Cannabinoids like THC (Delta-9 THC) and CBD have held the world’s attention for the past decade. While there are other cannabinoids slowly emerging in popularity, one of these cannabinoids that are leading the race is Delta-8 THC.
Delta-8 THC is the fastest-growing cannabinoid in the world. As a new player in the game, not a lot of people understand Delta-8 THC. Is it natural or synthetic? Certain synthetic cannabinoids such as “Spice” or “K2” are highly dangerous. So it is very understandable that the question of whether Delta-8 is synthetic or not comes up.
In this article, we will go into detail and clear out any misconception about whether or not Delta-8 THC is natural and safe. Let us take a look at the world of Delta-8 THC!
Why Does It Matter if Delta-8 THC is Synthetic or Not?
In the world of cannabinoids and hemp, whether something is synthetic matters a lot! Synthetic substances have a bad reputation, and most people don’t like the sound of something being synthetic. Notorious synthetic cannabinoids like K2 and Spice are one of the biggest reasons people don’t like the sound of something being synthetic.
Everywhere you look, you will see a product that is described as all “natural” or “organic” this is a good indicator that it is most likely going to be a quality product. In most cases, this tends to be true.
Although not everything synthetic is bad, and not everything that is natural is good. This is the reputation that these words give products.
What Is Delta-8 THC?
Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as Delta 8 THC, is a form of THC from cannabis and hemp plants. Delta-8 is a naturally occurring cannabinoid that can are found in hemp plants. Delta 8 is considered a naturally occurring isomer; however, all of the Delta-8 THC you see on the market is lab derived from CBD, which is naturally extracted from the plant.
The word Synthetic implies artificial from manufactured ingredients. Delta-8 THC, while made in a lab, is derived, not synthesized, from naturally occurring compounds in hemp.
Delta-8 THC’s popularity is due to its similarity to Delta 9 THC. Delta-9 THC is what people commonly refer to as regular THC.
The way Delta-8 is made within the laws of the 2018 Farm Bill Act is a legal product. Delta-8 THC is derived from hemp plants that contain under 0.3% THC. The legality of Delta 8 products is always in pending status due to changing regulations within different states. As such, one should ensure they are keeping up with such laws to ascertain the legal status of THC Delta 8 in their area.
How Is It Different From “Normal” THC?
Let’s talk about the differences between Delta-8 THC and “Normal” THC, also known as Delta-9 THC. Delta-8 and Delta-9 are both forms of THC but differ in their chemical structure. Another difference between Delta-8 and Delta-9 is that Delta-8 is an isomer or chemical analog of Delta-9.
In scientific terms, the difference is the position of the double bond in the carbon ring, which makes Delta-8 THC have a lower fondness for the CB1 receptor of the endocannabinoid system in the brain.
Experienced users of Delta-9 THC will often refer to Delta-8 as “weed light” or “diet weed.” Though Delta-9 and Delta-8 may be similar in their effects, Delta-8 is less.
One of the most significant differences between Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC is the legality of the two. Regular THC (Delta-9) is prohibited federally in most states, but Delta-8 remains legal in most states across the country. While in most states that have legalized marijuana (Delta-9), they have prohibited sales of Delta-8 THC products, usually for tax reasons.
Delta-8 Testing and Measurement
ACS Laboratory does the testing and lab results of all ATLRx Delta-8 THC products. The lab uses Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) machinery to measure Delta-8 THC potency in flower, extracts, and edibles.
There are multiple ways to test or analyze Delta-8 THC, but the most common way is liquid chromatography.
The testing process involves extraction of Delta-8 THC from the product and lab test for pesticides, solvents, impurities, and any other cannabinoids that may be in the product.
Measurement of the Delta-8 is then measured against a known reference material. The results produced are based on the potency or percentage of the known standard.
Is Delta-8 THC Natural?
You will find that Delta-8 THC is a naturally occurring compound that appears in marijuana and hemp plants. With that being said, Delta-8 is a natural cannabinoid and is not synthetic.
The reason so many people believe that Delta-8 is a man-made cannabinoid is that it only exists in small amounts in hemp plants. It takes a specific process to extract Delta-8 for there to be a consumable amount.
