As more people are hearing about Delta 8 THC and what it can do, we’re starting to receive a lot of questions from interested hemp enthusiasts who are wondering what this compound can do for them. Delta 8, also known as delta8 and delta-8 THC, is a unique cannabinoid that occurs in a very small amount in the buds of the hemp plant, which are also where we find cannabinoids like CBD, CBN and terpenes.
Delta 8 THC has the distinction of being a psychoactive compound, which means that it can get you high, but it’s milder than delta 9 THC, which is the dominant cannabinoid in marijuana that is responsible for its effects. Delta 8 also happens to be federally legal, while delta 9 is not. As its popularity continues to rise, more people are wondering how it’s made.
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It Starts with the Hemp Plant
Delta 8 is a naturally occurring cannabinoid in the cannabis plant, and in the hemp plant it is present in about 0.1% of the plant’s chemical composition. This is a very minor cannabinoid, as it can be compared to the 15 to 25% cannabidiol (CBD) that’s found in the same part of the plant material.
Delta 8 does also exist in marijuana, but deriving the compound from this plant is illegal according to federal law. The law states that all hemp derivatives, including isolated cannabinoids, are legal as they are tested to show that they have no more than 0.3% delta 9 THC. In fact, delta 8 is the result of delta 9 that has degraded over time, which explains delta 8’s milder nature compared to delta 9.
Presently, cannabis breeders are working on trying to come up with a way to breed higher-delta8 strains so that it’s more naturally abundant in the flowering buds that we use to produce hemp products. However, this is difficult to do as Delta 8 THC is such as minor cannabinoid.
Extracting Delta 8 THC from the Hemp Bud
Delta-8 THC does occur in hemp naturally, which means that any hemp product made with full or broad spectrum extract gives you the naturally occurring level of delta 8 found in the flowers. This amount is simply too low to produce the benefits and effects for which delta 8 is known, however.
It also means you would have to use an otherworldly amount of plant just to get a liter of Delta 8 Distillate from Hemp extraction. Unfortunately, this method does not work because that would make Hemp very expensive and environmentally irresponsible to make. This is why we use different methods to make Delta 8 distillate.
Today’s delta 8 products use a CBD isolate conversion. Which is when CBD Isolate is adjusted chemically to become almost pure Delta 8 THC distillate. Delta 8 converts at around a 92-95% ratio, with a 5% loss from conversion. This is almost perfect, and is extremely good for a simple conversion process. There are a few other ways to make Delta 8 THC, but they are not nearly perfected, consistent, or affordable yet.
Here are the different methods from least effective to most:
Method #1: Isolating the Naturally Occurring 0.1% Delta8
First, the hemp plant material is run through a standard CO2 extraction process, which uses pressurized carbon dioxide to lift the compounds in hemp from the plant material. From there, scientists must use nanotechnological means to isolate the extremely small amount of delta 8, and from there it can be accumulated to produce a highly potent extract containing just this compound.
Now, this method may work, but it’s extremely difficult, tedious and expensive. It’s simply not cost-effective or efficient to go through such effort for such a small amount of material. Meaning the price of isolating naturally occurring Delta 8 THC Distillate would be very expensive.
Method #2: Create a Delta 8 Distillate
This involves using varying levels of pressure and temperature to push steam through the hemp flower until all that remains is delta-8 THC. Then, this steam is concentrated to create an almost completely pure delta 8 isolate product.
However, like stated earlier this method does not really work because the amount of Delta 8 leftover will be miniscule. This leads to our final method.
Method #3: Converting CBD Isolate to Delta 8 Distillate
As mentioned earlier, CBD isolate has almost a perfect transfer rate to Delta 8. This means around 92-95% conversion, with 5% going to loss. Making this method a no brainer, because of how cheap CBD isolate is and the non-extensive time it takes to chemically convert to Delta 8 THC.
Delta 8 Structure Change: More Details
This last method, which is the most popular, involves changing the atomic structure of the cannabidiol compound to turn it into delta8. These two cannabinoids are isomers, which means that they share the exact same atoms, but they are configured in different ways. By rearranging the atoms in CBD, you get delta 8. This is the most efficient and economic method because cannabidiol occurs in such high levels in the plant material naturally.
Purification and Decarboxylation
Now that you have a delta 8 concentrate, you can employ purification and decarboxylation methods to get it ready for formulation. Purification involves the use of different methods to further purify the product, eliminating nonessential compounds to get something that’s as clean and potent as possible.
