What Is Delta-8 THC?

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If you’re familiar with cannabis products, then there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Delta 8 THC. Many first-time readers begin with questions like "What is Delta 8?", especially as interest grows in hemp-derived compounds from the cannabis sativa plant alongside expanding cannabis and cannabinoid research. Although it is not new to the scientific community, Delta 8 THC is relatively new in the steadily growing hemp market due to some distinguishing details and a few legal loopholes.

Delta 8 THC is an analog version of Delta 9 THC, the compound commonly known to produce the psychoactive high associated with cannabis use. For those asking what is Delta 8 THC, the answer lies in its slightly altered chemical structure, including the positioning of carbon atoms, which influences how it binds to cannabinoid receptors. While it has many of the same traits as Delta 9 THC, it may feel different to some users, leading others to ask what does Delta 8 feel like, though experiences vary.

Delta 8 THC has grown in popularity as a potentially legal alternative to marijuana and a stronger alternative to CBD. Let’s take a closer look at Delta 8 THC and what the hype is all about.

Delta-8 THC Explained

There are thousands of cannabinoids in cannabis plants, and ongoing cannabinoid research and chemical research continue to explore how these compounds behave. Although all cannabinoids start off as CBGA (cannabigerolic acid), the enzymes in cannabis plants synthesize it into CBD, THC, and other compounds through a natural chemical process.

Delta 9 is the form of THC that is first created, whereas Delta 8 is a result of its degradation. As Delta 9 oxidizes, it turns into Delta 8, which exists naturally at low concentrations and is considered naturally occurring, though it must be refined to reach concentrated amounts.

Delta 8 THC is often marketed as the form of THC that won’t get you high, but this can get confusing. Also referred to as the second face of THC, Delta 8 has a nearly identical molecular makeup, with the main difference being the location of its double bond.

Referred to as a minor cannabinoid, Delta 8 only makes up about 0.01% of a hemp plant. Because of these low concentrations, production requires controlled refinement rather than simple extraction.

Delta-8 vs. Delta-9 THC

Although they are nearly mirror images, there is a slight difference in the molecular structure of Delta 8 THC compared to Delta 9 THC. This difference in structure causes each cannabinoid to affect our bodies differently while also changing the stability of the chemical itself.

A Difference in Molecular Structure

Delta 9 THC has a double bond on the 9th carbon chain, whereas Delta 8 has a double bond on the 8th carbon chain. As a result, Delta 8 has a more stable molecular structure than Delta 9, meaning it has a longer shelf life, particularly at high concentrations. This is because Delta 9 THC easily oxidizes and transforms into both cannabinol and Delta 8 THC, whereas Delta 8 THC does not oxidize. This molecular stability is a desirable trait when turning the cannabinoid into an ingestible compound.

When consumed, both interact with the endocannabinoid system, though their binding patterns differ due to structure. These differences are often highlighted in Delta 8 vs. Delta 9 discussions across educational resources.

A Difference in Potency

The endocannabinoid system is responsible for maintaining homeostasis within our bodies, which is why some of the benefits of cannabis use include promoting sleep and soothing stiff muscles. Both forms of THC interact with the CB1 receptors found in our brains, which is why both forms still cause intoxicating effects. Some users report mild sensations such as dry mouth, though reported health effects vary.

The difference in where the double bond lies in Delta 8 THC compared to Delta 9 THC changes the shape of the chemical, which makes a difference in how each cannabinoid interacts with the endocannabinoid receptors. As a result, it reduces the potency to about half that of Delta 9 THC. This is an important difference for new users to take note of.

The effects of Delta 8 THC vary depending on how it is taken. While the psychoactive effects have shown to be significantly less than those of Delta 9 THC when inhaled, this does not seem to be true when Delta 8 THC is taken as an edible. In other words, smoking Delta 8 THC might not get you high, but ingesting it certainly can. Of course, this is also dependent on the amount that is consumed. While the cognitive effects of Delta 8 THC can be felt at lower servings, increasing the serving size may also have a sedative effect.

A lack of education and understanding of the effects of Delta 8 THC alongside a rapidly growing, yet unregulated market has led to some serious health concerns and questionable products. However, Delta 8 THC is not a new discovery and has actually been studied extensively throughout much of the last century, and the potential benefits make it a substance worthy of further investigation.

Comparisons of Delta-8 vs. Delta-9 continue to shape public understanding as interest grows in different cannabinoids.

A History of Delta-8 THC

Although Delta 8 THC is new to the modern market, it has been studied and experimented with for decades. It was discovered and studied back in the early 1940s, when organic chemist Roger Adams was the first to publish an article on the partial synthesis of Delta 8 THC.

