In the past year, the market for federally legal hemp has had a frenzy around the new cannabinoid in town: delta 8 THC. The supply and products have also exploded as a result, and now it’s easy to shop online for the product. In light of that, it’s a good idea to know what to look out for when shopping for delta 8 THC. So let’s dive right into it!
What is delta 8 THC
Let’s start by talking about what delta 8 THC is and why there’s such a buzz around it. Delta 8 THC is an isomer of delta 9 THC. Most people know that THC is the compound responsible for the high they get when they consume marijuana. What they don’t know is that it’s a particular isomer of THC that is responsible for the high, since it’s so abundant in cannabis. That is delta 9 THC.
Another isomer that exists in cannabis is delta 8 THC. The difference between the two is in the structure of their molecules. While the molecules have the exact same atoms, delta 9 has an important bond on the ninth carbon atom in the change, while delta 8 has a bond on the eighth carbon. It also gives a high, but not as intense as delta 9. You therefore don’t suffer from the intense sluggishness, paranoia, and hunger that comes with consuming delta 9 THC, but you enjoy the benefits of being high.
Delta 8 THC is technically legal under the Farm Bill, just like cannabinoids like CBD. What makes it different from these others is that it is psychoactive, though not nearly as much as delta 9.
Things to consider when shopping for delta 8
The color of the product
Only purchase delta 8 THC that is clear, or rose, or champagne, or yellow in color. It should not be opaque, and you shouldn’t buy anything that is green, purple, brown, or red. This simply means the lab that made it didn’t clean it after making it.
Issues around testing
If you’re planning on stocking up on delta 8, you should consider testing issues. All producers have to produce a COA, or certificate of analysis, with their products. The process for making delta 8 involves converting CBD into delta 8, since it doesn’t exist in sufficient qualities in natural cannabis.
When isomerizing CBD into delta 8, sometimes side reactions can happen, giving rise to delta 9 and delta 10. When such peaks occur, the delta 9 might appear in drug tests, causing you to fail.
When buying delta 8, only buy delta 8 that has
- Been tested locally, as local labs are more trustworthy than overseas ones
- A chromatograph that shows the peaks of all chemicals in the product and shows that there is no delta 9 or other chemicals that might be interpreted as such.
Look out for mystery peaks
Continuing from the point above, sometimes when delta 8 is made side reactions can occur and give rise to different chemicals, not all of which are cannabinoids or even safe for human health. As a result, only buy delta 8 from companies that adequately clean their product. Reputable companies are known to do this.
Figure out how you want your delta 8 to be
Delta 8 is sold as gummies, cartridges, and edibles. There are also different strains, such as sativa, indica, and hybrids.
Conclusion
And with that, you can shop for delta 8 more confidently, knowing what to look out for. This is a remarkable compound that promises a lot of benefits beyond its psychoactive properties. By knowing what to look out for, you can enjoy the best of it.