectrum.
Effects
THC has physiological effects, and provides the difference between the feelings you get from full and broad spectrum products.
Full spectrum CBD will give you very mild head effects, whereas broad spectrum will give you none — both, however, will help promote the calming and relaxing feelings commonly associated with CBD.
Uses
Full spectrum CBD is essentially the step between Delta 8 or Delta 9 and broad spectrum CBD. Unlike broad spectrum CBD, it provides a little bit of a head high when used in large doses, but it is not as strong as Delta 8 or Delta 9.
Thus, this product is a great option for users who are looking to promote calm and positive feelings as they battle stress and anxiety. It’s also the go-to for CBD users who are looking for more restful sleep.
Broad spectrum CBD is used by those who want to retain full mental cognition while also experiencing calming sensations and getting a break from the emotions that tend to cause more harm than good.
Because of this, many CBD users prefer broad spectrum products if they’re taking them before work or an exam.
Drug Tests
What about Full Spectrum and Broad Spectrum CBD? Will they be detected on a drug test?
Full Spectrum CBD will, unfortunately, be flagged because it contains a variety of other cannabinoids and terpenes in addition to CBD, including up to 0.3% THC.
However, as Broad Spectrum CBD is the same as Full Spectrum minus the THC, it will not show up on a drug test.
A Word of Caution
Now you know about four of the main types of CBD and THC on the market today!
But before you make your decision, there’s a couple of things you need to keep in mind to make sure you’re getting the product you want.
Weak & Dangerous Products
You need to seriously consider which hemp company you buy from, whether you’re looking for Delta 8, Delta 9, Full Spectrum, or Broad Spectrum.
Why? Well, according to a study conducted in 2022, more than half of the CBD products for sale in the U.S. don’t contain the amount of CBD indicated on the label.
In fact, only 42% of the products contained within 10% of the CBD that they claimed they did.
In addition to this, the same study found that many of the same products contained significant amounts of heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury.
So depending on who you buy from, the outlook may be grim. At best, you’re getting scammed, and at worst, you’re risking your health.
And this is just CBD.
As federal and state regulations on Delta 8 and Delta 9 products are looser, who knows how little (or how much) THC these products actually contain when compared to their label? And what if they contain heavy metals, too?
Now, this is no reason to abandon CBD and THC – you just need to find a reputable company that provides access to third-party lab tests on their products.
Broad Spectrum CBD… Unless?
Another potential hazard to watch out, for specifically when you’re buying Broad Spectrum CBD, is trace amounts of THC.
Depending on the sourcing and testing standards of the company you buy from, your Broad Spectrum CBD may contain enough THC to show up on a drug test.
This kind of defeats the purpose of Broad Spectrum, right?
To avoid this, the advice is the same as avoiding low potencies and heavy metals: only buy from companies that are transparent about their third-party lab tests and sources.
No more weak, ineffective, and potentially dangerous products. It's time for high-strength, American-made delta-8 THC products that have been 3rd-party lab tested.
Conclusion
Knowing the differences between Delta 8, Delta 9, Full Spectrum and Broad Spectrum will greatly inform your CBD purchasing decisions.
And although there is a lot of snake oil in the CBD and THC space, there’s a lot of good to be found, too! It’s all a matter of vetting the companies you buy from to ensure they’re really giving you what they say they are.
Now you’re armed with the knowledge to pick products that give you all of what you want, and none of what you don’t!
Learn more: CBD vs. Delta 8 For Anxiety
Learn more: CBD Isolate vs. Full-Spectrum