Scientists studied how it differed from other cannabinoids and the effects it has on the human brain. In the 1960s, organic chemist Raphael Mechoulam achieved full synthesis of Delta 8 THC, while scientists at the University of Delaware worked on an extraction method that has been improved on over the years.

Aside from specially approved studies, research was slowed by legislation like the Marihuana Tax Act, which restricted access and effectively outlawed many forms of cannabis study in the U.S. However, research continued in other parts of the world. In the mid 1970s, findings from studies conducted on rats concluded that cannabinoids including Delta 8 THC, Delta 9 THC, and CBD proved safe for their immune system.

The Farm Bill was a major step in differentiating the many cannabinoids found in cannabis from the psychoactive THC compound. The bill removed hemp and its derivatives containing less than 0.3% THC from the definition of marijuana as found in the Controlled Substances Act. An increase in studies on hemp and CBD quickly followed including experimental exploration of an efficient new cannabinoid antiemetic, though such findings require more research and should not be interpreted as established health benefits.

Is Delta-8 Legal?

Delta-8 THC exists in a legal gray area shaped by the Agriculture Improvement Act, which legalized hemp containing less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC. This distinction has influenced its legal status across states, including South Carolina.

The Farm Bill “legalizes industrial hemp that has a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana) concentration of no more than 0.3% by removing it from Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act.” This means that Delta 8 THC can be derived from hemp that contains less than 0.3% THC, and that Delta 8 THC products are allowed as long as they contain less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC.

Agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration have clarified that synthetic cannabinoids remain prohibited, which affects how Delta 8 may be produced. This ambiguity has led Delta 8 products to appear in convenience stores and gas stations, raising broader public health and safety concerns.

Delta 8 THC is not only a derivative of Delta 9 THC, but it is also an isomer of CBD. This means that the molecular composition of CBD simply needs to be altered to become Delta 8 THC. With CBD being naturally derived from hemp plants, this provides a more complicated, yet legal way of producing Delta 8 THC.

How Is Delta 8 THC Made?

Delta 8 THC is produced either by refining THC from hemp or through the conversion process of hemp-derived cannabidiol. This involves controlled chemical synthesis, requiring careful refinement to avoid chemical contaminants.

The first method of turning Delta 9 THC into Delta 8 THC would be more efficient, except that remaining legally compliant would require it all to come from the trace amounts found in hemp plants. Extracting a usable amount of Delta 8 THC would be costly and highly inefficient, and the synthesizing that is required walks the still-blurry legal line.

The second method is to transform legally extracted CBD from hemp plants into Delta 8 THC through the process of isomerization. In this process, hemp plants are grown and harvested, and CBD is extracted from the raw plant material in the same manner used to produce hemp products. CBD is then dissolved in glacial acetic acid, which converts it into D9-THC.

Within 72 hours, over half of the original CBD will have transformed and degraded into Delta 8 THC. This is then carefully refined and concentrated to remove any unwanted chemicals from the final product.

Improper processing has been linked to reported adverse events, which is why transparency and testing are critical.

The Benefits of Delta-8 Gummies

Delta 8 can offer a lot of great benefits, and one of the easiest and tastiest ways to take a regular serving is through gummies. By choosing an edible form of Delta 8 THC, we experience gradual, yet stronger and more prolonged effects.

When we eat Delta 8 gummies, our bodies break down the gummies and absorb the THC into the liver. The liver then transforms Delta 8 THC into 11-Hydroxy-THC, a form of THC that is significantly more potent. It can also absorb into the bloodstream easily to be more readily available than if the Delta 8 THC had been smoked or otherwise ingested.

When THC binds to receptors in the endocannabinoid system, it stimulates the enzymatic breakdowns that signals the body to regulate functions and maintain balance in the body. The endocannabinoid system helps to regulate functions in multiple other systems in our bodies, including the immune and nervous systems, which accounts for the slew of benefits that THC can offer.

The commonly reported benefits of eating Delta 8 gummies are similar to those from edibles containing Delta 9 THC, but there are few significant studies to properly outline its benefits.

How to Choose the Right Delta-8 Gummies

For many people, Delta 8 has become a legal way to experience a range of potential benefits that cannabis has to offer, particularly as interest grows in hemp-derived alternatives to traditional marijuana products. However, a quickly growing market alongside a need to produce Delta 8 THC synthetically has led to some less-than-quality products. New terms like “cannabis light” and “diet weed” created a consumer boom that led many cannabis companies to find new ways to produce products quickly.

