How is Delta-8 THC made?

This article was originally published on Real Tested CBD.

Though delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most well-known cannabinoid, it has an up-and-coming counterpart: delta-8-THC. Scientists and researchers believe that there are over 120 different cannabinoids in hemp and cannabis plants, and Delta-8 is the latest to hit the market.

Delta-8-THC is an isomer of Delta-9-THC that is believed to have neuroprotective properties such as appetite stimulants, nausea reduction, and anxiety and pain management. Delta-8 THC contains some psychoactive properties but is said to have less psychotropic effects than conventional THC or Delta-9.

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The legal status of Delta-8 remains rather a gray area. According to Court invoice 2018, making hemp products with a delta-9 THC limit of 0.3% or less is legal. So if Delta-8-THC products are made from hemp, they are technically legal at the federal level. However, some states have started regulating the new active ingredient, so be sure to check the legal status of Delta-8-THC in your state before buying it. Some lawmakers see the Farm Bill terminology as a loophole and seek to fill the loophole.

Read on for a simple breakdown of how Delta-8-THC is made and how it could affect sales in your state. For more information on the legality of Delta-8 THC, please visit check here.

What is Delta-8-THC?

First, let’s define what Delta-8 THC actually is. Delta-8 THC is one of many naturally occurring compounds found in hemp and cannabis plants. Delta-8 is a minor cannabinoid, which means it is less common than larger cannabinoids like traditional THC or CBD.

Delta-8 and Delta-9 have a similar chemical structure, with some major differences. Delta-8 THC contains the binding on the 8thNS Carbon chain, while delta-9 THC it on the 9th HasNSCarbon chain. It is this structural difference that can cause Delta-8 to have similar potentially therapeutic effects as Delta-9-THC, but supposedly less potent. Delta-8 can make you feel high, but it’s believed to have milder effects.

How is Delta-8 THC made?

Although research around all cannabinoids is relatively new and still emerging, there is less knowledge about smaller cannabinoids compared to the primary ones like Delta-9 THC or CBD. Delta-9-THC, made and sold medicinally or for recreational purposes, is derived from cannabis plants, while hemp plants are used for high-CBD strains that fall below the THC limit of 0.3% or less.

Most CBD products, with the exception of flowers, which are barely processed or not processed at all, are made using an extraction method. There are several forms of extraction, but the most common is the use of CO2 extraction or supercritical carbon dioxide. This method separates liquid from gas and the end result is usually an extract or oil. This is usually the first step in Delta 8 THC production as well.

RELATED: How To Tell If Delta-8 THC Is Right For You

Although Delta-8-THC is found in all hemp and cannabis plants, most of the products available today are made from hemp plants that undergo an extensive process that turns CBD into Delta-8. The process involves dissolving CBD in a solvent. An acid is added to this mixture, which is then heated for hours, where a chemical reaction takes place that converts CBD to Delta-8. After the reaction has ended, the solution is separated off and neutralized.

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The process involves chemicals and acids that need to be cleaned often in order for a product to be safe and pure. Similarly, more than trace amounts of Delta-9 THC can be left which could be detrimental to you if the goal was to avoid traditional THC for a reduced “high”. This is why third-party laboratory testing of Delta-8 THC products is so important.

Rely on third-party laboratory tests

There are usually byproducts of converting CBD to Delta-8, and if you’re trying a product that claims to be made from a new popular cannabinoid, laboratory testing is crucial. Using HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) tests can determine the analysis of purity, potency, pesticides and solvents so you can find a reliable, safe and legal product.

RELATED: Hemp Industries Association Calls for Regulation, Not Prohibition, of Delta-8 THC

Here at Real Tested CBD we use HPLC to take the guesswork out of your cannabinoid purchase. From safety to quality, we bring transparency in CBD and THC straight to you. For Delta-8 products that are going through the process of converting from a large cannabinoid to the smaller Delta-8, laboratory testing is the best way to know exactly what you are getting. Contact Real Tested CBD and for all of your cannabinoid needs Click here for our shortlist of the best tested Delta-8-THC products to date.

For more information on our cannabinoid testing labs, please visit check here.