Many people are confused about the current state of affairs concerning delta 8 THC.
This cannabinoid is found naturally in the cannabis plant, yet many people are worried it may be synthetic.
With all the concerns that have developed from synthetic THC in the past, is delta 8 THC any different?
What Is Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 THC is an analog of delta 9 THC (more commonly known as “THC”).
Delta 9 THC is the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis. Delta 8 THC is similar in chemical composition but has a double bond on the eighth carbon bond instead of the ninth.
Because of this subtle difference, it produces a milder psychoactive effect, induces less paranoia and anxiousness, and produces a more mellow and calming experience.
IS Delta 8 THC Natural?
Delta 8 THC is a naturally occurring substance that forms in cannabis, but just in very small amounts.
Up until just recently, the only way to get any significant quantities of delta 8 THC was to extract and concentrate it from large amounts of cannabis.
These products were illegal and expensive– so there was little public interest in delta 8 THC.
But times are changing.
Scientists have recently discovered new ways of isolating and extracting significant quantities of the delta 8 THC from hemp. They’re legal under the 2018 Farm Bill (in most states) and cost less than most delta 9 THC products.
The fact that delta 8 THC occurs in nature makes it a natural cannabinoid; even making it through natural isomerization methods does not mean it’s synthetic.
Synthetic cannabinoids refer to compounds not available in natural sources. These compounds have totally different chemical structures, potencies, and effect profiles.
A lot of them have been proven to deliver substantial negative effects on the body.
What Is a Synthetic Cannabinoid?
Both synthetic and natural cannabinoids activate the endocannabinoid system, particularly the CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Synthetic cannabinoids do not occur in nature. They must be made in a lab, otherwise they would not exist at all.
Two of the most famous examples of non-classical cannabinoids are JWH-018 and HU-210, both commonly used in the herbal blend called “Spice” or K2.
Several years back, these chemicals were considered legal. Headshops offered these products as “legal highs” or “legal weed alternatives.” The problem was that many of these compounds weren’t safe.
After many hospitalizations, issues with addiction, and even several deaths from synthetic cannabinoids in the 2010s, the United States government and many other countries chose to outlaw them completely.
The most problematic members of this class were the non-classical cannabinoids.
This refers to any synthetic cannabinoid without any similarities with the cannabinoids made in plants yet can still engage with the endocannabinoid system.
Delta 8 is not a synthetic cannabinoid because it’s a classical cannabinoid found in nature. There are now more than 100 known classical, natural cannabinoids in existence. A few examples include delta 9 THC, delta 8 THC, CBD, CBN, CBG, CBDV, and THCV.
These cannabinoids have a similar but usually less powerful effect on the CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Delta 8 THC: A Natural & Safe Cannabinoid
Delta 8 THC is a natural cannabinoid that shares the same classical cannabinoid shape as delta 9 THC, CBD, and various other phytocannabinoids.
This makes delta 8 THC a lot safer than the non-classical cannabinoids found in synthetic weed products like K2 or Spice.
Always look for third-party lab tests when purchasing D8 THC Oil products.
While delta 8 THC itself is not likely to pose any threat, some manufacturers do not adhere to safe extraction or isolation methods, and contaminants can end up in the final product.