There’s always something new in the 420 world and if you didn’t know, minor cannabinoids, also called Delta THC, alternative THC or alternative cannabinoids, is the latest thing to gain popularity due to its legal status in the U.S. and abroad. You’ve probably at least heard of minor cannabinoids like Delta-8 and THC-A, but how are they made? Is Delta-8 flower grown naturally like high CBD strains or is it made in a lab? You’ve got questions and we have the answers, plus we’ll share a few links so you can purchase Delta-8 flower online and try it out for yourself.
Is Delta-8 flower grown naturally or is it synthetically made?
Delta-8 is one of over 100 naturally produced chemical compounds found in cannabis plants called cannabinoids. Unlike well-known cannabinoids like THC and CBD, Delta-8 is found in very trace amounts in nature. Thus, there is no such thing as naturally grown Delta-8 flower or high Delta-8 strains. While most commercial Delta-8 is produced in scientific laboratories, the cannabinoid isn’t fully synthetic either. To produce large enough quantities of Delta-8 for consumption, it is made by converting CBD at the molecular level using chemicals. So, is it found in nature? Yes, but it falls in the semi-synthetic category.
How is Delta-8 Flower Made?
There are two methods used to procure a cannabis extract, using a solvent (e.g. CO2 or butane) or a non-solvent method (e.g. pressing or ice water extraction). When it comes to creating legal THC extracts from hemp plants, it’s much easier to first extract CBD using one of the two methods mentioned above and converting it into any psychoactive compound (Delta THC) of choice since they are only found in very trace amounts naturally and would take lots of plants to make enough concentrate for commercial purposes. Once CBD is obtained, it is then converted via isomerization into Delta-8. The Delta-8 concentrate can then be used to make edibles, dabs, fill vape carts, or used to dip dry herb. Here is a breakdown of how Delta-8 flower is made in labs:
CBD isomerization
- Extract CBD - High quality legal hemp plants are chosen for CBD extraction since they contain higher levels of CBD than marijuana plants. There are several methods that can be used to extract CBD from plant material. The most common for commercial purposes are CO2 extraction or ethanol extraction, which strips the cannabinoid from the plant, leaving just CBD isolate.
- CBD isomerization - The isomerization process must be completed in a lab controlled setting to ensure consistency and quality. To convert CBD to Delta-8, an acid catalyst (usually hydrochloric acid) is mixed with CBD isolate, which breaks its bonds and rearranges its molecular structure. The entire process needs to be completed at a specific temperature and pressure.
- Refine the Delta-8 distillate - Once the CBD is converted into Delta-8, the compound will still contain impurities from the isomerization process. Scientists will remove these unwanted compounds via a technique called chromatography. The extract passes through a chromatography column, which acts as a sieve to remove all properties that are not Delta-8 THC.
- Third-party lab testing - At this point, all high-quality brands will ship their Delta-8 to third-party laboratories for testing. This ensures the safety and potency of their product for consumers. These labs conduct tests for impurities such as residual chemicals, pesticides, heavy metals, and the cannabinoid makeup. Be sure that all products you consume have been third-party lab tested and that the brand is transparent by showing you the lab results. At EF420 you can check out each specific product’s lab test on the product page by clicking the certificate of analysis link.
- Spray the bud - Once the Delta-8 distillate is obtained and is free from impurities, the final step to creating Delta-8 flower is spraying the dry herb. Non-psychoactive hemp flower is dipped or sprayed with Delta-8 distillate, which will give it euphoric properties. Hemp flower on its own will not produce any psychoactive effects, but allows the product to remain within the law, while also giving the dry herb a flavorful and rich smoke compared to high-CBD strains.
Delta-8 effects
You’ll find a well-rounded series of effects that combines the benefits of CBD such as pain relief and better sleep with a euphoric high that will still keep you clear headed. Most users report having that familiar body and mind buzzing associated with getting baked, but feeling much more aware. Its lower potency than traditional THC means it’s less jolting at the onset and produces almost no negative effects like paranoid making it much more approachable for newbies.
What is the average THC content in Delta-8 flower?
Delta-8 is very similar molecularly to Delta-9 (regular THC), however it falls somewhere between 40% and 60% less potent than regular dry herb. The potency can vary quite a bit, but all reputable companies test each batch of Delta-8 concentrate prior to producing flower, so they know the exact potency of the final product. Even though it has a lower strength than your average bud, many smokers prefer Delta-8 flower since it is known for having almost no negative effects at all and the high is less jarring, making it a great choice for novice tokers. The less intense high makes Delta-8 flower a much more mellow and pleasant experience for the average user. Stoners who usually get paranoid or anxious when smoking won’t have these effects with Delta-8.
Other popular types of legal THC flower
In addition to Delta-8, there are several other hemp-derived cannabinoids on the market that get you blazed. Delta-8 is one of the most popular, however THC-A and HHC are also gaining popularity. There are also many blends available that can combine effects for a unique smoking experience. Here’s a little more about THC-A and HHC flower.
- THC-A flower - This cannabinoid has a similar potency to regular Delta-9 THC and mixes well with Delta-8 for balanced effects and a little stronger of a high.
- HHC flower - A little less potent than regular dry herb, but still stronger than Delta-8, HHC is described as being blazed, but with a clear mind. It’s great for activities like cleaning the house or the gym since you won’t feel couch lock or be too baked out of your mind.
Buy Delta-8 flower online
No, there’s no need to go to the dispensary. You can purchase Delta-8 flower online and have it shipped straight to your doorstep! We offer a large rotating selection of legal THC flower derived from hemp including Delta-8, THC-A, HHC, and several potent blends. While you’re here, don’t forget to add some smoking essentials like rolling papers, lighters, weed storage containers, glass bongs, or a dry herb vape pen to your shopping cart!
