Delta 8 Safety
Delta 8 has made waves as an alternative to traditional THC. The cannabinoid is legal in many states where cannabis is not, and users love the less intense high. While the cannabinoid offers many of the same benefits of cannabis, critics have a lot to say regarding delta 8 and safety. Turns out, not all delta 8 is created equal, and there are some valid safety concerns worth discussing. Read on to learn more about these concerns, and how to choose safe delta 8.
In the meantime, you can shop our selection of delta 8 blunts and prerolls with confidence. DVNT has your back when it comes to safe delta 8.
What is delta 8?
Delta 8 is essentially a cousin of traditional THC. Traditional THC is actually delta 9 THC; the difference between the two comes down to the placement of a double bond on a carbon chain within their molecular structure. Delta 8’s double bond lies on the eighth carbon in the chain while delta 9’s double bond exists on the ninth carbon. Both cannabinoids are naturally occurring in cannabis. However, delta 8 is much less prevalent than delta 9, and is typically only found in trace amounts.
How it’s made
Since there’s not a ton of naturally occurring delta 8 available, most delta 8 on the market comes from hemp-derived CBD. Not only is this a viable way to yield larger amounts of delta 8, but it also makes this delta 8 legal on a federal level. This is due to the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill. This bill legalized hemp on a federal level. Legally, hemp is defined as cannabis containing .3% or less delta 9 THC. Since this delta 8 is being made from hemp, it’s considered federally legal.
The lack of regulations surrounding delta 8 contribute to safety concerns. In order to make delta 8 from CBD, the CBD is refluxed in an organic solvent. Next, a catalyst is introduced which can be either an acid or a metal. This induces a reaction which converts the CBD to delta 8. When performed by professionals, the conversion is safe. However, there is one vital, final step that is absolutely essential to ensure the safety of delta 8 before it hits the shelves.
Lab testing
Lab testing is a crucial element of delta 8 safety. It’s necessary to ensure that there are no leftover byproducts from the cannabinoid conversion process. Assuming the delta 8 has been distilled and separated from the other components of the procedure, delta 8 is safe to use. And lab testing can confirm that this is the case. Additionally, lab testing ensures that there are no other “surprise” cannabinoids that consumers may be looking to avoid. Here at DVNT, we share all of our lab test results right on our site because you deserve to know exactly what is (and isn’t) in your delta 8.
The case for regulation
As we know, cannabis is legal in many US states. Every cannabis product available in a state-run dispensary is subject to rigorous testing before it hits the shelves. Unfortunately, there is no widespread legislation ensuring the same for delta 8. Certain states have reacted to the safety issue by banning delta 8 entirely. Others seek to regulate it by demanding that it only be available from state-run dispensaries that would be subject to the same level of testing requirements as legal cannabis. Even in these states, it’s still possible to buy untested delta 8 from countless online retailers. Definitely be aware of the laws in your state, and definitely take the time to find lab tested delta 8 (like ours) before indulging.
The bottom line
So, is delta 8 safe? Delta 8 is safe provided that it’s handled by professionals in a lab, and that it’s lab tested. Without lab testing, there is no way to know if there are any harmful byproducts leftover from the conversion process. Additionally, there could be other hidden cannabinoids in the final products. Here at DVNT, we deliver delta 8 that gets you lit, but we also consider safety to be our top priority. We share our lab results right on our page so you can shop with confidence. Check out our selection today, and rest assured that you’re only getting delta 8, without any dangerous surprises.