Delta-8 THC is one of the most recent cannabinoids to appear in the hemp industry. Said to be like a milder version of delta 9, delta-8 THC has seen a boom in consumer demand. From oils and tinctures to vapes and edibles, delta-8 is just about everywhere these days.

As this newfound and legal high continues to make its mark on the cannabinoid-based product industry, more and more users and potential consumers are asking the question: how is delta-8 made? So, let’s find out.

What Exactly is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid, like CBD and traditional THC (delta 9 THC), that can be found in hemp and cannabis plants. Delta-8 is a minor cannabinoid that is found in small quantities. Because of this, many delta-8 products are made using CBD, but more on that a little later.

First, we should understand a little more about delta-8 from a chemical standpoint. Not only do delta-8 and delta 9 share a similar name, but they also have similar chemical structures, but with a key difference. Delta-8 has a double bond on its eighth carbon chain while delta 9 has it on the ninth. This small difference is believed to cause the differences in effects the two compounds can have.

There is little scientific research to date on the effects of delta-8, but user reports suggest it can produce feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and even pain relief. It’s also been reported that delta-8 can cause a high that is milder than delta 9 THC. For anyone with concerns over side effects of delta 9, delta-8 THC could be a good choice with less intense effects.

How Are Delta-8 THC Products Made?

Delta-8 can come in a variety of forms. The majority of delta-8 products are made using CBD that is processed in a lab. Because delta-8 occurs in such small amounts naturally, converting CBD to delta-8 is the most efficient way to produce it.

The process used to convert CBD to delta-8 is nothing new. Known as an isomerization process, one compound can be chemically transformed to another. In the case of CBD to delta-8, the hemp extracts are exposed to acidic conditions and sometimes heat plus plenty of time, and the result is delta-8. This chemical process can be complicated, so all delta-8 products should be tested for impurities and cannabinoid levels to ensure consumer safety.

Always Turn to Third-Party Lab Tests

Because delta-8 THC undergoes a conversion process to be made, it is considered to be synthetic by many. Even though delta-8 is found naturally in hemp plants, the products on the market come from converted CBD, so third-party lab testing should be even more important than with other cannabinoids.

Third-party lab tests allow for your insight to the quality of your product. Double check label claims for cannabinoids present and at what level, including delta 9 THC, and make sure that you are getting exactly what you expect. Having a good experience with a delta-8 product can heavily depend on its quality.

If you are looking for a great place to start when buying delta-8 THC, turn to Real Tested CBD and the full Delta-8 THC Resource Center. Find all the best and most reliable products and where to shop for them in one place.

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