This article was originally published on Real Tested CBD. To view the original article, click here. This article was last updated on 8/28/2021.
There is a new cannabinoid on the rise: delta-8 THC. This close relative of the more commonly known delta-9 THC is making its mark on the hemp and cannabis industries.
Over the past decade, cannabis research and reform have both advanced. The cannabis industry has reached a new milestone, with consumers becoming more aware and well-versed with various cannabinoids that can be found in cannabis and hemp plants. When it comes to finding the best cannabinoid products, finding reliable and trusted sources is key. Especially with the newest products on the market, including delta-8.
What Is Delta-8?
Delta-8 THC occurs in all cannabis and hemp plants in very small concentrations. Delta-8 THC is a relative of delta-9 THC, with a similar molecular structure, but with a few notable differences. The two share similar properties, like potentially stimulating appetite or reducing pain, but delta-8 THC reportedly exhibits a lower psychoactive impact than delta-9 THC. From a chemical standpoint, delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC differ due to the location of a double bind in their molecular chain. Delta-8 THC contains the bond on the 8th carbon chain while delta-9 THC has it on the 9th carbon chain.
Most delta-8 products on the market today are sourced from hemp plants. According to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp cultivated in the United States must have a THC threshold of less than 0.3% delta-9 THC. This puts the legality of delta-8 in the same classification as CBD products in most states, for now. Learn more about delta-8 legality here.
Why Is Lab Testing Important for Delta-8 Products?
When it comes to delta-8, producers must be especially careful about the purity and testing of their products. Lab results for content analysis can show the potency of product, the cannabinoid makeup, as well as the purity of product from residual solvents and pesticides.
The production of delta-8 can vary a bit. Delta-8 THC extracted from marijuana plants is typically safe but could have a higher delta-9 THC content than you are anticipating and could be illegal to produce in your state. It’s always smart to check your state’s laws regarding delta-9 THC, and to check the delta-9 content in your product. If there is more delta-9 THC than you are expecting (the 0.3% threshold), there may be some unwanted side effects of traditional THC.
Delta-8 products produced from hemp plants must first be converted from CBD. This process usually calls for the use of chemicals, which in turn must be removed. For the process to be completed properly, the right equipment and expertise is needed. This is where third-party lab testing becomes important.
Real Tested CBD Reviews: Top Delta-8 THC Products Tested So Far
Here at Real Tested CBD, we test for purity, potency, and quality so you can make sure you are getting exactly what you need out of your cannabinoid product. When it comes to buying delta-8 THC, finding a trusted and reliable source is key to a good purchase. Our expert score scale and third-party lab test results take the guesswork out of shopping for CBD or any other cannabinoid product. Here are our top picks for delta-8 based on lab test results and label transparency:
Nuleaf Naturals Full-Spectrum Delta-8 THC Capsules
Ranking first in our Best Delta-8 THC Products category, we tested Nuleaf Naturals Full-Spectrum Delta-8 THC Capsules. Passing all solvent and pesticide tests with flying colors, these capsules are a safe choice for a delta-8 product. These capsules are also truly full-spectrum, containing all the rare cannabinoids we like to see, including a solid 600mg of delta-8 THC and over 30mg of all other cannabinoids and with just 60mg of delta-9 THC. If you are looking for a great quality delta-8 product, this is a good choice for you. We highly recommend this product from Nuleaf Naturals!
3Chi Delta-8 THC Oil – 1200mg
Next, we have 3Chi’s Delta-8 THC Oil in 1200mg. This full-spectrum oil gets a recommended review from our experts. With passes on all solvent and pesticide tests, this is a safe delta-8 oil to turn to. This oil also tested spot on the label claim with 1246mg of delta-8 THC. If you are new to THC, be aware this oil also contains 150mg of delta-9 THC. Containing most of the rare cannabinoids we like to see from a full-spectrum product, this oil received a high score of 88 out of 100 on our expert scale. If you are looking for a reliable delta-8 THC oil, this could be a great choice for you.
Boston Hempire Delta-8 THC High Life Vape Cartridge Gorilla Glue
From Boston Hempire, we have the Gorilla Glue Delta-8 THC Vape Cartridge. This delta-8 cartridge received acceptable recommendation from our experts. With passes on all solvent and pesticide tests, this is a safe vape cartridge to use for delta-8. This cartridge ranks third in our Best Delta-8 THC Products category. That being said, this cartridge also contains a substantial amount of delta-9 THC, something to consider if you are trying to minimize your “high” feeling. This cartridge contains 647mg of delta-8 THC, which is a great amount, but also factor in the 136mg of delta-9 THC this cartridge contains prior to purchasing.
Boston Hempire Delta-8 High Life Vape Cartridge Mango Sativa
Next up we have another from Boston Hempire, with the Mango Sativa Delta-8 THC Vape Cartridge. This vape cartridge passed all solvent and pesticide tests and contains plenty of delta-8 THC. In fact, this cartridge contains a solid 593mg of delta-8 THC! This vape cartridge received an 84 out of 100 on our expert scale, with the only thing bringing its score down is the amount of delta-9 THC. This cartridge contains nearly 150mg of delta-9 THC, so be aware before buying if you are trying to avoid traditional THC.
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