Since Delta 8 is not yet regulated by the FDA, being mindful of specific labels and certifications allows us to ensure safety and efficacy by choosing quality products from trusted businesses. Reports to the National Poison Data System and poison control centers highlight the importance of responsible labeling and storage, particularly to protect pediatric patients. Special attention has been noted in cases involving pediatric oncology, emphasizing the importance of preventing accidental exposure that could require emergency medical care.

To ensure that the products you choose are produced ethically and to quality standards, check that they have the following credentials:

• The gummies have passed third-party testing and the results of these tests are available to the public
• The hemp from which the Delta 8 THC is grown in the US
• The hemp used should also be Farm Bill Compliant
• The company maintains transparency in their production and business practices
• The final product should contain less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC

Most Popular Delta-8 Gummies

Using the above qualifiers, we searched for the best Delta 8 gummies currently on the market. Let’s take a look at the most popular Delta 8 gummies available and what makes them stand out from the rest.

Exhale Wellness Delta 8 Gummy Cubes

Transparency is one of the most important factors in choosing which company to buy Delta 8 THC gummies from, and Exhale Wellness went to extensive lengths to provide customers with exactly that. Not only do their products undergo third-party testing, but they boast several other Certificates of Analysis (COAs) that include being cruelty-free, 100% natural, and non-GMO. Their website is also filled with additional information and product details.

The CBD used to make these Delta 8 gummies is extracted through a CO2 method from hemp plants that are organically grown in Colorado. They have 25 mg of Delta 8 THC per gummy and boast a naturally fruity flavor that comes from real fruit extracts rather than artificial flavors, colors, or other additives.

Everest Delta 8 Gummies

The long list of qualifications make these Delta 8 gummies hard to overlook. According to their site, they are pesticide-free, and made from hemp grown in the USA. They are also vegan, non-GMO, and dairy-free, making them an excellent choice even for those with food allergies. And although the 20 mg of THC in each gummy puts them on the weaker end of Delta 8 gummies, they come in 30-piece containers and are made to be taken regularly as needed.

Everest prides themselves on transparency and uses only high-quality products. The Delta 8 THC used is made by extracting CBD from hemp plants, then using solvents to convert it into Delta 8 THC. Gummies come in three delicious flavors, and third-party lab tests can easily be accessed on their website.

Chill Plus Extreme Delta-8 THC Vegan Gummy Bears

Those who enjoy some variety in life are sure to enjoy this variety pack of Delta 8 gummies. With 25 mg of Delta 8 THC per piece, these vegan gummies combine the power of CBD isolates to create a well-balanced experience from a product that’s worth mentioning.

The variety pack comes with three delicious flavors that are derived from natural fruit juices and purees. This company also sells a number of other CBD and THC products with third-party lab results available to download for all of them.

Does Delta-8 Show Up on a Drug Test?

It is possible for Delta 8 to show up as a positive reading on a drug test. Although it falls through a legal loophole, it is still a form of THC and still reads as such.

When a substance is consumed, it gets metabolized by the liver, which is primarily in charge of detoxifying metabolites. As they pass through, traces of these metabolites remain in our blood, hair, lungs, saliva, and urine. Most common drug tests are made to detect the metabolites of certain drugs and substances.

Although Delta 8 THC has a reduced potency from D9 THC, it is still stored in the body as it gets processed. For this reason, Delta 8 THC may show up on any of the following drug tests:

• Urine test
• Saliva test
• Blood test
• Hair follicle test

How long these residual traces can be detected depends on how much THC was consumed, which type of test is being taken, and each individual’s unique chemical makeup.

Residuals can commonly last anywhere from two days to several months. One of the most common types of drug tests in the workplace is the urine test, which, on average, detects Delta 8 THC for 30-60 days after consumption.

Delta-8 THC

Delta 8 THC has recently made a splash in the cannabis industry. Whether it’s for the reduced psychoactive effects and paranoia as compared to Delta 9 THC, or the legal loophole that allows products to be sold on the hemp market, Delta 8 THC offers some unique advantages that were previously not available to many. As with any new product, always be sure to use trusted products and to proceed with caution to find the optimum serving for your specific needs.

If you would like to take a closer look at Delta 8, here are some resources for further reading:

• What You Need to Know about Delta 8 (WebMD)

• Delta-8-THC Craze Concerns Chemists (American Chemical Society)

• Delta-8 THC Research & Consumer Trends (MyCannabis.com)

• Delta-8-THC use reported by 11% of 12th graders in 2023 (National Institutes of Health)