Delta 8 is considered a naturally occurring isomer; however, all of the Delta-8 THC you see on the market is lab derived from CBD, which is naturally extracted from the plant. The word Synthetic implies man-made from man-made ingredients. Delta-8 THC, while made in a lab, is derived, not synthesized, from naturally occurring compounds in hemp.
What Is A Synthetic Cannabinoid?
A synthetic cannabinoid is a product that must be made in a lab; otherwise, it would not exist for consumption. Synthetic cannabinoids are not naturally produced. The term synthetic means (of a substance) made by chemical synthesis, especially to imitate a natural substance.
According to the CDC, synthetic cannabinoids like “Spice” and “K2” are various manufactured chemicals that some use as an alternative to marijuana. Synthetic cannabinoids try to mimic the effects of existing natural cannabinoids, but the effects are usually more harmful.
In 2012 the Obama administration signed the Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act, which made synthetic cannabinoids illegal like “Spice” and “K2”. The law explicitly bans 15 synthetic cannabinoids in addition to 11 other synthetic designer drugs and increases the amount of time an analog can be temporarily scheduled. In the United States, at least 41 states also have legislative bans on synthetic cannabinoids.
They tend to be significantly more dangerous than Delta-8 THC. Delta-8 THC is classified as a “classical cannabinoid” compared to other synthetic cannabinoids that are “non-classical cannabinoids” you can say Delta-8 THC is more natural than “non-classical cannabinoids.”
Two of the best examples of synthetic products that are considered illegal and do not exist in cannabis plants are “Spice” and “K2.” The chemical that is used to produce these illegal synthetic products is considered highly addictive and harmful.
What’s The Difference Between Delta-8 THC & Spice/K2?
Spice and K2 are very different from Delta-8 THC, from their effects to how it is made. K2 and Spice are synthetic cannabinoids that contain highly addictive properties, are highly psychoactive, and are made with dangerous chemicals. They may interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system similarly to Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC, but the binding effects of Spice & K2 attach with more strength resulting in a more intense high.
The chemical structure of Spice and K2 share nothing in common with Delta-8 THC and any other “classical cannabinoid.”
Another significant difference between Delta-8 and Spice/K2 is the legality. Spice and K2, and other synthetic cannabinoids are illegal for possession throughout the United States and many countries worldwide.
K2/Spice Effects & Side Effects
K2 and Spice are often marketed as “herbal incense” or “designer drugs.” The effects of K2 and Spice are dangerous and can be lethal. Chemicals used to produce these synthetic cannabinoids have been known to cause harm to people and sometimes result in death seriously. Sometimes K2 and Spice are used to spray onto hemp flower to produce a compounding effect, but the additives used in the synthetic cannabinoid are unregulated; this ends up being lethal for users. Overdoses of synthetic cannabinoids like Spice and K2 have led to tragic results and often death.
The American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) reported 112 calls involving synthetic cannabinoid use in 15 states by 2008, and by 2011 the number rose to 6,549. A clear indicator that K2 and Spice and synthetic cannabinoids like this are bad news.
Effects of K2/Spice include:
- Euphoria
- Intense psychoactive effects
Side Effects include:
- Hallucinations
- Violent Behavior
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Intense sedation
- Headaches
- Psychosis
- Suicidal thoughts
- Delusion
- Irritability
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Vomiting
- Difficulty Breathing
- Heart attack
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Seizures
- GI complications
- Muscle damage
- Death
As seen above, the problematic side effects of K2/Spice and other synthetic cannabinoids are more than enough reason to stay away from them. Not only does the use of these synthetic cannabinoids cause harm to the user, but it can cause the user to cause harm to others. The possibility of death should be enough for anyone to even think about using these dangerous synthetic cannabinoids.
Can You Overdoes on Delta-8 THC?
There are no official records of overdoses from Delta-8 THC. If you take too much, you won’t have a good time. It is never recommended to take more than the recommended dosage. The best thing to do when trying anything new is to do the minimum and allow a significant amount of time to see how your body reacts. It is always best to read the labels of any product that you use and always use caution when trying new products.
Is Delta-8 THC Legal?
Legal Delta-8 THC depends on where you are. While Delta-8-THC is legal in most states, certain states have banned the product because of how closely related it is to Delta-9-THC.
