What Is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 THC is a fascinating chemical compound found within Cannabis. Though it is considered to be one of the top four cannabinoids out of well over 100 that are currently known to exist, it is quite rare and only found in very low concentrations.

What is most impressive about this cannabinoid is that it holds close relation to Delta-9 THC, carrying many of the same characteristics and qualities, such as it being a psychoactive compound that is packed with many benefits. Delta-8 THC also has a close relation to CBD (Cannabidiol) as it is an isomer of CBD, which ultimately signifies that both Delta-8 THC and CBD have the same chemical formula, yet their structure, chemical makeup, and their pharmacological properties are different from one another.

Despite what many believe, it is quite remarkable that Delta-8 is a derivative of both hemp and CBD. With that said, as long as the final product contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 products are federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill.

The National Cancer Institute added in its NCI Drug Directory, defining Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol as “An analogue of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with antiemetic, anxiolytic, appetite-stimulating, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties.”

How Is Delta-8 THC Made?

Due to Delta-8 THC only being available in very low concentrations, it wouldn’t be wise to extract it from any form of cannabis. By the time the cannabinoid endures the rigorous process of extraction, the benefits and effects it offers would not outweigh the cost. With this being said, processors have found other methods to create the cannabinoid, which is a simple process of conversion.

What Is Delta-8 THC?

 There are many cannabinoids that have the same structure or are at least very similar, meaning that they can be converted quite easily with a chemical reaction. Converting one cannabinoid into another is common in the industry, though sometimes it isn’t even needed since some cannabinoids automatically convert into another all by themselves.

The way Delta-8 THC is made is by converting CBD to Delta-8 THC. The following steps are required;

• Dissolve 1g of CBD in 10mL 0.005molar H204 in glacial acetic acid.
• Allow the solution to stand at room temperature.
• After the solution sets for 3 hours, CBD is converted into 52% Delta-9 THC and 2% Delta-8 THC.
• After the solution sets for 3 days, CBD is converted into 15% Delta-9 THC, 54% Delta-8 THC, 10% Delta-8-Iso, and 10% CBD.

How Do You Use Delta-8 THC?

 There are many Delta-8 THC products that have emerged onto the market as of late. From edibles to vapeables, everyone is taking advantage of this remarkable cannabinoid. The most common, and most popular, is Delta-8 THC Cartridges. Unlike edibles, once you eat them, it’s there and in your system. Using vape cartridges allows you to control the effects more easily, making it an ideal solution for those who want to start slow and work their way up to gauge the effects Delta-8 may have on you.

To vape Delta-8 THC, it is as simple as buying a Delta 8 Cartridge, then attaching it to a vape pen. The cartridges are often disposable, therefore having to change coils, refill the cartridge or any maintenance isn’t required.