How is Delta 8 THC made?
Delta-8 is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in the cannabis or hemp plant. Like its famous predecessors, CBD and Delta-9 THC, this cannabinoid has gained a significant amount of attention in the industry. Many people use Delta-8 for its mild high and potential health benefits.
Unfortunately, cannabis contains low quantities of delta-8. So, how are manufacturers keeping up with the growing demand? In this blog, we will talk about how Delta 8 THC is extracted along with several other topics.
What is Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 THC has become a remarkably popular choice when it comes to cannabis products on the market today. This product is known as “weed light”, or the less psychoactive version of its close relative Delta 9 THC. Delta 8 THC has a chemical reaction on the 8th chain of the carbon atom found in the cannabis plant, causing it to have a more minor effect on the body than Delta 9 THC.
Delta 8 THC is a naturally occurring compound that binds with the endocannabinoid receptors in the body, offering a wide range of helpful benefits. It also contains neuroprotective properties. These properties serve as a great benefit to aiding in the relief of aches, discomforts, anxious thoughts, and digestive issues, plus so much more.
How are Delta 8 and Delta 9 Similar and Different?
One of the biggest similarities between both of these cannabinoids is how they interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Research has shown both Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC has many benefits. Consumers of both products report having happy feelings, relief from discomforts such as achy bones and stiff muscles. It has also been reported that users have effects of euphoria, relief from digestive ailments, and sleeplessness.
Delta 8 and Delta 9 are alike in some ways but they also host many differences. Delta 9 THC is the most commonly known THC in marijuana. It is famous for its intoxicating feeling. Delta 9 THC has a chemical reaction on the 9th chain of the carbon atom, as were previously discussed Delta 8 has a reaction on the 8th chain. This chemical reaction is what is thought to be what differentiates the potency levels of the benefits and psychoactive effects on the brain and body.
Delta 9 THC has been know to increase anxious thoughts and lead to feelings of panic and paranoia. The impairments caused by Delta 9 can also affect behavior, speech, memory, and cause headaches, sleepiness, and dizziness. Both Delta 8 and Delta 9 will lead the consumer to a similar experience. Their use can result in feelings of euphoria, promote a better night’s sleep, aid in less anxious thoughts, and help in relieving digestive ailments.
Delta 8 THC has lesser effects on the mind, although it does have similar side effects to Delta 9. Both Delt 8 and Delta 9 THC can cause red eyes, and a dry mouth. These side effects are most generally temporary. Both of these substances can lead to impaired judgment. It is best to know how you react to these products, and never drive or operate machinery while intoxicated.
How Does Delta 8 THC Compare to CBD?
CBD and Delta 8 THC are both cannabinoids, but do you know their similarities and differences? Both of these products work with the body’s endocannabinoid system. The only similarities between Delta 8 THC and CBD are that they share some of the same benefits. Both Delta 8 and CBD can offer aid in the relief of ailments such as bone and joint aches and discomforts, relief of digestive issues, lessening anxious thoughts and feelings and they both carry neuroprotective properties to the brain and body.
Although the relief of these ailments is thought to be similar, Delta 8 hosts many different effects and side effects than CBD. CBD does not produce any side effects or psychoactive effects on the brain or body. Most generally if there is a reaction to CBD it is caused by another ingredient in the product. Whereas Delta 8 THC does in fact produce a psychoactive effect although it is mild. CBD and Delta 8 form a different chemical reaction in the body, to produce this psychoactive, and different effect.
CBD is most commonly used by those who do not want the feeling of being “high” but are looking to reap the benefits of using a cannabis product.
How Delta 8 is Extracted from Hemp.
The process of extracting Delta 8 THC from hemp is not an easy task. The selective breeding of hemp plants is the first step in the successful extraction of Delta 8. This can ensure the plant has a certain level of each cannabinoid, and secure a more potent level of Delta 8 THC per plant.
Distillation is one of the methods used to extract Delta 8 from the hemp plant. The distillation process uses solvents such as CO2 or ethanol to remove Delta 8 and other cannabinoids from the plant. The distillation process usually produces the purest Delta 8 by removing all other contaminants in multiple distillation processes.
Molecular isolation is another process used to create high product concentrates that are found to be rich in Delta 8 THC. This process uses variations in temperature and pressure to isolate the Delta 8 cannabinoid and eliminate all other cannabinoids and contaminants. This creates a product typically containing 80-85% Delta 8 THC. However further refinement of the process allows for higher concentrations containing over 99% Delta 8 THC.
Potency and Purity Testing for Delta 8 THC
After the extraction process, Delta-8-THC is measured through potency tests in the same way that CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids are measured. All of these products are tested using an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography machine. This is the most popular machine in the industry of Delta 8 because it does not use heat. Heat can cause a breakdown in the cannabis and cause it to change into different forms of THC or cannabinoids and change the potency levels. HPLC accurately tests both Delta-8-THC and Delta-9-THC for precise results.
Can You Pass a Drug Test After Using Delta 8?
Whether you are consuming Delta 8 THC from hemp or delta 9 THC from marijuana, these two cannabinoids metabolize into the same THC metabolites in your body and bloodstream.