Decarboxylation is a process that involves applying a controlled amount of heat to the compound to activate it. When left raw, it’s not as bioavailable, which means that it’s not nearly as effective or potent. Decarboxylation makes it easily accessible by the bodily system, allowing its full effects to be felt.
Clear Rose Delta 8 THC Distillate vs. Gold Delta 8 THC Distillate
For wholesale, Delta 8 THC usually comes in clear jars and containers. The distillate is sealed off and labeled with the percentage Delta 8. As well, the delta 8 will come in either a clear to rose red color or golden color.
This is due to the amount of heat used in the conversion process. The effectiveness of the Delta 8 is the same regardless of which type, as well as everything else. The color is just for show. All you have to do is heat the clear/rose Delta 8 to achieve the golden look.
However, you have to be aware that Delta 8 THC can be bleached to be completely clear. That is because some people do not want to rose red color. We always suggest to keep it natural to keep it clean. Clear rose means it has not been tampered with. Which in reality can be a very good thing. Therefore the Delta 8 products you use should be either of these colors.
Delta 8 THC Distillate Lab-Testing for Quality
Now, any good company should have each batch of delta-8 THC tested by a third-party laboratory. This has become a standard practice throughout the industry, as it allows companies to verify the quality of their products by offering objective, unbiased information.
This testing process looks for the chemical composition to detect any other potential compounds, while also analyzing the potency level, purity level, presence of microbes and general quality. The lab reports are then made available to customers via the brand’s website, as this gives customers the piece of mind that indicates that the product is high in quality, pure and capable of delivering the desired results.
Delta 8 THC Distillate usually tests at are 90-95% purity on a lab result. Most being 92% as a consistently accurate and high quality amount of Delta 8 THC. When you are seeing a Delta 8 THC lab report on a website, check to see the percentage because this affects and determines the quality and potency of the product. Our Binoid Delta 8 THC Vape Cartridges are 92% Delta 8. Which is extremely high quality.
Formulating Delta 8 THC Products
This involves blending delta 8 extract with any number of ingredients to produce a finished product. Of course, the exact formula varies from product to product, and each brand uses their own unique ingredients. These Delta 8 products include vape cartridges, tinctures, softgels, gummies and more! Each delivery method has its own formula.
Delta 8 THC Vape Cartridges: Delta 8 vape cartridges uses pure Delta 8 distillate with terpenes as a cut. However, you have to ensure the vape cartridges are made safely.
Delta 8 THC Gummies: A delta 8 gummy will require that the extract is blended with candy ingredients to produce a flavorful and easy-to-digest recipe. Sometimes the Delta 8 is sprayed on.
Delta 8 THC tinctures: A delta 8 tincture will dilute the concentrate in a carrier oil and possibly offer flavor as well.
Delta 8 THC Softgel Capsules: Delta 8 THC softgel capsules usually mix a carrier out such as MCT oil with Delta 8, inside of a vegan gel capsule.
There are many Delta 8 THC product types available, with different Delta 8 THC Dosages. Additionally, delta 8 products may be formulated with other hemp compounds to enhance bioavailability through synergy. Combining delta-8 THC with other cannabinoids or terpenes allows for synergistic properties that can aid in the effectiveness while introducing more plant properties to the human system.
Some companies such as 3chi are doing this with Delta 8 THC and CBN. Both of these cannabinoids have been found useful and powerful for sleep insomnia, pain relief and anxiety.
Plus, some companies combine delta-8 THC with other natural active ingredients to produce more specific types of effects. An example would be a delta 8 gummy that’s enhanced with melatonin to aid in sleep.
Packaging Delta 8 THC
Involves dividing the formula batch into individual packages that are ready to be sold. This process is more important than you may think. First of all, delta 8 products should be packaged in airtight, childproof containers and bottles. Also, the label should provide information about what’s inside. It’s actually required by law that a label provides information about the ingredients in the formula as well as what counts as a single serving size.
For wholesale, Delta 8 THC usually comes in clear jars and containers. The distillate is sealed off and labeled with the percentage Delta 8. As well, the delta 8 will come in either a clear to rose red color or golden color.
The Way It’s Made Matter When Using It Daily
Delta 8 THC is a fascinating hemp compound that requires a unique process in order to be put into various formulas like gummies, tinctures and vape oils. Now, you know exactly what goes into producing a delta-8 product, which should make you feel more confident incorporating it into your routine.