The cannabis industry is evolving and growing like never before, and more people are opening up to the idea of incorporating it into their daily routine. This may be easier said than done, however, because the reality is that the market offers such a diverse array of unique cannabis-derived products that knowing which one to try.
By now, most of us have a decent understanding of the differences between the hemp plant and the marijuana plant, and what both CBD and THC are capable of.
But now there’s a new buzzword in the cannabis world, and it’s delta 8. Delta8, also referred to as delta8 or delta-8, is a cannabinoid just like CBD, but it’s got some pretty unique properties that are being explored eagerly by cannabis enthusiasts. Technically, it’s THC, but it’s very different from the THC that we’re used to in the marijuana plant. And, because of its unique nature, it’s quickly becoming a thriving submarket all on its own.
At iDELTA8, we have created an extensive line of delta8 products. We’re going to give you a full understanding of what these products are capable of, but first, let’s go fully into the world of this fascinating compound, so that you can walk away with a complete understanding of what it is, how it works, and how it’s made.
Delta 8 THC: The Basics
As you probably know already, within the cannabis plant, you can find over one hundred individual cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are cannabis-specific plant compounds that are extremely unique in that they directly feed the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is present in every mammal. The endocannabinoid system is tasked with the responsibility of helping the body achieve and maintain homeostasis. It does this with the help of cannabinoids, as the body intuitively sends cannabinoids to cannabinoid receptors, which are found in every system of the body. Each receptor relates to a bodily process, whether it be maintaining a sleep cycle, sustaining mood, supporting the immune system, the digestive process or something else that is carried out by the body for functional wellbeing.
We know a lot about this already from experimenting with CBD, which is cannabidiol. CBD is the dominant compound in the hemp plant, and therefore the easiest to isolate. But CBD is far from the only cannabinoid in hemp that can provide unique effects via regulatory actions through the binding process between these compounds and cannabinoid receptors.
So, What Exactly is Delta-8?
Well, it’s another cannabinoid in cannabis, and in the hemp plant, you can find it only in trace amounts – about 0.1% in most strains. Delta 8, fascinatingly, is THC. But, it’s not the THC compound that we’re more commonly associated with.
When we talk about marijuana’s psychoactive properties, we’re referring to delta 9 THC. In marijuana, up to 30% of the plant’s chemical composition can be delta 9 THC. We all know the unique effects of this cannabinoid, as it’s known for getting people high. And, it’s the reason why marijuana is illegal, while hemp, with no more than about 0.3% of the compound, is not.
Delta 8 derived from the hemp plant is also psychoactive. It binds with CB1 receptors found in the nervous system. What’s highly unique about delta-8 is that it engages in a double-binding process with cannabinoid receptors, which is where the name of the compound comes from.
Fascinatingly, delta 8 is an isomer of both delta 9 THC and CBD. This means that its molecular makeup is the same, only the molecules are organized in a different way. Further, delta 8 is essentially degraded delta 9. We know that when compounds degrade organically, they become weaker. And, because it has already experienced the oxidization process, it’s profoundly chemically stable in its natural state.
Now, if you take full spectrum hemp products, you’re already consuming delta 8 regularly without even knowing it. Of course, the amount is trace, but it’s still in your system.
When we talk about delta 8 products, we’re referring to products made with isolated delta 8, which has been produced to be highly concentrated.
Now, that doesn’t mean that every delta8 product on the market is safe. Sadly, the hemp industry remains largely unregulated, and so there is no particular organization overseeing the manufacturing of delta 8 products, or any hemp products for that matter. Therefore, the caution needed when buying delta 8 is just like that which is maintained when purchasing CBD goods. Look for companies with a good reputation who provide lab reports. Otherwise, your delta 8 may come from questionable sources, or use questionable manufacturing methods that result in a low-quality product.
How is Delta8 Produced?
As we said, delta 8 naturally occurs in the cannabis plant. Therefore, it’s technically produced by mother nature. The delta8 products that we sell here at iDELTA8, however. are produced using a delta 8 extract.
So, how is that extract created?
Interestingly, producing delta-8 isolate is harder than you may think. CBD is easy to isolate and concentrate because it’s so naturally abundant in the hemp plant. But, with only about 0.1% of hemp’s makeup being delta8, chemists have to work harder to isolate it, and have to use more plant material to produce a concentrate of the cannabinoid. This can be an awfully expensive process and runs the risk of damaging the integrity of the compound in the process.
There’s another option that more companies are using. We said that delta8 is an isomer of both CBD and delta 9 THC. Thanks to impressive advancements in technology, methods now exist that make it possible for chemists to simply rearrange the molecular structure of either of these compounds in order to create a legitimate delta8 concentrate. Most commonly, a company will use CBD, as this is easy to source from the plant material.
This method may sound like a mad chemistry experiment, but in fact, it results in completely legitimate, viable, and chemically stable delta 8.
How Can I Take Delta 8?
Now that you know plenty about the unique nature of this fascinating cannabinoid, you’re probably wondering how it can be taken. Well, delta 8 is not different from CBD in that it can be turned into an isolate and then combined with other ingredients to produce a wide range of formulas. You can take a delta8 extract and produce edibles, topicals, tinctures, capsules, vapes, etc.
Talking to Your Doctor About Delta 8
If you wish to start taking delta 8, it is always wise to consult with your doctor.
Delta 8 Products at iDELTA8
iDELTA8 proudly offer high-quality, properly extracted delta 8 goods that have been lab-tested by a third party to ensure quality and purity levels. Our line of delta 8 vape oils allows users to choose from three unique concentrations.
Blue Label: 2:1 CBD to delta8
Gold Label: 1:1 CBD to delta8
Platinum Label: Delta8 isolate