How Is Delta 8 Made?
Delta 8 has taken the hemp market by storm in recent years. Its popularity has made it quite the topic of conversation- and not always in a good way. People definitely have opinions regarding this controversial cannabinoid, but what is the truth? A lot of the buzz surrounds one crucial question: how is delta 8 made? Learn all about the process and why it’s important to shop with a reputable brand (like DVNT) when choosing your delta 8 products.
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What is delta 8?
Before we get into how delta 8 is made, let’s cover the basics. Delta 8 is short for delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol. It’s a naturally occurring cannabinoid, and as you can see by its full name, it is a form of THC. When we talk about regular THC, we’re actually referring to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol.
Delta 8 was initially discovered in the 1940s by American chemist Roger Adams. He was able to partially synthesize the cannabinoid, and conducted studies regarding its psychoactivity. Years later, in the 1960s, Israeli chemist Raphel Mechoulam managed to fully synthesize the cannabinoid that wouldn’t have its moment in the limelight for many more years.
Why are we just hearing about it now?
Though scientists have known about delta 8 for years, it’s really only begun to have its moment in the spotlight recently. This is due to the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill. This bill legalized hemp on a federal level, which inadvertently made all cannabinoids legal (psychoactive or not) as long as they are derived from hemp. Hemp is legally defined as cannabis containing .3% or less of delta 9 THC.
How it’s made
The thing about delta 8 is that it is only naturally present in extremely small quantities. So, for years, it never made sense to do anything with it because you would require much more material than if you simply used regular THC, which naturally occurs in large quantities. Remember our boy Raphael Mechoulam from the 60s? Turns out he was only getting started on his contributions to hemp and cannabis. Mechoulam filed for a patent for his process of isomerization in 2002. This process can be used to convert naturally abundant CBD to delta 8.
What is isomerization?
In case, like me, you are not a chemist, let’s go through the whole process step-by-step. Most, if not all, of the d-8 currently on the market is made in labs from hemp-derived CBD. I’m writing this as if it’s a “how-to”, but I just want to make it clear that I am not encouraging you to go out and attempt this yourself! I doubt you have the equipment, but even if you do, this is best left to the pros.
First, the CBD needs to be dissolved into a solvent. Next, heat the solvent solution to 100 degrees celsius, add acid, and continuously stir for a minimum of 18 hours. No, not the trippy acid, more like hydrochloric acid, for instance. Apparently they make hot plates with stirrers so the chemists’ arms don’t get tired from stirring a hot solution for almost an entire day. 18 hours later, once the CBD has metamorphasized into delta 8, the whole solution needs to be washed and neutralized. Mechoulam recommends using sodium bicarbonate. The final, yet vital step is to test the finished product in a lab.
Why does this matter?
This last step is crucial because this whole process can sometimes leave byproducts in the delta 8. That’s why it’s so important to shop with reputable companies like DVNT. When it comes to how our products are made, we take things very seriously. Another risk is the use of impure ingredients. Here at DVNT, we don’t skimp out when it comes to quality or safety. We use organic ingredients and our products are lab tested.
When done properly, delta 8 can be a fantastic alternative to cannabis. Users love the euphoric, relaxed high. Since it’s not as potent as traditional THC, there is less potential for anxiety and paranoia. As long as you shop with a reputable brand, d-8 is an ideal way to relax and stay lit without the paranoia.