What is Delta-8 THC? Answers to 5 Important Questions

Mix of delta 8 products

Delta-8 THC is one of over 100 compounds produced naturally by the cannabis plant. Its chemical structure is similar to delta-9 THC, the psychoactive chemical found in marijuana. It is said to have effects similar to those of delta-9 THC – but with less potency and without the paranoia that some people experience from delta-9 THC in marijuana.

Delta-8 THC can be extracted from hemp and added to popular products like gummies, vape cartridges, candies, etc.

What else should you know about this new breakout cannabinoid? Read on for answers to the 5 most important questions you should be asking about delta-8 THC.

Delta-8 vs. Delta-9 THC: What’s the difference?

Delta-8 vs. Delta-9 THC

Delta-8 and delta-9 THC are similar in that they both have a double bond in their chemical structures. This double bond is thought to produce the intoxicating effects that make users feel euphoric. The difference between the two is in the double bond placement – delta-8 THC’s double bond is located on the 8th carbon atom, whereas delta-9’s bond is on the 9th carbon atom. This single difference changes the way the two THCs interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) and is thought to make delta-8 THC less potent than delta-9 THC. As a newly emerging cannabinoid, much more research is still to be done on delta-8 THC and how it interacts with the body.

Does delta-8 THC get users high?

Delta-8 THC does produce psychoactive effects, although it is not as potent as delta-9 THC. This ability to create similar euphoric feelings is what has propelled delta 8 into the mainstream with such enthusiasm, especially for people living in states where marijuana is still illegal. According to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3% delta 9 THC are considered legal.

Users of delta 8 THC report many of the same effects as delta-9 THC, such as mild euphoria, happiness, uplifted feelings.

Will delta-8 THC show up on a drug test?

Probably. Since the cannabinoid is just starting to be researched, there isn’t much information available. But since it is so chemically similar to delta-9 THC, it’s probably a safe bet that it will appear on a drug test. Most drug tests specifically look for the presence of THC or its metabolites. Since not much is known yet about how delta-8 THC interacts with the body and how long it is stored in a person’s system, it’s best to avoid consuming delta-8 THC if you are subject to drug testing.

How is delta-8 THC made?

Delta-8 is found in minimal amounts in both marijuana and hemp plants. To make hemp-derived delta-8 THC, manufacturers first extract CBD from the hemp plant and refine it into an isolate (i.e., filter out all other cannabinoids, terpenes, etc.). This CBD isolate is then synthesized into delta-8 THC.

Since delta-8 THC exploded in popularity so quickly in late 2020, some manufacturers started to see it as a ‘get rich quick’ product and have jumped into delta 8 production without necessarily knowing how to do things properly. These manufacturers generally do not have their products tested by independent third-party laboratories – something that responsible manufacturers do – so there is no analysis that details the chemical components of these products and no way to know whether or not they contain potentially harmful substances. Always do your research to find quality delta 8 products, like the ones sold at The Farmacy Botanical Shoppe in San Antonio, and consult with a medical professional before use.

How can I find good-quality, safe delta-8 products?

When shopping for delta-8 products, ask how the products are sourced and created. Are they made from US-grown hemp? Are they produced in a GMP-certified facility?

Look at the product’s lab analysis. Quality delta-8 products are tested by a third-party laboratory, which provides a Certificate of Analysis (COA) listing the product’s chemical breakdown and the presence of harmful chemicals or microbial. A QR code on the product’s label should direct you to this COA. Avoid products that aren’t tested, as you won’t know what’s really in the product or whether it contains any delta-8 at all.

The Farmacy Botanical Shoppe offers high-quality, lab-tested delta-8 products made from US-grown hemp and offers a CBD delivery service in San Antonio. Check out our selection of delta-8 gummies, vape cartridges, and more and order online for same-day delivery.

** Free same-day delivery (in San Antonio) on orders $40+ ** Free nationwide shipping on orders $50+
+

Learn more about Subscribe & Save

Create an account to manage your subscription settings

Register an account by going to our registration page

Once logged in, click on “Subscriptions” to keep track of all your subscribed orders. 

Cancel anytime, hassle free.

You may cancel your subscribed orders on your account page by clicking on “Subscriptions” then “Cancel”.