Delta-8 THC, like most cannabinoids, is a fat-soluble product, which means your fat cells will absorb the compounds and store them usually longer than they would a water-soluble compound. If you only consume Delta-8 THC one time, your body will most likely process and secrete the THC metabolites within a few days to a week. However, if you are regularly consuming Delta-8, some trace amounts of the THC metabolites could possibly be in your system for weeks or months depending on your hormones, metabolism, weight, and even gender.
This means consuming any amount of either THC can cause you to fail a drug test. However, the legal limit is 0.03% delta 9 THC in a CBD or hemp-derived product. That means delta 8 THC products, which contain 0.3% delta 9 THC or less, are, in fact, legal to consume, but most drug tests will not decipher between Delta 8 and Delta 9.
Depending on how much Delta-8 you use, the safest and most full-proof way to pass a drug test is to abstain from using any form of THC product. Whether you’re taking a urine or hair follicle test, you may want to abstain for at least three months and consider buying an over-the-counter drug test to double-check your results before submitting samples for the real thing.
What Different Types of Delta 8 Products are Available?
Though many experienced THC users are familiar with Delta 9 THC, Delta 8 products are relatively new to the market, and several brands are starting to produce them. When compared to other forms of THC, Delta 8 seems to offer the most benefits. Those benefits being both physical and psychoactive, and having the least side effects. However, the research for Delta 8 THC products remains vague, as of now, we have mostly only speculation and user testimonials to rely on.
Considering there are currently a growing number of brands manufacturing and/or retailing Delta 8 today, it is more than understandable that most users have trouble identifying the best brands they can purchase from. These products are not exactly cheap, and it’s always advisable to purchase products only from reputed brands, so you essentially receive the best value for your hard-earned money.
Delta-8 THC products are available in almost every form. That means consumers can vape, eat, or ingest these products through the following types of products:
- Oil sprays
- Vape cartridge
- Tincture
- Edibles
- Beverages
- Softgels
How much Delta 8 Should I Take?
Delta-8 THC products can be consumed by both Men and Women, over the age of 21. They can be consumed on the go or at home. You can take a dose in moments where you have anxious thoughts or 15 minutes ahead of situations in which you expect to have anxious thoughts. They can also be used to aid in the relief of discomforts caused by inflammation, including joint and muscle aches. Delta-8 is also known to be an appetite stimulant, reduce nausea, and stimulate neurological function.
When consuming any Delta 8 THC or psychoactive product, it is vital that you know how much you are taking. When you are using the right dosage, you can experience all of the discomfort-relieving and mood-enhancing benefits. However, if you take too much, there could be some health consequences. These could include feelings of extreme lethargy, increased panic, and lack of coordination.
Delta-8 THC products take only a few minutes for their cannabinoids to work their way through the body before they are absorbed into the bloodstream. The effects of a Delta-8 product can last for upwards of six hours or more.
It is always safer to start out with a small dose of Delta 8 THC. This will help you experience how your body reacts to it. Make sure to check the dosing instructions on your product before consuming any of these products. You can always start off with half the dose, and work your way up to what feels right with your body and mind.
Precautions
USE RESPONSIBLY. DO NOT DRIVE OR OPERATE ANY MACHINERY WHILE USING any Delta 8 THC PRODUCT. DO NOT TAKE MORE THAN THE AMOUNT RECOMMENDED BY YOUR DOCTOR.
You should always consult a physician before using any Delta 8 THC product. Do not use these products if pregnant, nursing, or if you have any diagnosed or undiagnosed health conditions. These products may affect blood pressure, heart rate, and/or intraocular pressure in some people. If you have any known or unknown heart, blood pressure, eye, eye pressure, or similar/related issues, do not use this product unless recommended by a doctor.
Legalities
Delta 8 THC was made federally legal by the 2018 Farm Bill Act. However, it is illegal in some states. The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp and derivatives of the cannabis plant with extremely low content of Delta 9 THC(no more than 0.3% THC) from the definition of marijuana, in the controlled substance act. The 2018 Farm Bill Act also preserved the FDA’s authority over hemp and cannabis products. This, meaning any and all hemp or cannabis products must meet all FDA standards and requirements.
Since Delta 8 THC has the same type of effects as regular THC, several states have banned its use. Others have made it illegal to sell, purchase, or possess Delta 8 THC. These states include Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Deleware, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, Rhode Island, New York, and Utah. All other states allow the use, but keep in mind that this is subject to change. State legislation could determine that it should be classified as a controlled substance.
How to Purchase Delta-8 Products Safely
Since Delta-8 THC is relatively new in the cannabis market, you might find it a bit challenging to find products that are premium quality, have been 3rd party tested, and actually contain the minimum amount of .03% Delta 9 THC. When shopping for Delta-8 products, check out the Venders website to see if they have information on how they source their products. You will also want to know how and where they are produced, and what extensive testing has been done to prove their quality.
Premium quality, 3rd party tested products usually have a QR code or batch number on the box. Those products allow you to look up test results on the Venders website. You should stay away from products that do not have testing results or have questionable test results. You will not know if those products even contain Delta-8 THC. They could also potentially contain other harmful substances.
Delta 8 is on its Way to Fame
The extraction of Delta-8 can be a difficult task to achieve due to its rarity. However, with the evolving processes of extraction methods, the process can be a little simpler. This has allowed for the widened availability of this beneficial cannabinoid. As Delta-8 increases in popularity, strains are being bred purely for their heightened cannabinoid content. We will see this large industry change in even more ways.
