May 23, 2023

Jen Hight

Cannabis, Delta 8

How is Delta 8 THC Made?

Cannabis plants naturally contain delta-8 THC, a cannabinoid found in cannabis, similar to Delta-9 THC, marijuana’s primary psychoactive compound. Delta-8 offers a more laid-back and enjoyable experience compared to Delta-9.

The best part about Delta-8 is that it comes in various forms, like Delta-8 gummies, Delta-8 edibles, Delta-8 tinctures, Delta-8 prerolls, and Delta-8 flowers.  

Similar to CBD, Delta-8 is one of the many chemical compounds naturally found in cannabis plants, although in smaller amounts. Delta-8 can, however, be synthesized synthetically from CBD and hemp in a lab.

However, its legality and availability may vary depending on your jurisdiction. Before purchasing Delta-8 products or using them, you should familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations. You can find these on ATLRx’s blog!

Table of Contents:

• Key Takeaways
• Where Is Delta-8 Derived From?
• What Is Isomerization?
• How Is CBD Isomerized into Delta-8 THC?
• What Types of Products Are Made from Delta-8?
• Who is Extracting Delta-8 THC?
• Where to Find Delta-8-THC?
• Final Thoughts – How Is Delta-8 Made?

Key Takeaways

• Delta-8 THC Offers a Unique Experience: Delta-8 THC, a cannabinoid found in cannabis plants, provides a more lowkey and enjoyable experience compared to its more famous cousin, Delta-9 THC. As a result, it is a popular alternative for those seeking a potentially milder high.

• Diverse Product Availability: The market has responded to Delta-8’s popularity by offering a wide range of products, including gummies, tinctures, prerolls, and flowers. This variety caters to different preferences, making Delta-8 accessible in multiple forms.

• Innovative Extraction and Synthesis Processes: Although Delta-8 occurs naturally in cannabis in small quantities, advancements in extraction and synthesis methods, particularly isomerization, have enabled the cost-effective production of Delta-8 from CBD. In order to make CBD commercially viable, it must be converted into Delta-8 THC.

• Legality and Accessibility: Delta-8’s legality varies by jurisdiction, so it’s important to know your local laws before purchasing or using it. Delta-8 products derived from hemp and containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC are federally legal in some places, making them more accessible to customers.

Where Is Delta-8 Derived From?

Delta-8 has gained popularity because of its similarities with Delta-9 THC, the compound that gives you the high when using marijuana. In cannabis, both compounds are cannabinoids. Delta-8 THC is essentially a cousin of Delta-9 THC, although its chemical structure differs slightly.

While Delta-8 occurs naturally in really small amounts, most of the Delta-8 on the market today is synthesized through a conversion process. This process uses various chemicals to convert CBD (which is derived from hemp) into Delta-8. Cannabis plants, such as hemp, contain low levels of Delta-9 THC. By extracting and concentrating Delta-8, manufacturers can create Delta 8 THC products for users.

The extraction converts CBD into Delta-8 through methods like isomerization or distillation. It’s worth noting that Delta-8 THC products are primarily derived from hemp rather than marijuana, as hemp contains lower levels of Delta-9 THC. In addition, Delta-8 THC is considered legal under federal law if it is derived from hemp and contains less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC.

What Is Isomerization?

So now that you know where Delta-8 comes from, let us have a closer look at how exactly it is made…

While Delta-8 naturally occurs in small amounts in cannabis plants, it can be challenging to obtain it in higher concentrations. That’s where isomerization comes into play.

Isomerization is a process commonly used to convert CBD into Delta-8 THC. CBD and Delta-8 THC have similar chemical compositions, but their structures differ due to the placement of a double bond. Through isomerization, this double bond in CBD is shifted, resulting in the creation of Delta-8 THC.

You can get isomerization through a lot of methods. The reaction can be made faster by applying heat or other conditions. Isomers are basically molecules that have the same elements and number of atoms but vary in their chemical structure. Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC, for example, are isomers.

Scientists have made significant progress in understanding the perfectly tailored conditions required for CBD to undergo isomerization and convert into Delta-8 THC. By adjusting the pH levels and allowing sufficient time for the reaction to occur, the conversion can take place. This breakthrough discovery has played a crucial role in getting the Delta-8 industry where it is today.

Extracting Delta-8 THC directly from cannabis plants would be extremely costly,
which is why it was practically nonexistent until recent years. The ability to convert CBD into Delta-8 THC through isomerization has made it more feasible and commercially viable.

You can browse ATLRx’s website to find the highest quality and most affordable Delta-8 THC products to meet your needs.

How Is CBD Isomerized into Delta-8 THC?

The process of making Delta-8 THC involves a few simple steps and requires only a handful of ingredients. The goal is to leverage a chemical reaction called isomerization, which involves transforming one naturally occurring molecule into another. The process manipulates the molecular structure of CBD to give us Delta-8. It involves a series of steps to achieve this conversion.