Because of the language in the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (also called the 2018 Farm Bill), which legalized CBD with Delta-9-THC content under 0.3% on a dry-weight basis, there is no stipulation for Delta-8-THC directly. The omission of this detail has facilitated the sales to millions all across the world. The legality of Delta 8 products is always in pending status due to changing regulations within different states. As such, one should always ensure they are keeping up with such laws to ascertain the legal status of Delta-8 THC in the state or country they live in.
Delta-8 THC: Legal and Natural
Delta-8 THC is a natural cannabinoid that comes from marijuana and hemp plants. Nearly all of the manufactured Delta-8 THC is derived from CBD extracted from hemp plants.
The popularity of Delta-8 THC as an analog THC is gradually increasing. Delta-8 THC is legal federally in most states due to the 2018 Farm Bill Act. Delta-8 is considered by many safer than synthetic cannabinoids like Spice and K2.
Reason Why Delta-8 Is Gaining Popularity
1. The reason why Delta-8 sees a surge in popularity is because of its existence in a legal grey area. Delta-8 is made from hemp, and thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, any product that is hemp or derives from hemp is considered federally legal as long as the hemp contains less than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis. The legality of Delta-8 THC products gives people in States where Delta-9 THC has still prohibited usage a chance. In other words, Delta-8 THC’s accessibility is more accessible than Delta-9 THC products.
2. The other reason Delta-8 THC is becoming popular is the approachability of its experience. Many consumers say that experience is much more approachable than traditional cannabis with THC (Delta-9). Experienced users of Delta-8 THC can attest to this.
Where is Delta-8 Legal?
Here is the latest (August 2022) on whether Delta-8 THC is available and legal in your state.
Take a look below at the map and see what your condition falls under:
As you can see, the States in green have no ban on Delta-8 THC; in the States in yellow Delta-8 THC is regulated, and in red States Delta-8 THC is entirely prohibited.
Where To Find High-Quality Delta-8 THC
To be honest, many poor-quality products are on the market, and it is easy to get tricked.
When looking for high-quality Delta-8 THC vendors, look for these things:
- Safe extraction methods (ex: supercritical CO2)
- Product purity with valid certificates of analysis (COAs)
- Reputable labs that are used to test products
- Extracts that contain added natural terpenes
- Reputable companies ( lots of positive reviews & transparency)
Read Certificates of Analysis
Reading the lab reports, always check that the COA is up to date. The code and date should be at the top of the report.
Once you can tell that everything is up to date, look at the Delta-8 THC content to verify the manufacturer’s claims are true. Check the section that mentions contaminants, and this is where you will see the percentage of heavy metals, pesticides, bleaches, and other toxic compounds.
If you see any kind of impurities in the product, you should avoid purchasing it. Take a deep look into the reports, and this will help you minimize the risk of buying poor quality or unsafe products.
Shopping online allows you to take a closer look at the quality of Delta-8 THC products that you plan on purchasing. When you shop online for Delta-8 THC products, you can see the lab reports or COAs of the product you are shopping for. When you shop locally, they will not have the lab reports or COAs readily available in the shop.
Why Choose ATLRx for Delta 8 THC Products?
Here at ATLRx, transparency is our policy. All our products are lab tested for potency, residuals, and pesticides to ensure quality and safety. Our COAs or lab results are available on our website for the public to view. Shopping with us means you can buy Delta 8 THC from one of the most reputable brands! This includes our premium Delta 8 THC flower, a variety of Delta 8 THC concentrates, and the best Delta 8 gummies online! The best Delta 8 tinctures for sale on the ATLRx website are available now for purchase. The easiest way to buy Delta 8 concentrates online is at ATLRx. Feel confident that when you buy Delta 8 hemp flowers online, you are shopping with the best carrier of Delta 8 products online.
We care about the customer before anything else. We go out of our way to ensure the products we have are top-shelf quality and tested before even putting them in stock for the customer to purchase. There are many options when looking for Delta 8 THC for sale, but our products are second to none. With advanced chemical processes that guarantee quicker activation than our competitors, our products are backed up with our safety guarantees. Find out today why thousands of customers choose ATLRx.
As a disclaimer, we want to state that this content is for informational purposes only. This has not been approved by the food and drug administration. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or ailment or to claim any health benefits. It should not be interpreted as instruction or medical advice to displace the advice of your doctor or other medical professionals. We recommend talking to your doctor to prepare a treatment plan for any diseases or ailments.