CBD is extracted from hemp as the first step in the process. CO2 extraction or ethanol extraction can both be used for this purpose. Once the CBD has been extracted, it is then mixed with an acid, such as hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid, and heated to a high temperature for a specific amount of time. This makes the CBD molecule lose a hydrogen atom from its molecular structure, which leads to the formation of Delta-9 THC.

Next, the Delta-9 THC is subjected to a second isomerization process, where it is converted into Delta-8 THC. This is done by exposing the Delta-9 THC to a weak acid or a reducing agent, such as sodium borohydride, which removes a carbon atom from the molecule and creates a double bond on a different carbon atom. Delta-8 THC is created as a result.

After this, the mixture is stirred and left to settle for a few hours. During this time, the Delta-8 THC will separate and rise to the top layer of the mixture. The impurities are then removed by washing the collected layer with water.

The Delta-8 THC extract is then distilled to further purify it and remove any remaining solvents or impurities. The final product is a clear, viscous oil that can be used for diverse Delta-8 products such as tinctures, edibles, vape cartridges, and more.

This process does require specialized equipment and expertise to ensure that the final product is of high quality and purity. Improper handling or shortcuts can give you a contaminated or unsafe final product.

Overall, this process is highly complex and requires careful attention to detail and precise conditions to produce high-quality Delta-8 THC, which is why you don’t need to worry about creating it! In fact, you can check out ATLRx’s premium quality Delta-8 products that guarantee to give you a good time!

What Types of Products Are Made from Delta-8?

Delta-8 is a hot commodity in the world of hemp products, and it’s no wonder why. There are many different ways to enjoy Delta-8, from smoking it to eating it, and everything in between. 

Let us look at these Delta-8 products, all of which you can find on ATLRx’s website!

Delta-8 Flower is a popular choice for those who enjoy smoking, as it can be smoked just like regular hemp flower but with the added twist of Delta-8. For those who prefer a more discrete method of usage, Delta-8 tincture is a great option. Just drop some under your tongue and let the Delta-8 work its magic. Whereas the Delta-8 Pre Rolls are perfect for those who don’t have the time or patience to roll their own joints. Delta-8 is infused into these pre-rolled joints!

Delta-8 Gummies are a fruity version of Delta-8 and have a variety of options. Delta-8 concentrates are also favorites. These supercharged versions of the Delta-8 are perfect for a strong hit. For the real daredevils out there, Delta-8 Moon Rocks are the ultimate Delta-8 experience. These are a combination of Delta-8, kief, and oil. 

If purity and potency are what you’re after, then Delta-8 distillate and Delta-8 shatter would be the way to go. Lastly, Delta-8 capsules are a great option for those who like to keep it simple. 

With this wide range of products, you have the flexibility to choose your own Delta-8 experience. 

Who is Extracting Delta-8 THC?

Thanks to the well-established infrastructure in the hemp industry, extracting Delta-8 THC has become more feasible. Hemp naturally contains very low levels of Delta-8 THC, which means extracting it alone wouldn’t be economically viable. That’s why specialized labs equipped with advanced machinery come into the picture. These labs have the technology to selectively extract individual cannabinoids like Delta-8 THC while preserving others like CBD, CBG, CBN, and THCV.

What’s impressive is that these labs can extract multiple cannabinoids from a single hemp plant, making sure every part of the plant is put to good use! They have the expertise and resources to maximize the potential of hemp. It’s all about harnessing the full potential of the hemp plant and providing people with a wide array of options to explore.

Where to Find Delta-8-THC?

Looking for your favorite Delta-8 THC products, or just want to explore your options? They are available on both offline and online platforms. You can either walk to your nearest store or if you’re in vacation mode and don’t want the trouble, you can just head to ATLRx’s website and check out our online store. All kinds of CBD products are available at our store. We are positive that all your Delta-8 product needs will be met; hassle-free deliveries are guaranteed too!

You can pick your choice from our popular range of products like Delta 8 Pre Rolls, Delta 8 Gummies, Delta 8 Bars, Delta 8 Tinctures, Delta 8 Flowers, and more.

Final Thoughts – How Is Delta-8 Made?

In conclusion, the process of creating Delta-8 THC involves harnessing the power of chemistry and specialized techniques. While Delta-8 THC occurs naturally in cannabis plants in minimal amounts, its extraction and concentration have been made possible through chemical conversions and advanced laboratory processes. Altering the molecular structure of CBD or Delta-9 THC through isomerization is how you get Delta-8 THC. Thanks to the dedication and innovation of researchers, scientists, and industry professionals, Delta-8 THC has become more accessible! 

And that is how we at ATLRx can offer you Delta-8 THC products like edibles, tinctures, capsules, and flowers, each offering unique experiences.

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